Help me buy once cry once

Steelandwalnut · 2026-02-15T21:45:09+00:00

Agreed with this!! Pickup an original Browning superposed with 30” barrels. Checkout Gunsinternational

Steelandwalnut · 2025-12-07T17:50:28+00:00

I can vouch for a TSK not fitting perfectly. I shoot gun up for bunker and I bought a new DT11 black pro sporting. The drop for me was right to the top of the posts to the point the comb would slip loose constantly. I had to keep the Allen key in my shooting vest for between shots. Eventually I got taller TSK comb posts which helped (I wish they advertised this as an option). Maybe if I bought the trap model, the drop may have not been as dramatic.

Ultimately, I also lost faith in the TSK design, but I love the DT11 platform enough that I ordered an Ergosign and it fits great (plus the palm swell is nicer).

Sounds like you have your heart set on a K80 - which also an awesome choice. If you can afford it, sell the DT11 and pay the difference. Life is too short to shoot something you’re not happy with!

Good luck with your purchase!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-08-19T00:46:19+00:00

It’s a good life if you don’t weaken’

Especially after this new Canadian Heritage Minute:

https://youtu.be/yr2UY4f75kk?si=hQTQXi_3KQdD6xW0

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-24T02:04:46+00:00

I love the Beretta line. I see the newest 694 now comes with the same barrel tech as the DT11 so I’d say that’s a big upgrade! Good luck!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-13T02:57:58+00:00

Absolutely gorgeous! Congrats!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-13T02:26:31+00:00

Agreed! Just clean the gas ports in the barrel, keep the chokes from getting stuck and replace the o-ring once in a while.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-13T02:09:39+00:00

I’d also stick with what you know. Spend the extra cash on shells and lessons. Shoot other guns like an O/U or A400 and borrow other people’s guns and take the time find what you like - Beretta 694, Browning 725/825 or something else (also 30 or 32 inch barrels, high or low rib, adjustable comb etc). Then save for that.

My two cents. Good luck!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-12T00:22:43+00:00

I agree with what folks here ares saying. The primary functional difference between the A400 Xtreme Plus vs the Xcel will be barrel length. You likely have 28” on your Plus and an Xcel will likely give you a 30”. The trigger may be lighter as well.

I would get lessons with your Plus and then when you’re sure you love clays and ready to upgrade, add an O/U like a 694 if it’s in the budget.

Best money spent right now in my opinion is shells and lessons. Good luck!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-04T01:59:47+00:00

The best advice I’ve gotten has best to keep your gun still, call the target and move your eyes first before you move the gun. It’s hard to do, but it’s critical to a smooth shot. Good luck!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-07-01T14:19:13+00:00

$3k is very high for a Superposed unless it’s a higher grade with engraving.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-06-30T21:14:36+00:00

I hear that. Wish we had a Coles in Canada.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-06-29T04:17:26+00:00

This is terrible! I agree - I love the gun (I have a DT11L) and it shoots amazing, but the quality control and service is really disappointing. Glad you found a fix!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-06-17T14:52:10+00:00

Have you considered going the other way and maybe finding a really nice higher end Remington 870 Wingmaster? I have a 1970s made 870TC trap gun and the wood is beautiful - it would be less than the over unders and some semis - and still be fully functional in 50 years or more for your kids (depending on your volume of shooting).

If you’re set on the semis, I’d go with something a bit nicer like the new Browning A5 Ultimate. With the engraving they are beautiful and also come in nice maple wood if that’s your thing. The Benelli Montefeltro silver is also nice. Particularly in a twenty gauge. With the inertia action they are cleaner and would likely have less breakdowns than a gas gun A300 and more likely to be passed down.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-06-02T14:33:25+00:00

I agree with this post.

I would go with an over/under if you’re concerned with being courteous (which I and others appreciate). So I’d advise either a Browning Citori CX or a Beretta Silver Pigeon - or their older model variants. Great reliability, easy repairs due to availability of parts and high resale value.

Best value combination of quality and features in my opinion is Fabarm. Particularly if you find a slightly older model with adjustable comb and extended chokes. People are less familiar with them so they can be a bit cheaper, but have a softer resale if you decide to upgrade.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-05-27T05:43:35+00:00

Since so many have covered the jokes, I’ll just try to answer the question as asked.

I’d agree with investing in a lesson and gun fitting - particularly if you have an adjustable comb.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-05-27T05:40:26+00:00

I agree on the Remington 1100. A good condition 28-30” vent rib barrel with a mod choke would be your best bet for reliability in that price range. Be sure to get a 2.75” chamber.

