Which is best entry shotgun?

[BeeMaa]

I'm with @Sideshow and @Bejane.

First of all, fit above all else. How a shotgun fits will determine how well the person using it will shoot.

Second, see if you can locate a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I. Hard to beat those for the price and will last a lifetime. Not to mention that the action is ubiquitous and just about anyone can do a rebuild on it.

If you are stuck on the Zoli or Franchi, the Zoli is the better firearm.

 

[uplander01]

You could get a benelli 828 and have full stock and rib adjustment, the 828 20 gauge steel receiver is something to behold.

 

[Luvthunt]

Flip a coin!

 

[Sideshow]

My brother wants to buy an entry level shotgun, 20 gauge. Use will be informal clays and some field birds. The ones available are Zoli Z and Franchi. Which is better?

As an entry level shotgun both these so long as they fit will be fine. I’m guessing @Kevin Peacocke this is what you have available. I’d advise though stepping up to 12g but using lighter loads as I’ve said the kick is the same but the price on the pocket will be less.
7.5 shot will give you ave 400 pellets per oz 21gm 3/4oz 32gm 1 1/8oz.
For my clay days I use 21gm 7 12gauge. For all my wing shooting 32gm 6 12gauge that’s ace 270pellets per oz. Doves though our high volume back the the 21 7’s. On a sim day I’ll easy go through 600 rounds. That’s hard work with full game loads. My guns 7lbs swung 625 times yep you sleep well that night.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Beretta SP's are very scarce in SA, don't know why.

 

[Bejane]

H

Beretta SP's are very scarce in SA, don't know why.

ave you tried Costa at Loris International?

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

H

ave you tried Costa at Loris International?

Thanks for the tip, I didn't know about them. Have sent a message.

 

[Bejane]

Hendry at Twin Bore Agencies along Witkoppen could also be an option for you

 

[HoosierHunter]

Benelli M2. In my opinion

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Hendry at Twin Bore Agencies along Witkoppen could also be an option for you

Thanks

 

[HookMeUpII]

Semi: Franchi

O/U: Zoli

The Franchi semi's are highly, highly regarded here in the USA for waterfowl which is one of the most punishing environments.

Zoli seems to better value in an O/U.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

Thanks

Yes they have stock. Thanks again for the heads up.

 

[Bullthrower338]

I own several Franchi o/u shotguns and like them as a field gun. The Z-gun is a much better fit on a sporting clays field. I have shot many of them, I actually was very close to purchasing a Zoli last year but ended up with a Blaser instead.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

We have located a couple of silver pigeon 1's which will be perfect for my brother and niece. Whilst there I saw a very neat little AYA 20 gauge SxS for a very good price and couldn't resist. Perfect for doves on the farm!

 

[cajunchefray]

We have located a couple of silver pigeon 1's which will be perfect for my brother and niece. Whilst there I saw a very neat little AYA 20 gauge SxS for a very good price and couldn't resist. Perfect for doves on the farm!
View attachment 702272

Sweet bird gun!

 

[WAB]

We have located a couple of silver pigeon 1's which will be perfect for my brother and niece. Whilst there I saw a very neat little AYA 20 gauge SxS for a very good price and couldn't resist. Perfect for doves on the farm!
View attachment 702272

Hmm, you do realize that that is an entry drug to the SxS shotgun world don’t you? Let me know when you will be in Birmingham to visit Westley Richards and order your droplock! I will try to adjust my travels to meet you and buy you a nice dinner to celebrate!