Break-open semi automatics

E. Fudd

Was having a drool browse over on the Beretta website, fantasising about the time when I finally get my arse in gear and take up clays seriously.

Came accross this: http://www.beretta.com/Long-guns/Competition-guns/Break-open-semiautomatics/UGB25-Xcel-Gold-Trap-Optima-Bore-Optima-Choke/index.aspx?m=82&f=2&id=178&did=1836

Ive always liked semis, but have always been put off by the fact that you couldn't "break" them, so this obviously seems like the ideal compromise.

Has anyone any first-hand experience with these or are they a bit of a gimmick? Any ideas of price, or should I dare ask? :eek::eek:

Cass

About 6 months ago got to hold, feel and shoot one. Lovely and very well fitting gun. Everything you would expect from a Beretta. The prices floating around then were €2300 or so for standard model then up to €3750 for the top of the line trap model.

Personaly i would like one in a 3 shot (standard or slightly higher spec) for hunting, etc. As for the trap model i don't see the advantage to having a semi auto that you can only load 2 rounds into and breaks open, in other words does everything that an O/U does. A 682 would be a few hundred less and every bit as good. On the line it does have the advantage of throwing the shell downward rather than to the side.

All in all they are a lovely gun and very light and would be a welcome addition to any gun cabinet, but from my perspective only from a hunting point of view.

pullandbang

ezridax wrote: »

On the line it does have the advantage of throwing the shell downward rather than to the side.

Unfortunately the rules state you must collect and bring your empties away with you which means you have to go back at the end of the line and pick up.

On the other hand, it is a lovely gun. I got to play with one in a shop and it is a beauty.

jamesomara

Elmer,
I vote no and would stay away from this gun. Aside from a certain curio appeal, it just seems silly. It's like a schizophrenic gun: doesn't know what it is and is leading 2 lives.

Looking at the action, it breaks my golden rule of simplicity - less is better. I would love to see if this thing is around 100 years from now and still shooting like the Fox's or other fine guns.

It looks as if the Engineers were bored and tried to see just how well they could do such a thing.

This Gun is Like a Beautiful Woman That Wears Makeup - Why? You don't have to try to be hot, you were hot before!!!

If I had that spare change lying around I would buy a Merkel, Fox, or some other fine German double. But then I probably would not want to take it into the field.

Here's a nice one - there's just something about case coloring...
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159766796

E. Fudd

Cheers James, looking at it as a possible dedicated clay gun though, so 'fine German doubles' wouldn't really suit.

Any idea of who stocks these or where I'd be able to molest one??

Grizzly 45

I would agree what James said the lads in Breatta had a free day and decided to make a cheaper version of the Cosmi Anconia[starting price between 5/8k for an entirely handmade gun of 500 parts].So if you want a three shot plus in a break action semi auto,that loads from a tube in the stock,the Cosmi is it!:eek:
WHY you would want a gun that is neither fish nor fowl,is beyond me!Unless you are Italian,and they seem to delight in things that are beautiful,but completly bonkers technologywise.:D

sfakiaman

E. Fudd wrote: »

Any idea of who stocks these or where I'd be able to molest one??

Sticking your finger in the muzzle to check the choke restriction could get you put on some kind of offenders list these days. :D:D

Cass

E. Fudd wrote: »

Any idea of who stocks these or where I'd be able to molest one??

Ardee Sports are the importers for them so if stuck contact them and ask if any dealer in your area stocks them.

jamesomara

What about a Benelli Super Black Eagle?
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=160215967

Or a Winchester X3
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=159876500

For the price of the Beretta, you could pick up either of the above AND a browning Citori break action.