I have 2 HEs both 32", one an XE Special and the other a plain gun. I generally shoot 1 3/8 oz. Bismuth and Federal Tungsten Polymer #4 loads (because I have cases of the stuff-Niceshot is the best imho). With this ammunition, I notice no practical difference in performance between the HEs and my 3" M21 Duck, 3" M12 Heavy Duck,Browning 3" Superposed,or my "rain gun" a 3" pre-war BSA Wildfowler. They are all choked full. My Ithaca 3 1/2" 10 ga. NID, however seems a step above the 12s in the field if only for its payload of 1 3/4 oz of #4 Federal Tungsten Polymer...I also have a Benelli Super Black Eagle II. If I had to earn a living shooting ducks, I would shoot that with Remington HD...luckily I don't. HEs are neat old guns with an interesting history and connections and they shoot very well. They are rather hefty and do command a premium over there contemporary competitors. I used to shoot Perazzis at live birds, for the past few years I have shot a 1893 Purdey pigeon gun because I like to... "nostalgia", isn't that the whole point of shooting these old guns? Unlike antique cars, antique shotguns can still be a practical, if not superior, option for the daily use they were intended for.
Last edited by 11F; 07/21/11 09:38 AM.
