So this summer I am looking to buy a new shotgun for my dad as a present and I am looking at the Browning Citori 725 field ($1864) or the Beretta Silver Pigeon 686 ($1686). I currently shoot a Benelli 828U and love the gun but I'd like to buy him something different. From reading the reviews they both look solid but I am looking for some personal experiences with these guns. My dad is a taller guy at 6'4, 230lbs and it seems like the silver pigeon is a shorter gun but I could be wrong. My dad and I do a lot of dove hunting, quail and we would like to do some pheasant hunting one day.

I am looking for reviews and opinions, I'll be buying the gun this summer for him

Thanks

I am a Browning guy, have 3 citoris, that would be my vote.

I'd go with the Browning. I only have one, but it's my go-to shottie for dove/quail/pheasant. Points beautifully, light enough to carry for several hours.

I just held these two recently. I am the same height plus some more pounds and I would choose the browning

browning gets my vote.

I am an avid shotgunner. During fall and winter i bird hunt. In the off season I shoot 100-200 clays most weeks. I'm 6'1" and 195 lb., so not quite as big as your father. I own both shotguns and like and shoot them both about the same. On clays around 92/100 is about how I shoot. For clays I prefer the Browning. It is a heavier shotgun and thus has less recoil.
For a field gun I prefer the Beretta. It is lighter and a quicker more responsive shotgun in my hands. Your father will likely need a bit more length of pull, which can easily be accomplished by changing the recoil pad. Beretta offers standard recoil pads of four different lengths to facilitate various length of pull. Both are very well made shotguns. Ultimately the shotgun that fits him the best is the one he will enjoy shooting the most. Either would be a fine choice. For a field gun I would go with the Beretta.

My son shot a Browning Cynergy on his H.S. Clay Target team for 4 years. Very nice gun, I like shooting it as well. We did switch to wood and installed a Gracoil.

I appreciate all your opinions, I was leaning towards the browning since it may be easier to find chokes and such for the gun. Also some guys at work would recommend the browning even thought they are both good guns.

The Beretta is a wonderful gun but the fit and finish of recent models I've held doesn't do it for me anymore. I have both a 12ga and 20ga 686.... They pointed well and I really enjoyed carrying the 20ga for dove and quail.... BUT-- on the skeet field and high volume days that light weight was your enemy for sure!!

As mentioned above- the Beretta does recoil stoutly. I would look at the Browning-- find something with a nice fit and finish around the receiver and that will fit your dad. I know there are locations around Dallas that will sell you a o/u and do a fitting on the stock to adjust it for your dad.

Well I am getting the gun through a buddies website that sells guns so I may have to get it adjusted after the fact. Plus my dad will have no idea that I bought a gun for him till we show up to the gun range for some practice