I'm Getting a New Shotgun!

[Grange]

After about 2 years of casual looking and 2 months of serious research I finally found the right shotgun. Not perfect, but being left handed a perfect fit in an O/U would be a lot more than I want to spend. I ended up putting a 12 ga. 687 Beretta Silver Pigeon II, field grade on lay-a-way. I thought I was going to wait until spring, but I couldn't pass up the deal. $1699.99 for a brand new, never fired shotgun.

I've been impressed with the Beretta's O/U's since I first shouldered one. Although they come with a 3mm cast-off stock (right handed) it still fit me as well and any other shotgun I shouldered. I chose the field grade because of the weight which was high on my priority list. It is supposed to be less than 7 lb. according to the website and it certainly feels lighter than the Browning O/U's, which I also was considering because of their reputation and neutral cast stock as well as many of the other brands.

I'm still going to look at other guns to find a better fit or to possibly find that elusive left handed O/U since I can back out of the lay-a-way for up to six months without penalty, but with this deal I didn't want to wait. Assuming I make the purchase I may try the gun as is and if I feel it necessary I may have to get it set up for a left hander. I know Beretta does this for about $120 on their competition guns but not sure if they do this for a field gun.

Here's a few pictures of the model (not the actual gun) I found. The one I put on lay-a-way however only has one trigger unlike the first photo.

[Mott the Hoople]

Sweet

[Grange]

Even better. I was in the local Scheel's and saw this gun for $100 less. I inquired as to why it was almost $1000 off of MSRP and was told because it is over a year old. I took the other one off lay-a-way and put this on instead.

[PNW Skier]

You're gonna like that gun. I have a 686 silver pigeon from 2003 and it's been an awesome gun. On the O/U's what's the difference between the lefty and right handed guns? just the way the release lever goes?

[Grange]

The release lever is one difference, but that doesn't concern me. The biggest difference is the cast of the stock, which is basically the angle of the stock. Beretta ships all their O/U with a 3mm cast-off stock. When I shoulder the gun The stock angles ever so slightly away from my face so when I look down the barrel I am not perfectly sighted over the rib. I'd prefer either a neutral cast (straight) stock or a cast-on stock (angled toward the right looking from behind), which is designed for left handers.

I shouldered a Browning Citori Lightning Featherweight and it fit a little better than the Beretta, but I don't like the stock shape (grip), the weight, or the styling nearly as much.

[PNW Skier]

Oh I see. I was thinking the release lever was the only thing different. If the stock is cast off to the wrong side I could see how that might be annoying and maybe not something you could get used to. I've never noticed that my gun is cast off to one side although I've never tried to shoot it lefty either so I've never paid attention to that. IMO if you're going to pay that much, which is a helluva deal for a 687 by the way, then I'd say you better wait for what you want and not have to settle for something that isn't quite right for you.

[leroy jenkins]

Berreta makes some really nice shotguns. I really want one of thier new autoloaders, with the fancy shmancy recoil absorbing stock. I've seen video, and it effectively makes a 12 gauge kick like a 22. Pretty cool.

[The Reverend Floater]

Nice choice, holmes.

O/U=You can't beat a Beretta
Auto=Binelli SBE, without question

[Grange]

Benelli's forearms don't fit me they are too far forward for my liking. I do like the way they swing and the grip though.

I also tried a Browning 525 field. The weight is the biggest drawback but I was also having a hard time finding the right position when shouldering it. One time the drop was perfect the next it was too much. They make a featherweight but I can't find one around to shoulder.

[MrDirt]

That is one fine piece. I've been meaning to fill the empty bird gun spot in my gun-quiv with something like that. Maybe this summer.

[lemon boy]

NICE! I heart new shotguns

and two barrels is better than one

[Hook]

Nice gun, I’m right handed but shoot left handed.

FWIW

I’ve found a neutral stock helps in the transition to my other guns ( all right handed )

I had a left offset gun but didn’t like it. I have custom cheek pads for my right hand guns that make a big difference.

Maybe it’s just me but I like the weight of my Browning for staying on line for the second shot.

I know it can be difficult but I wouldn’t buy any gun without shooting it first.

Good luck

[flatlander#2]

http://www.hunt101.com/img/461530.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/img/461531.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/img/461533.jpg

http://www.hunt101.com/img/461534.jpg

I'm thinking about dressing period (1879) and hope the goddamn consumption or gout don't get me. About as perfect of condition for 130 years, original case, made in London for a dude from Pennsylvania.

[lemon boy]

that
is
beautiful!

damn dude.

[BOOZEPIMP]

BENELLI SBE! SAY NO MORE, O/U FRANCHI HAS GREAT FIREARMS GOOD PRICES.

[lemon boy]

can you please stop with the caps :/

[Grange]

I've been trading emails with Beretta for the past few days and it looks like I may not have found my shotgun afterall.

They told me to get this gun coverted for a left hander I'd have to replace the stock since Beretta doesn't bend stocks. A new stock costs $385 and installation is $120. If I went to another gunsmith to bend the stock I'd void the warranty. For the this amount of money I don't like the idea of not having a warranty.

I could get away without having to buy the $385 dollar stock and just pay the $120 installation fee if I ordered a new gun and told Beretta before the gun leaves the factory that I need it converted for a left hander. This most likely won't work though since the store has this price on this gun only. A new shotgun from the factory would be a lot more expensive. I'll see if the store can do something to help, but I'm guessing they would rather just sell the gun to another customer.

This sucks.

[lemon boy]

fuggit-
1. Get the stock bent by a good gunsmith
2. Shoot the shit out of it
3. If they hassle you about warranty worry about it then but chances are a gunsmith can fix you up for not too bad.

It's not like it's an auto where a warranty is a useful thing

[Shredhead]

It's not like it's an auto where a warranty is a useful thing

I agree, my brother in law is an x world champion in sporting clays, sponsored by Beretta. He shoots almost everyday and I don't think he's had many problems with his guns. Shooting so much has screwed up his spine though.

[Grange]

Well I finally got it home. After some wrangling I was able to get a left-handed stock put on for a decent price and still got to keep the right-handed stock and forearm. Here are some pictures;











I'm hoping to be able to shoot this weekend after watching my dad at his dog trial.

[WICS]

I likey.

The Beretta shop here in NYC is awesome. Buddy of mine bought a gorgeous side-by-side two years ago. I forget which model it is.

[lemon boy]

purdy....

Oh wait, not it's a berretta pretty!

[Yeti]

Love that grain on those stocks -- straight back on the lefty, and artfully forked on the righty.

[Odin]

What is it with the Italians and shotguns!

mmmmm......

(of course I actually have a remington, so... I'm just jealous.)

[flatlander#2]

sexy. Nice restocking work, dang.
I need more guns.