DNS Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 (edited) I chose not to take a fairly flat shot at a crossing woodcock yesterday as I knew the beating line to be about 75m in front. Later in the day I also chose not to take a pheasant although it was at a decent height, the beaters were on high ground to the front and I knew shot would go through the trees above them. It did occur to me that whilst I'm fairly clear on my effective range with a 12-bore; I have no idea whatsoever what the 'safe' range is. I err on the side of safety and probably refuse more birds than I should as a consequence. Could someone enlighten me as to the 'safe' distance for a flat shot? Edited January 30, 2012 by DNS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 I think what you are doing is excellent! It's always better to err on the side of safety. I'm not sure on the effective range in terms of endangering beaters etc but, something like a 24 degree shot will carry for up to 300 yds. Ok, at that distance it will only be like hail stones and I'm sure most beaters are used to that! Pretty sure someone will be better placed to give a more definitive answer, which I too will be interested to read. GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cockercas Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 put it this way mate, id let u shoot at me at 75 meters with a shotgun. BUT you did the right thing most people dont appreciate a shotgun pointed at them at any range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shooting Tom Posted January 30, 2012 Report Share Posted January 30, 2012 (edited) no matter how far the beater line is/was i wouldnt shoot flat, as its not the done thing also you dont know what my be closer. its ok in a pigeon hide. i am a beater and i would go made if someone shot flat towards me no matter how far. and less it was a long long way but you know what i mean. was always told to shoot above the sky line when out on beaters day or with other people walking. then you cant go wrong. anless on a hill then you just think abit more and dont shoot low. You did right Edited January 30, 2012 by Shooting Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DNS Posted January 31, 2012 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 (edited) Thanks to all above for constructive comments. So - Cockercas is first in with a 'you can shoot at me from 75m' - if I'm trying to establish a safe distance for a flat shot from a 12-bore; who is prepared to go lower than 75m? Edited January 31, 2012 by DNS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 put it this way mate, id let u shoot at me at 75 meters with a shotgun. BUT you did the right thing most people dont appreciate a shotgun pointed at them at any range. Madness, a shotgun with 5 of 6 shot will kill pigeons at 75 metres. It's the pattern that fails before the penetration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gutty Boots Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 I wish I met more guns with an attitude like yours, I've heard the excuse several times when beating, " you were miles away" or the real gem " I didn't know you were there!" I wish I met more guns with an attitude like yours, I've heard the excuse several times when beating, " you were miles away" or the real gem " I didn't know you were there!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 put it this way mate, id let u shoot at me at 75 meters with a shotgun. BUT you did the right thing most people dont appreciate a shotgun pointed at them at any range. I have some 3" magnums with steel bbs , what time do you want me round Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stokeshooter Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 put it this way mate, id let u shoot at me at 75 meters with a shotgun. BUT you did the right thing most people dont appreciate a shotgun pointed at them at any range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stokeshooter Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 put it this way mate, id let u shoot at me at 75 meters with a shotgun. BUT you did the right thing most people dont appreciate a shotgun pointed at them at any range. i know someone who got 6 years for shooting at them at 80 meters and he d do it again the scum lived Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.I.A Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 75 meters, I've got some 00 buck here! you wouldn't want to stand double that distance with that sort of load coming at you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devon Fox Posted January 31, 2012 Report Share Posted January 31, 2012 Never shoot flat when game shooting full stop The most basic bit of advice I can offer is make sure there is sky around the target What You are doing is fine, if in doubt, You dont shoot - You will never get any stick for that! I would not want/let anyone shoot directly at me or the beating team, no matter what the range, pure madness to even consider it,I beat/keep a shoot - and I would give any gun who did his marching orders. You are spot on - stay safe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdSolomons Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 As said above, 75m you can stone a pigeon/crow. Hope your wearing a thick cardie! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silpig5 Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 I chose not to take a fairly flat shot at a crossing woodcock yesterday as I knew the beating line to be about 75m in front. Later in the day I also chose not to take a pheasant although it was at a decent height, the beaters were on high ground to the front and I knew shot would go through the trees above them. your way of thinking is bang on right . i applaud you , wish every gun i have shot with stuck to your rules . hats off to ya fella adi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeds chimp Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 if you cant see sky around it then its a no go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 put it this way mate, id let u shoot at me at 75 meters with a shotgun. BUT you did the right thing most people dont appreciate a shotgun pointed at them at any range. Let me say i have seen foxes dropped stone dead at this sort of range with the right load- I do not recomend it as good practice mind you but to stand infront of a charge at 75mtrs is just plain stupid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arjimlad Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 If you would stand at 75 yards and have someone shoot at you then good luck to you. Balling shot is now unknown... Yard of sky all around, is my rule when gameshooting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobt Posted February 1, 2012 Report Share Posted February 1, 2012 I had a fox break cover 20yds in front on saturday, the beating team were 100yds away, no way would I have taken a shot if they were under 200 yds, shot stings even at 100 yds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cockercas Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 with no 5-6 shot might i add. it will just bounce of my coat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catweazle Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 with no 5-6 shot might i add. it will just bounce of my coat. Don't forget your hat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vulpicide Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 I have been out when someone lost an eye due to a ricochet I have also had a shot ball and punch a hole in a vixen taking a cub out its side, my daughter refused take a shot at a fox when we were out with hounds cos she could see another gun in her site picture and it upset her but I always say you CANNOT criticise some one for refusing a shot they do'nt feel is safe.I NEVER want to see the result of Two shooting accidents if in doubt DO'NT SHOOT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devon Fox Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 with no 5-6 shot might i add. it will just bounce of my coat. I am so glad I do not shoot with You chap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdSolomons Posted February 2, 2012 Report Share Posted February 2, 2012 with no 5-6 shot might i add. it will just bounce of my coat. You are very much mistaken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cockercas Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 I am so glad I do not shoot with You chap. shame,your missing out on some experiments. on a serious note it WILL bounce of my coat, and as for shooting foxes at 75meters with a shotgun tut tut. very in-humane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devon Fox Posted February 3, 2012 Report Share Posted February 3, 2012 shame,your missing out on some experiments. on a serious note it WILL bounce of my coat, and as for shooting foxes at 75meters with a shotgun tut tut. very in-humane. I like Your sense of humour but You are a definite loon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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