Let me preface this by saying that I don't have a ton of experience with shotguns mostly just the occasional dove/duck hunt. I mostly just use rifle/bow for deer/pig/axis/ect. However, I went skeet shooting a couple weeks ago for the first time since high school and had forgotten how much fun it was.

The gun will be used mostly for dove and skeet. I already have a Benelli SBE 2 that I use for ducks.

I've heard a lot of great things about the Citori 725 but there isn't too much out there on the Benelli 828U. I'm not looking to spend a ton ($2000-3000) but want a gun that will last.

Also, there are several different versions of the Citori so feel free to recommend specific models.

TIA

I really like my 725 Sporting. I think it's the better looking of the two and that would be enough for me, but, some tangibles I like better about the Citori are the availability of 30-32" barrels (mine are 30"), the balance, and the palm swell. The Cirori also has a great trigger although I've only handled the Benelli and not shot one. I'm surprised that Benelli hasn't come out with their sporting version out yet. When/if they do it may come with some additional features, but, for now I think the 725 Sporting is the better gun.

I see there is a "comfort tech" pad on the comb of that benelli OU.
The comb pad on my M2 started deteriorating after one season. Looks pretty bad, but is still functional.
They are about $75 to replace. I dont think I'd like it on an OU.

edit: it looks like it is just a comb adjustment piece and not comfortech. Still not sure I like it.

I don't really need a reason to buy a new gun (other than I haven't bought one in a couple months) but are over/under shotguns better for dove and skeet than a semi auto?

It depends on how you want to define "better", but, not really. I typically hunt dove with my Benelli Legacy 28ga or my Beretta 391 20ga. I like a lighter gun and a third shot in the field. At the skeet range, I'd probably only drop my average by 1.x targets using my 28ga so it's not necessarily "better" there either. There are plenty of competitive clays shooters who shoot semi-autos and break just as many targets. I've probably shot more 25 straights with my Beretta 390 Silver Mallard than either of my O/Us. Personally, I just like the look and feel of my Over Unders and it's my money to spend so why not. I may even pick up an 828u Sporting when they come out just for the hell of it.

Citori will work the day you buy it to the day you decide to upgrade for refinement snobbery reasons. The action will get loose and that is about it. For skeet and dove it is a fine gun. No nothing about the other.

In fact you can find great deals on used Citoris all the time. They last forever and most people will never shoot enough to break it.

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I don't really need a reason to buy a new gun (other than I haven't bought one in a couple months) but are over/under shotguns better for dove and skeet than a semi auto?

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Not really. Will almost never need the 3rd shell for dove and never for skeet. Personally for competitive shooters their is a reason they all use over unders. Smoother transitions between shots and less likely to break. Easier to carry over the shoulder.

Millions of targets have been broken with Remington 1100s though

My recommendation is for the one that fits you best....you will certainly like it better because you will hit more birds.

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I don't really need a reason to buy a new gun (other than I haven't bought one in a couple months) but are over/under shotguns better for dove and skeet than a semi auto?

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Not really. Will almost never need the 3rd shell for dove and never for skeet. Personally for competitive shooters their is a reason they all use over unders. Smoother transitions between shots and less likely to break. Easier to carry over the shoulder.

Millions of targets have been broken with Remington 1100s though

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Thanks. I don't really need too many reasons to justify a new gun purchase and can't see myself buying another shotgun after this... But I've said that after almost every gun purchase I've ever made (usually lasts 3-6 months).

I am intrigued by the possibility of having two different chokes installed at a given time.

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My recommendation is for the one that fits you best....you will certainly like it better because you will hit more birds.

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I plan on having the gun professionally fitted to me once I decide as I am 6'4" 260# and haven't yet found a gun that fits great off the shelf.

725 and it isn't even close. The 828 is ugly and is way too damn light light for regular clays use. 6.6lbs is really light for a gun you are going to put 100 rounds through on a regular basis, its ugly and it has no recoil reduction. Also I cant imagine it is balance real well at given its weight. Did I mention it is ugly.

Just my .02, but I am a shotgun snob.

Oh, and it is ugly.

I am the same size as you and my factory Zoli fits like a dream.

725 Sporting is my go-to dove gun now. Have shot many different O/Us and the 725 feels best to me.

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I'm not looking to spend a ton ($2000-3000) but want a gun that will last.

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So, you're not wanting to spend a ton, just $2,000?

Browning, without even thinking twice.

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I'm not looking to spend a ton ($2000-3000) but want a gun that will last.

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So, you're not wanting to spend a ton, just $2,000?

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When talking O/U's, I'd say that's not spending a ton.

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I'm not looking to spend a ton ($2000-3000) but want a gun that will last.

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So, you're not wanting to spend a ton, just $2,000?

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No wife/no kids= healthy firearms budget

Unless you plan to shoot clays on a weekly basis, I would suggest you look at the 725 field. The field should be a few hundred cheaper. I didn't really like carrying my 32" barreled gun into the field, that is a personal preference though.

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I'm not looking to spend a ton ($2000-3000) but want a gun that will last.

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So, you're not wanting to spend a ton, just $2,000?

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That's the bottom of entry level in O/U world.

Haha, I understand prices of O/U's.

I was trying to point out that a ton actually is 2,000. That's like saying I don't want a dozen donuts, but I'll have 12. I don't want a ton of bricks, just 2,000 lbs please.

It wasn't funny even before I had to explain it. I have no future in comedy.

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Unless you plan to shoot clays on a weekly basis, I would suggest you look at the 725 field. The field should be a few hundred cheaper. I didn't really like carrying my 32" barreled gun into the field, that is a personal preference though.

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This. I wouldn't dare get the 32" barrel unless I was serious about shooting clays...like Gunslinger said.

I think a 28" barrel would be perfect for you what you are looking to do. But again, whatever feels the best to you is what you should go with.

Also, I have a friend with the 828U and have shot his plenty. It's a damn fine gun. Different looking but still a damn fine gun. I still think I'd lean 725 but that's only because they fit me almost perfect off the shelf.

725 Field user here and it gets my vote. I hunt with a guy that has an 828U and I just can't like it. It's too light, I don't like the way it swings, I don't like the "modern" look, and most importantly it just doesn't fit me [off the shelf]. All that said, it is a dang nice gun and I am sure there are many that would choose that over the Citori. I'll echo the rest, get what fits you best.

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I'm not looking to spend a ton ($2000-3000) but want a gun that will last.

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So, you're not wanting to spend a ton, just $2,000?

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Go price a Kreighoff

Edit: I didn't see your reply.

I prefer my semi auto for shooting trap as well as doves as the recoil is next to nothing. I can shoot it all day and never get sore. I don't use it for either though.

I feel like a jackass shooting trap with it because every time I take a shot it throws the shell at the next guy to my right. On doves, I don't have to mess with digging up my plug and installing it just to turn around and take it out for pheasant season. I just take my O/U and not worry about it. I rarely need the third shot anyway.