doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com S x S for Waterfowl

What kind of SxS are you guys using for waterfowl? I'm looking for a new gun for Waterfowling and would like to find a double but have not had any luck as yet. I do like 3" loads but not 3.5". All of my doubles, with the exception of a 3.5 Citori, are just too light and kick a lot with the heavier loads.

Anyideas?

In recent years I have used 6,3-7,0 lb 12X65, 16X70 and 16X67 chambered doubles with 24 to 30 grams of Bi-Sn or up to 32 grams of Kent Tungsten-Matrix shot for shooting over decoys and jump shooting. Never needed more.

Most I ever used for long was 38 grams, 1250 fps load in 76 mm hulls in a 7 3/4 lb Citori. Used that for pass shooting geese long, long ago with Cu-plated #4 lead shot, more recently with #4 and #5 Bi-Sn. Killed nicely.

Do have some #5 and #3 Kent T-M 36 gram loads at way too high velocity. Never have used them. Presume that they will do as well at the same sized Pb alloy shot I used in the 1970s and 1980s, That is, IF they pattern decently at the overly high velocities.

IF I were to buy a modern double today, to use for pass shooting, would look for something that could handle 36-38 grams of HeaviShot at 1250 fps max and give nice even 80+% patterns from both barrels at 40 yards and 50% patterns at 50 yards.

Niklas

A new gun or new to you, Wired? My guess is most gunners here are using older doubles, some twist and damascus, and low-pressure 2-2 3/4-inch loads for waterfowl; all they need for birds over decoys.

Hang in to the board and you'll get all the advice you need on choosing a gun, new or used. All of my guns are relatively old, the newest was made 40-odd years ago. I'm not handicapped by any of them, in any way.

If you take your time with the shot, have the blind placed right with a decent spread of dekes they're not so hard to bring down.
With concocted shot shells, I'll be using a Remington 1894 12g.M/F and two Philly Foxes 12g. both M/F choked guns.

Hello Wiredducker, Buy a 10 gauge PARKER SXS with damascus barrels and shoot 12 gauge bismuth out of it by using GAUGEMATES. Gaugemates convert the chamber from 10 gauge to 12 gauge and the old Parker will shoot great for you. See the web site for gaugemates at --- http://gaugemate.com/gms.htm --- Good Shooting To You, Jent

I have found the CZ Ringneck 12 to be most durable. It has double lugs, Greener crossbolt, side clips, chrome lined bores, is chambered for 3", screw in chokes, and simple extractors. It is under 1K and while not sevelt like my "sweet elsies", it will take a heck of a beating. Further the NC salt marshes are rough on bluing, the CZ is black chrome plated. It is not a "purists" gun, but a reasonable alternative if one wishes to hunt waterfowl with a double. Best, Dr. BILL

Hey Wireducker,

You may want to look around for a Ruger Gold Label. 3" chambers and will shoot steel. I don't own one but a buddy of mine shoots one occasionally and has had no complaints even after dropping it in the Potomac River. As I recall he got the straigt-gripped model well under retail nearly brand new, but those days may be long gone.

-jmc

Whatever you do, don't get a Browning BSS with 3" chambers and 30" barrels. At least not until I find mine. Been looking for one to trade my 26" BSS for. Hard to beat in a duck gun, IMO. Pistol grip, full beavertail f/e, single trigger with a trigger guard large enough for a gloved finger. And, oh yeah, tough as an anvil.

I use a BSA 3" 32" barreled 8 1/4 pound fowler. Watch Thad Scot's site and you can get one for about 6 to 8 hundred. Hell for stout and cheap enough that I shoot steel in it. I can't afford Matrix at $3.50 per shell. If I shoot the barrels out, I'll replace it with another. No signs of problems yet.

Exactly why I would love to see either CSM or Mr. Hurst's new Lefever offered in a 12ga with 30" tubes and steel safe barrels! Enough of these 20ga. toy guns!