Patterning My Beretta 1201/Questions

[FPrice]

I took my new (to me) Beretta 1201 out today to check the patterns. I fired three rounds of Federal Tactical 00 Buck at 7, 15, and 20 yards each. I then fired four Federal Tactical Slugs at 15 yards.

At 7 yards the pattern was very tight, right at my POA. It opened up a bit at 15 yards but still seemed to place all pellets on target. At 20 yards the pattern drifted to the right a bit but still kept all pellets on the target.

The four slugs grouped well although a bit high and slightly left. At first I thought the first slug hit the center of the target because I had two roughly 12 gauge holes from the first shot. The center hole had (mostly) very sharp edges, almost as if it were made by a wadcutter bullet.

My biggest question is this. Should I adjust the sights to get the slugs on target at 15-25 yards and use "Kentucky windage" for the buckshot?

I am open to learning how to get this SG on target and working best for me.

Thanks.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Assuming this is going to be a defensive shotgun,Frosty, zero for the ammo that will be most likely used. That's almost certainly going to be buck.

The HD 870 here is zeroed for buck, which means I have to hold a bit low with slugs under 50 yards. No big thing....