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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 99
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,701 Likes: 99 |
On the other hand, if you know you only have one shot you will make the best of it. I enjoy hunting with my singles (an Army& Navy hammer 20ga, and a BSA 12ga Snipe model)...Geo
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 130 Likes: 21
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 130 Likes: 21 |
No warning shots, eh?
Sounds like grouse hunting is a lot like hunting woods quail, flailing about with one foot on a stump and one in a cow pie. Fun times.
Caution: Hunting and fishing stories told here. Protective footgear may be required.
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Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 6 Likes: 2
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 6 Likes: 2 |
Not sure how it works with a dog (I’ve never had a chance to hunt grouse over a dog), but I recall several times where a grouse was flushed, one shot fired, then a second grouse flushed (I learned not to break my gun open too quickly if my second barrel was unfired).
I also recall, on at least one occasion, firing my right barrel too early and my left barrel too late. In those cases, I just knew if I had a middle barrel I would have connected. 😆
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,143 Likes: 1143
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,143 Likes: 1143 |
I enjoy using a single at times for doves. My only one right now is an Iver Johnson Special Trap, an inexpensive 32" trap gun from yesteryear. It was the only SBT ever produced in America with an external hammer. I hope to one day acquire a nice English fowler.
There is no doubt in my mind that limiting ones' self to one shot makes a better shot of you. It's the same principle, IMO, that I found when I quit using screw-in chokes in competition sporting clays, and went to two fixed .020" chokes in my Perazzi. My mind was less cluttered with thoughts of which choke I needed for that particular station, and more focused on the shot. Both are ways to "outsmart yourself", so to speak.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 718 Likes: 104 |
I concur with the prior assessments of the second barrel. The first shot is often rushed and hurried.The Second shot is measured and Usually a much more productive shot. The problem occurs when two shots are taken at one bird and a second bird launches. This happens more than one might imagine. In such instances, The owner of a fine double pines for a model 12…or a Fanzoj triple barrel!
Owen
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,143 Likes: 1143
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,143 Likes: 1143 |
The problem occurs when two shots are taken at one bird and a second bird launches. This happens more than one might imagine. In such instances, The owner of a fine double pines for a model 12…or a Fanzoj triple barrel! Not I. What I can't get with two shots is welcome to go. I have been known to tip my hat to an "escapee" that I missed, or that flushed late. The only reason I ever shoot a repeater at game is just to give my little vintage 20 ga. pump some use, and I haven't done that in about 6 years. Actually, if I ever use it again on birds I'll load just two shells.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 130 Likes: 21
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 130 Likes: 21 |
My first shotgun was a Savage 220 in 16 gauge, with a factory Polychoke and ejector. I hunted dove, quail, pheasant, deer, and small game with that gun. I missed the second shot badly with quail and pheasant, not so much in a dove field.
Caution: Hunting and fishing stories told here. Protective footgear may be required.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,332 Likes: 388
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,332 Likes: 388 |
It's usually not until later in the season when the leaves are down that I get the chance for a clear second shot at ruffed grouse. I wish I could say I never need a second shot. But there are those times that a second bird flushes right after the first shot is taken, so it is nice to not be standing there with an empty gun watching it sail away.
A true sign of mental illness is any gun owner who would vote for an Anti-Gunner like Joe Biden.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 390 Likes: 8
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 390 Likes: 8 |
I believe, most grouse I have taken, have fallen from pulling the second trigger. Without that second shot, I would have never taken a true double in upstate NY. I'll never forget those two bird's; a lot of flushes and shooting, but only took home the two birds which ended up at the taxidermist.
Rich
Last edited by 28 gauge shooter; 01/22/22 01:20 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 30 Likes: 6
Boxlock
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Boxlock
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 30 Likes: 6 |
As a 13 year old growing up in the country, upper midwest US, I was all about bringing home the ruffed grouse and other game. The sport part of my hunting was to follow the hunting laws and to aim well. On one outing I spotted 5 grouse on the logging road ahead of me. Being hard to hit on the fly, I aimed at the center of the group and fired my Stevens 12 gauge single. I levered it open and the empty ejected and I slipped the round from my left hand into the chamber. I did this while running towards my kill. As I reached a dead grouse two more were on the ground flapping wildly. I stomped on their heads as I ran by and I scooped up a forth grouse by the neck. The fifth grouse was taking to the air and I took aim and fired. It dropped immediately. I felt like I was in shock, five grouse with two shots from my single 12. Well with a bit of stomping and neck ringing as well. After that day I never got better than a double but not for lack of trying.
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