doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Call it idle curiosity

Wot does the board value a high condition 12 ga. GR4 Beretta w/30" bbls and M&F fixed chokes w/or w/o aftermarket recoil pad?

Also, in the same vein do you consider a BSS [Miroku made, of course] to be the better gun?

The Great Pumpkin hit me up w/this quandary, justin case ya wanna know :-)

$1200 top retail.
No.
JR

I actually think 1.2K is a bit rich, based on, 12 gauge, 30", M&F.
I'd take the Beretta over the Browning.

Best,
Ted

Do those Berettas have the vent rib or are those just on the GR-3 models? I never cared for that rib on a SxS but have always felt the Beretta was in a different class than the Brownings. Other's opinions may differ.

I would rate them about equal. For example, GR4 would be similar to BSS BLE Gr II. In this case the Browning would be substantially more expensive.
One of the most under-appreciated doubles in this handling category were the Sears Roebuck Model 100s by AyA. It's basically A&D actioned BLE that externally mimics Winchester Model 21. It had well struck barrels, nicely blued action and solid piece of walnut with fine checkering. Butt plate and pistol grip was bovine horn or something similar.

I've seen GR3's sold for $1200 and they're non-ejectors. I would have to think that the GR4 w/ejectors and a bit more engraving would likely be more than that.
Personally I think that the GR cross-bolt makes it a superior gun for heavy use but that is just a feeling and not backed up with any data of any kind.
OTOH I have not heard of any problems with BSS aside from someone here mentioning the triggers needing attention. The GR is not particularly w/out fault in that regard either but then both it and the BSS are field,not target guns.
JMO of course

I shot a BSS until it went off face. I shimmed the hook, and continue to shoot it. I was flabbergasted when that gun went off face. I'd like to find another one and shoot it until it becomes off face, too.

I paid $1150, AIR, for it several years ago. They can be bought for less, but not often.

SRH

I have a GR3 and several BSSs. They are different guns as far as "feel" goes. The GR3 with PG and sorta beavertail FE feels substantially lighter and quicker in my hands. The BSSs are all Sporters but feel a bit chunky in an A/B comparison. I have shot the GR3 a bunch with no issues, and the BSS feels bullet proof. I like them both. If the choice were between a GR4 and a BSS Sporter, same price and condition, I'd lean toward the GR4. Between the GR3 and the the BSS, it's a push. I've had mine for a while, but they were all around $1K when I bought them.

Thanks, gentlemen. Any further comparative thoughts/opinions are most welcome as well. Its more a bench racing question than anything else.