Sporting vs Field. A little advice needed.
Posted: Tue Oct 19, 2021 8:20 am
So I'm in the market for a new shotgun. I don't NEED one, but I WANT one. I've been selling off some unused pieces to finance this purchase and I'm finally ready. I'm specifically looking for a 12 gauge O/U as I don't have one. I have a couple 20's already, and of course a couple 12 pumps and a semi-auto. Really don't want an entry level gun, I'm past that stage. So I'm looking at guns (new and used) in the $1500-2200 range, and I'm partial to something like a Silver Pigeon.
Here's the question:
Hunting mostly in New York, I'm hunting a lot of preserve birds and wild grouse/woodcock. My 20 gauge (686 Onyx Pro - field) is more than up to the task for that. I've recently started getting into sporting clays and have attended a couple fun shoots with friends. My buddy has a membership at a clays place and is always asking me to go with him and I'm thinking that I'm going to ask my wife and kids for a membership there for Christmas this year. That would be where I think the 12 would see the most work so my gut says "get a sporting model". But I know the difference: A little heavier, no auto safety, a bit different grip/fore-end, extra bead on the rib etc. The question is, is the better choice? Probably the only time I'd hunt with this gun is if I ever got a chance to go out west for some "real" pheasant hunting, like South Dakota, Nebraska, etc. Not something I'd be doing all the time.
A place not far from me also has a used Guerini, not sure what model yet, but priced LESS than a new Silver Pigeon. At that price I'd have to see it because it's about half the cost of a new CG. It's at the Pro Shop of a clays range so I'm guessing it's had a ton of rounds through it but probably worth a look...
I know I've probably answered my own question, but I guess I'm just seeking a little more input.
Here's the question:
Hunting mostly in New York, I'm hunting a lot of preserve birds and wild grouse/woodcock. My 20 gauge (686 Onyx Pro - field) is more than up to the task for that. I've recently started getting into sporting clays and have attended a couple fun shoots with friends. My buddy has a membership at a clays place and is always asking me to go with him and I'm thinking that I'm going to ask my wife and kids for a membership there for Christmas this year. That would be where I think the 12 would see the most work so my gut says "get a sporting model". But I know the difference: A little heavier, no auto safety, a bit different grip/fore-end, extra bead on the rib etc. The question is, is the better choice? Probably the only time I'd hunt with this gun is if I ever got a chance to go out west for some "real" pheasant hunting, like South Dakota, Nebraska, etc. Not something I'd be doing all the time.
A place not far from me also has a used Guerini, not sure what model yet, but priced LESS than a new Silver Pigeon. At that price I'd have to see it because it's about half the cost of a new CG. It's at the Pro Shop of a clays range so I'm guessing it's had a ton of rounds through it but probably worth a look...
I know I've probably answered my own question, but I guess I'm just seeking a little more input.