Shotgun of Choice?

At first it was a Remington 1100 2 3/4 28 in mod then went to a pair of 1187 SP wood stock when they first came out still the go to gun I got a few others such as, 3200s citori combo and several fine 20 ga sxs but 1187 SP is the one
 
ONLY OLD Remingtons
1965 Wingmaster
1975 1100
11-87 Premier
 
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Worth Mathewson said:
Was hoping that someone would include doubles in their favorite gun or guns. I have several that I shoot for waterfowl, but the one I like best is a Charles Boswell 3 inch 12 bore with 32 inch barrels. It was made in 1912. A very good gun and adds to the day by just looking at it.
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my two go to waterfowl guns are a Super Fox (12 ga) and an Ithaca Super Ten (2 7/8 inch 10 gauge)

I occasionally let them rest and take the LC Smith Longrange - or a Parker - they are still fantastic waterfowling tools



View attachment IMG_2168.JPGView attachment RSL_0980.JPG
 
I had a beneillie12 auto Felt it kicked like a mule switch to a beretta extreama with special shock absorbing in the stock plus how it fit me love it ever since i made the change its got it all over the banellies after having both.
 
Benelli M1 and on the rare occasion a Winchester 3" Model 12 with a 32" pipe. She'll reach out and touch em'
 
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For years I shot a Browning A-5 and loved it,then a friend suggested that I try a Beretta AL 391 urika
I really liked the gun particularly the weight compared to the A-5. So the rest is history.
 
Eric,

Yes, I do use the gun at times during the season. It is a good old friend. It is a W&C Scott backaction sidelock, made before Scott and Webley merged in 1897. Those backactions were noted a being the strongest of all actions. It was also the first 10 bore I had that had been sleeved and chambered into a 3 inch 12 bore. After that one, I had five other old 10s changed into 3 inch 12s, and one of those, a Bonehill, into a 3 1/2. They made excellent waterfowl guns. Especially because I like heavy guns. That Scott was a remarkable gun because after being the lake for two years, the barrels and stock were gone, but the action only needed a little cleaning! I smile every time I take it out of the gun safe to use. Also, I have a deep envy of your Fox! Best, Worth
 
Worth

Two years! I had forgotten she was in the drink that long. Not sure what is more impressive, the fact you recovered it, or the fact it could be put back into service. Tell me about reworking 10s into 12s. Personal preference for a 12 of heft? Lessen recoil of a 10? Or some other reason?

Eric
 
Eric,

Actually that first W&C Scott had been converted from a 10 to a 12 when I purchased it. I liked it and decided to get other old 10s for the same purpose. All of them, except one, had damascus barrels. That just about ruled out using modern loads, and especially steel. Along with that a 10 with ducks over decoys is a bit of an overkill. Back in the lead days I used my old Ithaca 3 1/2 10, but largely for pass shooting. And I used the 2 7/8 shell with number 4s rather than the 3 1/2. The damascus barrels were replaced with steel ones. I was able to use 2 3/4 shells in those guns, which are about the only size I use for ducks. But I had the 3 inch chamber for geese if needed. I had all those guns choked for modified, so zero problem shooting steel. I got enjoyment from taking old 10 bores that were all but impossible to use, and return them to the field once again. For example I have another W&C Scott, the Premier Grade (with knockout engravings of game birds) that was made in 1882. When I take it out I spend more time looking at it than looking for ducks. As I said before, I get a lot of enjoyment at looking at and using old guns. Best, Worth
 

Winchester Model 12, 16ga.

Benelli M1 Super 90, 12ga.

Remington SP-10, 10ga.


Each for birds and situations with the best results.
 
Blake~


Thanks for this interesting thread.



I suppose any smokepole will do if you just want to "knock them down".....


I rely on my Winchester Model 12 - 2-3/4 inch, 30 inch barrel, full choke, nickel steel, built in 1925 - for the "dead in the air" outcome we all seek.


View attachment The Thanksgiving Drake.jpg



Kent Fasteel #3s are my usual bullets.


Like so much of this sport, personal preferences - in all kinds of gear, gunning companions, favorite spots, among others - are an amalgam of performance, aesthetics, lore and - over time - both experience and affection. I enjoy - and applaud - everyone who in fact has found a cherished fowling piece.



All the best,


SJS







 
Steve,

It makes me smile when you use the word BULLETS, for "shootgun" ammo.

My first true maniac gunning partner, who pushed me over the brink of Waterfowling Addiction (and the ruination of my life) always called em BULLETS.

He passed last year, but is not forgotten.


Best regards
Vince
 
Interesting thread Blake. For the big birds (turkeys), I used a couple safe queens this year.

First was my 63' Browning A5.


View attachment troy turkey 2020 A5.jpg


View attachment troy turkey 2020 A5 shell.jpg

My second bird was taken with my 1923 Fox Sterlingworth shooting 2-1/2" loads from RST.


View attachment troy turkey 2020 sterlingworth.jpg


View attachment troy turkey 2020 sterlingworth shell.jpg


As for the go to gun for ducks, the real tool in the shed is my older Beretta Xtrema 391, that is in the boat for every trip out sea duck hunting and has saved the hunt for many clients when theirs malfunctions. My own personal gun is a newer A5.
 
The beretta 686 onyx was my favorite gun that I traded off in a moment of insanity.
I had the 3.5 version and was guaranteed to wake you up if you were drowsey.
 
I've used various duckin' guns over the years. Model 12 Winchester, 101 Winchester and more recently (15-20 years) a left handed, camo Benelli M1 Super 90. It is a soulless tool, but the damn thing keeps on kickin' with little maintenance. For an autoloader, it also handles quite well (26" barrel). After the waterfowl season each year I break it down and remove and lube the recoil spring.

I do occasionally take a Fox A-Grade, or my Model 12 Heavy Duck along to the goose blind when I feel like bonding with my gun.

Matt
 
Troy,

Nothing like the smell of hot paper shells. Do you like the RSTs? I bought a couple cases of Federal papers for skeet doubles. Even in 1oz and cylinder choke they hit hard.

EDIT- Sorry, nevermind; I looked to quickly at the orange hull in your pics and thought you were shooting RST papers, but now see it is a plastic hull. Did not realize they make both
 
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Worth Mathewson said:
Eric,

Actually that first W&C Scott had been converted from a 10 to a 12 when I purchased it. I liked it and decided to get other old 10s for the same purpose. All of them, except one, had damascus barrels. That just about ruled out using modern loads, and especially steel. Along with that a 10 with ducks over decoys is a bit of an overkill. Back in the lead days I used my old Ithaca 3 1/2 10, but largely for pass shooting. And I used the 2 7/8 shell with number 4s rather than the 3 1/2. The damascus barrels were replaced with steel ones. I was able to use 2 3/4 shells in those guns, which are about the only size I use for ducks. But I had the 3 inch chamber for geese if needed. I had all those guns choked for modified, so zero problem shooting steel. I got enjoyment from taking old 10 bores that were all but impossible to use, and return them to the field once again. For example I have another W&C Scott, the Premier Grade (with knockout engravings of game birds) that was made in 1882. When I take it out I spend more time looking at it than looking for ducks. As I said before, I get a lot of enjoyment at looking at and using old guns. Best, Worth
Click to expand...


That makes sense now. Thanks for the explanation. You know, the average waterfowler would look at those as some old relics meant for a grandad's gun case and they'd never even think about shooting ducks with a 2 3/4" load out of anything that doesn't pop off 3 shots. The satisfaction you get from shooting something beautiful and well over 100 years old just can't be replicated with a new gun. I felt it for the first time this season with the Super Fox.

Eric
 
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