SXS to "delicate" for trap?

[Okiecruffler]

I've been considering giving trap shooting a try, and now that some other obligations are out of the way I finf I have time. Well, I'm a bit of an oddball and I want to shoot with my SXS's. But I'm being told by the local guys I've been talking too that SXS is too delicate and won't hold up to trap. Now rifles, I understand. My C&R's I'll take down until the screws are in parts. I'm no expert, but I know how they work. Pistols hold no mystery. I can do a trigger job about as good as anyone loacl that I could pay to do it, and every part is polished like a babes bottom. But my shotguns are another matter. My shotguns are another matter however. I'm afraid of them. I tell the wife that they are a retirement fund, but in reality they are my babies and they don't need no knuckle dragging fumble fingers like myself playing around with their inerds. So I don't know, maybe they're right, maybe they are too delicate for trap. But I have one 311 that my grandfather bought new in 1952 and although he took exceptionally good care of it, he used it hard for over 30 years before he gave it to me. In the 20 years I've had it I've put thousands of rounds thru it, often a few hundred a day. And it's still ticking. As far as I can tell it's still as tight as it ever was. So my question is, "Are SXS's considered to be delicate?" or are these guys just trying to hurt my feelings?

 

[PJR]

The short answer is no. I believe this reputation came up during two periods, one when light English sxs with 2-1/2" chambers were transported here and used with loads much heavier than ever intended.

The second period was when Spanish sxs of dubious qualities, built to price points demanded by American importers didn't stand up to constant use.

However, American sxs such as the Winchester Model 12, Parkers, Foxes, et al are as durable as any of the modern o/us IMHO.

Your Stevens is a solid a gun. I helped a friend buy a 311 recently and upon examining it in detail was very impressed with the gun much more than a recent Winchester Model 24 that I saw around the same time. The "magic" of the Winchester brand continues to elude me when there are equally good guns in so-called lesser brands that are as good as Winchester.

Some sxs are fragile but others, such as yours, are built heck for stout and I would use your 311 to shoot trap and not have a worry about durability.

Personally, I think the real reason these trappers are trying to dissuade from using your sxs is the humility they are sure to feel when you wax their tails with your horizontal gun.

Paul

 

[Okiecruffler]

I've always loved Winchester SXS's and have lusted after a mod21 since the first one I saw. But even when you're looking at a 24, which I believe is, at best, the equal of the 311 in quality, the price is inflated. A co-worker who I was plannng on shooting with was nice enough to offer to sell me his Charles Daly O/U so I wouldn't hurt my poor old SXS, but like my granpappy learnt me, "If'n God wanted you to shoot an O/U, He'da put your eyes thata way."

 

[kudu]

I have seen several L.C. Smith SxS's out there that were designed for trap shooting, with very long barrels for trap shooting, 30" I think. Prices are up there around $1000 depending on the grade.

 

[SASS#23149]

Serious trappes shoot mega-thousands of rounds thru a gun,sometimes in a single year.Maybe they are thinking along those lines??
Your 311 should hold up just fine.
It is generally thought by a lot of folks that sxs's are not very ergonomic...meaning they kick harder!! I'll buy into that train of thought,at least where my double is concerned.Recoil can be tamed of course,and trappers shoot some pretty light loads compared to field or hunting loads.]

And just think of all the excercise yo'll get holding up twice as much steel as the single-shooters.

 

[retiredsgt]

S x S

Okie.:I have shot trap on numerous occasions with various doubles. I used both of my Parkers, a L.C.Smith, my Stevens 311, and a Barker Damacus barrel double. I was in a league, so shot 50 rounds a night, and often went to the range and shot 3 or 4 rounds a night. All with various doubles. Ain't nuthing wrong with 'em if you like to shoot 'em. So go ahead and enjoy yourself. That is really want shooting a shotgun is about.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Few SxSs are seen on trap ranges these days, but that's not due to lack of strength.

