Dove hunting with old shotguns

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Did a little dove hunting on the 1st. Brought my new to me 1897 winchester made in 1906 And my 1889 Remington made in 1901. Both in 12 gauge.

Loaded some brass shells with black powder and 7 1/2 shot and had a blast.

To me there's something special about using these old guns and wondering who used them before me and what their lives were like.

I also enjoy the challenge, if you can call it that, of having to work the action on the 97 and cocking the hammers and switching triggers on the 1889. It's more involved and rewarding in my opinion than using my remington 1100. Just keeps it interesting.

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I inherited my great grand fathers L C Smith 12 gauge hammer gun. It has fluid steel barrels and i shoot low to mid pressure hand loads in it. Have taken doves to deer with it. She is heavy to carry all day when doing a lot of walking. Love the lines and balance of s/s doubles. It has been a joy to own and use for 64 years.
 
My "old" gun is an Ithaca 37 from 1949 in 16ga. Used it on dove several times. I like using my SASS 20 ga blackpowder reloads for my CZ SxS 20 ga also. Love the "BOOM" and cloud of smoke!
 
My first dove (and quail) hunting was with my Great-Grandfather's 16 ga. Mod 97. I was hooked, and soon had a modern 12 ga.

Two weeks before opening day for dove season the first year I was married I was cleaning my shotgun. My bride asked why, and I told her that I was getting ready for dove season. Without missing a beat she said "Where are WE going hunting?" We?

A trip to the local gun store for an 870 20 ga and a training session busting clay targets later, and we were ready to go. Know what? She shot her limit that opening day, and if I remember correctly I only got two birds.
 
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