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I am looking for my first O/U. I can't say I am qualified enough to have too many particular wants, but still, it has been a bit of a trick tracking down what I would like, which is a 20ga with an English stock. So far I have come across the Franchi Veloce, Browning Citori Superlight Feather, SKB 585 Upland, and the Ruger Red Label, though I have only had a chance to handle the first two.

I have to admit, I went in the store prepared to really like Franchi, but overall it just seemed a little "rough." The Browning was a much slicker gun, but I am not ready to make a decision yet.

Any advice, on those models or just picking a gun in general, would be very welcome.

Of the guns on the list, the best two are the Browning Citori Superlight Feather and SKB 585 Upland. These two are the only ones I would recommend considering unless they are out of budget. The SKB is a good gun, but it not the gun the Browning is, especially when consider the very small difference in price.

Scott

Thanks. Does Browning make any other O/U's with straight stocks? I couldn't see any on their website, but thought it might perhaps be an option.

The Citori Superlight Feather is the only gun in the Browning O/U lineup that I am aware of with a straight grip stock.

What are you using this gun for and why do you prefer to get one with a a straight grip stock?

Scott

I agree with winders. The Citori and the SKB are the best bet. If a very pretty gun is not of high priority you, a Beretta White Wing might also be in order. Word of caution: Figure out the choke system before you buy it. I just recently had a lesson on the differences of European and American choke labeling systems. If I were you I would stick to the big brand names for shotguns. If you haven't heard of them before, reseach it before making the decision.

hope this helps.

Nick

Upland game, and some informal clay busting.

As to the English stock, I think it feels a bit better in my hands, I am not sure if could even nail down why very easily. Perhaps it allows my to place my (rather small) hand a bit differently or more comfortably than normal pistol grips.

I just came across another gun, a SIGArms Aurora TR20U. Case hardened receiver, hand rubbed oil-finished English stock, Schnabel forearm, and what seems like a good all around weight at 6.3lbs. Anyone have any information about it?

Being a pistol shooter by nature I rather instinctively trust SIG (and Beretta), but information seems rather scarce on the web.

These are good guns. The design is rather like a Browning right? I have seen and fired them before and they function flawlessly. If you like them and the price is right, go for it.

Nick

I too love an English Stock, or (straight grip.) It's just the way things are "meant" to be as I see it.

I purchased a SKB 585 upland blue/gold in 20 gauge about 6 months ago and am VERY happy with it.

"Brand names" are of little importance to me. I had never even heard of SKB until I started researching guns. And--if I hadn't gotten my gun for $500 below MSRP, I don't think I would have purchased it? But--I'm happy I did!!!

There seems to be a nice selection in the 1K-2K price range that will certainly last a lifetime, + put a smile on your face all the while.

One thing I have found out about SKB's is that the resale value is on the low side. I don't intend to sell mine, but "experts" have said that there are some "great" deals on used SKB's. Might be worth looking into??? It seems to be because of "name" type stuff, but I'm not sure? SKB--at least in the recent past made "Weatherby" o/u's under sub-contract, and I think also Browning o/u's some years ago before Browning went to HN?

I do know that I have what I see as a damn nice shotgun for $1200! Consider me a "proud" owner.

I was looking at a Browning stright stock 20ga. yesterday. It had 24" barrels and was being blown out cuz no one seems to like that short of barrels... for a 20 gague upland gun.. if fit very well, and I actually liked the short barrel.. it also had a mid beed to compensate the reduced sight plane... great gun for pointing.. rather than swinging. ie hunting vs. clays

its in San Diego for $1250 which is a great price for a new Browning. It would be hard to find a used one for that price.