Which Shotgun for Sporting Clays?

[LibShooter]

My employer is sponsoring a sporting clays tournament and I may get to participate. So which of my ancient shotguns should I use?

A. Stevens Model 311 SXS 12 Gauge w/ 26" barrels

B. Marlin Model 48 Pump 12 Gauge w/ 25" barrel

P.S. Can anybody tell me how to determine the choke on these guns?

 

[cchris]

A dime won't fit all the way down a barrel with a full choke. Other than that, I don't know.

 

[DaleCooper51]

The barrels should be marked somewhere. If not you could use a set of calipres if you have them. If not most gun shops have a gauge to measure choke that drops down the end of the barrel.

As to which one to use. Which do you shoot better?

 

[oneounceload]

Odds are, the Stevens with 26" barrels is probably IC/M

As to sporting clays - will they work? Yes, especially if the gun fits you well. You might want to get a practice round of skeet under your belt. SC targets tend to be more quartering/crossers than just going away like trap...

Have fun

 

[LibShooter]

As to which one to use. Which do you shoot better?

My Dad just gave me both the guns. They were his Father's.

I have fired about a dozen rounds from the Stevens and hit a few skeet.

As far as I know, no one has fired the Marlin in decades. I know I have never shot it. I just talked to Dad, he said it worked fine last time he took it duck hunting... he thinks it was 1974!
Maybe I should get it to the smith before shooting that one.

Have fun

Thanks, I have been to a few SC events behind the viewfinder of a camera, but never behind a shotgun. Looks like a lot of fun! I had hoped to use this as an excuse to get a 20 gauge Remington 870 or Mossy 500, but it looks like that's not going to happen.