doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Recommendation for Argentine autoloader...

I know this has been hashed over in the past but I can't find the thread. For those of you who have dove hunted in Argentina what automatic would you recommend?

I know for a fact that William Larkin Moore is down in Argentina doing just that right now. He telepathically sensed the term "automatic" in this thread and his ears started ringing and he also developed immediate heartburn! Er Joe: I think this primarily is a double gun forum.
I have a couple of autos myself but I usually don't admit this to anyone!
Jim

Joe, I don't think Otto Loader is a common name in Argentina. Probably get more recommendations for Juans and Miguels.

Yeah, fellers. I hesitated to even mention the "A" word. Myself I don't own anything but those guns with two horizontal barrels so I had to ask the question. And I hope none of my shooting buddies around here see the posting--it'll ruin my already poor reputation. Perhaps if I only shoot an "A" outside the U.S. then I can keep my SXS badge....please.

I have been there twice and go back in June. I am using a Wally World 390 black gun with screw chokes. DO NOT take any version of the Browning Gold! They do NOT hold up to this volume. In 2005 we failed two of two golds. My numerous Parkers and better grade K-80's will be at home. I can afford to loose a 390 all though I would note that your NRA insurance covers your guns there. Have fun!
bill

Joe, despite the obvious bias in favor of doubles on this forum, I think there is good reason to consider something other than an automatic. I began shooting in Argentina in the late 1980s. I started with a Remington 11-87 with an Ithaca 37 in reserve, both 12 ga. My experience was that the gas operated automatic became a one-shooter unless I spent lunches stripping and cleaning it every day, and the light Pump-gun kicked too much to enjoy shooting on a hot-barrel dove expedition.

Next trip and ever since I've carried a Citori 12ga o/u without a backup. The heavier Browning has been a pleasure to shoot and thoroughly dependable. A Citori 20 with 28" barrels would probably be an even better choice, and still plenty of gun for everything I've shot in SA.

The Benelli style recoil operated autos wouldn't foul like the gas jobs. However, I think the recoil would be a problem like the light pump I used.

I hope you'll try something besides just the dove only trip. Three or four days of South American style dove shooting is just TOO much shooting. The mixed bag trips including a sample of eared dove, pigeon over decoys, pediz over pointing dogs, and duck species you've never seen before is a more enjoyable trip and when you discount the $10 a box shell bill, about the same price. Just my opinion...Geo

I've been to Argentina twice. The first time for doves and the second for ducks and geese. For doves I took a Rem. 11-48 28 ga. skeet gun with Cutts and chokes and a Rem 20 ga. 1100 LT with Briley screw in chokes. For the geese, etc. I took a Win SX-1 with Briley thin wall chokes and the Rem 20 ga. 1100 LT. The only problem I had was the Rem. 1100 threw an extractor the second afternoon. I had a spare, so it really wasn't a problem. I had some other spare parts, but didn't need them. Frankly, I feel comfortable with the guns I took and will do it again. If they get lost in transit, break etc. I can afford to replace them. With a nice O/U or SxS, it won't be so easy.

Johnpe

What do they have at the lodge? If the house guns are 390 20 ga, then try one up here and see what you think.

On my one trip (so far) the lodge Autos were all 391s

I took a 20 Ga. Superposed & a 20 Ga. 23 Winchester, and my shell bill was considerable, with an auto I would have had to sell a Kidney.

I haven't been but I'm interested in the recommendations also. The breakaction guns seem the 'reliable' answer, but I've wondered about the 391 20ga Sporting I have as a viable extended use Argentina gun.