Livefast123 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Firstly I don't really know much about clay pigeon shooting apart from the fact that I have loved the couple of times I have been out doing it and as I'm waiting for my SGC/FAC grant it's time to consider what gun i'd like.......then the problems start. On my first couple of lessons I tried out a Browning over and under and some sort of single barrel semi automatic. Don't get me wrong the Browning was a beautiful gun but I much prefered using the semi. I found the weight far more acceptable, it seemed to have less recoil and I found it easier to swing. When I mentioned to my work clay club that I wanted to get a semi I was met with a roomful of silence, then I was told that I would make no friends due my carts flying off into people, I would be viewed as a danger as I wouldn't be able to break the gun and that I wouldn't be able to hit anything because differing birds require different chokes. This kind of confused me as the gun is only as safe as the shooter and semi's can have plugs in, I have seen people using semi's fine at the ground and i'm sure I can design some sort of cartridge deflector if it's that much of a problem. So what do pigeon watch think, is a semi OK for clays?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaserF3 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 (edited) A semi auto is a very good gun for clays, the only problem is the empties. If you do your best to pick them up it will be appreciated. Mind you an awful lot of O/U users just let them drop on the ground. p.s. from a safety aspect learn how to unload a semi safely...before you use one..many never do and it's scary to watch. Edited December 20, 2011 by BlaserF3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankeedoodlepigeon Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Its fine for clays. you can use 1/2 choke for just about anything. If it bothers you about spending a minute to pick spent carts up I am sure I read a post or 2 on putting a deflector or washing machine tablet holding bag to catch them. I don't get the same reaction when I am at the clay ground using my semi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vipa Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Firstly I don't really know much about clay pigeon shooting apart from the fact that I have loved the couple of times I have been out doing it and as I'm waiting for my SGC/FAC grant it's time to consider what gun i'd like.......then the problems start. On my first couple of lessons I tried out a Browning over and under and some sort of single barrel semi automatic. Don't get me wrong the Browning was a beautiful gun but I much prefered using the semi. I found the weight far more acceptable, it seemed to have less recoil and I found it easier to swing. When I mentioned to my work clay club that I wanted to get a semi I was met with a roomful of silence, then I was told that I would make no friends due my carts flying off into people, I would be viewed as a danger as I wouldn't be able to break the gun and that I wouldn't be able to hit anything because differing birds require different chokes. This kind of confused me as the gun is only as safe as the shooter and semi's can have plugs in, I have seen people using semi's fine at the ground and i'm sure I can design some sort of cartridge deflector if it's that much of a problem. So what do pigeon watch think, is a semi OK for clays?? 'SOME' clay grounds don't like semis, mainly due to the safety issues... (difficult to see easily if it's empty) there is also the ejected cart problem, but has already been said, as long as you are concientious and pick them up, no problem.. O/U shooters who let their empties fall to the ground are, in my eyes, much worse as they don't have an excuse! There is also the image issue... you won't find many formal shoots that would let you shoot with a semi and some clay grounds seem to follow that ethos. Other than that, nothing wrong with a good semi... I'm looking to get one but for pigeons, I'll still use my O/U for clays... and the weight thing..... don't be fooled, light is great if you are out in the field all day waiting for birds to come along but shooting clays, light is your enemy.. clay specific guns tend to be a whole lot heavier than field guns, that reduces percieved recoil but also helps with a smooth swing and follow through which, clay shooting is all about Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livefast123 Posted December 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 (edited) Picking up the empties is not a problem and i'll probably put something on there to catch them if they are going to be a PITA. Been shooting air rifles for years and safety first is a no brainer. 2 shells max, vis check for empty then breech plug and muzzle to the floor. Have seen some shocking handling already from all gun types. How does barrel length effect performance as I see most are availible in 24 - 26 - 28 inch barrels? I doubt I would ever take part in a formal shoot, i'll be using it for vermin control on my uncles farm (along with the 22LR) and shooting clays for some fun and enjoyment. Edited December 20, 2011 by Livefast123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlaserF3 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Ive never had a problem at ANY clay shoot when using an auto in 30 years, either safety issues or any other reason. 28" is a decent barrel length. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpk Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Get your self a saf-t plug or flag and be muzzle aware and you will be fine. I have used a semi since I started and have been fine. Some clay grounds are funny and some people will always be. I have had over and unders pointed at me by accident to. Semis are infect brilliant for people that have had accidents etc that would otherwise stop them shooting due to the low recoil. If it feels right and it fits and you hit birds with it then why not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livefast123 Posted December 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 (edited) Thanks for the positive reply guys, TBH as long as I am safe and I can hit birds then I don't really give a monkeys what anyone else thinks about me using a semi-auto. I just want to make the right choice in the first place as I only really have the budget for 1 shotgun and a rifle at the moment to replace the Falcon FN12.......unless I turn that FAC on ticket! :yp: . Edited December 20, 2011 by Livefast123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan-250 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Get what gun you want, otherwise you won't be happy with it. Some berettas are very light If that's what your after tho I'll be getting a semi to use next year to have a go with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winterwolf Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Go with what you like, stuff what other people think mate. Get a safety flag in the breach when not used. I normally just leave mine in the slip when walking around the ground. Stops all the oldies having a chance to winge Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 As said, get what you want. They are safe, however that is harder for bystanders to see, but with common sense regarding where it's pointed, it's not an issue. The only slight downside can be if your walking round shooting vermin, you can easily carry a break action over your arm with carts in and close it when you see something to shoot, rather harder with a semi. If people judge you because you have a semi, or because carts fly when you shoot it, I wouldn't worry too much about them as friends... