I haven't had the money to step UP to 725's. I'm still with my two 425's (12 & 20) and XS's for 28 and 410. But I have had Rugers and Berettas and feel that at the price point, the Brownings are the best value in Clays guns.
I "need" the 4 barrel set of 32" 725 Sporting package real bad! Last year it was only $6500 and sold out. I don't see getting one this year either, but there is always next year!
3 Augusts ago, I crashed on my bicycle and wrenched my right shoulder real bad. So when I could stand it I stayed with 410, and 28 gauge. After about a year, my scores were up to my average 12 gauge score. If you reload, they are less expensive to shoot! If you don't reload, 12 gauge is about as inexpensive as it gets! Last spring I shot in a League with my wife's 20 gauge 391 Sporting and had a new personal best (45/50), before that it was 44/50 with the 20 gauge 425 (That stood for about 14 years!) Last year I shot around 5000 410's and 3000 28's and 600 20's and zero 12's. With my scores being up, I may never go back to 12! But I don't compete anymore either. If I enter in a tournament, I shoot "Hunter Class" which get no prizes or awards! And some people get real surprised when an old fat guy with a 410 cleans their clock!
Modern 12 gauges Sporting Clays guns are choked for lighter and faster loads. I really liked 7/8 ounce at around 1275 fps. I used Tightwad powder and AA hulls. Great, consistent patterns with IC, Lt Mod, & Mod chokes (I avoid open chokes with faster loads). Very mild recoil so you can enjoy shooting 200 birds without getting "Recoil Fatigued." Federal quit making the cheap 7.5 shot, 7/8 oz., 1400 fps load. I would shoot it in a 12 gauge Superpose with Full/Full chokes and watch long range bird vaporize!
It's just hard to not have fun with a long barreled Browning!
Ivan
