20 ga. barrel weight for skeet

[Rollie]

Hi, I have a Franchi Veloce 20 ga. o/u that weighs around 5 1/2 # with 26" barrels. I don't hunt much anymore and just shoot a little skeet with it now and then. I realize it is not a skeet gun, but it is what I have, I like it, and it would be too expensive to trade. I would like to add a little weight to it to tame it down a bit. There appear to be several ways to do this including weights under the forearm, and clamp on the barrel style. Has anyone done this ? How much weight would be helpful ? Any ideas ? Thanks, Rollie

 

[oneounceload]

Jim's Ear and Eye in Jacksonville sells magcap weights for several guns including the Beretta and Remington . You might see if there is one that fits the Franchi

 

[Sav .250]

Do you have a re-coil pad on that shotgun? If not, that could be a big help . I`m not sure if there are "re-duced" loads for the 20 ga but if yes, that would also help.

 

[ATLDave]

Sav, I read the OP as wanting weight to slow/smooth the swing, not to deal with recoil. I'm sure he (or she, as the case may be) can clarify.

To the OP, I have no experience with the weights, but one very easy thing may be to use extended choke tubes. Remember that the farther from the fulcrum, the more the weight will change the swing. So even a little weight right out at the end of the barrels may make a noticeable difference.

 

[oneounceload]

Here is what I was mentioning - maybe the weight for the Italian guns will work?

http://www.jimsearneye.com/barrelweight.html

 

[DaleCooper51]

Besides adding weight to the front end, I would add an equal amount to the stock to maintain handling. I would try to add at least a pound to the gun. Even at 6.5 lbs that is still a light gun that will beat you up after sustained outings.

 

[Rollie]

Thanks for the comments, I have a limbsaver recoil pad that helps a lot. I just wanted to add a little weight to the 5 1/2 # gun to smooth up the swing. I just don't know how much to add. I am 70, and just want to improve a little. Some of the weights are only a few ounces, and others are 10 oz and up. I realize I cannot make it a skeet gun with weights. Just thought I would ask if anyone had had the same situation, and what they did. Thanks, Rollie

 

[oneounceload]

When I owned an 1100 in 28 gauge, I had to add an eight ounce weight (from Jim's), and that was a great aid in smoothing out the small single light barrel. I normally shoot an 8.25# O/U, so I needed that weight to help my swinging on targets. It worked great

 

[Rollie]

Thanks, I assume you used the weight just ahead of the forearm, on the nut. Sounds like a good place to start. Would use a clamp on weight just ahead of the forearm. Anyone damage their barrels with clamp on's?

 

[Virginian]

Go to the local Golf store and get some club head weights. They come in various weights and in packs of about ten, and are small and flat and just stick on. Work right on the side of the barrel below the sighting plane. Lots of trapshooters use them. Won't damage the finish and you can remove or change as you see fit.

 

[Rollie]

Thanks! I will give that a try.