Two Barrels... Three chokes

[guyfromohio]

I've been doing a bit more Pheasant hunting as of late and was using my very unsophisticated Benelli Nova with a Modified choke to a level of success. However, I bit the bullet and have ordered a 26" Citori Lightning to be delivered this week. With two barrels and three choke choices, F, M, and IC, how do you set up your guns? Assuming that I'll have it set to the Over shooting first, would you put the Modified up top and the Full on the bottom for a follow-up shot a longer distance? Admittedly, I will be hunting a club with raised birds. Considering the potential closer distance, do I go IC up top and Modified below? Do I pick a favorite choke and buy a second to load up both barrels identically? What are your thoughts? This classy-gun thing has me corn-fused.

 

[rcmodel]

Set it so the under barrel shoots first and it won't kick you off target as much for the second longer shot.

If you are hunting over dogs?
IC on the bottom and Mod on top.

I have never found a use for Full choke in 45 years of Pheasant hunting here in Kansas.
With modern shells FC tears up way too much meat, if you can even hit them with the small pattern.

Unless the weather is unusually warm and they are running like jack rabbits?
IC and IC, or Skeet1 & Skeet2 will kill more birds over dogs.

Unless like I said, it is hot weather and they are running out way ahead of you & the dogs.

rc

 

[guyfromohio]

I have zero experience with O/U, so this is great information! I really appreciate it. I'll do exactly as you say and set the bottom for first shot with the IC and the Mod up top.

For trap, I've always used my 30" Wingmaster with a full choked barrel and done reasonably well. Would you recommend full for trap?

 

[oneounceload]

Pen raised birds? With dogs? IC/M will work just fine - and as RC said, open choke in the bottom barrel - recoil is directed in a more straight back movement

 

[rcmodel]

Would you recommend full for trap?

Yes.
Ranges are longer and targets are smaller, so a tighter pattern is desirable.

And unlike edible game birds, you actually do want to pulverize them into a puff of dust.

rc

 

[desidog]

I agree with the IC/M recommendation; but will add that if you're using a tighter choke, just wait a second until the bird takes a couple more flaps and increases the range... that way you won't have an lead soaked, torn up bird.

 

[rcmodel]

Every time I ever "waited" on a bird to get further out?

I missed it completely.

Thats why I always prefered a more open choke when hunting with dogs.

rc

 

[oneounceload]

Thats why I always prefered a more open choke when hunting with WELL-TRAINED dogs.

Fixed that for ya.......

 

[guyfromohio]

Again, thank you for the input. These digs do this for a living, so-to-speak. Although I'd love to take my Lab out there and see what she would do. Full chokes would be the way to go that day.

 

[guyfromohio]

I had a very successful day with the new browning. 2 ringnecks and a chukar. I was a little disappointed with my performance on the pre-hunt clays course. Do you think the 26" barrel significantly handicapped me? I'm writing it off to new gun, 1st time shooting an O/U. If I was a consistently good shot with both a 26 and a 30, would the 26 be an issue on a clays course?

 

[Spawn91]

I shoot a 26 on my over under and yes the bottom barrel is always first as its the more open choke.. Mine is a fixed choke "1965". I'd say u just need to get used to shooting an o/u.. They fee a lil different then the a stage auto or pump..