New sporting clays spoon to pick

[dmcummins]

I’ve been shooting sporting clays for the last few years and really enjoy it. I bought a very nice Ceasar Guerini a couple of years ago and it’s fine, but I also enjoy shooting in the sub guage events.

I actually have a 16 ga model 12 that I do just as well with as the 12 ga Guerini, especially when I get 4 extra for using a 16 ga pump.

You get 5 for 20 ga, 10 for 28, and 15 for 410. 2 more if you use a pump or STS.

I’ve been trying out 28 ga tubes in the Guerini, and while they seem to work fine, I just am not crazy about the weight of the gun. With the handicap my scores are good.

But I want a new Spoon.

I’m thinking about a beretta silver pigeon 28 guage at least. But they also make two barrel sets. I can go 20/28, or 28/410.

I do have a old Winchester model 42 that i really like, I haven’t tried it at a fun shoot yet, I’ve not gone since COVID and I don’t have ammo for it.

If I go with the 20/28, I could have 410 tubes added later for $750 or so. But it is based on the 20 ga frame. The 28/410 is on a slightly smaller frame, so that has some appeal.

I’m set up to load 12,16, and 28. And have enough supplies to last me for a few years. I have not been able to find any 410 powder, but I’ve been saving hulls and have plenty.

So my choices are spend around $2300 for a grade 3 28 guage , which I could buy a 410 barrel or tube later.

Buy a grade 1 combo set for around $3200, but will probably have to wait as none or available.

Or go all out and buy a very nice upgraded combo set for around $4300.

[id10t]

Check out the CZ offerings - https://cz-usa.com/chambering/28-gauge/

[Seahawk]

I shoot sporting clays a few times a year.

I like my Browning Citori in 12ga but I normally shoot a Stroeger O/U in 410. It is a Condor field grade that I use to hunt doves as well.

I love everything about it.

Now, no one gives it a second look since it is très ordinaire but my GAS meter has been broken for decades.

[URY914]

A few years ago I was invited to my first sporting clays event. I did pretty well and I was bitten by the bug. I now have a 12 ga. CZ and shoot around 4 times a year. We have about 5 places in the Jax area. I like it.

[Alan A]

How big are you?

My kids 13 and shoots a 20 gauge. One of the $600 Turkish deals. It’s a $600 gun so it’s not a Beretta (or better) but works.

It feels tiny when I shoot it. So I’d be looking at a rebarrel. But I’m 6’2.

[Nostril Cheese]

Im interested to step up from my Mossberg as well...

[dmcummins]

I’m kind of thinking I’m just going to get the 28 guage beretta for now. If I want to try shooting 410 in the sub guage I can try the model 42. I am set up better for 28 ga now, lots of powder and wads.

Hopefully they still have some in stock, one shop had some last week. Only had the 28” barrels though, which should be fine.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by Nostril Cheese

Im interested to step up from my Mossberg as well...

I can help. What are your desires?

And, if you show me a picture of anything other than a shotgun, I retreat!

Kidding, of course. I have some shotguns I am willing to part with, but, and this is important, a Mossberg is a fine gun..

[MRM]

I'm a big fan of the Berretta DT series. I'd strongly encourage you to look at that for an upgrade. It's not that much more expensive. The DT-10 has its advantages and the DT-11 has its. It depends on how you like your balance. But if you want a sporting clays gun, they're a great value for what you get. I personally like the DT-10 better, but your mileage might vary.

[Eric 951]

28 ga is a hoot. I have shot multiple events using one for the fun aspect. .410 would be a whole other animal. and locally .410 ammo is more expensive than 28

I just find the 28 more versatile--crows and doves while my.410 collects dust.

[Nostril Cheese]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

I can help. What are your desires?

And, if you show me a picture of anything other than a shotgun, I retreat!

Kidding, of course. I have some shotguns I am willing to part with, but, and this is important, a Mossberg is a fine gun..

Oh, I'm aware it is. It's just your standard pump action 500. I changed the forend, sights and stock to something that feels more comfortable than the stock plastic stuff.

Older guy at the range let me try some really trick Remington and Benelli semi-autos with all the bells and whistles, sights, energy absorbing stock, etc..

I guess I might be looking for something a bit more dialed in for trap, maybe a bit more accurate if possible. Ideas?

[Racerbvd]

You need one of these.

[Nostril Cheese]

Yes, bacon makes everything better.

I see an over under. What kind is it? Browning I assume? Benefits?

[dmcummins]

I ended up with this. It’s a Joel Etchen signature series gun. Basically it’s a dolled up 28/410 silver pigeon combo with 30” barrels.

I can’t wait to try it out this Thursday. I’m out of 410 currently, but I have quite a bit of 28.

I ordered a new tool set for 410, ive already purchased the wads and powder, and I’ve been saving and collecting hulls.

I’m also in good shape to reload 28, plenty of powder, wads, primers, and hulls.

[MRM]

Not a bad choice. A significant improvement on the standard Beretta line without the entrance fee to the DT line. Very pretty and well balanced. It should serve you well and be an heirloom for your grandchildren. That wood is gorgeous.

[berettafan]

Great choice. My only beef with the JE specials is they don't use sporting wood with the palm swell and thicker comb. You did however get the sporting barrels with wider rib and white front bead. Overall an excellent setup and if you like the field stock dimensions there is no better place to buy since you get to pick the wood.

Have owned many a Beretta o/u and seem to keep coming back to them. If you're going 410 you definitely want the baby frame. I've had two of the baby frames and about get another for my daughter in 410.

[dmcummins]

I’m a little surprised that they don’t offer these with sporting wood. They are also lighter than most sporting shotguns. I was also looking at the Ceasar Guerini 28 guage that was definatly a sporting clays gun.

But I already have a Ceasar Guerini Accent model, and a set of 28 gauge tubes for it. I also like shooting my 16 gauge model 12 and model 42 .410. I was looking for something closer to the feel of the model 42.

I just picked up 10 boxes of .410 at the local Walmart and I’ve got plenty of 28 guage. So I’ll be able to try both out on Thursday.

[berettafan]

the 68x series of sporting guns are really more like field guns with sporting features. In sub gauge this works ok as 7lbs is, at least to me, doable. I have a SP1 20 sporting that is around 6lbs 10oz with 30" bbls, palm swell and all. It is used as a bird gun.

I don't think Beretta makes nice wood for 68x series sporters with the exception of the now gone Onyx Pro. Those had some very, very nice wood. The new 694 can be found with nice wood and of course the DT11 can be as well. Though much as i love Beretta i jump ship to other brands when pricing gets past $4k.

I think CG does a really good job with stock dimensions for sporting. Nice and full which, i think, appeals to more people in that category. The few i've mounted in 12ga felt pretty nice. I met the owner of the company last weekend at a shoot actually. Seemed like a nice fellow. My son was shooting our 20ga SP1 and it wasn't setting the second barrel with my 3/4oz reloads and even had some trouble with factory Fiocchi 7/8oz. Without telling me who he was he suggested we could get a loaner gun from the clubhouse if we needed. No trash talking the Beretta at all which would've been easy to do. It wasn't until several stations later i heard him telling a CG shooter that was ahead of us who he was and asking how he liked the gun. I thought that was a class thing to do.