Shotgun Selection Part 5 - Action Type

     Hunting shotgun actions are broken down into three categories: auto loader, pump, and break action. I've used all of these, and have found that each has pros and cons. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean that an action is a good or bad choice, these are just my opinions based on personal experience.

                                                                 Auto Loaders
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Multiple fast follow up shots                                               -More difficult to reload than a pump or
      -Reduced felt recoil                                                                       break action
      -Last shot holds the bolt open                                              -May not cycle properly with lighter loads 
      -Multiple sight and barrel options                                        -Can malfunction if exposed to mud and other 
      -Allows you to swing smoothly with your                                   elements  
             target as you fire                                                            -Only one choke can be used at a time
                                                                                                     -Most difficult to clean



                                                                  Pump Action
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Doesn't use gas pressure to cycle, so it provides                 -Slowest rate of fire for follow up shots
             the most accurate and hardest hitting fire                    -Only one choke can be used at a time
      -Reliable manual action cycling rarely jams                       -Requires you to adjust your aim after cycling
      -Multiple sight and barrel options                                        -No notification when the last round is fired
      -Can be the least expensive action type


                                  Break Action (Dual Barrel Side By Side or Over / Under)
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Rapid second shot firing                                                      -Only holds two rounds
      -Multiple chokes can be used at                                           -Typically only used for upland birds 
             the same time                                                                 -Slowest to reload (if it doesn't have
      -Can be the most expensive to purchase                                     ejectors)
      -Easiest to clean                                                                    -Few sight and barrel options
      -Easiest to reload                                                                             

                                                       Break Action (Single Barrel)
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Great gun to learn how to make every                              -Single shot
             shot count                                                                       -Not commonly found
                                                                                                     -The slowest follow up shot

     So there you go. These are just a few things off the top of my head that I remember when comparing them. I hope this helps you decide what's best for you.

     Thanks for reading,
     -Rhody

Shotgun Selection Part 3 - Chokes And Patterning

     When firing a shotgun you should have a pattern of shot that is the proper density to provide a humane and quick kill. This is done by having the appropriate choke setting, and using the ammunition that you will hunt with.

     The choke on a shotgun comes in different sizes, allowing the hunter to determine what percentage of shot (density) they want to hit the target area. Shotguns come in two choke designs; a fixed setting at the end of the muzzle that can not be changed, and a screw in that allows you to change the choke tube sizes.

     So how do you know what setting you have? On a fixed barrel, the type of choke is stamped into the barrel usually a couple of inches above where it meets the receiver. For the screw in tubes, look on the side of them.

The type of choke determines the density and range of the load.

     When patterning, try different load and choke combinations and factor in the distance of your shot. Here's a list of the steps I take when patterning:

          1. Check for an appropriate backstop.

          2. Place 30" circular targets at 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards spaced a few feet to the side of each other so
              that each shot fired won't show on the other targets.

          3. Use the same loads and chokes I will be hunting with.

          4. Fire one shot into each target, aiming at the center point.

          5. Collect the targets and check the density of each group.

     If you have a good grouping of pellets ( I prefer about 3 pellets per sq. inch) in the 30" circle, that is an effective range for that choke and load combination. Remember that at shorter ranges, the diameter of your shot pattern will be smaller and the grouping will be tighter.

     -Thanks for reading,
       Rhody