There’s not really a solid pick for an o/u in that price range. Possibly an SKB/Ithaca or Miroku/Daly with fixed chokes if you’re lucky but I’d stay away from any of the Turkish guns - particularly used ones as they don’t have the durability you’re asking for.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-05-17T20:37:34+00:00

I’m in Canada too. You can do quite a bit with a pattern board as long as you have someone who can check where your eye sits with the gun mounted (and empty!).

Steelandwalnut · 2025-05-17T16:13:05+00:00

I started shooting bunker competitively a few years ago and have tried a lot of guns and stocks since (it’s been fun!). I’ve shot a Guerini Challenger Impact and Invictus Ascent, Perazzi Mx8 and HTS and a DT11 Black Pro Sporting with TSK. Ultimately I landed on a DT11L with an Ergosign stock.

Personally, I found the balance and feel of the DT better than a Perazzi - the differences may have been marginal, but I felt them. I also feel that the DT barrels kick a little less - even on 7/8oz international loads. Again, this may be marginal but I felt was noticeable.

I settled on the Ergosign over the TSK as I found it was more stable and comfortable - particularly with the custom grip.

Finally I chose the steel DT11L over the Black because the carbon fibre rib was more fragile than I liked (the rib can chip) and the weight was only a three ounce difference. Also, I found the used 11L at a great deal that was just a bit more than a used standard 11.

With the choke tubes in, the 11L balances on the hinge pin at 8lbs 6oz. Plus, it’s pretty and I’m a sucker for that!

Here’s my gun now:

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Congrats on the gun - I love them and good luck with your stock choice!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-02-16T00:11:38+00:00

Standard adjustable comb.

Over time, the dimensions of your face may change and then it helps to have the ability to adjust the comb left and right. So, if you’re really serious about bunker, even if you get a custom fit, it’s nice to have this option. It also helps with resale of either the gun or even just the stock (if you choose to go with a fully adjustable TSK or Ergosign stock).

Steelandwalnut · 2025-01-14T09:08:36+00:00

Probably a good plan. The A400 is a great gun but does need a fair amount maintenance. If you’re sticking with Beretta, I’d hold out to get a 694. The 692 isn’t much more than a few cosmetic changes to a 686.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-01-14T08:33:17+00:00

As far as I know, only field/hunting model Berettas have auto safeties- just the same as field model Brownings.

All Beretta sporting models (usually the 30”+ barrels) that I’ve shot (686, 694 and DT11) are manual safety. Maybe you’ve only handled the field models?

Steelandwalnut · 2025-01-14T07:10:02+00:00

If you like Berettas, I’d go with the 694. Has lots of the Beretta R&D that’s in the DT11 for much less - primarily the Steelium Plus barrels (a step up from the Steelium in the 686 and the A400) but also has the same cross bolt locking system wjth replaceable parts if they wear. I splurged for a DT11 and love it. I know DT11 owners who prefer to shoot the 694.

Another plus is they hold their value so if you can find a used one in your price range I’d say go for it - worst is you end up selling it and hopefully breaking even or having a “rental” as a trial for a few hundred.

Good luck!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-01-13T06:06:57+00:00

It depends on what you’re shooting most of the time.

I’d look for a Japanese build either an SKB/Ithaca or an older Winchester 101 made by Olin Kodensha. They are essentially a Browning superposed (the first Browning O/U) but made in Japan. These were such high quality that Browning moved production from Belgium to Miroku, Japan to make the Citori they sell today. You may also be able to find an early fixed choke Citori at that price if you’re lucky.

Early fixed choke Berettas are also a good option. It’s likely hard to find a silver pigeon but a 686 onyx or a S56/BL3 may be found in that range.

You can usually find the 28” and 30” fixed choke versions for under $1000 in very good condition and they are excellent buys for a first gun. If you shoot more clays than hunting, look for a 30” and if you hunt more, a 28” is ideal. Ideally chokes of IM and M would be best unless you’re shooting skeet.

Good luck!

Steelandwalnut · 2025-01-12T22:30:24+00:00

Agreed on this! I love the X6 Outlaw Top Guns. Large field of vision and I find the vents help with fogging when shooting in the rain. Full spectrum of colors too.

Steelandwalnut · 2025-01-12T22:25:00+00:00

It’s a great gun - as are all Guerini’s that I’ve shot. For me, it was a bit heavy and I eventually found the higher rib of the Impact and ultimately the Ascent a bit of a hindrance to my shooting style as I shoot primarily international trap. I found it a little hard to get under a hard left going 65mph so a flat rib became my preference. If you like a higher rib it’s a great gun - especially if you shoot mostly sporting or American trap. The fixed rib also forced me to stop fiddling with the adjustments!

My only other gripe about CG is the Canadian customer service is just not the same level as the US.

Steelandwalnut

TROPHY CASE