I was able to look at the Beretta a300 ultima and the Franchi Affinity today. Both seemed like solid guns. I was not a fan of the synthetic a300. I would give a slight edge to the Franchi.

I’m trying to find a CZ 1012 to check out.

quote:

Originally posted by gpbst3:
I was able to look at the Beretta a300 ultima and the Franchi Affinity today. Both seemed like solid guns. I was not a fan of the synthetic a300. I would give a slight edge to the Franchi.

I’m trying to find a CZ 1012 to check out.

That A300 Beretta is mostly Beretta by name only. They outsource the parts on the lower tier Berettas (I’m a Beretta fan and owner btw) and you are paying more for the name than the quality.

You could also check out Remington’s V3. Cabela’s had some new old stock on the rack about a month ago. It’ll run circles around an A300 and come back for more. Softer shooting too. The softest actually and it shoots everything but 3 1/2”. The main downside is that Remington, as we all know, has been out of business and new production/support may or may not exist as we would like in the future. The shotgun, however, is solid and hard to beat at the $550.00 to $700.00 price point.

The CZ deserves a look. I like CZ on the whole and their support is wonderful.

You may want to consider buying a shotgun that fits you. You will shoot it much better if it does.

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Originally posted by coloradohunter44:
You may want to consider buying a shotgun that fits you. You will shoot it much better if it does.

Cannot emphasize the importance of this too much. Acquiring a shotgun that fit me better increased my skeet scores instantly.

ICBW, as I don't hunt, but my understanding of pheasant hunting is a S/S, O/U, or semi-auto would be equally suitable. A pump, perhaps not so much?

+1 on the Remington V3. Excellent shotgun for the money and then some. Would be my 1st choice if I was in the market for an auto today, hopefully Remington starts makeing the again, soon. Browning Silver or Winchester SX4 are great choices also. I use them when I bring out new shooters. All three of these are nice reliable soft shooters and are easy to clean.

I ended up ordering a CZ 1012 w/ all terrain package. I think got a lot of gun for $700. It should be here next week.

EDTIED: I just saw you already made your decision.

If you don’t mind shopping used, the Beretta AL390 or AL391 are excellent guns.

quote:

Originally posted by gpbst3:
I ended up ordering a CZ 1012 w/ all terrain package. I think got a lot of gun for $700. It should be here next week.

You’ll like that all-terrain package.

It’s an interesting line of shotguns. The O/U has a neat little magnet feature which prevents your shells from dropping out of the chamber when carrying the gun with the action open or loading it upright. Besides, the green cerakote helps protect a rather thin finish on the base models. I regret not getting it on our Bobwhite G2.

If the trigger is too heavy when you receive it (and it very well may be) I suggest shooting it for a bit. Then contact CZ USA and ask them for a trigger job. Our Bobwhite came back perfect after starting out with uneven, eight pound + triggers.