What?s in your bag? November 2020

Will M

Will M

Active member
Everyone,

I?d like to start a post that will work similar to the monthly ?what on your workbench? post. I know I enjoy seeing others success as much as I enjoy sharing mine. I figured this would be a good way to just show off how your season is going without having to start a full post.

So I?ll start it with a fine hunt from Saturday for New Jersey?s north zone second split opener



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I like this idea! One of my favorite ways to spend a November day-hunt ducks early and then take a walk for pheasants when the morning flight is over.
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Will~


Good idea!


I have been learning how to shoot left-handed this season - as I lost the vision in my right eye just about one year ago. So, we are not racking up the numbers you and others have. Nevertheless, I am very happy to have taken my 11th bird "southpaw" on Saturday morning.


Partner Jamie Woods and Boo have been instrumental in collecting many of my downed birds.



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I am a long way from the shooting performance I had developed over my first 55 years - but have 4 Canadas for 4 opportunities - and am batting about like Ted Williams on ducks - Mallards, Blacks, Woodlies. Sadly, batting .400 may be grand on the baseball diamond but well below my expectations in a beaver marsh....


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Mounting the gun on my port side is my biggest challenge - so I have passed up lots of shots because "things just don't look (or feel) right" when I should be pulling the trigger.


All the best,


SJS





 
Steve, Glad you?re finding some success with you?re new challenge. I imagine eventually you?ll be shooting just fine with a bit more practice
 
Steve, I'd say that every bird taken while you're learning to shoot left-handed counts for 2 or 3 shot right-handed, that is seriously impressive! I have a lefty buddy that shoots a left handed SBEIII, I've tried shouldering it left handed to see how it feels and it's a challenge to say the least. You're an inspiring fellow in many ways!
 
Steve Sanford said:
Will~


Good idea!


I have been learning how to shoot left-handed this season - as I lost the vision in my right eye just about one year ago. So, we are not racking up the numbers you and others have. Nevertheless, I am very happy to have taken my 11th bird "southpaw" on Saturday morning.


Partner Jamie Woods and Boo have been instrumental in collecting many of my downed birds.







I am a long way from the shooting performance I had developed over my first 55 years - but have 4 Canadas for 4 opportunities - and am batting about like Ted Williams on ducks - Mallards, Blacks, Woodlies. Sadly, batting .400 may be grand on the baseball diamond but well below my expectations in a beaver marsh....






Mounting the gun on my port side is my biggest challenge - so I have passed up lots of shots because "things just don't look (or feel) right" when I should be pulling the trigger.


All the best,


SJS




Click to expand...


The biggest thing is perseverance. Sounds like you're doing pretty good.

Have you thought about hiring a coach who could maybe help? Might be worth it next summer. Maybe they could help you through any problems you might be stuck on with a bunch of clays.


Just on a side note I have thought about buying a left handed gun to see if I could perfect it.
 
Steven you might think about an Ithaca 37.. As one of the sinister folk, I shoot a a Beretta 302, AND just have never noticed the empties. Persevere! Sounds like you are improving, and at our age, getting out to play becomes important, too. Debating left shoulder replacement--sounds like a combination of creaking door and rice krispies when I shoulder the gun right now. Just not going to take this problem be being inactive. KEEP AT IT, Rooster!![;)]
 
Steve, I would try a SxS [thumb safety] or a auto loader till you get the lefty feel. I can't use a hammer lefty. Tried shooting sporting clays with a lefty, each switching shoulders. Total disaster for both of us. Though another friend switched to lefty, left eye dominate. Takes time...
 
Rich et al~


Actually, I tried both - my 20 gauge double and my Dad's Winchester Model 50.


However, as my cherished Model 12 long ago became a part of me, it still feels the most natural of the 3 firearms. I have even downed a couple of birds after pumping.


I decided - on much of the advice heard here - to NOT switch my through-bolt safe to the left side. Instead, I hold the pistol grip in my left hand and take the safe off with my right forefinger. It's a system that seems to work.


A couple of times instinct/habit took over on sudden shots - and I found my eye and hands in the correct places - but I had mounted the butt on my "old" shoulder.



All the best,


SJS





 
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