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Beretta DT 11 32” or Zoli Z sport 32 ? Light weight barrles

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4.2K views 32 replies 17 participants last post by  JNW  
#1 ·
Which one and why . Thinking of selling my 694 ( when I get it back ) and upgrading .
 
#3 ·
Short answer: Whichever fits you best (I know this is a typical answer)

I've owned both - I had a Z-Sport Flat Rib and a Z-Sport Mid Rib with the Lightweight barrels. Both in 32". I currently own a DT-11.

I'd argue the fit and finish on the Z-Sport is better (although my DT-11 cleaned up really nicely once I went through it, waxed the wood, etc). Zoli's have risen in price greatly over the last few years, but I still think they are arguably the best value gun out there. Zoli's customer service is fantastic.

If it wasn't for the fact that I could just never get their stock dimensions to fit me well, I would still have the Z-Sport (I prefer the Flat Rib).

That said, I really like my DT-11. I'd argue the longer forcing cones of the DT-11 do make a difference with respect to recoil (although gun fitment is a MUCH larger factor with respect to recoil). I've shot two flats in a day with no shoulder bruising, etc. The DT-11 just fits me really well (this isn't a surprise considering my A400 Xcel Sporting fit me well too).

There isn't a definitive answer - I would get your hands on both and see what feels best. You can't go wrong, but honestly, if the Zoli fits you well, it might be the better gun in terms of fit and finish.

I'm still going to buy a K-80 one of these days (probably a Parcours X Super Scroll) :)
 
#4 ·
Well you have a ton options if you order new from Zoli. You could order 32/33/34" with chokes, fixed, Light Weight versions of all three. Zoli is very flexible in regards to options and they don't cost much, if anything at all.. I shoot a 34" Zoli with fixed chokes, light weight barrels and it's fantastic.
 
#6 · (Edited)
First off, the only upgrade you’ll be getting with a more expensive gun is longevity, which is rarely a problem for most shooters. You may get better fit and finish, but that depends on the brand. You need to put different guns in your hands and if possible shoot them. Pacific Sporting in Michigan carries both brands, but not sure if they have demo guns. Carlson Sporting in Wisconsin also carries both brands and has demo guns. He travels to shoots and I know he will be at the World FITASC in June.
I spent much of last year test driving target guns and without that opportunity would not have chosen the gun I did buy.
Between Beretta and Zoli the Z-gun will be lighter and handle quicker if you get one with lighter barrels, and they have a variety to choose from. A DT11 is a DT11 is a DT11.
 
#10 ·
On a DT-11, gun can go 60K rounds, before you need to get back into it to service it.

On a Z, 30K at the most instead.

Also, DT11 runs V hammer springs, while Z runs coil, so faster lock time on the DT-11.

And if you are going to run sub gauge, Coles for block reset work that will be one and down on the DT-11, while on Z gun, conversion only last as long at the MIM trigger lever reworked center sears surface hold its shape.
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#11 ·
On a DT-11, gun can go 60K rounds, before you need to get back into it to service it.

On a Z, 30K at the most instead.

Also, DT11 runs V hammer springs, while Z runs coil, so faster lock time on the DT-11.

And if you are going to run sub gauge, Coles for block reset work that will be one and down on the DT-11, while on Z gun, conversion only last as long at the MIM trigger lever reworked center sears surface hold its shape.
Image
Good info…
 
#16 ·
I was in your exact position just a month or so ago. I really like both guns, I own a 692 and it's been excellent, if you like the feel of a Beretta the 694 and DT-11 aren't tremendously different in how they feel, my opinion of course. The Zoli feels considerably different to me and has some really nice features that I liked. The grip was a shade smaller, I went for the Mid Rib with the flat rib stock to get the gun to fit my frame. With this option, it comes up easy and points naturally for me. In both cases, either gun may be fitted with a TSK from Coles and once set it will be spot on. If you're able to travel to San Antonio, both Coles and Elite have Zoli demo guns and I believe Coles also has a demo DT-11 as well. Great opportunity to shoot both of them before you sink $10,000+. Honestly it comes down to what you like and how it feels in the hand. Both are excellent choices.
 
#19 ·
I keep seeing this as well... As a former K-gun owner... How is a German adaptation of an Italian gun superior to the two guns mentioned previously? You can get a 33" LW Fixed choke Zoli at 1.4X Kg, close to the Parcours, on up from there. My DT-11 barrels weigh 1.55kg, right in-line with the X. You can get a Zoli evo whose receiver weighs right near what a K80 receiver does.
 
#20 ·
You can’t compare barrel weights between brands because there is a difference in the size of the monoblocks and in the ribs used. There’s nothing like handling guns back-to-back.
I toyed with a Zoli Evo with bigger weights on the receiver, but never got a chance to handle one. I think it’s a great idea, but the shotgun community does not appear to embrace the concept.
 
#21 ·
It's just a new player. The High Tech is essentially the same thing without the ability to swap plates and has sold like gangbusters at a $5k premium to the Zoli. The DT11 receiver was the same step for Beretta to add girth between your hands. The marketing for the Evo has been non-existent, but Zoli does a generally poor job in the states with marketing.
 
#22 ·
Well the wife wrote a check to Carlson for a
Zoli Z-Sport 32" Grey Stone Mid Rib LW Barrel
Now I do not like kick pad I will have Tron replace that .
maybe a adjustable one but not sure needed with adjustable comb .

Reading and my own experience too many problems lately with Beretta .
 
#29 ·
It's safe to assume that NO gun is going to "fit you best" right out of the box. we hear that all the time but it's really useless blurbage. Eventually we all need to tweek our guns to some degree to get them to "fit" so I would never tell someone to somehow go around trying all these different guns off the rack looking for a needle in a haystack. Just assume that you are going to need help fitting the gun and pick out whichever unit you really want based on your exhaustive research!!!