Beretta or Browning

[LouPran]

I know this one has probably been done to death but ...

I'm in the market for a new O/U and I've narrowed my choices down to a 32" - Beretta 682 GOLD E 12ga with adjustable Comb or a Browning Citori XT Trap with adjustable Comb .

Looking for some opinions for or against either.

These are the photos available of the actual guns.
Beretta
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/hoffman_estates/beretta/1112578_ber682golde_02l.jpg
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/hoffman_estates/beretta/1112578_ber682golde_04l.jpg
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/hoffman_estates/beretta/1112578_ber682golde_03l.jpg
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/hoffman_estates/beretta/1112578_ber682golde_01l.jpg

========

Browning (unfortunately only one for the Browning. Like the Beretta, it's virtually flawless, seen yesterday)
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/ritchfield/browning/894073_browning_01l.jpg

[Yellowfin]

Browning. It swings better than anything I've picked up, no matter what it was. It became my standard for shotguns having first started with a Belgian Citori around age 5 or 6. You pick it up, look down it, and birds fall from the sky upon command. Period. It is the magic lightning bolt of the gods.

[BigJimP]

For me it is the Browning XT with 32" barrels as a primary Trap gun. I have two - one is standard factory with the adj comb / one has upgraded wood and a gracoil system in it. I like them both a lot.

To me the barrel connection on the Browning is a little stronger than the Beretta - and the forend feels a little better in my hands on the Browning. They are both good guns / but I think the Browning is a little stronger gun.

But it really comes down to which one you like the best.

[LouPran]

Well that's 2-0 so far ... Surprising.

I personally didn't find there to be a big difference in weight or balance. That's just swinging it in the store of course. Both fit well.

The Beretta definitely had the edge in the beauty department , but it's also the more expensive gun by $1300.

I was also somewhat interested in a Cynergy that was a little more expensive, but didn't have the adjustable comb which I've convinced myself I want. :p

[BigJimP]

Don't get a dedicated Trap gun - without an Adjustable Comb - or you will regret it. It makes a big difference in being able to adjust your point of impact the way you want it. The XT is set to shoot pretty high anyway - even at its lowest comb setting - but being able to adjust it is always a plus.

You could always buy them both - and sell the one you don't like ....

[LouPran]

If I had an extra $6000 laying around and no wife I just might have bought both. :D

[Scorch]

If you intend to shoot it, Browning. Much stronger design, much longer life. The Beretta is not as deep through the action, giving it a very nice "weight forward" feel, but the lack of depth is due to the locking mechanism design, and the Browning is definitely the winner there.

If the shotgun is going to be a safe queen, it really doesn't matter a whole lot, pick the one you like the looks of.

[LouPran]

Any thoughts on the Cynergy's ???

I definitely plan on shooting it. No safe queens here. :p

I'm looking at this one ...
Browning Cynergy Sporting
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/mitchell/browning/814976_brow_1l_mit.jpg

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/mitchell/browning/814976_brow_mit2l.jpg

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun_inventory/images/mitchell/browning/814976_brow_mit3l.jpg

[Scorch]

The Cynergy is hallower than other Browning designs due to the center lock, rather than a bottom lug. It gives a lot of the "weight-forward" feel of the Beretta but is still stronger than the Beretta locking system. I have handled a few of the Cynergys, and read a lot of very good reviews by people who use the Cynergy. I still prefer the Citori (I've owned and shot one for 30 years), but the Cynergy has a lot going for it.

[Death from Afar]

Well, it actually depends on which gun fits you best and you feel the most comfortable with. If you are spending that much dough, the gun shop may let you try them out on the clay course. see which gun fits you, and feels the most comfortable.

[LouPran]

Cynergy fits me very well , and feels good , but WOW ... Talk about a salesman trying to talk you out of a gun!

The guy told me they're overpriced and lose half their value as soon as you walk out the door.

Another gun store he sited that closed not too far from there they auctioned off their guns and all the Citori's he said went for cost ... the Cynergy's he said they couldn't move them at cost so they started selling them off well below cost just to get rid of them.

I wonder how true this is ... the guy seemed very knowledgeable but also very opinionated.

[Waterengineer]

Like "Death from Afar" said

+1

Personally, I like Browning and am partial to the Citori.

I think the Cynergy is too cosmic looking. For that reason alone I would not purchase a Cynergy. I like a gun that looks like a gun. Perhaps a little old fashioned in my perspective but that is how I feel. I'm sure others will disagree.

[oletymer]

The Cynergy is available with adjustable comb. They also have the classic stock style. I am confused, your original post seemed to lean to trap guns then you were considering the sporting model. In any event most all cynergys are available with the new style stock or the classic type.

[Waterengineer]

Oletymer:

Thanks for the reminder. I forgot it was possible to purchase a cynergy with the more conventional stock. I stand corrected.

Was a conventional stock always available or was that something started a year or two after the firearm was first made, as a reaction to consumer demand?

Thanks,
Craig

[LouPran]

My understanding is it was the later.