Aiming with a SxS

[wintermute76]

Last summer I picked up a Stoeger Uplander supreme SxS 12ga. I shot it a couple times and that was about it. Went out to the trap range tonight and only broke maybe 15 out of 50 clays.

Is there a different technique with a SxS as opposed to a vent rib 870?
I used to shoot sporting clays and was consistently breaking 85%.

It seems that the rear of the action is higher than the rib over the chambers, also there is a small bead about halfway down the barrel and a large orange bead at the end.

Do I just but the end bead on top of the action? or line up the 2 beads?

Thanks in advance

 

[kudu]

wintermute,

You probably want to see at least a figure 8 with the beads, or for trap even a bit more space because of the target rising. Side bys also have a tendency for some people to look across the barrels when they lead a target if they don't fit right.

 

[45auto]

Side by sides are tougher for me to shoot also. When you are used to single bbls, O/U's, it seems like there is a "garbage can" at the end of the bbls, 12 gauge anyway.

With a little practice, I started hitting some targets when I focused on the target 100%, instead of the bbls...big surprise. Higher stock helps.

But, there is a good reason why side by sides are not seen in the clay target world much and you just experienced some of that. I think they are fine for big targets, pheasants, and close distances. I have seen some people shoot very well with them, but the gun fit well and they used them with some regularity.

As always, the gun must fit, have reasonable patterns and shoot close to where you are actually pointing.

 

[Okiecruffler]

I'm just the opposite

I've done 99% of my shootingwith a SXS and can't shoot a single barrel near as well. I think it has more to do with the weight than sight picture. When I shoot I focus on the target and if I'm aware of the bead at all it must be subliminal.

 

[EghtySx]

You aim a rifle. You POINT a shotgun. One of the first things I learned as a kid in my first shotgun class. Second thing I guess was that you squeeze a rifle trigger and you SLAP a shotgun trigger.

 

[Dave McCracken]

(Manfully resisting urge to open new cans of worms)....

The very first thing to do with a new shotgun is hitting the pattern board, both figuratively and literally.

My guess, it's not shooting where you're looking.

A couple years ago, I reported on TFL about an inexpensive SXS at AGC that didn't shoot both barrels to the same Zip Code. It was replaced by the dealer with one that did.

After it's established the hardware is up to spec, get into the software.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

As usual, Dave is correct.

My wonderful Browning BSS broke only 10-15 out of 25 the first time I tried it at trap, compared to 15-20 for my 11-87 (no comments about my crummy shooting, please

But a session on the patterning board showed me where it hits, and last time at trap I went 22, 23, 22.

 

[wintermute76]

Thanks for all the help

I"ll have to check the pattern next weekend when I go up north. My last time out shooting clays was with my former 870. I could just get a new one also

At any rate, thanks for all the replies, they're bound to help