Semi-Auto Shotgun "Test Drive"

slimjim

Some follow-up. I forgot to mention that I shot slugs through the Mossberg and got achieved a 3-shot cloverleaf off-hand at 25 yards. I was suitably impressed with this level of accuracy using foster slugs in a smooth bore. Also, a buddy I'm shooting 3-gun with did the La Rue match down in Austin this weekend. He borrowed a Benelli SA instead of using his pump. He ended up getting mixed up with a loading sequence because it wouldn't cycle a round out of the tube magazine. He ended up not completing the stage. This emphases the importance of always have a round cycle out of the magazine when you cycle the bolt in a tactical situation.

chambered221

slimjim wrote:

Not sure it is a feature I'd be interested in. I don't like bolts moving unless I release them.

Look at it this way........it's the bolt release, just not the traditional button performing the function !!!

I see this set up as an advantage in tactical shooting.

chambered221

slimjim wrote:

I was suitably impressed with this level of accuracy using foster slugs in a smooth bore.

Too many people under estimate the potential of a smooth bore with a slug !!!

slimjim

chambered221 wrote:

Too many people under estimate the potential of a smooth bore with a slug !!!

You still have to search for the right barrel-ammo combination. The shoulder just takes a beating while you are doing the accuracy evaluation.

stovepipe

slimjim wrote:

Returned the Benelli and Beretta, cleaned, with a loaf of bananna nut bread. It was a great experience.....

Wow- I'll say. Cleanin' a shotty with a loaf of banana bread really would be some kinda experience. Might be a lil messy but the gun would smell good, and, you could eat the patches! I'm all over it! Razz

slimjim

Yes, my high school English teacher would be so proud of me for using punctuation correctly! Look how important that comma was! It changes the entire meaning, one that you missed stovey!

stovepipe

Something else got missed....the punchline! Shocked

slimjim

stovepipe wrote:

Something else got missed....the punchline!

take the comma out and your interpretation is correct. Otherwise

Poke

couldn't find a punch line but did find a poke line.

stovepipe

I still gots one good arm...don make me fly out ta Tay-has. Mad

At least you get to shoot. Yuor suggestion to switch-hit was well recieved last night...till I pulled Kabong from the safe fer some dry firing and remembered it aint an ambi stock.

Shocked

Time to make an adjustable cheekpiece. Another project. Joy. Laughing

Elvis

Slim old bean check out ATI advanced technoligies industries they make a good range of tacticle accesories for the mossbergs. the prices over here arent out of reach either.

slimjim

Elvis wrote:

check out ATI advanced technologies industries they make a good range of tactical accessories for the mossbergs

Thanks for the tip, Elvis. I don't think I want to add much to my Mossberg pump. I'm just going to shoot it in these tactical matches to learn. If I really like this type of shotgun match, then maybe I'll step up to a 12ga. I expect it will be a semi-auto.

stovepipe · Posted: Sat Apr 23, 2011 8:45 pm Post subject: IF, yer goin' ta 12ga.....???

Getta new Defender! Very Happy

Ok, Ok, sorry...I'll stop. Sad

slimjim

Well the results of the tactical shoot gun match are in. The good news is I didn't come in last (14 shooters). It was an interesting experience. The biggest challenge was reloading (need to practice that). There were 4 stages taking 20 to 30 rounds, a few of which were slugs. There was plenty of action with reactive steel, clay, and paper targets. I was the only one with a 20ga. I didn't feel like I was disadvantaged as the targets all fell in a similar manner to the 12ga birdshot. The semi-autos dominated the timing. Several with tube extensions were malfunctioning - the mag plungers would hang-up on the joint and stop feeding shells. The FNs (Winchester SX3s) ruled. I need to improve my reloading skills before I need to worry about a faster action.

The least fun part of the event was cleaning all the lead out of the barrel. Based on that, I don't think I will worry about cleaning powder residue from a gas operated semi-auto.

slimjim

I reviewed the match results again this morning to make sure I hadn't missed any lessons to be learned. Caught 3 things. The stage I did the worst on had the most reloading. I may have loaded more than others because I had no targets missed (low points down). And last, a cowboy action shooter with a Win 97 pump came in second overall. I know is action is well honed as my pump is still getting worked in - shot more rounds through it this weekend than the rest of the time I had it. However, the cowboy action shooter was loading single shot through the ejector port. He beat all the semi-autos but one. I also think he was shooting reduced loads because my 20ga was getting more reaction with the targets than his 12ga. Still, running single shot he was only 7 seconds slower, 193 vs 200. Lots more to learn.

slimjim

While practicing this weekend for the 3-gun next week, my shooting partner loaded his 12ga FN (Win SX3) with some 2 3/4" high-brass #6 shot for some close in drills. He is 250 pounds but started complaining that his SA kicked so much more then with the high-brass then the low-brass that wasn't fun any more. LOL Laughing