What shotgun?

[Big Slick]

My suggestion would be to get some new friends who are not gun snobs (I'll join you with an Ithaca 37) and use that gun money for a hunt. Maybe a mountain goat hunt.

That is funny Oak. I saved my money from my job at the trap club in Pocatello, ID and bought a Model 37 when I was 12 years old. Great gun.

 

[justdada]

Ruger red label. Can't beat it.

 

[schmalts]

Berretta makes nice guns, but don't count out SKB Here is one in your price
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263361364
and another one, I had one of these myself and it just did not fit me well but a very fine gun for the money.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=261955282

 

[T Bone]

I had the most gorgeous Beretta O/U that I'd ever seen. I couldn't shoot it well, so I sold it and went back to my beater Beretta auto.

If you want to get a new gun, get one...but don't get one for looks. Be sure you shoulder it and touch and feel it.

 

[tarheel]

Ruger red label. Can't beat it.

A man of wisdom! When I read your requirements that was the gun that popped into my mind right away. Clean but classy, well made, multiple chokes, swings and points well, American or English style drop, and....it's made in America. And Under $2000.

 

[----]

I'd get a CZ and spend the rest of the money on a new varmint rifle or some other toy.

 

[tarheel]

Berretta makes nice guns, but don't count out SKB Here is one in your price
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263361364
and another one, I had one of these myself and it just did not fit me well but a very fine gun for the money.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=261955282

Another excellent choice. I have an SKB 600 in 12 bore which I've owned since 1972, shot thousands of rounds through it with never a hiccup. I use it for nearly everything I shoot including sporting clays. and it's still just as tight and serviceable as the day I bought it at Gart Bros. in Denver for $273.00.

 

[tarheel]

If you are not in a hurry my best advice would be for you to wait until TRAP season comes around and go to a trap club and ask to try some of the o/u's. I know that at our club 99% of the people will hand over thier gun and let you shoot a round of trap. Once you pick up that gun and shoot it you will know which one feels the best.

good luck to all
the dog

Excellent advice. There are a lot of trap shooters who can't afford a dedicated trap gun, just like I was when I shot competitive trap years ago, so they buy and shoot field guns and that is the group you need to find; the hobby shooters who go for trophies and free shells. There will usually be a good cross section of guns to choose from.

 

[mtmiller]

Franchi O/U 12 gauge is right in your wheel house.

Here is one that in NIB for $1,100.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=263482420

Have you considered going 20 guage like most of the upland snobs think you must have?

Nemont

Thanks Jeff. I am looking for a longer barrel, but will add Franchi to my test drive list.

Plenty of 20 guage snobs...and a few 28's. I will definitely be going with a 12.

 

[mtmiller]

Go all out, get a Purdy.

Ben, put the pipe down. Maybe I am in the wrong business.

 

[mtmiller]

I probably just don't know any better, but I love my Yildiz O/U shotgun. They are from Turkey and imported exclusively by Academy Sports out of Katy, Texas.

Nathan

Sounds like a good deal, but I gotta be honest....you lost me at Texas.

 

[mtmiller]

I'd get a CZ and spend the rest of the money on a new varmint rifle or some other toy.

Kilt enough varmints in my former life. Still like yotes, but the 7wsm still works on them.

I could use some of that money on entertainment outside Vegas city limits.:hump: You might be on to something.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I need to get to the gun stores in the next few weeks when I am in Billings and Rapid City, and shoulder a few. Many thanks fellas.

 

[Spitz]

Save up for a Caesar Guerini!

Here's an interesting review from Outdoor Life on great shotguns (says pump guns but plenty of O/U in there):

http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/g...t-shotguns-decade-new-shotguns-best-pump-guns

 

[gundog]

I don't do much shotgun work any more but fron what I've seen, the CZs are the best value in the market. You can find great used shotguns at a fraction of the new price if you're willing to take the time to look. You can easily find a 3 to 4 thousand dollar gun for $2K.

 

[Elkwhisper]

In

Kilt enough varmints in my former life.

Something tells me Miller the Killer don't need no stinkin varmint gun. He chokes out p-dogs with his bare hands Chuck Norris style.....

 

[putm2sleep]

Citori ---- Ugartechea, or a Ruger of the Red Label flavor ought to be right there in your sweet spot. ( I'd keep saving up, go bigger in a few years, and get into a side by side Parker. it'd look real nice in all your upland photos for certain!)

 

[putm2sleep]

KRL-1227-BRE 4174 Standard Model 28.00" 45.50" 7.75 lbs. $2245.00 little over budget but sweet, and would go good with that dog of yours.

 

[Dinkshooter]

I could use some of that money on entertainment outside Vegas city limits.:hump: You might be on to something.

Most common sense post so far.

 

[mdunc8]

Glad I didn't offer my .02 after you first posted. I would have gotten laughed at (again).

 

[Ben Lamb]

Ben, put the pipe down. Maybe I am in the wrong business.

Think of it as your retirement fund.