[pheasntguy]

I'm looking at getting a 28g double.( sxs.. :roll: ..o/u) I'm looking at something like a stoeger or fausti or something .
anyhow..I've noticed most have fixed chokes of c/m. and thinking if I'm hunting pheasant,I'd like more choke for such a small gauge.any experience? I use m/f on my 20g and like the way it "hits hard".most shots will be over a dog,and I personally like #5 shot but #6 is ok too.problably better if only small load.
..and do any reload manuals have info for a full 1oz load?
thanks Ed :wink:

 

[pheasntguy]

funny you should mention Jack O'connor.It was in his book on shotgunning he said I required greater choke on smaller gauge.Figured that since he was 'right on' most other things he be right about this too?!? I treat that book better than the Bible! Ed

 

[pheasntguy]

THANKS FRANK ! :wink: I appriciate the info.I read O'connors,Bristers,etc and understand the machanics,but also realize that the birds don't know it,so they don't always comply.My shots are over a dog,so they'll be close.I do believe in 'percentages'and try not to take longer shots than reasonable.Again,with a good dog,I've been tempted to take a .410,but don't care for it.I've shot sitting grouse up north with my 410.sitting at 20yds with #6 and had some fly away.moved up to #5 and better success.Shock value.I've seen pheasants with numerous hits with #7 or #6 for that matter,keep going 50 yds to drop dead mid-air,so I personally prefer to "hit them hard".
but..thought better to ask thoughs more experienced like yourself.

and YES...some of the things I read here I take with a BLOCK of salt !!! THANKS Ed

 

[pheasntguy]

food for thought Frank..got me thinking.your absolutely correct.I had to look back in the files.I did an experiment years back (one of a thousand)with my 20g.In my pocket,I had two different loads 7/8 oz #7.5 and 1oz #6.they patterned identically.I would load my gun without looking at the shell,only looking after the shot was made.I did do better with the 7.5.it was a faster shell than the one ounce #6,which was a thinner pattern,and problably longer shot string.So over the dog,7.5 did serve me better.
My problem is that,even though I do my homework and read the shotgun sciences,I play the "what if " game.what if the pheasants are flighty? what if I shoot slow today ?what if I see something else...I toss all night wondering about what gun and what shells.I drive myself crazy.And no matter what combination I end the day with,I usually do well....
CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING...Ed

 

[pheasntguy]

jeez Frank..#6.5? Have to do more experiments :wink: !

thanks Ed

 

[pheasntguy]

thanks Jack,
needed to hear someone say that.When I was young and "stupid" it was use what is there and shoot what you have.The birds fell.Now that I'm older and "smarter",reading the books and doing the pattern tests,I shoot worst.took much thinking!!.I asked an old pro trap shooter once,how he shot so well and made it look so simple.he said "If I think about what i'm shooting at,I do bad.But when I think about where I'm putting the tomato plants next year,and the target catches me by surprize,I do good.don't think about shooting,just do it!"
I BELIEVE THERE'S TRUTH IN WHAT HE SAID.
Ed
p.s. I hear the pheasants out your way are skittish?

 

[pheasntguy]

from what I've read,you might need to tighten up on the choke a LITTLE for the farther shots,but seems good.