Over/under Shotgun Expense

[Ratherbfishing]

Can anyone provide any rational reasons why a relatively "no-frills" double barrel shotgun costs at least 2 or 3 times what a pump or semi-automatic does?  This phenomenon appears to be akin to the cost of a simple fly reel  I appreciate that there are two barrels which would increase material costs to the product but they are considerably less complex (especially compared to a semi-autos).  I've been thinking of getting one but looking at what one has to pay, I'm reconsidering.

[00 mod]

2 barrels, a more involved trigger, and most of the time they have real wood.  I have seen sets of wood used to make stocks go for $2000 and that is for a block of wood.  They can get MUCH higher.  I have owned o/u shotguns from $300- $10,000 and I can tell you there is a big difference.  For an occasional shooter, probably not enough to say it is worth it, but for a competitive shooter, there is big advantages.  That being said, I "downgraded" in cost of gun, and like my newer one better.  To the tune of $3000 downgrade!

 

Jeff

[Crappiebasser]

I used to shoot competitive sporting clays and can tell you the difference between a pump or semi and a quality O/U is amazing. If you want a gun for occasional skeet/trap shooting look at the CZ's line of O/Us. IMO they make a great entry level O/U. 

[Ratherbfishing]

 

I used to shoot competitive sporting clays and can tell you the difference between a pump or semi and a quality O/U is amazing. If you want a gun for occasional skeet/trap shooting look at the CZ's line of O/Us. IMO they make a great entry level O/U. 

Sorry it's been awhile getting back to this.

My point is not to be be argumentative but can you QUANTIFY the "amazing differences" between an O/U and a decent pump or semi-auto? More reliable? Better fit? Better materials? What? I have always loved the looks of a fine o/u or side/by/side. The beautifully checkered, well oiled stocks, masterfully engraved receivers, etc. send me the closest thing to lust I've ever experienced for an inanimate object. But it's difficut to understand sinking that much money into something unless money simply isn't an issue.

[MN_SONNEN_ANGLER]

Look up the difference between a high end o/u and a lower end one. For instance take a browning citori o/u and a perazzi MX-10RS. The difference is so incredible! So are the prices but. Im glad I own the perazzi! Don't get me wrong though a citori is an awesome gun, but there is no contest between the two. Its like boats, my ranger vs my 10' Jon boat, there are obvious differences/ reasons for the two. Just my opinion too.