Thread: New to gamebirds

Hi

I'm looking at getting into some game bird shooting this coming season and the wife is also showing some interest in this as well. So I've always been keen on a over and under but don't want to wreck it shooting the wrong stuff through it, if I get a modern over and under with interchangeable chokes does this mean it will be OK to use light steel loads in? or would I be better buying a fixed choke shotgun and running expensive ammo.

Thinking along the lines of a beretta or miroku. I assume the shorter barrels are better suited for game birds? I was thinking of a 26 or 28inch barrelled version, does this sound about right. I understand fit is important so happy to look at other makes aswell.

I also have a semi 12g and will use this until I find something suitable but wanted to do some research first on the over and under.

Any tips on someone starting game bird shooting, I've got next to nothing in the way of gear, wanting to target Canadian geese and ducks. Thinking of stalking rivers and maybe some peet swamps if I can get permission from doc(have seen some Canadian geese on these while chasing deer). Obviously I won't be targeting ducks until opening day

Cheers

Generally a modern (10 years or less in age) under and over of those makes should be fine.

Most new u/o are proof tested and safe to use steel. Personally I like the 30 inch barrels but 28 are a good medium. Interchangeable chokes are the way to just remember you cant go any tighter then a modified or half choke for steel. Mirouku beretta and browning are buy once and last a lifetime if you have the money and if going second hand shouldn't let you down. Find one that fits and feels good for you then get out there amongst it

You might want to consider overall gun length. For the same barrel length, semi-autos are longer because of the action length. Personally, I think 28 inch is good for a semi and 30 inch for an O&U. The Miroku MK70 is a lovely gun for the price and now available in camo if that's your thing.

Benelli 20g. Put a Patternmaster on the spout. Brutal rig.

I second the Miroku M70
For the current price I believe it is a heck of a gun.

Modern under/over will be fine, generally you don't want to shoot steel through a choke tighter than modified although, some state you can. Miroku would be a great choice.

Thanks for all the replys
, looks like I will be looking to get a modern miroku(if it fits me well) otherwise I'll have a look at other options. Appreciate the feedback, cheers

you already HAVE a semi....if it shoots ok for you...use it and see how it patterns.


there is an absolute shitton of info out there,and from memory fish n game Dunedin have quite a bit of info in pamphlet form.

you will shoot far more birds with a good fitting single shot that the most fancy gun that doesnt....
if you stick to loads of less than 34grms you will get on ok with just about any choke less tight than full.
there are great/awesome 30-32grm loads that work just fine with ranges of under 30 yards...or thereabouts.....they still loud as hell but recoil is less than the heavier payloads.

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

you already HAVE a semi....if it shoots ok for you...use it and see how it patterns.


there is an absolute shitton of info out there,and from memory fish n game Dunedin have quite a bit of info in pamphlet form.

you will shoot far more birds with a good fitting single shot that the most fancy gun that doesnt....
if you stick to loads of less than 34grms you will get on ok with just about any choke less tight than full.
there are great/awesome 30-32grm loads that work just fine with ranges of under 30 yards...or thereabouts.....they still loud as hell but recoil is less than the heavier payloads.

yup f&g,s still the best place to start
join your local clay club to and you never know what help may fall into your lap.
just remember like the mafia once your in duck/goose/gamebird club its awful hard to get out of it,
if you go the o/u dont go the 3 inch steel route till you,ve exhausted the 2 3/4 inch only slightly less wieghted loads.
whose reduction in recoil im appreciating in a double

you can use 2 3/4" shells happily in 3 or even 3 1/2' chambered guns.....some folk actually do this on purpose to releive pressure on VERY HOT handloadings,must work sort of like a weatherby long throat......
Ive used lots of 3" and lots of 2 3/4" and are quite happy with either on ducks...big geese or when range is extending,the SLIGHTLY bigger payload or speed seems to help...for me personally,and the lake shooting we normally do opening weekend with jump shooting being the norm for rest of season,speed of 1500-1550fps works best.....and shot size of #3 seems to be best all around...prefer #2s on geese or parries all the same.

I would like to ask something without hijacking your thread mate......im tossing up between a MK70 and a Beretta A400 and am a lefty, i don't want to buy a left hand gun as they not easily resold ... any advise would be greatly appreciated , does it matter if i shoot a right hand Miroku?..and..never shot Waterfowl before!!

Originally Posted by Swan1313

I would like to ask something without hijacking your thread mate......im tossing up between a MK70 and a Beretta A400 and am a lefty, i don't want to buy a left hand gun as they not easily resold ... any advise would be greatly appreciated , does it matter if i shoot a right hand Miroku?..and..never shot Waterfowl before!!

The A400 should come with shims to allow it to be made to fit you. The mk70 would be so easy.
If mainly waterfowl I would suggest an Auto.
At last pook shoot i was on out of 30 of us only myself and my mate had U/O's and only because we are normally upland hunters.

Originally Posted by Swan1313

I would like to ask something without hijacking your thread mate......im tossing up between a MK70 and a Beretta A400 and am a lefty, i don't want to buy a left hand gun as they not easily resold ... any advise would be greatly appreciated , does it matter if i shoot a right hand Miroku?..and..never shot Waterfowl before!!

given the dirth of left handed guns available my understanding is any that hit the 2nd hand market are snapped up usually at a premium.