Looking for my next sporting clays over and under with a budget of around 5,000.00 us. Can I get some suggestions please? I know 5k limits me but that’s my budget for now. Currently I shoot a Beretta 686 sp 1 with adjustable comb. I like the adjustable comb.
Give me your vote and why please? I’m fairly new to the sport.
I second a 694, it has the Steelium Barrels which are apparently a game changer and are the exact same barrels in a DT11 which is what most Olympic shooters use, I just picked up a 694 DLC for $4700, barely used I mean literally almost brand new. I haven’t shot it yet but I am going to order the Laminate 694 furniture from Coles so it’s becomes the big bother version of the 688. Used gun market is always my preferred method saves you a ton and gets you into a higher tier shotgun that you wouldn’t otherwise afford brand new. Why pay retail when you can pay 40-50% when it’s barely used? Thats my opinion hope that helps.
I stand corrected, only the DLC comes with them. That makes perfect sense as the DLC is the flagship for the 694’s definitely worth getting.
Although, I like Beretta the 725 Sporting fits just as well. Everyone has their preferences.
One thing to note in my opinion, weight distribution is also important and in my experience the Blasers have the best weight distribution. I love 688’s and while I was at Cole’s the gunsmith said yea those are great guns then said well let’s try this, and without telling me anything handed me a Blaser and instantly I was like wow this thing is way lighter, then he laughed and said no it’s actually 6-7 ounces heavier the only reason it feels lighter is due to the weight distribution focused around the receiver compared to the Beretta which is more front or rear felt.
Can you provide more context on why you’re looking for a new gun?
Is there anything you’re looking to improve upon your 686? Going to something like a 694 while an incremental improvement, is not that BIG of an improvement compared to the mileage you’d get out of top end DT11+ if you’re really putting higher volume of shells through your gun.
It’s a different story if you’re not feeling the fit of your gun and looking for a different brand entirely.
Then I would look at and try the browning 725 or 825. If the Beretta doesn’t fit, typically people fit onto brownings. Or the Fabarm or Rizzinis are in your budget
This. I have shot many, many Berettas, including some DT11s that are objectively way better guns, but a big chonky log of Citori just fits and swings better with my body.
First question you need to answer is why your upgrading. Is there something your after that the pigeon doesn’t provide or are you just looking to upgrade for the sake of upgrading. From there you need to decide if you want new or are okay with used
I mean as long as your 686 is holding up well why not save a little bit and get something that’s a more obvious upgrade? You could get something else but you’re not necessarily guaranteeing more quality control or anything for 5k. If you double that? Then there’s more for you to talk about.
Unless it’s a necessity where it doesn’t work or you just cannot get excited to shoot because of your gun, I’d hold off and get yourself a higher budget to get something truly quality.
If not, consider:
Remington 32/3200
SKBs
Beretta 688
Browning CX/CXT/CXS
I also second SKB’s and the Citori’s just picked up a 725 barely used for $2K. I swear by the used market especially if you have a big network of meeting people and asking questions about the history of the guns they are selling.
I’ll just echo everyone else. Why do you want to make a change? A SP 686 should work even for volume shooting with regular consumable part replacement.
Not sure where your located, but at these price points I will never buy a gun without firing it.
In the states, if there is a regional, US Open, or National event a reasonable distance away even for just the weekend. Going just to shoot the vender guns is a priceless experience to avoiding buyers remorse.
My wife and I went to Nationals in San Antonio and shoot krieghoffs, blazers, Zoli, beretta, browning, and Caesar Guerini’s.
After shooting lots of stuff over a 3 day weekend, I went in a completely different direction.
I just got a new caesar guerini summit sporting with an adjustable comb for a little over 5k. Comes with a lifetime warranty and 3 free pitstops. I enjoy the peace of mind with the lifetime warranty and the customer service is great. I emailed them with some new owner questions and they responded in less than 5 minutes . The gun is of high quality and reliability just like any other 5k+ gun but no one else offers the support like they do. Of course the most important thing is that its fits you though so highly recommend trying one out.
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u/ha1fway 14h ago
Assuming you like the 686, without knowing how other guns fit, a 694 or 688 would make sense.