quick advice? 12ga o/u..

[lfine]

Friend selling his 20+ yr old Savage 12ga, 2 3/4", O/U with mod and full chokes. 27".

Condition is fine but, not knowing much about shotguns and chokes other than what I read, I was wondering what I'm limiting myself to by getting this as opposed to something else for 300-400 from those of you with real-world experience.  I like having it for general SHTF use, and I like pieces that aren't just cookie-cutter type but also don't want to throw money away.  Realistically, what would I be looking at in terms of trap, skeet, etc. - all of which i haven't done - yet? I know handguns but obviously not long guns. Thanks for any advice you want to shoot my way.

[BigGabe]

I'd check the top lever first. It should be right of center a little. Take the forarm off and see if there is any play or looseness between frame and barrel. Just remember guns have a tendency to break so you have to ask yourself if that happens how easy will it be to get parts for a gun no longer made. Hope that helps.

[wgj3]

Savage isn't exactly known for their O/U shotguns either.

Wouldn't be too hard to find other options for well under $1K. Not sure about the price on the Savage, but it would need to be a good price for me to consider. Assuming when you refer to the Full/Mod chokes that they are fixed. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but wouldn't help you much on a skeet field.

[lfine]

Yes, fixed. that's what i was thinking, too, from what I've read. Thanks.

[sfinney]

$300 to $400 for a functionally decent non-junk O/U that's the right length/choked useful to your purpose is a decent deal. If you are doing clay or bird at all - I'd rather spend 800 or 900 on a used Browning or Beretta, but thats just me.