The narrower sighting plane, according to Brister et al, of the O/U platform works better when angle and speed of the target is known. The SxS works better under the variables of field shooting,according to the same sources.

FYI, I've shot Purdey, Parker and Fox double trap guns. Ithaca and LC Smith ahd them also.

In your shoes, I'd shoot it lots, have barrels of fun and enjoy kicking butt on those guys who disparage your choice. You may be able to pick up a bit of side money....

 

[Okiecruffler]

I can buy the part about single sight plane, that makes sense. I could always use one of the wife's pumps, but they don't fit me as well and would probably be more of a handicap than the SXS. And my granpappy also taught me to stay on the horse that brung ya. The more I talk to these guys the more I think I'll just call around and find someone who can teach me the basics and go it on my own. They seem to be more interested in making a fashion statement than shooting, and apparently one of them wants to make sure that I'm not carrying my pistol when I come to shoot. He was appalled to find out I had a CCL. With friends like that, who needs enemas? Still going to give trap a go, and there's a place not too far north that does sporting clays. I wouldn't mind giving that a whirl too.

 

[El Guero]

I know what Dave is talking about. Our trap range has a little sporting clays range and when we have our picnic we go play on it. I'm used to trap with a pump, and I use my dad's SXS for the clays. I would always have a hard time acquiring rocks with those two barrels in my way and while I could really nail them sometimes, other times I can't see them. When I used it for trap it wasn't real bad because I knew what would happen, but I don't know if it would work for a beginner.

But I mostly had to reply for this:

With friends like that, who needs enemas?

That's the best typo I've seen in months!

 

[Brian Dale]

my granpappy also taught me to stay on the horse that brung ya.

There's your answer; have fun!

 

[Dave McCracken]

Just show up at the trap range ready to shoot,John. Someone will show you the ropes. Trapshooters aren't nearly as misanthropic as legend relates. A coupla things you'll need include eye and ear protection,(Always!!) shells, something like a shooting vest or a belt and pouch setup to carry your stuff,and maybe a hat.

Jerry Meyer's Clay Target Handbook gives overviews of the games and lot of tips.

And try all the games, but only start one at a time.

 

[sm]

I agree with the reference Dave mentioned in regard to Brister, and sighting planes.

There are few that use to compete in other games that shoot for fun now. We shoot anything for anything. Good buddy Uses his Various Winchester SXS for everything, like me not a trap shooter per se' but more experience at it. He can run 'em with a SxS, gun holds up fine, 50/50 and no comments about the gun.

Another has various SXS from 311s to you name it, guns hold up and targets break. This guy could shoot a BB gun and hit. He run 49/50...with 28 ga, no less...I still contend I saw a chip come off that "lost bird".

SxS are not too delicate. Most shooters I shoot with are secure with themselves. I guess some "delicate" folks show up to shoot, as usual it is the shooter - not the gun.

 

[cabinetman]

Once, I shot trap with my Italian, 2 trigger, exposed hammer 16 gauge SxS with a trap-shooting buddy of mine, and hit clay for clay with him on the short range. I had more difficulty on the long range but that's only from inexperience. I wanted to "get used" to shooting it and that was the best way to do it. I didn't see any issues with shooting a SxS at all. I did get lots of "looks" but hey!, it's all for fun and the looks went away as I out-shot some of the regulars! LOL

My buddy shoots about 4000 shells a season and reloads for himself. He shoots a Browning o/u ($$$) and even after two seasons and about 8000 shells, it's still getting "broken in". This is where the difference lies between a high-priced shotgun and a 'bargain' shotgun. Both do well in the field, especially if you only shoot 30-100 shells a year. Put them through the HELL of a 100 shell trap shoot day in and day out, and you'll start to notice where the quality of the good shotgun outperforms the less expensive ones. The locks get loose, bearing surfaces wear, etc., etc.

Any a good SXS should be able to keep you competitive, as long as it's a quality gun and can take the punishment like that Stevens. Just keep an eye on the mechanicals.

Rome