I've actually heard quite a few good things about a Stoeger - unfortunately it didn't fit me. I ended up purchasing a used Citori from a guy in SD. I'm very pleased with it - and it was around 750.00.

Save your money and don't settle on a cheaper over-under. You can get a used browning or beretta and be much better off. Or you could keep saving and buy new. Check out the weatherby orion series, rrl and skb at the low end(I don't mean low quality) or step up to a new browning citori, beretta silver pigeon, winchester 101, or remington premier.

definatly get the stoeger condor, I think new one is like $370 but they have a combo and that is what I purchased, it comes with a 20 gauge over under barrel and a 12 gauge over under barrel. I bought one brand new this season at scheels in st cloud for $500 even, they didn't have any in the store and they don't carry the combo in the store but they can order it for you. I have an 870 but i wanted the over under and with this gun i can use the 20 gauge for doves and grouse and the 12 gauge for ducks and phesants, Its pretty much two guns for the price of one and it has preformed great, droped it in a few inches of water duck hunting, took the barrel off, dumped the water out of everything and still performed great before i could get home and clean it.

Save your money up and get a quality O/U. I bought a Ruger Red Label a couple years ago and the gun is fantastic. Never one issue with it. It shoulders great and it a breeze to carry. My 12 year old likes to use it and has no problem bring it up to his shoulder. I got it for 1250. Save and get one that will last for years.

I looked at all the brands you speak about. If you are close to Reed's near Leech Lake, it is worth the trip.

Interesting thread. I bought a Stoeger Condor last September. Right now it's sitting at the factory in Maryland, and has been there for a month. Judging by the replies to this thread, it looks like I probably just have a lemon on my hands. Regardless, the gun is at the top of the list to trade in once funds allow for an upgrade.

I had basically the same question 2 years ago, but I was looking for an inexpensive auto. After doing much research I bought the Stoeger 2000. Nothing but problems. I actually returned it to the store (one location said no returns on firearms, the other location took it back) I spent the extra money and bought a Remington. Not one problem. I will never go the inexpensive route again. Stick with a pump until you can afford the better gun or look for a used one.

I picked up a Remington Spartan in 20ga this fall. I had some giftcards to spend and got a good price. Sure I'd love a $1000 O/U but so far so good. I have a friend who has a Spartan and another with a baikal they both have had good luck. Fingers frossed but so far I really like it.

Keep in mind the gun you purchase in most cases you will used for a long time (20-30 years) and resell will be at least 50% of original purchase price. So the annual price of a $1,000 dollar gun is really not that much.

I purchased a fuasti 20guage about 5 years ago and absolutely love the gun. Having a light gun really has improved my shooting. So much easier to walk with the gun and allows it to be shoulder in the correct position so much quicker.

Not sure if these guys can still be purchased but if you ever see a used one I would recommend.

I ALSO HAVE THE STOEGER CONDOR 2 YRS NOW NO PROBLEMS IT IS MY 1ST O/U. FAIR WARNING IT DOES GET A BIT HEAVY AFTER AQ ULL DAY OF HUNTING.

I saw a used Traditions by Fausti at one of the Gander MTN stores. Anyone know if these are the same as a Fausti or how the quatlity is?

Regarding the Fausti's, they're all basically the same, but the gun-maker has been through 2 or more importer's over the years. I have a Fausti Stefano Elegant O/U that I am in love with. It's the best fitting gun I've ever had. I've held the new Volo and it's identical to the Field 1 (Traditions) in feel and fit. I know you can find used original Fausti's at times, or the Tradition's imports, as well as the newer Weatherby imports. Good luck finding one for under $700 used, if you do, buy it. They retail anywhere from $900 to $4000.

Great guns! Fausti Stefano knows guns in my opnion...

I have a Remington Spartan that is several years old and have had very good luck with it.

Hey - I was way wrong on the Cynergy price. I looked at the ad wrong. Sorry about that...

After a lot of research and advice from you all, I have decided to wait until I can afford something worth having. I already have a cheap auto-loader that works well enough for me now so I have no problem waiting. Thanks everyone for your input.

Mike J

I bought a used ruger red label for 800 something dont remember but the thing was like brand new, and i will never sell that thing. I do a lot of league and occasional compitition shooting with it and i will challenge anybody that says rugers are junk. I also take it for pheasant hunting cause its fast to load plus it ejects shells out fast. plus one thing i like about it is the safety mechanism always comes back on when you open the breach. So thats my opinion for over unders.