ziplex Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Hi All, I am looking into Wildfowling and whilst i've yet to get my SGC, I don't anticipate any problems and as such i'm trying to 'read up' and glean as much info' as possible beforehand. I've a couple of questions and would appreciate any input. It seems most of the new Fabarm 12g guns have a titanium coating, in your views does this make any discernable difference, ie: is the blueing likely to corode on most barrel types of other mfrs guns whilst in a salt air enviornment or is this just a gimmick that Fabarm are pushing? With regard to a 'mutt' for Wildfowling, i've three Springes and whilst keen and incredibly bright one is too nervous to train, (been ruined by my daughters treating like a child)!, one has dysplastic hips and has a little arthritis setting in and the other, although an angel who does everything she's asked, is 11 yrs old and maybe that's asking too much of her....i'm absolutely sure she'd train in no time and be 'up for it' though! So my question is what breed of dog would/do you use? Seems Labrador or Springer gets the general nod but does anyone use a Weimaraner for instance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 Firstly, Get stuck in to wildfowling, It is the best shooting experience you will ever get. Second, Buy a Berretta Extrema 3 1/2" semi auto. The titanium coating will not stop a gun going rusty, if it has been on the salt marsh. Thirdly, Enjoy it Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wookie Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 You could try a Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Quite a big dog, but very used to jumping in the water and their thick coats mean they don't get too cold. Weis are a bit too pointer for that thing I think... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 1, 2006 Report Share Posted September 1, 2006 On the dog front, If you have the time get a Springer, if not get a labrador. Either will still need time to train. Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Not really for wildfowling though, You will at some point need a powerful dog to bring a goose accross a tidal creek. Cockers are great dogs, but I would doubt if they would do that. Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
il cacciatore Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 For a dedicated wildfowling gun I would say a semi auto in 10 gauge. Though its down to personal preference as with anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigsam Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 got a fabarm myself and as long as you keep her clean she will perform havent had many probs wit mine cheers BS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 iv got a fabarm very good guns, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziplex Posted September 3, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Thanks chaps, all food for thought..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flash Posted September 5, 2006 Report Share Posted September 5, 2006 one of mu friends has threee cockers and the oldest one regularly retrieves canadas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 7, 2006 Report Share Posted September 7, 2006 I don't doubt that, But I am talking about true wildfowling. Out on the foreshore, in all kinds of weather. A canada goose on average weighs 3 times what a hare does. Especially when wet. Add a tide ripping out of a creek and I would question whether a powerful springer would do that easily. Cockers also need a special person to train them, you certainly need different methods than you do a springer. For a dedicated wildfowling gun I would say a semi auto in 10 gauge This is not necessary, if you were shooting geese all the time then perhaps yes, but a decent 12bore capable of half decent loads is more than adequate. Also the cartridges are extremely expensive. Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 7, 2006 Report Share Posted September 7, 2006 Cockers have a different temperament. If you raise your voice to them for instance they will sulk, one of the guys I train with has several working cockers and with one of his if he tells it off it will sit and sulk. it will not do anything that day. One of his others loves contact, so if you get it by the scruff to put it back in a stay, or back in position after a stop whistle it will want to play. That said, when they work the ground they certainly get on with it. My experience around springers has shown that nearly every springer responds to the same methods of training, whereas cockers are very individual. The training for cockers seems to be taylored to suit each dog and handler. They do not seem to be the ideal dog for a first time handler/trainer. PLease don't get me wrong I love to see any dog work, and whether it is a cocker, springer or labrador they will all normally excel in their own areas. Labradors do not usually quarter the ground and flush yet I know quite a few people who use them on the beating line. And there are lots of springers that will sit in a hide all day. My original point was that the average cocker would not be suitable for the harsh conditions that the foreshore can present. Cheers Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
il cacciatore Posted September 7, 2006 Report Share Posted September 7, 2006 This is not necessary, if you were shooting geese all the time then perhaps yes, but a decent 12bore capable of half decent loads is more than adequate. Also the cartridges are extremely expensive. Cheers Martin Well, thats just my opinion. I know if I were to be buying a gun just for wildfowling thats what I would be looking for. I would also be reloading any non toxic shot cause the prices are just abit expensive for me. Though I dont have any experience of wildfowling though I'm going to start to get into it. Funds are short so I would be using my Beretta AL391 anyhow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 7, 2006 Report Share Posted September 7, 2006 IC, Honestly I wouldn't worry about a 10 bore. I use a 12 albeit in 3 1/2" but most of the time I only use 3" cartridges. I have quite a bit of sucess with it averaging at least 2 birds per flight last season. Your auto will be fine just remember to give it a damn good clean as soon as you get in every time. Most of all enjoy it, it is not about the shooting it is about being out there. | Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziplex Posted September 7, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2006 Yep., the thought of being 'out there' is quite alluring I must say, miles away from any distractions etc...can't wait to get fully involved in it. It's always been one of the things I enjoyed most when fishing some more remote marks, peace and quiet and all the time you need to take it all in, ok i'll stop now Must admit that a 10g hadn't come into it really, I will be after a more 'do it all' gun to start with so a 12g looks more suitable for my needs. Interesting reading tho' guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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