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phaedra1106 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I bought a pack of bright yellow plastic safety flags off Ebay, cost me about £8 for 10 of them, stick one in the breech beween shoots with about 12" of bright orange ribbon on it and nobody has ever complained about safety. Personally I'd like to see it required for all semis. No prblems using semis at our clay club, as long as you are safe you can shoot whatever you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 'SOME' clay grounds don't like semis, mainly due to the safety issues... (difficult to see easily if it's empty) there is also the ejected cart problem, but has already been said, as long as you are concientious and pick them up, no problem.. O/U shooters who let their empties fall to the ground are, in my eyes, much worse as they don't have an excuse! There is also the image issue... you won't find many formal shoots that would let you shoot with a semi and some clay grounds seem to follow that ethos. Other than that, nothing wrong with a good semi... I'm looking to get one but for pigeons, I'll still use my O/U for clays... and the weight thing..... don't be fooled, light is great if you are out in the field all day waiting for birds to come along but shooting clays, light is your enemy.. clay specific guns tend to be a whole lot heavier than field guns, that reduces percieved recoil but also helps with a smooth swing and follow through which, clay shooting is all about I get the thing about weight and smooth swing but as regards recoil i can in no way agree mate gas op semis have the edge on anything load for load. Try shooting 63 grms of lead through your heavy u/o clay gun i can do that single handed lamping with the lightweight sx3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonD Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I use a semi for all my clay shooting, I don't even own an O\U any more. I have never had an issue at any ground when using it, yes, the empties can be a PITA but I will always pick up where possible, the exception is in registered comps. Just buy yourself a Safe-T-Plug for a fiver and a pick up stick to make it easier to pick up the empties. The main thing is to been seen to be safe and muzzle aware and never point it at anyone even if it's flagged. When shooting skeet the flag is removed on the first stand and then the butt is put on my foot with the breach facing outwards and muzzles pointing skyward so everyone can see it's safe and unloaded the flag is then refitted after I have shot stand 7. Sporting I remove the flag in the cage shoot and then refit the flag before exiting the cage and slipping it. If it works for you and fits then go for it. Jon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewj Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 i have got one of these on the crimbo list http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SEMI-AUTO-BREECH-FLAG-SAF-T-PLUG-CLAY-SHOOTING-SHOTGUN-/280672044837 or get a flag http://clarkesgunshop.co.uk/protection-and-safety/safety-flags/napier-auto-safety-flag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timps Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 (edited) How does barrel length effect performance as I see most are availible in 24 - 26 - 28 inch barrels? In terms of effective range and shot pattern there is no difference between the different lengths of the barrel, it’s just the handling (quicker more lively for short) and pointability of the gun (better if longer). Because the action of a semi auto is a lot longer than that of an equivalent over and under they have shorter barrel lengths to give the same overall gun length. I have a 30” and 32” O/U and my 28” semi auto comes out equivalent to a 31” O/U in overall length, it’s just personal preference which to get. My 2 pence worth is if you are shooting sporting then most shooters prefer either 30” or 32” O/U so a 28” sits nicely in the middle for handling. Edited December 20, 2011 by timps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul87 Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 Or if you have a few grand to spare and want to shut the wingers up get one of these http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=beretta+ugb25+xcel+sporting&hl=en&gbv=2&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=609l13219l0l13625l27l27l0l15l15l0l219l1565l6.5.1l12l0&safe=active&um=1&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&oq=beretta+ugb25&aq=8S&aqi=g3g-S7&aql= Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livefast123 Posted December 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 I better enter the lottery then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris t Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 When I mentioned to my work clay club that I wanted to get a semi I was met with a roomful of silence, then I was told that I would make no friends due my carts flying off into people, I would be viewed as a danger as I wouldn't be able to break the gun and that I wouldn't be able to hit anything because differing birds require different chokes. I bet a lot of those guys have either never shot a semi or not given one a decent try. The UK seems to have this 'thing' about semis, go just about anyway else in the world and the semi is the first choice everytime. I think semis are amoung the best shooting guns available. Flying cartridges can be a bit of a pain, granted. If you find you shoot well with a particular gun, I'd stick with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winterwolf Posted December 20, 2011 Report Share Posted December 20, 2011 One thing to note I guess is that my 30" Semi (oo err) is actually longer then my Lanber O/U ... Big enough that it wont actually fit into my full length Buffalo cabinet like my Lanber does. I have to take the barrel off ... No bigdeal, just worth noting in case you plan on filling up your cabinet with lots of guns and have no spare space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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