wanted Semi-auto 12ga for casual sporting clays

[Fencersms]

My friend reached out to me interested in joining me for clays more often. He currently is using a 870, guess hes decided he doesn't enjoy that and wants to get something else. I personally love my montefeltro, but those have become quite pricey, he's looking to spending much less than that.

Community have anything available, or have good recommendations to steer him to? Quick search myself pulled up these, which are treasure vs. treasure?

• Weatherby SA-08
• Stoeger M3000
• TriStar Viper G2
• CZ 1012 - bargain Montefeltro?
• Beretta A300?
• Winchester SX4

Thanks gents

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[billmeek]

My son became interested in shooting clays.  So as a starter shotgun, I got him a CZ 1012. Swings excellent and runs like a sewing machine.

[Whisper]

Earlier Winchester SX models (SX, SX2, SX3) are pretty affordable these days.  And the good old Browning Automatic 5 is still a clay-killing machine.

Cheers

Whisper

[10-Ring]

So many options at so many price points.  Couple of suggestions Yildiz O/U $500ish from Academy. Franchi Affinity ~$900.  I own both.  Bought the Franchi when I went to buy a Benelli Super Black Eagle.  The Franchi was half the price and after spending 30 minutes handling both, I couldn't justify the Benelli.  I've shot the Franchi side by side with Benelli and they are on the same level.  One of my Benelli owning buddy's even wanted to trade me.  

[Fencersms]

45 minutes ago, 10-Ring said:

So many options at so many price points.  Couple of suggestions Yildiz O/U $500ish from Academy. Franchi Affinity ~$900.  I own both.  Bought the Franchi when I went to buy a Benelli Super Black Eagle.  The Franchi was half the price and after spending 30 minutes handling both, I couldn't justify the Benelli.  I've shot the Franchi side by side with Benelli and they are on the same level.  One of my Benelli owning buddy's even wanted to trade me.  

You like the Yildiz? I was considering it for myself in 20g

[10-Ring]

53 minutes ago, Fencersms said:

You like the Yildiz? I was considering it for myself in 20g

It's fun and well crafted for what it is.  I'd always wanted an O/U and happened upon this one for a good price.  I wouldn't say it's comparable to a $2k+ O/U but it's nice for what it is and would be ideal for someone shooting clay strictly recreationally.  The absolute best advice I can give concerning shotguns though is to fit your shotgun to yourself.  Anyone will shoot better with a $200 shotgun fitted to them than a $5000 shotgun that isn't. 

[Loid]

2 hours ago, 10-Ring said:

So many options at so many price points.  Couple of suggestions Yildiz O/U $500ish from Academy. Franchi Affinity ~$900.  I own both.  Bought the Franchi when I went to buy a Benelli Super Black Eagle.  The Franchi was half the price and after spending 30 minutes handling both, I couldn't justify the Benelli.  I've shot the Franchi side by side with Benelli and they are on the same level.  One of my Benelli owning buddy's even wanted to trade me.  

I got the Franchi Affinity Sporting,  it has a 30" ported barrel, raised rib and external chokes, very nice gun and can be found under $1000 usually. 

[chances R]

I shoot a Browning 425, wouldn’t swap it even for anything else.  But I did shoot my friend’s o/u mossberg- gold reserve.  Very nice gun for the money and a good shooter. If you are shooting clays, stay away from the yildez.  Will loosen up fairly quickly.  If only used occasionally, then it would be ok.

[Ropin4gold]

Not sure how much he’s wanting to spend but I still have this, just haven’t bumped it in a while. 
 

 

[Fencersms]

Too rich for his blood I think Ropin