[jroswech]

Hi Guys

I am new to Waterfowl hunting and I wanted to get some recommendations on what type of Shotgun to use. I have 12 gauge O/U's that I use for Clays/Upland and SXS's that I just use for Upland hunting. Would you guys take an O/U into a blind or John Boat? If not can you please recommend a shotgun for me to look at?

Thanks in advance.

John

 

[BLKLABMAN]

Modern(ie- Not show pieces) Shotguns were made to be used. It doesnt matter what the cost was. It was made to be used. I use a O/U(Caesar Guerini Magnus) and a Merkel 477 SxS for goose hunting. They are a pure joy to shoot, and hunt with. The way I feel, is that if a person is afraid to use their shotgun, they not need/deserve to own it in the first place. I would feel this way even if the shotguns were Boss, Purdey or Piotti.
Take your O/U and enjoy it. :lol:

 

[jroswech]

Thanks for the re-enforcement. I am a little hesitant to bring the clay gun out into tough conditions. I just need to get over it, or why bother buying them!

John

 

[BLKLABMAN]

If the stock/forearm ever does need to be replaced, Cole's is standing by. Any scratches that may be aquired, are nothing more than Great memories. Use and Enjoy.

 

[blunder]

My main fowling piece is a Superposed, and it has been for over 40 years. Need I say more.

tom

 

[hunter20ga]

Nothing wrong with taking care of a fine shotgun and also with using the right tool for the job. I would not take a trap/sporting clays/skeet gun with beautiful wood into the field unless I absolutely didn't care about resale value. Everyone to their own, but human nature being what it is, well kept shotguns command premium prices on the used market, while ones full of scratches, dings and dents may hold many memories for the original owner, but elicit less interest from prospective buyers.

That said, if space in the blind is at a premium, a sxs is easier to reload than an o/u since it doesn't have to open so far. Aside from that, pumps and autoloaders are easier still. Some folks like sxs's for rising game (upland birds) but single barrels or o/u's for crossing shots (more common in waterfowling???). I'm sure there are many opinions on this issue. I'm not making any recommendations.

good luck and good hunting
hunter20ga

 

[chilled shot]

I agree with hunter20ga. My Beretta 686 sporting o/u is used only on the range and at the dove field. I use a matte/composite auto for everything waterfowl related. I'm sorry if some feel i don't deserve MY sporting o/u just because i don't take it to the marsh but hey, to each his own. That being said, if i felt compelled to take it duck-n, i'm sure it would be up to the task. Most likely someone will recomend some models if you give us a price range.

 

[Doc T]

I shoot SxS, O/U, pump, and semi-auto, depending on what mood I am in. A SxS is handier in a blind than an O/U. The SxS doesn't break down quite as far which makes it is easier to load. It also depends on the blind you are in. We hunt in pit blinds so it is harder to load the O/U and keep the muzzle pointed out. Take what you have and try them.

 

[Bob N]

Shoot what you shoot well. You can get a pair of 2 1/2" plastic pipe hangers at a plumbing store, cover them with rubber and mount them on the inside of your jon boat to somewhat protect your O/U or SXS when you are in the boat chasing a cripple. That will keep your gun from sliding off of the seat when you fire the motor up. What has been said about break action shotguns being tight to manuever in a blind is true. Most of my waterfowl hunting is done wearing full camo and standing in cattails or sitting on a log or stump along a reservoir so space is not an issue for me.

 

[WayneDW]

The worst thing is the boat. It will really scratch up a gun barrel and stock.
I duck hunt with an over/under and really scratched it up in my aluminum canoe earlier this year. As mentioned above, that's not a big deal if it's a gun you plan on hunting with the rest of your life. As for me, I was planning on selling this o/u as soon as my other one gets out of the gun shop. I sure wish it had gotten out before duck hunting season, cuz the one I was going to sell sure lost it's value in that canoe.
Oh well, at least I got to go duck hunting.
Wayne

 

[DirtyWigeon]

I abuse my gun when I go duck hunting, cuz I have to. It's the conditions around me that make it so.

buy a decent semi if you value your firearm, and plan on really getting into duck hunting. I suggest Berreta 3901

 

[DirtyWigeon]

Modern(ie- Not show pieces) Shotguns were made to be used. It doesnt matter what the cost was. It was made to be used. ..{SNIP} ...The way I feel, is that if a person is afraid to use their shotgun, they not need/deserve to own it in the first place.

Art was made to be admired, but I wouldn't hang the Mona Lisa in an outhouse.

It depends on where and how you hunt.

 

[BLKLABMAN]

[quote="DirtyWigeon"
Art was made to be admired, but I wouldn't hang the Mona Lisa in an outhouse.
It depends on where and how you hunt.[/quote]

Cant stand "Art" so yes, I would put her in the crap house. Firearms were made to be used.