iconoclast

The magazine wells offered by CZ Custom often require modification. Mine required extensive blending to allow magazine entry and still wouldn't seat magazines properly. You might have fewer hassles with the factory plastic or Czechmate magazine wells.

Yes, I communicated with them last week and was told the same. Nor is CZ Custom working on anything.

I had a CZ custom shop SPO-1 SAO gun made several years ago (c. 2009) and was disappointed with the quality and reliability of the work. First, I was sent completely different gun from that which I ordered (shadow DA/SA) and was forced to return it (paying shipping) and await another which eventually rattled loose. Things may have changed with the additional talent there now, but I would consider educating yourself and possibly trying the upgrades you identify by yourself, despite the complexity of the design. Alternatively, purchase the finest SAO pistol made, the Tactical Sport, and be done with it....

I felt it was perfect as delivered - noticeable better than my Sig X1 Level 1. Others replace the sights (adjustable), trigger lever (metal), grips (thin aluminum), and magazine well. Of these modifications, I would consider a larger magazine well (to aid grip, not reloading) and possibly thick aluminum grips. Once the trigger smooths and pull weight drops, it will be perfect.

I estimate he will receive $100 - 150 over MSRP.

I recommend the Tactical Sport - magnificent pistol as delivered from the factory. Also a tremendous value. Some feel the grip i s a bit large, but i feel the SPO-1 is too narrow. Add a magazine well or adjustable sights if you wish, but the trigger is the best I have ever sampled.

Thanks for the tip - most guns are tools, and I can't justify any refinishing prices based upon the initial cost of the pistol....

I agree. They are relatively light guns. Moreover, Berettas are more expensive, in general, than other guns of similar quality. If you are certain you want a O/U in that general price range, consider a Browning Cynergy - not the highest quality, but bear in mind all O/U shotguns are overpriced (relative to semi-automatics). I feel the only real advantages of O/Us are the availability of sub-gauge tubes, ease of loading/unloading, and perhaps, balance. Recoil is substantially worse. If you are willing to consider a semi-automatic, I recommend a Remington 1100 competition (overall, there are many excellent available choices). Good luck. Shoot one before you buy at any price. God made Berettas to punish trapshooters. Worst cheek bruising ever for me. And yes I have owned one.

I have a Beretta AL391 Urika trap - a pretty good shotgun made better with raised rail (I have a long neck and proper fit is impossible with standard rails) and bumpbuster recoil absorber. The combination is very comfortable and mitigates recoil VERY well. Unfortunately it is VERU heavy - but worth the money and recoil reduction. I also have a Remington 1100 trap with aftermarket Jack west stock and bumpbuster recoil reducer - also excellent recoil reduction and more reliable. Slightly lighter (sans rail) as well. I plan on placing raised sights (like turkey hunting or slug gun sights) on it at some point as the raised rails are somewhat heavy and unwieldy. Overall, I recommend the Remington option as it is substantially cheaper, more reliable, and simpler (complete stock available afterward or as competition model through remington dealers). Both are 12g guns. Also, extended magazine tubes are available (through Briley, etc...) if you wish to add 3-6 additional rounds. I also have a remington 1100 in .410 bore which is not as reliable, though it is still quite new (about 250 rounds). Recoil is non-existent (as you might have guessed), but the sensation of the bolt returning is slightly irritating compared with rock-solid superposed versions with tubes. S

Any particular reason you didn't purchase a Gold Team Elite?

Who are the current HK team members?

I found 3.5lb connector lightened and smoothed (ZEV) trigger action considerable, but made striker release difficult to determine. I also replaced trigger, striker, and safety plunger springs with good (reduced trigger effort) results. Contrary to popular opinion, I found the ".25 cent trigger job"/polishing job to be worthless.

I've read he does good work, but I can't justify paying another $300+ to improve a trigger that already cost $2200+ (and is therefore expected to be excellent). Then again, it is the consumables (ammunition, range fees, etc....) that are far more expensive in the long run for this sport. Sending the gun for a little quality time with Bruce Gray will fix this issue. I'll happily take that heavy vague-trigger-having paper weight off your hands!

I used my X5 Level 1 in 9mm for informal steel challenge shooting recently. The pistol is reliable, but the magazine well is too small for an effective grip and the trigger has some indefinite/vague pre-travel. Overall, I like it, but the trigger is not as good as my CZ Tactical Sport (for my needs), nor are the sights In summary, I would rather shoot a modified glock 17l or plain CZ TS and save the money. I will likely sell the X5 L1 soon....

Thanks RangerGuy, Do you know of any particular reason more people aren't using them rather than the expensive basepad options (still higher capacity with basepads?)