It really is about fit. I have owned Beretta O/Us, and a
couple of their 390 semi-autos. Nice shotguns, but they just
did not fit me well, so I don't own them anymore. I have
a Ruger Red Label 28 ga. It fits me well. I have a 12 ga.
and 20 ga. Browning Citori White Lightnings, they fit me
well. The Browning low profile O/Us(Cynergy, and 725s) do
not fit me. The good old Remington 1100/11-87s fit me well,
and I have a couple of them. I have a Browning Maxus, and
a Winchester SX-3 20 ga. I have used their stock shims, and
now they fit me well, too.
Which ever one you like the feel of, try this test. Pick
a target, close your eyes, mount the shotgun, with your
eyes closed, without moving your head. Is the rib flat,
bead/s aligned, and on or near target? If so you are on
the right track. If not, either look into fitting, or test
another shotgun. Next shoot it. If the recoil feels "good",
and your cheek doesn't take a hit, you are getting close.
Now shoot some clays...Do you have a smooth swing, and a good
follow through? Is breaking targets almost effortless? Do
you surprise yourself with some target breaks, you think
might be misses? If so, this is your shotgun. If not,
even with good fit, this probably isn't a good "clays"
gun for you. My Browning Maxus fits me well, but it is
too light for me to get a smooth swing on the clays range.
It works for me shooting out of a layout boat, waterfowl
hunting, but standing at a trap station, I am likely to
over/under swing on little orange disks.
Squeeze