Can't really answer your question as I have only handled one Lanber and that was a 2097 but if you are not already familiar with www.cdnnsports.com, check them out as they have very good prices on Lanbers.

 

Thanks Claydoctor. That's where I was planning on ordering from.

curleytail

 

It sounds to me like the 2087 would work fine for your purposes. If you need more weight you can always add some in the butt stock. The 2097 is finished a little better than the 2087 and the 2097 Lux is nicer still. I have heard reports that the Lux is made a bit tougher as it is intended as a Sporter and would likely get more shots put on it than a hunting gun. I have handled the 2087 and purchased a 2097 Lux from CDNN, but mine had trigger problems and is on it's way back to CDNN for replacement.

Having handled and/or owned the guns you are looking at, may I make another suggestion on a gun in your price range that is also available at CDNN? The Charles Daly NRA Special Edition Diamond II and III are very nice shotguns, made (by most reports) by Marocchi in Italy. Real Marocchis are quite expensive but these guns are a real bargain. I own both the Diamond III and the Diamond II and I would venture to say that either one is better made than the Lanber guns CDNN is selling. I am not saying anything bad about the Lanbers, just that the CD guns are better made. They are also a little heavier with the Diamond II weight a tad over 7.5 lbs and the Diamond III about 8 lbs. They also take Remington chokes which are readily available almost everywhere. One final point on the Charles Daly guns.... CD warrants them for your lifetime, and if you should ever need service, they pay the shipping both ways. The Diamond II I purchased had a sticking top ejector right out of the box and CD arranged to have UPS pick the gun up, they fixed it in two days and had it back to me in just over two weeks.

Anyway, at under $700.00 either of the Lanbers or the CD will work well for your purposes.... I just happen to prefer the Charles Daly guns... and their warranty.

 

Does anybody have any last minute advice on this? I'll probably order tomorrow early in the afternoon.

Does anybody have any actual weights of both/either of these guns? I've read here that the 2087 is right around 7 pounds, and the 2097 is about 7.5 or 7.7 pounds. Have also heard 7lbs, 7 oz. Either way, it sounds like the 2097 is at least a half pound heavier.

I emailed Lanber USA and I got a response that both are just over 7 pounds...

Anyway, I am definately leaning towards the 2087 since I'll be carrying it more than shooting it for the most part. If my fiance has a problem with recoil, that will give me an excuse to take up reloading and make some light loads.

Just looking to see if anybody else has something to say. Thanks!

Scotty, I've read your opinions on the Diamonds before, and it sounds tempting. Through research I've been able to find more info on the Lanbers, and just feel more comfortable going that route right now. Thanks for the heads up though.

curleytail

 

Curlytail,
I am in the same dilema. I have seen the 2087 model and I wasn't impressed with the looks and craftsmanship. Meaning the wood isn't that great and overall finish was mediocre. Although I have to say that was the 2-2087's I saw in my local store 2 years ago. From pictures I have seen, wood and options seem to vary alot with Lanber shotguns. I have held the Lanber 2098 and it wasn't close to fitting me. Even as much as I liked it. Recently I have found a 2088 model that fits great and has nice wood, great fit and finish on the stock and (blued) receiver. Bluing on the barrels is nice also. Target style groove all the way down the barrel. But I won't buy it without mounting a 2097 to my shoulder so I know which one is for me. That may be the same for you, don't be in such a hurry to buy one without really comparing the two in your hands. It took me almost 2 years to fit and feel my clays gun which is a Franchi Alcione SL. The 2087 sounds like a "beater gun" that you can hunt with and not be worried about dings and scratches. The 2097 looks nicer and has rave reviews. Unless you have the money to buy both guns just wait it out and make a wise choice.

mountainman708

 

Thanks Mountainman. I do see a lot more reviews on here for the 2097 than the 2087, but most guys on here seem to be buying the guns for some form of clay pidgeon sports rather than hunting.

I would buy the 2097 due to what sounds like nicer wood and finish, but I want something light enough to carry through the woods and down old logging roads. A little heft doesn't bother me, but I've heard some guys with the 2097 say they are closer to 8 pounds, which is just a touch heavy for a hunting gun in my opinion.

Also, I want the gun to look nice, but the reality is that I hunt a fair amount of heavy cover, and the gun will likely get some light scratches on it now and then. I still think I am leaning towards the 2087, unless somebody can tell me the 2097's are lighter than I think they are.

I understand how important fit is, but I can't seem to find any Lanbers around me. Actually, shotgun selection near me is fairly limited in amount of choices. I'm just going to have to order one and hope for the best... even though I understand the downsides to that.

curleytail

 

Curlytail,

Now you got me all rustled up!!! I went to take a peek on gunbroker and saw 2 lanber 2087's. Those look a lot nicer that what I saw in my local store. Nicer as far as wood selection and the gold birds on the receiver. I don't recall seeing that on the models I looked at, but like I said even though there are model 2087's out there I think there are earlier, mid and later versions to them. I think they just got better as time went by. People have said the 2088 is discontinued, but I still see it on the lanber usa website. The one I held has a fiber optic pin, and that is a new feature I haven't seen on the older models. You may just have to take a road trip to some shops and maybe a gunshow. You might find a better shotgun with a better deal, or find the Lanber your looking for, you never know!

mountainman708

 

If CDNN carries both models, perhaps they would send you both and agree that you could return the one you care for least and have it credited on your card. You would only do paperwork on the one you keep. Cost you a little more in shipping charges but might be worth it.

 

the fit, wood on my 2087 is excellent. I didn't say finish as I don't much like the pressed scroll work but its still fine and I've had no issues with the action/firing pins etc. all still working beautifully and tight.

i have some pics somewhere on my blog
http://mega-tokyo.com/blog/index.php/si ... rdue_pics/

 

Thanks everyone. I ended up ordering the 2087. I'll be carrying the gun quite a bit more than I will be shooting it, so I figured the lighter of the two was probably the best bet. If my fiance gets serious about shooting, that will either give me an excuse to buy some reloading stuff and load her some light rounds. Or better yet, maybe I would be able to order a 2097 too...and some reloading equipment.

It sounds like it should be here early next week. I'll try to post some pictures once I get it.

curleytail