njc110381 Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 I'm trying to work out what choke I should use in the field for live quarry. I've read that 1/4 and 1/2 are good for pigeon from a hide, but how about rabbits etc? What I really want to know is what is the maximum advisable range for each one before the pattern gets too open? I'll be using fibre wad 6s, 30g Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 1/4-1/2 and stick within 40 yrds all you need to no Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
08shooter Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 every gun will be different best to pattern it and see,i use quarter in my autos and quarter and half in my o/u for most my shooting try not to get too caught up in chokes .pattern it and use what is best,try a few shots for a dependable answer and stick with the same shells have fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted November 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 I was wondering if I could shoot 3/4 and full until I'm a better shot? I know it sounds like I've got it the wrong way round, but I have a plan to get me out sooner. Being a poor shot, if I use full choke I will either miss (more than likely) or pepper what I hit? That way I'm less likely to injure anything? What do you think? I'd like to shoot live quarry ASAP, but my first consideration has to be a humane kill, it's a rule I never break. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 my first consideration has to be a humane kill, it's a rule I never break. Then get some coaching,use open chokes and only shoot at anything in the 15-25 yd range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted November 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 Open chokes and short range, that's fine with me! I have no problem stalking, I have to be good at that to kill cleanly with an air rifle. I have a few large oak trees on my shoot that the pigeons roost in. I'll park myself under one with my head net on and give it a go. I'm getting coaching every other sunday from a guy at my local club. He's very good, qualified, and only expects a round paid for him or a cup of tea now and again. Really nice chap, he's helped me no end with stance etc. Hopefully it shouldn't be too long before I get to be a reasonable shot. I have my own gun now and have been working on my mount at home every night to get it sorted. Cheers for the advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bradders Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 I have a multichoke and I use 1/4 in both barrels on 32g no6 does for most things if they are in range. I also carry a few No3 for just in case i bump into charlie, but again limit the shot to 30yards. I would rather let the quarry get away that wound it. You could use 1/2 chokes but then you may well pepper the pigeons at closer ranges and make then unedible. Bradders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted November 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 Bradders, I agree with you 100% buddy. No creature should have to suffer, no matter what damage it may do to crops/livestock etc. A clean kill is a must in my view. I can see your point about overkill too, it'd be a shame not to be able to enjoy what I kill. I'll stick with HDs idea I think. If open choke at close range gives me the best chance of a clean kill, that's what I'll use. I may have to leave some of the longer shots, but I should be able to bring home the odd bunny/pigeon for the pot. I don't need to hit hundreds to enjoy the day, I wouldn't know what to do with them all if I got too many anyway! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwi Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 its all very nice and modern if it ever was modern? i think u would find that most game hunter ever where have allways showen some respect for the game they take, to shoot a clean kill with ever shot but dosnt matter if u dont clean kill because u will never do it all the time, the secret of being a hummain shooter is to put the quarry down as soon as posable by hand or by a follow up shot or shots, choke ,? we dont have your woodys in new zealand so so i cant say much about shooting them , we do have rock pigeons i think they are the pigeon that you have in the citys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apbuild Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 1/4 or 1/2 will do well. I only use 3/4 to acertain where I am on a target. ie. I can tell if I shoot the beak or **** off a clay! Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njc110381 Posted November 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 apbuild. At the moment, I'd struggle to hit the trap tower, so not much chance of me playing that trick for some time yet! Smartass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quist Posted November 18, 2006 Report Share Posted November 18, 2006 Open on first barrel, quarter on second works for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apbuild Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 apbuild. At the moment, I'd struggle to hit the trap tower, so not much chance of me playing that trick for some time yet! Smartass LOL Rob. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dunganick Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 I shot open and 1/4 for my first year of shooting, last year ive been shooting 1/4 and 1/2 cant say if its made any difference, but i certainly havent found the need to use more than 1/2 choke on anything. They are all hitable, its where you point the gun that matters. This is where your time is best spent improoving, not changing your chokes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mungler Posted November 19, 2006 Report Share Posted November 19, 2006 Ah the on going choke debate. Stick 1/4 and 1/2 in the gun and leave them alone. As Nick says, focus on shooting straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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