doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com What is rationale behind skinny splinter forearms?

The problem with all clay target shooters is that they get so use to using only one style of gun that they become very rigid in what they can shoot well. They like heavy, high comb guns, with wide fore ends and such great barrel weight that they swing like a 4X4. This goes for Skeet, Trap and Sporting Clays shooters alike. They see the best shots using 9-10 pound guns and use the same thing.

As a reformed clay shooter I now can shoot equally poor scores with O/U, SXS, Pumps and Autos. My bolt action efforts are worse because I can not work the bolt with a bad shoulder and only rarely break doubles with on shell. One trigger or two does not matter. Splinter or beavertail does not matter. Straight, prince of wales or full pistol grip does not matter. To me it is like blonds, redheads and brunets. Men may have a preference but only real old men turn down a free shot at or with one of the others. You are not that old are you? Load two shells and have fun.

A little humility never hurts--especially going in. Wouldn't do to goose egg a couple of stations and then launch into that old refrain "I guess I'm just a 6 shooter today!" like you hope no one noticed. As for skeet, I've reached that plateau of mediocrity where I can break 21 in any condition short of a hurricane or nuclear blast with anything that will load a second round while the targets are still flying (Out-of-bounds stakes don't worry me!).

jack

I am about the same way, rabbit. A 21 or 22 at skeet and I feel I am doing pretty good for the day. But, KY Jon, a 9 or 10 pound gun for clays? I don't see many clays shooters shooting 9 or 10 pound guns for clays. A guy I know just bought a 10 gauge Zabala SXS and he says it weighs just under 12 pounds. So a 9 or 10 pound gun would have to be pretty heavy. The better skeet shots at my club shoot .410s, 28s or 20 gauges most of the time. I don't think my Ljutic trap gun would weigh 9 pounds. But then again, as I said before, most of the guys in this area dislike the splinter forends about as much as I do. Splinters might be alright for the bird hunting crowd, but for clays, most people I know would never buy a gun with a splinter forend for clays. And when I go to the bigger shows in this part of the country, like Louisville where they have about 4,000 tables, the guns with the splinter forends pretty much get passed over if the same model comes with a BTFE. But, to each his own I guess.

You shoot a Ljutic. That explains it all.

Ok, I'm late to this thread, but with all due respect the above quote is from somebody who has absolutely no knowledge of clay target shooting. This is drivel, as is the perceived advantage of burning your hand on a set of hot barrels.

Tell me you like the aesthetics of a splinter...ok. Tell me you like the tradition of a splinter....ok. But please don't try to sell the idea that they shoot better. If they did, the guys who shoot targets and flyers for money would be using them...and they are not.

Cheers all.

Yes, so what do you shoot trap with?

Right, Baron 23. And like I said earlier, your handguns have a grip to hold onto instead of the metal. In fact, many people replace the grip on one to have even better control of the gun. You don't hold a rifle by the barrel(s). So, why would you prefer to hold the barrel(s) on a shotgun? Your fingers can go over the top too far on a quick shot and if you have your hand open you can possibly cover the target or lose control of the gun because you aren't gripping it. Plus they look skimpy and ugly. At least to me. Nuff said.

Jimmy, I picture you as one of those guys who'd sooner have hold of Hillary's ankle than something more slim and trim. In fact, you probably think they LOOK slim and trim!

Larry, if he likes Clydesdales he surely lusts for Hillary's ankles,

JC