Archived from groups: uk.rec.shooting.game (
More info?)
In article <421a17fd$0$12862$cc9e4d1f@news.dial.pipex.com>, Sponge Bob
<nospam@ntlworld.com> writes
>
>"Larry Armitstead" <larry@whihouse.demon.co.uk> wrote in message
>news:4dfoggHEOSGCFwkp@whihouse.demon.co.uk...
>> In article <4218c221$0$29412$cc9e4d1f@news.dial.pipex.com>, Sponge Bob
>> <nospam@ntlworld.com> writes
>> >Hi, I moved from clays to pigeon shooting this weekend for the first
>time,
>> >however I didn't hit any! That said, many guns didn't hit any, I'm told
>> >that it was because it was incredibly windy and the weather was shifting
>> >from sunny patches to snow showers and back again which affected their
>> >flight???!!!
>> >
>> >Anyway, I didn't change the chokes in my gun (from clays), basically
>because
>> >I forgot to ask what to use. I have never changed the chokes from when I
>> >purchased my gun. Taking a look at them, some have notches, some don't.
>> >What is what, and what should I use next time I go pigeon shooting (I
>have a
>> >O/U 12bore). Any extra tips would come in handy too (i.e. best place to
>> >stand, how long to wait before moving/shooting, cartridges (I used 6s),
>> >clothing etc.
>> >
>> >Thanks,
>> >
>> >Bob
>> Bob,
>> You don't say whether there were any pigeons flying over you or whether
>> you shot at them & missed. Notches on chokes seem to change from
>> manufacturer to manufacturer, but for Browning/Miroku, 1 notch is full,
>> 2 is 3/4, 3 is 1/2, 4 is 1/4, 5 is skeet and no notches is true
>> cylinder. Tend to use 1/4 & 1/2 for pigeons and 30gm 6s.
>> Suggest for the Hows, Whys and wherefores of pigeon shooting, you get a
>> book on it, maybe 'The Pigeon Shooter' by John Batley or similar.
>> Finding a shot to show you the field craft is the best way of learning,
>> but I have found that with some pigeon shooters, getting them to divulge
>> their technique is the same as asking them about their technique in bed.
>> The actual details are always a bit sketchy, but the (alleged) results
>> are always boasted about loudly!!
>> Hope this is of some use.
>>
>> Larry
>> --
>>
>
>Thanks for your reply Larry (and Dave).
>
>There were pigeons flying over from time to time, singles and groups, but
>pretty high up. I did take a few shots, but, with the strong wind,
>incorrect chokes and target distance (nothing to do with being a poor shot!)
>I failed to down any, but as I said, out of 9 or 10 guns, there were only
>around 5 pigeons to show for 3 hours shooting!!!
>
>I have a Beretta O/U. I shoot the bottom barrel first, therefore I would
>require a 1/4 in the bottom, and a 1/2 in the top?
>
>Sorry to be so green, but we all have to learn somewhere! Its disappointing
>moving from a discipline where you're seen as a pretty good shot to one
>where you're embarrassed to return to the keeper's cottage to hand in your
>bounty of zero birdies!!!
>
>Bob
Bob,
Unless you are George Digweed, I would suggest you wait for the birds to
come close in to you. ie coming into land in the decoy pattern or to
have a look at the pigeon magnet outside your hide. We have all shot at
pigeons too early and scared a crowd of the off. If you've set up
correctly on a flightline they will come back in. Its that or wait at
the edge of their roosting wood and wait for them to come in late
afternoon. Keep yourself well concealed until the last minute for both
these sorts of shooting as the little blighters can spot a pale white
face at 100yds!
I have my gun set up same as you & it works fine for me.
NB. the subject of chokes is as about as contentious as Hunting! Chokes
& the length of barrels is argued about over many a pint of 'Old Scrotum
Twister' in Pubs across the land! You have been warned!
We've all had blank days shooting, but all the top pigeon men stress the
importance of reconnaissance. Remember the 7 P's:
Proper Prior Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance!
Hope you have a Red Letter Day soon.
Larry
--
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