[seb7515]

Actually, after searching the web, I found a couple of ads for NIB 12ga Mk 70's with 30" barrels. They are priced at about $1650. I have couple of questions: First would this gun make a good "all around" shooter (hunting, sporting clays, skeet)? Second, is the price reasonable?

Good all arounder but a fit heavy for a long walk.

Price? It all depends on if the gun fits. The gun is the old invector Citori with different stock dimentions. The Citori's usually have a shorter stock (14-1/4") over a 1" recoil pad with DOC 1-5/8" and DOH 2-1/2". If that fits then you can find a little used one on the market for $1000, give or take.

If you want something with a bit more length go with the Miroku. The Miroku MK70 sporting 12ga 30" bbls w/3 invector chokes, 3" chamber, white front and mid beads, drop at comb 1 5/8", drop at heel 2 1/2", lop 14 3/4" to plastic plate, no palm swell, weight 7-3/4lb.

I've a MK60 thats a bit lighter but fixed 1/4 and 3/4 chokes. It's much livelier than the current Brownings. The pistol grip isn't nearly as tightly radius as the 525 and is much easier to carry. The 3/4 (IM) choke is a bit tight for close shots or steel shot, so it may be open to 1/2 (Mod).

 

[seb7515]

I like the Miroku as it has the features I wanted: 30 inch barrels w/o porting, 14-3/4 LOP, decent DOC/DOH, open pistol grip, and price. The other Browning gun that you may want to look at is the XS Sporting with 30 inch barrels w/o porting. It's a bit more expensive.

Most dealers have a 3 day inspection period. If the gun doesn't fit notify the dealer that you're shipping the gun back. The cost will be FFL and shipping fees. Good luck.