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New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:42 pm
by The Annoyed Man
As I previously posted in another thread, AndyC convinced me that I needed to become a skeet addict. So in anticipation of our impending skeet session, I started shopping for a shotgun today. Well, sometimes you stumble onto something that seems tailor made for you, and you never look any further. That's what happened to me.

My first stop was at Euless Guns & Ammo. I told Todd behind the counter that I was looking for an entry level skeet gun and asked him to educate me. He said, "you're left-handed, right?" (I've bought several guns from them before, the last one being my M1A.) He pointed me to the used gun rack on the floor, and there I found a very lightly used, left-handed Stoeger Condor Competition 12 gauge over and under shotgun (pictures below) with 30" ported barrels. It has an adjustable comb and adjustable butt pad. It is in beautiful condition. The adjustable butt pad was an aftermarket addition. Blemishes consist of a couple of tiny dings in the buttstock that are barely noticeable even up close. Otherwise, it looks brand new. The action is perfect. All bluing is intact.

Apparently, the previous owner had bought this gun from the same store a little over a year ago, and had really developed a passion for skeet and decided recently to trade it in and buy a more expensive gun. Whoever he was he must have been about my size because the gun fits me perfectly. Andy and I checked it, and when I shoulder the weapon and lay my cheek to the comb with eyes closed and then open my eyes, I am sighted perfectly down the barrel, with my dominant eye lined up perfectly with the barrel rib.

Long story short, the price was right, $450.00, so I went ahead and bought it. I know that Stoeger is not considered a "top of the line" manufacturer, but I think that for an entry level skeet and bird hunting gun, this was a good choice. MSRP on this gun, without the adjustable butt pad, is $629. So given that it is so lightly used, has upgraded adjustability, and in such good condition, I think that $450.00 was probably a pretty good price. Say hello to the newest member of the family.

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Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:54 pm
by SecedeTX
Nice!

I would not call that entry level at all!

I personally shoot a pump, but it looks like you are going the purist route (most competition shooters shoot the same style shotgun that you have), and I think you will have a good time with it. Now you just have to master slapping the ejected shells to the side once they eject....all in one fluid movement. You do get points for style.

I think you will be very happy with your purchase...great price, and a very nice "entry level" gun.

Fair warning, shooting clays is addictive. There are sporting clay competitions that are a hoot to shoot. The last one I attended was a fund raiser on an old plantation in Vicksburg MS...I was middle of the pack, but I had a great time.

I hear that there is a good place around the Conroe area, but I have never been.

Congrats on the new addition.

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:04 pm
by Crossfire
VERY nice! Enjoy!

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:14 pm
by MoJo
Nice gun. Question, I always thought SxS an OU guns were ambidextrous. What makes this gun left handed?

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2010 10:47 pm
by The Annoyed Man
MoJo wrote:Nice gun. Question, I always thought SxS an OU guns were ambidextrous. What makes this gun left handed?
Here's my novice explanation....

1) If you put your nose down by the butt pad and sight down the entire length of the shotgun, you'll notice that the stock does not come perfectly straight back from the receiver. It bends very slightly off to the left. This, combined with the elevated comb being shifted back toward the shooter's left cheek (cast on), makes it easier for the shooter's eye to fall naturally into correct alignment with the sights.

2) There is a palm swell on the left side of the pistol grip which is not reciprocated on the right side. Thus, the pistol grip fits the left hand better than the right.

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Fri Aug 20, 2010 5:57 am
by lonewolf
Nice shotgun! All set up and ready to go, as well! I haven't shot skeet, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it!

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 1:56 pm
by Ropin
Sir, that is one absolutely beautiful shotgun. Congrats on the find and purchase...interestingly enough, EGA connected me with my shotgun also!

We should set up a DFW CHL forum clay-busting day. That would be a good time.

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 3:32 pm
by The Annoyed Man
Yep, that would be cool. But it will have to wait until after I learn a thing or two. I have to come out of this thing with my dignity intact, and if you think I'm going to give you guys a chance to embarrass me, you've got another think coming... ...because I already embarrass myself all over this board and I don't need any help in that department!

:mrgreen:

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:58 pm
by mikeintexas
Ropin wrote:Sir, that is one absolutely beautiful shotgun. Congrats on the find and purchase...interestingly enough, EGA connected me with my shotgun also!

We should set up a DFW CHL forum clay-busting day. That would be a good time.
That sounds like a fun day! Like others have said, I'm not very good at skeet, but I sure do have fun!

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:17 pm
by flb_78
Great buy.

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 6:23 pm
by MoJo
The Annoyed Man wrote:
MoJo wrote:Nice gun. Question, I always thought SxS an OU guns were ambidextrous. What makes this gun left handed?
Here's my novice explanation....

1) If you put your nose down by the butt pad and sight down the entire length of the shotgun, you'll notice that the stock does not come perfectly straight back from the receiver. It bends very slightly off to the left. This, combined with the elevated comb being shifted back toward the shooter's left cheek (cast on), makes it easier for the shooter's eye to fall naturally into correct alignment with the sights.

2) There is a palm swell on the left side of the pistol grip which is not reciprocated on the right side. Thus, the pistol grip fits the left hand better than the right.
I see, it's stocked for a lefty neat! Have a good time becoming familiar with your new shotgun.

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:28 am
by PUCKER
Very nice TAM! What matters most is that the gun fits you, your style and hits the clays! The clays won't know, or care, that they're hit by a Purdy or a Stoeger. :biggrinjester:

I've done clays ONCE, with a buddy's wife's Browning Citori in Houston (PSC from what I recall, been years though), and it was too much fun! If only I had the time/money for all the shooting sports!

Re: New (to me) Shotgun...

Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 6:41 am
by The Annoyed Man
AndyC wrote:Ready for Thu morning? Huh? Huh? Huh? :mrgreen: :woohoo
Oh yeah, I'm ready. :lol: I just hope I don't embarrass myself. :mrgreen: I'm looking forward to it.