Slant225 wrote:Hi brainstrust.
I'm thinking about buying my first U/O 12G shottie after having a good time smacking the clays...
I don't hunt, it would be only for sporting and perhaps the occasional club competition at this point. (Unless I get hooked)
I've had a look at a few different brands and models, the ATA 686 range and the Akkar Churchill sporter models look around my price point, max would be about the $1000-$1200 mark.
So, cutting past the gun shop salesman pitch, what am I supposed to be looking for in a half decent shotgun that is going to last me a few years or until my ability exceeds the gun? (If ever!)
Are things like exposed chokes necessary?
Adjustable combs?
Vented barrels?
Raised or ramped ribs?
Can they all run steel shot or is this even an issue?
Do the two brands that I have mentioned offer good value for money?
Has anyone had issues with either brands?
Have I missed anything?
Sorry for the 20 questions, but like most I like to make an informed decision and HATE paying for something that fails to meet my requirements or expectations when paying a bit more could prevent that.
Cheers, and thanks for your help.
bladeracer wrote:
Have you looked at the Stoeger Condor?
Slant225 wrote:A mate has a stoeger SxS "tactical" coachgun and his is falling apart. The wood has split and cracked, it pops open when firing and generally seems of poor build quality.
Do their other models like the condor go alright?
Supaduke wrote:I have an Akkar, with 20 and 30 inch barrels. It's solid, no frills, fires every time. It's not fancy but it had decent wood and seems to be well constructed. Action is tight and closes with a nice solid feel. Don't know if it's better than an ATA, never fired one. If I had my team again I would save a bit longer and get a Miroku mk 10 or Browning Citori (basically same gun I believe). Also have a look at Franchi Phoneix and Bettensoli.
Supaduke wrote:I have an Akkar, with 20 and 30 inch barrels. It's solid, no frills, fires every time. It's not fancy but it had decent wood and seems to be well constructed. Action is tight and closes with a nice solid feel. Don't know if it's better than an ATA, never fired one. If I had my team again I would save a bit longer and get a Miroku mk 10 or Browning Citori (basically same gun I believe). Also have a look at Franchi Phoneix and Bettensoli.
marksman wrote:Supaduke wrote:I have an Akkar, with 20 and 30 inch barrels. It's solid, no frills, fires every time. It's not fancy but it had decent wood and seems to be well constructed. Action is tight and closes with a nice solid feel. Don't know if it's better than an ATA, never fired one. If I had my team again I would save a bit longer and get a Miroku mk 10 or Browning Citori (basically same gun I believe). Also have a look at Franchi Phoneix and Bettensoli.
this is what I was thinking when you mentioned shooting clay's because shooting clay's is very demanding on a shotgun,
if you had said for hunting I would have said either and either will do for clay's but I don't know for how long
brett1868 wrote:I'll second Supaduke on the Akkar Churchill as I've got the same setup, good honest gun and so far very reliable but I'm not smashing hundreds of clays with it. They do need to be stored with a good coat of oil or they'll rust.
Rikta wrote:if you're going cheap ya might as well go real cheap
Die Judicii wrote:Re your specific question pertaining to steel shot,,,, that would entirely depend on whether or not you start putting it through whatever gun you buy.
If you intend on using a lot of steel shot, the barrel/s must be suited to steel shot.
I have used on regular occasions, a Miroku Mk 10 with barrels suited for steel shot, and also a mates ATA,,,,,,, they are all good as far as I'm concerned.
Rayza42 wrote:Ok slant225 (or should I just call you 'old val' for short? ), I realise that I'm joining the conversation 7 months later, but did you end up buying an Akkar or an ATA? I've just discovered the joy of smashing clays, and am not interested in killing critters (even though I know there are some as must be killed). I'm looking at a new ATA 686B for $800 as my first clay-smasher and have been trawling the net looking for reviews or opinions but have not found anything other than "buy a mirouku or browning", which is generally out of my price range. Anyone got an opinion?