16ga.com ~ View topic

.....with clays, I can adapt pretty much to anything I am shooting, WITHIN REASON (1 1/4-1 3/4 comb, 2 to 3 at heel).....but on feathers it's a different story....I need the confidence factor in some trusty proven old reliable......I know it's psychological, 'cause on the clays, I don''t care, I'm relaxed and shoot a few rounds until I "break the code" on that particular gun, then keep on shootin'....birds is serious, can't waste time dialin' a gun in.... (unless it's feedlot pigeons and you know there's hundreds more comin') Smile

Member Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 1 Location: California

The only real measurement that matters is the drop at cheek, which needs to match the distance between your own cheek and pupil. We are commonly given drop at comb and heel, as each of us mounts the gun differently, but wouldn't it also be useful to know the distance between the comb and heel? If I know the DAC, DAH, and distance between them, I can estimate the drop at cheek for any point between the comb and heel. Now all I need to know is my particular habit of mounting the gun, say 4" from heel.

Incidentally, if the distance between comb and heel are significantly different between two guns, this can explain why you will shoot them with mixed success even though they have the same DAC and DOH.

So why isn't the distance between comb and heel commonly provided?

The problem with too much drop to heel is the mechanical advantage it causes to exaserbate recoil. Its simply a matter of the angle the stock line forms with the barrels. More angle, more upward movement, less angle, less upward movement. Heavier recoiling ammo further exaserbates the phenomenon.

I use a modern 16 gauge gun because the it is built to handle the heaviest, most powerful 16 gauge loads available. I will always use enough load when hunting to get the job done with a bit of reserve power. This means I can do things with a light 16, that used to be 12 ga territory.

A modern stock design lets me shoot the most powerful 16 ga. loads without too much discomfort other than the heavier push at my shoulder. I do not get clipped in the jaw too boot. This would also apply to any lightly built 12 ga. gun too, so a bigger bore will not help here.

Regardless of personal preferences and tastes, we can't get away from the laws of physics.