doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Sauer vs. Beretta

Trying to decide between a 12 bore Beretta 409PB that could use a barrel re-blue and an early 50's 16 bore J.P. Sauer. Neither is top of the line. The Sauer has very plain wood, but needs nothing except a spiffier pad. The Sauer is somewhat unusual in that it seems to be a low grade, but it has side clips and cocking indicators. It is not a Royal with the beavertail, etc. Both are double trigger extractor guns with sling swivels and are priced about the same. They both fit well, so my question concerns quality. Which is better built? Trouble areas on either one? Any negatives on either one? Positives? Thanks for the help. Another option is ending up with both, but let's say I could only have one.

Both good solid field guns if in good condition.
For me, deciding factors would be condition and how well they fit.
Beretta would be easier to sell if you didn't want to keep it.

Tough choice. Before I finished reading your post, I thought 'Buy both.' I have a Beretta and Merkel that are kissing cousins of the two you're considering, both well built and will outlast me. Fun to shoot and neither was expensive. In a pinch, I'd take the Beretta. I see more German blne guns of various names for sale than the older Beretta 4 series. Both would be nice though.

Thanks guys. Yeah, "the both" option is looking better all the time.

Jorge, is the Sauer an East German gun? The Model 60 was the DT/extractor gun exported to the States from Sauer in West Germany, but it didn't have sideclips, nor do I think it had cocking indicators. Not that there's anything wrong with East German guns--just curious.

I've owned both and liked both. The Sauers normally fit me better, so that would be my choice.

Jorge, two is always better than one

Larry, I have taken apart for cleaning two East German Simsons and I was really
impressed with the quality and fit of the parts. I am sure they will outlast me and
some generations to come. As you point out, not only is there nothing wrong, but
everything looks very right.

I should mention they are plain models.
Here they are for your reference:


JC(AL)

Jaycee, I've a Model VIII 16ga circa 1914. I haven't your experience nor much experience with better Berettas. None of my other guns has the craftsmanship of the Sauer.

JC, those look very different than the post-war W. German Sauer 60's, which did not have the scalloped receiver--nor did they have a Greener crossbolt. I think the W. German guns are about the only Sauers I've ever seen without the crossbolt.

Larry,

It's an Eckernforde gun. What I found unusual was that it would appear to be a Model 60, but it has the side clips and cocking indicators. It has a pad marked "Ramstein Rod & Gun Club."
I assumed that referred to the air base at Ramstein.

Thanks again.