The quest to find the perfect chukar gun
The goal: To find a premium, easy carrying, lightweight and versatile shotgun that had new technology and was capable of shooting every load on the market. My everyday do-it-all gun that I would use 95% of the time.
Budget: $2-4k.
I’ll always say, the best gun is the one you have and there’s a lot to be said about carrying an old shotgun that’s been passed down for generations. Old shotguns can tell special stories of seasons past through their scratches, dings and patina and there’s something really endearing about that. My vintage shotguns are irreplaceable, a part of my own upland history if you will and I’ll never part with them.
That said, these older guns also have their flaws. They are often too nice for the chukar hills because of their intricate engraved receivers or their beautiful wood stocks (we'll call that a flaw) and in some cases they have fixed chokes or barrels that can't handle modern loads. These limiting factors lead me to start searching for my ‘everyday’ gun. Something I’d use 95% of the time and become extremely proficient with. I wanted something premium but also not too nice as to where I’d be scared to give it a beating. Given this was something that I planned to use for the majority of my bird hunting, I gave myself a budget of $3-4k.
I hike a lot during my hunts, often 10+ miles a day in steep country, so I really wanted something that’s easy to carry. I don’t enjoy carrying a semi-auto or a pump action, (despite knocking down hundreds or even thousands of birds with a 1950’s Ithaca 37). I was actually born a side by side guy, but have recently enjoyed shooting over and unders, so I decided to look for one of those. Thankfully, O/U options that met my criteria were plentiful.
In terms of weight, getting close to 6 pounds was the goal and this meant getting a 20 gauge would open up more options. The birds I typically chase are fast moving and snap/reactionary shots are the norm so I prefer a gun that’s fast swinging with 26” barrels. I’m familiar with most of the modern shotguns available on the market today, so I already had a pretty good idea of my choices. After some quick comparisons, I ended up with this shortlist:
Benelli 828U
Model: 10740. 20 gauge with 26” barrels
MSRP: $3,699
Weight in 20g: 5.9lbs (20g w/ 26")
Notes: Single/selective triggers and ejectors. A more modern look that I wasn’t accustomed to but grew to love. The most technologically advanced of the bunch to make improvements in both weight and recoil.
The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon III
Model: J6873FK6. 20 gauge with 26” barrels
MSRP: $3,399
Weight in 20g: 6.3lbs (20g w/ 26")
Notes: At this point, it's safe to call this one a classic. The Silver Pigeon has long been the popular choice for that entry level premium over and under. It's now offered in several gauges and models making sure there's something for everyone.
Rizzini BR110 Light Luxe
Model: 20g with 26” barrels.
MSRP: $2,625
Weight in 20g: 6 lbs
Notes: Single/selective triggers and ejectors. The cheapest option on the list. I wasn’t a fan of the pheasant laser engraving which comes standard on the 20 gauge, it definitely cheapens the look. You could get the regular BR110 to avoid this, but they are slightly heavier than the Light Luxe edition.Also comes in 12, 16, 28 and .410.
Connecticut Shotgun Revelation
Model: 82573 (20g w/ 28" barrels)
MSRP: $2,999
Weight in 20g: 6 lbs 6 oz.
Notes: It does not come with a 26” barrel option. Single/Selective triggers and ejectors. Probably the ‘most beautiful’ gun on the list and really good value in that regard.
Beretta Ultraleggero
Model: J690UFJ6
MSRP: $2,999
Weight in 20g: 6 lbs 6 oz.
Notes: This is a really interesting shotgun as the side plates on the steel receiver is actually made of plastic (or techno -polymer as Beretta calls it). Yes, you heard that right. Plastic in a $3k gun. The plastic isn't used in a high wear/impact area, so there's less of a concern about durability, however it begs the question if the weight savings are worth the plastic material. Now personally, this doesn't scare me off. I've actually had my eye on this gun since it came out, I love the sleek black look and the fact that you can 3D print the plastic plates could lead to a pretty cool custom option.
Benelli 828U Performance Shop
Model: In the time it took me to write this article (a really long time), Benelli have since removed the link to this gun. Is it being discontinued? Is it being updated? We don't know but we'll find out!
MSRP: $3,999
Weight in 20g: 5 lbs 6 oz.
Notes: The only sub 6lb model on the list. Also, the only model with 24” barrels and extended chokes as standard. All of the standard features of the 828 but with shorter, ported barrels, extended chokes and forcing cone work from Rob Roberts. Hopefully it performs as well as it looks (and costs).
Ruger Red Label III
Model: 4510. 20 gauge with 28" barrels.
MSRP: $3,299
Weight in 20g: 6.2lb
Notes: Ruger has re-released their classic Red Label. Their original has been on my 'to buy' list for years. Time will tell to see if the new release is as good as their OG, but it's exciting to see it return to the lineup nonetheless.
There's plenty of great options to choose from here and I honestly don't think I could go wrong with any of them. To be honest, all of these shotguns have been on my wishlist for a while so I may have to do my best to give them all a try.
As far as my list goes, this is not a full product review so I've left quite a lot of detail out. There are so many nuances to each shotgun in the list that it was too much information for one article, so I will be sure to break these down in more detail as I get my hands on them.
If you've had experience with any on the list, drop a comment below and let me know what you think and I will be sure to keep everyone updated on which guns I try. I'm off to pick up the first one now, stay tuned...