Shotgun choice help

[skipster 0]

I am looking for my first shotgun in 25 years and, purely by handling them in the gun shop, got down to 3

 

Browning 525 sporter

browning cynergy black ice

berretta 682 e

 

all 30 inch barrels m/c

 

Have handled them all but only shot the 525, which I liked

 

No one at the shoot has either of the other 2 so can't try out

 

Anyone shot 2 or more and can give me opinion?

 

I will be shooting mainly clays by the way.

 

Oh, the cynergy is on the list as I like the looks and have seen the promo video on the browning site. Oh, and it felt nice in the shop if slightly barrel heavy, though saying that so did the 682

 

Any advice Wouk be truly appreciated

 

thanks

[garyw 0]

SKIPSTER.

the 525 and the berreta will hold a better price if you come to trade in at a later date.iv got a 325 which is the grandad to the 525 my son has a 682 and both guns are used for pigeon,clays,game shooting both are all round guns.you wont go wrong with either.if you have already handled a 525 then buy the one your happy with.either gun will come with good warrantys if new so the choice is yours!

enjoy whatever,

[SNAP SHOT 194]

Browning 525 personally for me, far nicer engraving than the 686E, plus has a better build feel to it. Take a close look at the hingeing system on the 525's absolutely excellent, true craftsmanship.

[skipster 0]

Thanks guys. I am leaning towards the 525 as its the only one I've actually shot and I liked it. I was being swayed by the cynergy looks and pr machine I have to say but I am reluctant to purchase any gun unless I've actually shot it!

 

Have you tried the cynergy?

 

In regards to the 525, any advice on model? I liked the sporter I handled in the shop but can't remember whhch one I shot at the clay ground.!!

 

thanks

[BLACKBOB 9]

Ive got the 525 sporter 30" barrels and its a good gun. Are you looking to buy a new one or second hand as they do hold their price.

 

Cheers bob

[skipster 0]

Ive got the 525 sporter 30" barrels and its a good gun. Are you looking to buy a new one or second hand as they do hold their price.

 

Cheers bob

 

well, to be honest, it's 25 years since I shot anything properly (other than the odd stag/lads day out at clays!) so I can't profess to know much about guns at all. So, with that in mind I am thinking of buying new though the gun shop that is "local" to me does say they will sort anything out with any of the 2nd hand guns they sell.

 

I'm just a little worried that if I buy 2nd hand I have no real idea of what condition it is in the "inside" so to speak.

 

So, leaning towards new!

 

It's really hard not to rush out and buy instantly I can tell you! Just got the cert this week (4 weeks from sending application to receiving certificate so well done Cheshire Police!). Off to the clay ground with some friends tomorrow for some tuition so I will no doubt be harrassing all the instructors for their opinion and asking what they've got and asking if I can have a go! Can't wait!

 

Thanks for all the help!

[clay man 0]

hi skipster if you want to buy new i would go 682e good gun built to last.

 

the only fault i have with the 525 is the second firing pin is weak

 

the black ice not around long enough but its your money you have to make the choice

Edited February 22, 2008 by clay man

[skipster 0]

thanks for that. If I was buying 2nd hand would you then suggest the 525 then?

 

 

when you say the 525 has a weak firing pin how does this show itself in real terms shooting clays? 2nd shot sometimes not fire sometimes?

[BLACKBOB 9]

Never had any problem with mine and they are highly rated, so dont know about that comment

 

 

Cheers bob

[clay man 0]

thanks for that. If I was buying 2nd hand would you then suggest the 525 then?

 

 

when you say the 525 has a weak firing pin how does this show itself in real terms shooting clays? 2nd shot sometimes not fire sometimes?

A FRIEND OF MINE HAD ONE SHOOTING CLAYS HE SAID THAT WAS A PROBLEM WHIT THEM

[SportingShooter 0]

Hi skipster

ive shot all three while shooting over the past few years. i must say i dont like the black ice, it felt to me ,who is used to brownings and miroku's, like swinging a drainpipe! but it may suit some. the 525 is a very good gun and built on a very strong and time tested action. this gun if multichoked as you say, could shoot anything from the highest mini clay off a high tower to an ambling crow out in the field. i had a 682e for about six months but i dont really get on with beretta's but thats just personal to me i spose, anyway it was a very solid gun and shot faultlessly for the while i had it and those who tried it said they liked it, but i just didnt.

from clay shooting experience i can say i have always found any 30" barrel to be the best balanced.

if you are really worried about the firing pins and intend to shoot many clays and competitions and youre buying a new gun i would recommend having titanium firing pins put in when you buy it by a good gunsmith, as i did, this will give you all the piece of mind you need and it wasnt that expensive, from memory it was around £110 for the pins and fitting. i had mine done by Nigel Teague in my miroku grade 5 . a great gunsmith in his own right.

so if i was to be swayed one way i would also go for the 525.

i hope this gives a little more info.

thanks

ss06

Edited February 22, 2008 by sportingshooter06

[skipster 0]

hey thanks for that! It really helped me. If I can't get to shoot the beretta tomorrow i think I will just go for the 525. I can't see me entering comps just yet so I don't think I have need for the titanium pins just yet! However, good to know its an option for the future.

 

I don't mind spending around £1000 so I maybe able to get a new one for that with any luck.

 

Thanks again everyone.

[macberran 2]

Forget the Ice, your spending money ,so don't hurry as you won't get it back, try twice and buy once !! Wait till you 've had a go with both guns and, iit may cost you more than the "G" so be sure and choose .....slowly

[skipster 0]

I'm so keen to get my first gun! All these people telling me to take time choosing........ but I'm not a patient man, never have been!!!!

 

However I will take my time, I know I should.

[Deker 3,478]

Fired the 525 and 682 not the other. But my choice would still be out of these 2 and almost certainly the Beretta. Both are good and both will perform well and hold their value, although I don't like 30" barrels, I stick to 28 on the whole.

 

Beretta are currently the biggest shotgun manufacturer in the world and also own many other shotgun and rifle brands.

 

Browning are now owned by Miroku, strange though it may seem this has helped the brand and their guns are good, but even stranger perhaps I prefer the Miroku brand to Browning.

 

Deker