WB
A very cool shooting test! I like it.
Tuesday, November 05, 2024, 14:46

Yesterday we went out in the pasture to throw some clays. I have an Outers tripod trap. It is set to throw about 60 yds. The conditions were overcast and very windy. (The trap shoot is tomorrow at noon) BTW I had a Baikal in .410 SXS. Wish I still had it! You can handload 3" to 28 bore specs. with a 3/4 oz. load. I used 2400 powder but I bet longshot would be great.

I set Roman up with my dad's 1100 Std. 20 ga. 28" full fixed choke. I had the Franken-Remington 870 with a full choke tube and my Mossberg 500 Turkey gun with 23" Ported barrel and IC choke. The 500 is a very good gun but is a little short stock for me in shirt sleeves. Fine in a hunting coat but it beat me up a little even with 1-1/8 oz. target loads. I hit good with it to about 40 yds. if I "followed through" on the falling bird. If I aimed a foot under and stopped, I always shot over it! I was lots better performing on fast birds out or before they started to drop.

The Remington is just a more refined gun. The 870 Wingmasters used to be double $$$ the Mossberg 500's and you could see why. But they downgraded the 870 "Express" with matte finish, synthetic stock, plastic trigger guard and made it a Mossberg in spirit. Now both cost $400-500. I have custom stocks on the 870 and it fit a little better than the Mossberg. I probably stand a better chance with it and it's full choke. But if I wait till the bird starts dropping I'm in a fight, no matter. The 1100 20 bore standard is simply sublime and pleasant. A custom stock away from being as good as anything in field grade.

One boy going tomorrow has never shot a shotgun. It will be interesting. I have a Rossi single barrel 12 30" Modified for him. It has a good recoil pad on it, but it does not weigh much!!! I've been coaching him already. I'll have pictures tomorrow.