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Thought I'd start the new year off with a question and see if any sparks
fly.

What is your preference? Two barrels or one. And why ?

As for me, ALL of my "Active" shot guns are now Autos. The reason is simple. As my birthdays thankfully continue to add up, the effects of too
many unplanned, sometimes uncontrolled, and often not so pretty landings are starting to show.
A visit several years ago to Dr. ByPass has left me with a a not so strong and permanently disconnected (although wired) sternum. All this has caused me to rethink the weight factor. (Recoil doesn't seem to be a problem as the wires are holding so far). I've even gone to much lighter
rifles and gotten over the Magnum mind set.
I do have several beautiful, but semi-retired, shotguns that are of the two pipe configuration. They rarely get out of the vault and then only to the range.
I would like to hear some of your thoughts.

Thanks......Rabbitdog

Member Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 1545 Location: Michigan

Personally I have no use for an Auto, though I did buy the wife one for Christmas. As for weight, most of my SxS's are probably lighter than your auto. If I can't down a bird with 2 shots, it deserves to live another day. Wink

So, give me SxS's with two triggers and I'm happy. Very Happy

As long as they're not a Elsie or Sterly. Wink

The Parker Putz.

Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 40 Location: Memphis, TN

I think you should loan me your doubles so they don't get rusty. Very Happy

I have not shot an auto in years, except to test out a friend's A5 or my wife's 1100. But I shoot a pump about as often as an O/U. The only 16ga I have is a Model 12, though my dad has a Parker SxS.

When I shoot the O/U's, I don't miss the 3rd shell, but I shoot my pumps very well. So, I'd have to say I like them both. The doubles are prettier, though!

Joined: 21 Jan 2006 Posts: 166

I just prefer the weight and balance of an O/U for whatever reason. I have found that I do prefer a semi for Dove hunting though. I've had instances when the birds would come in rapid fire groups, and while I was fiddling with the slower process of reloading I missed opportunities. Also, that's a case where the third shell was missed.

Member Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Posts: 398 Location: S Fl

It all depends.
O/U is nice for clays. But I prefer a SxS for most upland applications.
In a duck blind I like a Sweet 16 or 870.

There's room for all 3 in my safe.

Horses for courses, mate.

Pete

*Last edited by britgun on Thu Jan 04, 2007 3:25 pm; edited 1 time in total*

Great question, Rabbit Dog.....

For me, it's NOT single barrel vs double.....rather, wide sighting plane (side by side double gun) vs. narrow sight plane (everything else: O/U's, pumps, auto's, single shots.....)

I don't know why, but I hit stuff better with the wide plane---- hence double bbl side by is my choice...... I play with all the others shooting clay targets (have an O/U, pump, auto), but if I want to feel confident on game, and/or do as well as possible in competition, I go with a side by side because it plain works best for me, not to mention lighter to carry, quicker on the mount, and way "purtier"..

Duncan

Member Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 524

I preferr an 870 for waterfowl, my XS Skeet for clays and upland birds I don't have to walk much for and my 16GA Sterlingworth for chukars and any bird I have to hike for. So I guess I preferr double guns but most are too nice to take to the duck blind.

Member Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 989 Location: Las Vegas

Over and Unders belong in the Clays games

Automatics belong in the duck blind

SXS's belong in the upland fields (however, one is allowed to shoot a Sweet 16 for pheasants, occasionally.)

Shotgunning 101 Very Happy

Matt

Member Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 3438 Location: Illinois

Load them shells down to where they are no longer uncomfortable and continue to shoot the o/u