What can I do with an O/U?

[XD40EZO]

I'm fixin' of purchasing an O/U. What is the main purpose of this particular shotgun? Hunting? Skeet? Turkey? Big Game? HD? etc...etc...

Wanna make sure I put it to good use and not just sit there and look pretty...thanks in advance for the input.

Peace!

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Use for any wing shooting and clays games.

Not enough shots for my taste for HD duties----but will work in a pinch.

 

[XD40EZO]

wing shooting? you mean shooting birds or ducks? sorry, i'm still feeling my way around the long gun world...

thanks,

 

[kudu]

Any kind of clay game you can think of, and most any winged game will drop to an O/U. Slugs don't necesarilly like O/U's because the barrels are not regulated for them. They may shoot within 6" of each other with slugs at 50 yards if your lucky.

They don't have all the gizmos that pump and auto guns have available, they are meant to be a hunter's and shooter's gun.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I suggest holding off on getting an O/U until you have a better idea of what you want.

I like O/Us. I've shot a couple extensively and hope to again. Many folks like them above all others for clay games The two barrel and chokes mean a lot of options for load and choke combinations.

But, you're just starting out, know little about what you need or want, and good O/Us do not come cheap. Cheap ones seldom are good.

I suggest, and I'm sure most veteran shotgunners will concur. that you get a US made repeater for your first shotgun. A Big Four pump is a good cost effective choice, and so are the ubuquitous 1100s one sees. Get your form right, learn how to shoot, and then decide if another kind of shotgun is best for what you want to do.

HTH....

 

[PJR]

What do YOU want to do with this gun? If its for clay targets it's an excellent choice. It's also very good for hunting upland game such as grouse, pheasants, partridge, etc.

It's acceptable providing it can handle non-toxic shot (e.g. steel) for waterfowl but most of the duck and geese hunters I know including me prefer other guns when going into wet marshes or on boats where the chances of your gun getting soaked are higher.

An o/u isn't anyone's first choice as a predator control gun but if it's all I had it is better than nothing.

The advantages of the o/u is two different chokes whether fixed or preferably with choke tubes. If you are reloading it's a lot easier to recover empty shotgun hulls. Hinge guns like an o/u or side by side are also safer and more reassuring to those around you. It's easier to check your barrels for an obstruction. An o/u is easier to unload if you have to cross a fence or other obstacle. Everyone around you can see at a glance that your gun is safe. The last point is very important when shooting clay targets.

Paul

 

[Rembrandt]

Why use an over/under?

1) Because you can use longer barrels without adding overall length to the gun. Pumps/autos/bolt actions can add 4-6 inches to the guns length.

2) Lighter weight due to less ammo capacity and less material for the action.

3) No need to run around picking up empty hulls after shooting. This is a must for trap-skeet-sporting clays shooters who reload. (some ranges require shooters to pick up their hulls)

4) If the need to unload on the range is required, it is far easier to do so with an O/U than cycling the action of a pump or auto.

5) Easily broken down to a shorter length than pumps or autos.

6) (This will stir some folks up, heehee) They are a gun for the sophisticated gentleman who has mastered the skill of hitting a target with one round. Second round is available for those shooting skeet, doubles trap, or sporting clay games. Those that need more than one shell per target should consider a tube magazine gun, for the spray and pray method of shooting.

 

[Smoke]

What is the main purpose of this particular shotgun?

Anything any other shotgun is good for.

Smoke