[Dave McCracken]

I met Anapex and Norton, both of this BB, at PGC for a spot of of clays. Anapex had his new to him Beretta O/U in 28 gauge, I handled it and tried not to drool on it. It's as pretty as a Palomino show pony. It also weighs about what my old Red Ryder BB gun did. Less than 6 lbs is my guess.

We all had 870s, Norton had his Express, Anapex that 870TC I'll buy if he tires of it, and I trusty ol' Frankenstein, the most overpublicized 870 on the Net.

We shot OK, though it took a couple rounds to find my mojo. Long work weeks. Still I did manage a 24 on one round.

Then, as Norton left to catch up on his Honeydew list, Anapex handed me a tiny box of little shotgun shells and the Beretta. Now, there's a friend!!

25 shots later I had hit 22 of them. Since the stock was about a hand short, I shot premounted. I had a big grin as I handed it back.

Most of my hits were goodnsolid. The thing swung like Zorro's rapier, smote like a thunderbolt, and had no discernable kick. It also had no pad, just a plate.

I wore a T shirt. If it kicked, I didn't notice.

Here's a shotgun effective to 35 yards or so that hits like my 12 gauge, packs like a walking stick and is pretty as heck to boot.

Anapex, thanks and if you ever decide you don't want that, same deal as the TC. You won't lose a nickel......

[kudu]

:evil: :neener:

Looks like another convert. :cool:

[anapex]

:D

[Norton]

It was a good day all around.....until I had to run a gauntlet of thunderstorms all of the way back to Annapolis :(

That lil' 28 gauge is as fine a firearm as I've shot. I'm still considering one of those for the wife as her dedicated shotgun.

Enjoyed it guys....that was the best 4 round I've shot to date. Usually I do great on the first round and then it drops off dramatically.

[Larry Ashcraft]

When I can wrest ours away from Sandy, its a hoot to shoot!
If it kicked, I didn't notice.
Scuse me, I have 250 hulls and a brand new bag of 8 1/2 shot, I have a date with my MEC. :D

[P95Carry]

My only exposure to that lil' cutie was at the Portage shoot but - oh my - it is indeed a gem. Dave - I can't see you getting rid of that baby in a LONG time!! :)

Great you guys could get together - only wish for that aspect I was less far away.

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks for the responses, folks. A couple things....

If there's a common clay game that the 28 gauge with its 3/4 oz of shot might come up short on, it's trap. I take my trap targets around 35 yards, and that's a fair distance for so light a charge. Even with hard 8 1/2 shot, it's close to a minimum load. 8 1/2 shot is ideal for this.

Larry, the upside is that bag of shot, if my math is correct so early, will stuff 500 hulls. That's economical.

Since I'm using 7/8 oz reloads for most of my shooting these days, stepping down to 3/4 oz isn't much of a change.

What I'd really like to do with that, like I told Anapex, is try it out on quail and dove.

P95, agreed. You're too far away.

[PJR]

You call this Anapex fellow a friend? ;)

In the world of shotgunning the guy who lends you a 28 gauge is a purveyor of addicitive substances because once you get hooked, you stay hooked and while you can control the craving for a 28 gauge you can never get over it entirely.

If you want the craving to go away there is no cure. There is only treatment. ;)

Paul

[Norton]

In the world of shotgunning the guy who lends you a 28 gauge is a purveyor of addicitive substances because once you get hooked, you stay hooked and while you can control the craving for a 28 gauge you can never get over it entirely.

Yeah...what he said. Anapex, we find you guilty of pandering an addictive firearm to your fellow shooters. You are hereby sentenced to the purchase of 1 Lorcin handgun and forfeiture of the little Beretta so that you can not spread your message of absolute fun to anyone else. :D

I will hereby take it upon myself to keep it safe in my possession to ensure that no one else can be infected. ;) :neener:

[anapex]

I will hereby take it upon myself to keep it safe in my possession to ensure that no one else can be infected.

Oh you poor soul, I can't let you carry this "heavy" burden. I'll have to keep it myself to save the rest of you. :neener:

What I'd really like to do with that, like I told Anapex, is try it out on quail and dove.

Let me know when, where and what I'll need Dave :)

The smile on Dave's face after his first shot with it was classic. It totally made the day a lot better even with the heavy rain and work waiting for me at home.

[Fred Fuller]

Y'all are BAD. Just BAD. All of you should be ashamed of yourselves.

lpl/nc (hoping you'll do this again in the fall, when i might be able to venture up there and join you)

[Dave McCracken]

Thanks for the chuckles, guys. A couple things....

First, I had noted that Norton's Express when held by him looked like a 20 gauge. For those who haven't had the pleasure, he stands about 5 feet, 19 inches. Easily a 40" shirt sleeve. Picturing him with the little 28 leaves a vague feeling of unease, as if reality had a list to starboard or something.

Second, I'm quite pleased with my performance with that little gem. 870s not only weigh far more,the balance is much more muzzle heavy since the receiver adds enough length to really move the balance point forward.Apples to apples, the little 28 is easier to start swinging, but requires attention because there's no inertia to keep things moving along nicely. IOW, for once my ducks were neatly aligned.

Third, t'were this mine, I'd add a pad just to give more length. The rib was fully visible and I'm sure it shoots high for me. Good for trap but I might not do well on shot opps that didn't climb so hard. Adding a pad would increase the drop, rectifying the high POI.

Anapex, let me look around. Dove are doable, but expensive. Quail seem to be an endangered species here and now, darnit.

Now where did I put that Beretta catalog?.....

[Norton]

First, I had noted that Norton's Express when held by him looked like a 20 gauge. For those who haven't had the pleasure, he stands about 5 feet, 19 inches. Easily a 40" shirt sleeve. Picturing him with the little 28 leaves a vague feeling of unease, as if reality had a list to starboard or something.

5'19".... :D ....sort of like celebrating my 8th annual 29th birthday party ;)

I did order that Limbsaver today.....maybe I can pick up one or two more birds with a little better fit.

[JohnBT]

You guys are a hoot. :)

"...control the craving for a 28..."

HA! My father bought a Guerini Woodlander 28 and now he makes me take it home and clean it and look after it(at least for the summer.) Am I happy? No, now I want another 28 - SxS or pump is the question. HA!

A guy at the last gun show wanted $25 for 21 #6 paper shells in a so-so cardboard box. HA! I did buy some S&B Sport 3/4oz. of 7.5 @ 2 Dr.Eq. though.

And at 6#2oz. it's teeny compared to a 12 ga. Express - both with 28" barrels. Less than 6 would be interesting.

http://www.hunt101.com/watermark.php?file=500/12153DSCN0165a3-med.jpg

[Dave McCracken]

Norton, I'm sure adding some length will help. The Sims pads are worthwhile, IMO. If I had thought of it, you could have tried Frank for a shot or two. It's about a 15 1/4" LOP now.

Good point John. Logistics of the 28 darn near demand reloading.