doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com shotgun shoots low

I have the opportunity to buy an Arrita 2" game gun. The dealer had the gun patterned. The expert who did the work told him the gun shoots fine, but shoots six inches low ( both barrels). I have a three day inspection period with permission to test fire the gun. I really don't want the hassle though if it is a problem gun. What questions should I ask the seller other than,
distance, shot size, or how did you hold the gun ?
Thanks in advace, Dave

If the answers to your questions about how it was patterned indicate that the pattern is centered six inches below the 'point of aim' at 30 yards, it sounds fine. Just 'float' the birds a little when you shoot and you'll be dead on...Geo

If you "float" the birds you'll be shooting even lower.
maybe it was made as a rabbit gun...?

Uhhh, I think you're right. Nevertheless if its that close to being on target at a reasonable range, your gonna get'em anyway. I believe we worry too much about where the center of the pattern is in relation to point of aim. It's a shotgun. A 2" birdgun is going to be open choked, and if it shoots a 40/60 pattern at 30 yards he can learn to shoot it...Geo

Yabut why?

Buy one that shoots to POA.

Would ja buy a car that didn't go straight?

I like a shotgun to shoot two to three inches high. Most game birds are rising targets. The only reason I can think of for a low shooting gun would be ducks coming to decoys and in that instance I would want a flat shooter. A gun which shoots six inches low can only be described as a POS in my book even if it's a $100K Fabbri. Also, for many target shooters the more they shoot the higher point of impact they need. I agree with Shotgun Jones. If you pattern her and she shoots six inches low for you, then send it back and find another gun.

I don't think you know where the gun shoots without shooting it. You can have the stock bent up if it shoots too low for you. You can have it bent down if it shoots too high for you.

I got fitted for a gun one time. The guy had to be an expert becuase he had an English accent. He had a 6' x 6' pattern plate set up. It was made from a 1/2" steel plate and he had a paint that didn't dry already mixed up. There was a hole in the center of the plate for a pointing point. He paced me back about five yards and I mounted the gun and fired. He would note the deviation of the Point of Impact from the Point of Pointing. He would then paint over that pattern and I would mount the gun and shoot. Again the deviation was noted. This was repeated a few times and he made the stock bending recommendations for that gun.

Anyway, if it shoots too low send it to a competent smith and have him bend the stock up. Should be about $200 including shipping.

Best,

Mike

+1 on what Mike said. I had a gun that shot low also. I was also advised to shoot it as is. It's not worth it.

Just get the stock bent. I can tell you, you'll be much happier than trying to adjust to the gun.

Best of luck to you!!!

Greg

Take the gun to a patterning board yourself and see how it shoots. If it shoots low you can build the comb up using foam/cardboard etc. to correct poi. Then you will know how far off it is for you. If it is a modern gun with normal "modern" dimensions and you are not way outside the norm, you should be able to adapt pretty easily. I agree with what Geo. said, we worry to much about the little things.

If I get to talk to the fellow who shot it, I'll let you know what he said.
There are so many variables from shooter to shooter piont of impact has to vary also.
Is there a standard that modern gun manufacturers use to get these things right ?
dave