Condor "competition" model???

[prewarM70]

I'm a newbie to this forum - considering taking the plunge into the world of Stoeger shotgun ownership.

Visited my brother over this past weekend, and at his friendly neighborhood sporting goods shop there were two Condor "Competition" models, each new in box with single selective trigger, screw-in chokes, adjustable comb, 30" ported barrels, and REALLY nice walnut stocks. Shop owner said that these were not yet advertised, but would be rolled out at the upcoming SHOT show. From the other Condors they had in stock, this piece looks like an upgraded Condor Supreme. Asking price was "on sale" for $519 + tax.

I'm impressed with the handling and features of this model, and with its potential value for the dollar - would expect to see at least $1,000 more asked for a similarly equipped Browning or Ruger in decent shape. BUT (that's a big but), I have to wonder about how much tinkering I'd have to do with it before it would be ready for "prime time" in the goose blind, turkey field, or on the target range.

Any feedback? Anyone else seen one of these beasts - I'm reasonably sure that my brother and I weren't hallucinating.

[trapshoot7]

I wouldnt advise getting a gun with an adjustable comb if you are not going to be shooting trap with it, those guns are almost impossible to hunt with.

[fezman]

i think somthing is a bit fishy and i agree with trapshooter about compititon guns beeing hard to hunt with there usualy heavy and have all kinds of stuff that loves to break in the field. if your serious about getting a condor i usualy suggest just getting the base model and abuseing the heck out of it. then when you get serious get the browning or a nice beretta

[Off Center]

I'm new to this forum but have been shooting a Stoeger Model 2000 for just over a year and love it. Your post about the "Competition" gun intrigued me so I called Stoeger and asked them about it, and indeed they said that it was a new model for 2005 and is intended for the trap, skeet and sporting clays shooter who can't afford to spend thousands of dollars on a gun (i.e. myself, hence the M2000).

[timb99]

If you're serious about getting into trap shooting, like shooting registered ATA trap, get a serious trap shooting gun.

If you shoot for fun in a local trap or skeet shooting league, but not much more than that, this gun might be OK for you.

You can get into a real trap gun for about $750. I use a Remington 1100 trap (I shoot registered ATA trap and between leagues, practice, and registered events, shot probably 4000 to 5000 targets in 2004.)

I would never dream of taking my trap gun out in the field. It weighs about 10 pounds and the adjustable comb and recoil pad just arent made for being in the field. Plus, unlike field guns that shoot flat, my trap gun patterns pretty high. A Browning BT-99 is a great trap gun too, and used ones can be found in that price range.

How much did this Stoeger competiton gun weigh? If it's light, you'll take a beating if you shoot registered events, which are minimum 100 targets.

Also, trap guns are shot a lot more than a field gun, and therefore need to be much more "heavy duty."

As was mentioend above, the Stoeger is fine for field use or occasional fun at the trap range, but I don't think it's likely to be a serious trap shooting gun.

Tim

[Graybeard]

Hard to imagine all that much of a market for a "cheap" competition gun. Generally by the time someone is ready to get serious enough to take the plunge for a competition gun they want a nice one. Until then a field grade usually gets one by.

I've tried trap guns for hunting and with some I did well and some not so well. My old B grade Remington 870 is a good field gun for me. Not so much so my Winchester Model 12 even tho it smashes trap targets nicely. Had a BT99 long ago when they first came out and did well with it on doves and blackbirds coming in to a picked corn field.

Skeet guns are a different matter. I love them for dove shooting. The extra weight helps tame recoil when the shooting is hot and heavy. My old Remington 3200s were my favorites and I sure regret letting them get away. I've had four of them and sure wish I still had at least one.

I use my Berretta clays gun for field use also. Heck I use it for most all shotgunning for that matter. But I really need rotator surgery and the recoil is getting bad. Probably should go back to the .410 but man does my shooting suffer with them.

[trapshooter25]

Ok, Im about 5 min. into this site. My 16 year old son introduced me to it because he's looking at the Stoeger Condor Competition. He's somewhat a beginner, averages about a 19-20 but struggles alot with composure. He gets down on himself. But he is dead set on getting a O/U Trap Gun. He is interested in this one because he doesn't have a deep pocket so to speak. He shoots enough, every other Wednesday in the Summer/Fall, and every Sunday in the Summer/Fall. There is also this High School Trap leage, where he shoots 4 weeks, 100 rounds every Sunday, then goes to a State Competition and shoots 100 rounds there. So with all that shooting, will the this new Condor Competition hold up for him till he's 18-20 years old?

[tucker301]

No.
See Franchi Alcione, Browning Citori, Beretta 68x series.

[trapshooter25]

Well I just bought him a used BT-99 Plus at my local gun dealer. It was pretty cheap for that kind of gun and I couldnt pass it up. It's used quite abit, but its not scratched up at all. If it doesn't work for him or he finds a O/U, I basically already have it sold. I think he's gonna like it though. I know its a sweet gun, but I find it impractical to have a single shot gun only for trap. A double barrel suits more needs, trap and sporting clays. Whats up with this Winchester Select Energy? See ya

[timb99]

trapshooter25,

Man, I posted a long answer for you, but it seems to have been lost in electronland.

The BT-99 is a great gun for trap singles and handicap. You made a good choice there.

I have seen and held a Winchester Select Energy, though I've not shot one. It looks like a good gun, but maybe not a "great" gun.

Sorry the other post didn't make it.

Tim