doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Score on a nice Dickinson

Thanks, Adam. As to dove season, remember what the cat said when he jumped onto the butcher block ............ "it ain't as long as it once was".

26 days and a wake-up!!!

SRH

Stan, what is your preferred dove load in 410?

Adam

Adam,

On the first few days of the season the 2 1/2" loads with 1/2 oz. 8s work fine, as long as you do a good job of limiting yourself as to distance. Later, I like the 11/16 oz. loads. I actually didn't believe the 1/2 oz. loads could be that effective until I tried them, but they actually work quite well on close doves.

Each gun can be different, so pattern a few of several different loads out of your new gun to see. I suspect the surprising effectiveness of the "shortie" load is partly due to better patterns than the 3" load, with my gun, but that it is mostly due to me being so conscious of the small payload that I just let 'em get a little closer. Limit it to 25 yards or less and you can't blame a miss on the little gun, IMO.

SRH

"Theoretically" based on an even shot spread �oz of shot should have about the same density @ 25yds as 1 oz would @ 35yds.
Shot of course do not spread with absolute uniformity.
I have never been a fan of the .410 personally so have not done any pattern testing on them.

It "May" be that they tend to throw patterns having a higher central core density than do the larger gauges. "IF" so they they would tend to be capable a a slightly longer range than theory on a well centered hit, but shorter on a fringe hit.

This of course all based on equivalent choking, "Not" comparing for instance �oz shot from a full choke & 1oz from a cyl.

Good points, Miller. I have not seen an increased core density in the .410 over other gauges in my patterning. However, I believe in tight choking for a .410, which "tightens up" all parts of the pattern, with increased density in all areas of it. That is probably a big reason I have had the success with it on birds that I have. Downside to that, of course, is a smaller overall pattern diameter, giving less room for error in lead, and in being off-line.

SRH

I thought I'd share a quick update on the Dickinson. I have used it for skeet and quail thus far (maybe I'll use it dove before the season goes out) and I couldn't be happier with it. It turns out to be deadlier than I thought it would. Got a 22 with it at skeet on Saturday which is good for me with any gun!

If anyone is considering one, I'd strongly recommend them. For the money they simply can not be beat.

Here a copy of my post from the "Game & Gun" thread where I wrote about my quail hunt with it yesterday.


Another glorious morning well spent in the longleaf pine and wiregrass of Southwest Georgia. But hunting wild birds was bit slow this morn. 3 pairs of hunters spread across the property for a half day hunt. 2 of the groups found 1 covey each and 1 group found 4 coveys. We found one nice covey and had some decent dog work. I thought the conditions would have provided more birds but I guess that's hunting. We ended the morning at the old farmhouse for sandwiches and relaxation.

I used my Dickinson Plantation Grade .410 and was very pleased. I think its going to become my go-to quail gun.

In the field


The quail rigs


Point!


Copper on the retrieve


Yours truly with my Dickinson 410 and the mornings bag

Great pics Adam! Your skills are far better than I could ever hope for. Very nice gun also, I do like my Dickinson, as you said, well made and a great buy. They have some very nice embellishments on their custom guns. For those who don't know about this, check out their website

Thanks also for the invite, perhaps someday!

Best of luck to you!

Greg