I am currently using a semi-auto 12 gauge when I use a shotgun for upland bird hunting. I love it, it has served me well for the past 5 hunting seasons, but I would really like to get a nice over/under. Problem is, I am 22 and not so wealthy.
The well-known Italian guns are out of the question, as well as most of the American brands. $1,500+ for a firearm is just not in the scope of my budget at the moment.
I have seen such guns as Fausti Stephano's (imported by Traditions) and Mossberg Silver Reserves (imported) and the Baikals (imported by Remington under the Spartan Firearms name). They all float in the $500 to $700 range...much more within budget.
I am a fan of Mossberg, but not the Silver Reserve line of imported O/U's. Forward heavy and the engraving and gold accents are just well..ugh.
A local firearms dealer (whom I trust) told me the Baikals are good enough, but sometimes you will receive them with warped stocks and forearms, and the wood-to-metal fit isn't always the best?
Oddly, enough, the least expensive of the three--the Fausti Stephano Field Series--is the best over all from what I can tell. The one I held was light, but well-balanced and the price wasn't killer. It was a tad on the light side, but when I am tromping around for miles, I like a lighter carry gun; and the added recoil isnt an issue. I'm only shooting field loads through it anyways.
PLEASE advise me with your knowledge of any of the three brands I mentioned. I am looking to buy in the next month or two, so all info is greatly appreciated.
-Jason
The well-known Italian guns are out of the question, as well as most of the American brands. $1,500+ for a firearm is just not in the scope of my budget at the moment.
I have seen such guns as Fausti Stephano's (imported by Traditions) and Mossberg Silver Reserves (imported) and the Baikals (imported by Remington under the Spartan Firearms name). They all float in the $500 to $700 range...much more within budget.
I am a fan of Mossberg, but not the Silver Reserve line of imported O/U's. Forward heavy and the engraving and gold accents are just well..ugh.
A local firearms dealer (whom I trust) told me the Baikals are good enough, but sometimes you will receive them with warped stocks and forearms, and the wood-to-metal fit isn't always the best?
Oddly, enough, the least expensive of the three--the Fausti Stephano Field Series--is the best over all from what I can tell. The one I held was light, but well-balanced and the price wasn't killer. It was a tad on the light side, but when I am tromping around for miles, I like a lighter carry gun; and the added recoil isnt an issue. I'm only shooting field loads through it anyways.
PLEASE advise me with your knowledge of any of the three brands I mentioned. I am looking to buy in the next month or two, so all info is greatly appreciated.
-Jason