Another Open question to Dave McCracken

[ezypikns]

I have really enjoyed your thoughtful posts. Thanks for all the valuable and well written hints.

I'm an old poop. Been shooting shotguns (with varying degrees of success) since I was about 10. I've always shot semi-autos, but always wanted a double. A side by side to be specific. Rather than spend about 2000.00 on a Ruger Gold Label I bought a (horrors) Russian shotgun. A Baikal IZH 43. 26" barrel. It's a very workmanlike but very durable shotgun to say the least.

Recently I have discovered how enjoyable skeet shooting is. Using this weapon I can usually break about 18 out of 25.

Two questions please.

Am I handicapping myself by using a side by side to shoot skeet? I realize this may be a very subjective question.

I have always heard that having a shotgun 'fit' to you personally is worthwhile. What are your thoughts on this? As regards my current shotgun, this might be like trying to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.

Thank You

 

[sm]

I'm not Dave, but you knew that.

I am a Skeeter tho'. Amongst other things...

Sir, you have earned the right to shoot skeet with a SXS.

You have shot shotguns that fit, and know how important this is. You realize that the single sighting plane is more condusive to skeet, as well as other clay games such as trap, live pigeons and so forth.

You know SxS are best for driven birds and such games that replicate this. You know all about longevity of various makes, brand names of shotguns firing thousands of rounds a year.

You did NOT buy your skill, abilities or scores with guns, accessories, hacking, whacking, and hanging fuzzy dice off a shotgun.

You have well made shotguns that fit, and shoot well. Not only for skeet, also for hunting and HD.

Good shooters are made - not born -Misseldine

You sir are a Good Shooter

You have earned the right to have fun, shoot skeet or anything else with a SxS. It is nice to have paid the dues, not be under pressure of having to shoot a straight, shoot the current popular gun "all the rave", or give one whit what folks think about you, your guns, your scores.

One gets to a point where they can fell 'em with a stick

Nothing says that stick cannot have a wider sighting plain, aethestically pleasing to view, fills a dream niche, is easy to tote.

Just tweak the gun fit if need - it is a new platform to you - pattern test the loads, and have fun. The scores will improve.

You are not an "old poop" - You just got bigger is all.

Maturity is NOT age specific , nor does becoming older guarentee Maturity.

We both know and have seen 15 year olds with more Maturity when it comes to shotgunning , and the abilty to shoot than folks in 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s. These folks are still trying to buy skill and targets.

The fifteen year old learned the basic correct fundamentals with a gun that fits. He will continue to get a gun that fits as age causes body to change physical dimensions. 15 y/o will pattern said gun , and continue to dust 'em.

My best to you Sir, have fun with the SxS - you earned it.

Steve

 

[Dave McCracken]

Friend sm covered a lot there. Let me put the cherry on top...

First, you're shooting for fun. Shoot what you want to. You may be surprised at the results.

Hal M Hare, Captain of the US Skeet team, uses a SxS, a custom Model 21.

Gene Hill quotes a skeet legend who shot a vintage Parker."I'd rather use the Parker and get a 198 than anything else and get a 200"....

Re fit, it may be one of the most important factors. Getting it to shoot where you're looking in comfort aids performance no end.

Tweaking the fit down to the last 1/32" isn't necessary to show improvement.

Get the length right, then the drop. Use a patterning board, it's a good tool and nigh as useful as indoor plumbing.

HTH...

 

[ezypikns]

Many thanks.........

to both of you. Useful comments and kind words indeed. It's no wonder this forum is called 'The High Road'.