casts_by_fly Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am not an O/U/semi/pump snob by any means. Coming from the US, O/U are far less common. A cheap pump or semi is what most guys use for everything, unless they are dedicated clay guns or if they are dedicated upland bird hunters. For most guys who just 'hunt' (which to me means going out after whatever is in season at that point in time) they have 1 or 2 shotguns that they just use for everything. I learned on a SxS and shot it along side a semi and a pump for years. I bought an O/U and it rolled into the fold. At the moment I have SxS/O/U and a paid of semis over here and each has their purpose for me. All that said, for what you're doing a O/U is the best gun. For simplicity sake, you'll never have an issue of a club not letting you shoot a semi there. You'll never have an issue with picking up scattered cartridges. You won't be pegging other shooters with cartridges. Everyone in this country understands O/U guns on clay ranges so there would never be an issue. As a 'new' shooter, it is just a lot easier and simpler. As the normal, default choice here for clays, you need to find a reason why you shouldn't get one. A semi for clays is a specialists gun. What benefit does it have? Sure, you get a little longer sight plane (32" barrels plus 6" of action). There is a tiny bit less recoil for recoil shy shooters, but as you're new and presumably adult, if recoil is an issue then just start with 21g comp-x in an O/U. And, you can get a heavier O/U to soak up a bit more recoil and there are also recoil shock systems available if you still need it later. Synthetic vs wood- as you said personal preference so you'd have to weight how much you like the look vs the practicalities. All of these little 'advantages'? To me they are so minor that you don't even consider them unless you're at the top of the game and have a serious preference. A semi is not the default gun, so you need to find a reason why you SHOULD get one above and beyond an O/U. For a one-gun guy, the O/U is the right first buy. thanks rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throdgrain Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 Years ago when I started shooting shotguns I read all the "advice" on the forums, some of it ludicrously reactionary (but then it was on airgunbbs ) , I took the advice bought an over under. I hated it. Six months later I bought a Mossberg 500, and in the ensuing years have had a few different semi -autos and pumps. Can't remember the last time anyone said anything derogatory about either. For a one gun guy, the gun you like is the right gun to buy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throdgrain Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 semi autos are frowned upon around here, they never put there empties in the bins just leave them on the ground, not enough people use saftey plugs in the breech to let others see they are empty, you wouldnt want to use one if you are shooting trap eg. DTL ABT, cases fly out on the floor and hit the next person in the line plus the saftey fact of having to unload the 2nd shot if you dont fire it, some people might forget and thats if the club allows you to use a semi for those disciplines! another thing you will not be allowed on many game shoots with one! simple option, clay shooting and game shoots o/u or s/s and if you really want a semi then use it for wildfowling! You DO live in the North though mate, give it another 20 years and they'll have caught up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted July 29, 2013 Report Share Posted July 29, 2013 You DO live in the North though mate, give it another 20 years and they'll have caught up HA HA HA HA HA HA .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nsi Posted July 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 Hi everyone. Lots of sensible advice on this thread, I'm very impressed with the quality of this forum so far. Thanks everyone! Seems like the disadvantages of semi auto are: 1 Pickup empties 2 'Some' places won't let you shoot, but plenty will 3 It's rude to allow your empties to hit people, like in DTL shooting 4 May be difficult to load in gloves Advantages 1 Less weight 2 Less recoil 3 I like the design/it's what I think I want Iv a maxus carbon fibre and love it it soft on the shoulder even with 63g fiocchi 0 3 and half in mag fires 28 grams faultless I've had a couple of jams but put that down to being new but never had a problem since.Personally I prefer o/u for clays had a grd 5 miroku mk38 trap sporterised and loved it but it was too nice for pigeon shooting and beaters days and it was bleeding heavy so went for a semi which is ok as our beaters days don't mind it as long as you use 2 carts to be fair also down to what fits you but you do have flexibility to adjust it to yourself with a semi autoRgds scot Hi Scot, can you tell me some more about your Maxus Carbon Fibre, that's the exact model which I'm currently considering my favourite (just based on internet research so far, I plan to see one later this week). Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 OU. Semis spray cartridges everywhere, which is a pain as most ground prefer/it's good manners to put your empties in the bin. The trigger pulls on semis are appreciably worse than on an OU. I took my maxus clay shooting recently and was amazed how much worse the trigger pull was than with my silver pigeon. Actually made me shoot worse than normal. Great gun for heavy loads duck and goose shooting, or arguably in the confines of a pigeon hide (though you still spend ages playing hunt the shell case when you're packing up), but for actually shooting stuff a OU is the winner. BTW, I use a SxS for walked up and rough shooting as it's a much better configuration for that style of shooting. Horses for courses and an OU is the horse for a clay ground course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 (edited) there seems to be alot of people moaning about shells going everywhere with a semi, and complaining that no one picks them up. its weird because all of my empties generally land in the same place most of the time, and more often than not, the people around me are fully aware that im shooting with a semi and take into account that fact and give me a little clearance. i never leave empties on the ground, its bad manners. but i have seen alot of o/u shooters just pop theirs out and stick 2 more in. its not just semi shooters that have no manners sometimes.... in my eyes, it's just a shame that people are not a little more tolerant of people that like shooting with a semi. and for the op, my es100 loads perfectly when wearing gloves... and my trigger pull is perfect. Edited July 30, 2013 by brett1985 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 (edited) Missed the bit about loading semis with gloves.... what a load of tosh, unless you wearing mittens or boxing gloves there isnt an issue. I'm with you Brett, theres a lot of unwarranted frowning upon semis... there are some genuine points for and against but a lot of the comments are coming from subjective traditionalists. I too havent had any issues shooting clays with my semi, I show respect for my fellow shooters and pick up my carts after (seen many O/U shooters not doing so). Picking up your carts is a person thing, NOT a gun thing. Maybe its a cornish thing? I'd like to pick up your comment regarding the tolerance towards semis, I'd like to extend this, my experience is that altho you get some great fellow shooters, in all the other sports I've partaken in I've never seen so much narrow-mindedness, snobbery and general disdain for anyone/thing that doesnt adhere to "the norm" as I have with shooting. Imagine if the same question had been asked but wanted to use a pump instead of a semi... jesus.... you'd get branded a "walt", insulted, followed by a slow burning on a stake! Edited July 30, 2013 by thepasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 (edited) Unless wifey is there only to carry the gun or is the same build as you forget the gun working for you both, there is a reason why 90%+ use Over unders and not semis £1k will get you a tidy 525 or MK38 ( miroku very similar to the 525 which is made by miroku in Japan along with most other browning OU) it's all about how the gun fits you... I'd be interested to hear your reason why apparently 90%+ use O/U? Edited July 30, 2013 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 Picking up your carts is a person thing, NOT a gun thing. Maybe its a cornish thing? MOST DEFINATELY! I'd like to pick up your comment regarding the tolerance towards semis, I'd like to extend this, my experience is that altho you get some great fellow shooters in all the other sports I've partaken in I've never seen so much narrow-mindedness, snobbery and general disdain for anyone/thing that doesnt adhere to "the norm" as I have with shooting. ive got to completely agree with this im afraid! no tolerance from certain people at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animal Mother Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 If used shells are a problem, fit a shell catcher and problem is solved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 I have to admit there's a lot of 'gun snobbery' involved in British shooting;but I've only witnessed prejudice against semi's and pumps on the clay line on very few occassions,and I used to shoot a lot of clays.I found those blokes who took themselves a little too seriously and would use any excuse for a less than perfect score to be the ones doing the complaining. Even in our game syndicate you are welcome to use any gun you want;this includes semis,and the sound of a pump being racked on the next peg isn't unfamiliar. We don't take ourselves seriously,we just like to enjoy ourselves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animal Mother Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 I have to admit there's a lot of 'gun snobbery' involved in British shooting;but I've only witnessed prejudice against semi's and pumps on the clay line on very few occassions,and I used to shoot a lot of clays.I found those blokes who took themselves a little too seriously and would use any excuse for a less than perfect score to be the ones doing the complaining. Even in our game syndicate you are welcome to use any gun you want;this includes semis,and the sound of a pump being racked on the next peg isn't unfamiliar. We don't take ourselves seriously,we just like to enjoy ourselves. Sounds like the best way to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 I have to admit there's a lot of 'gun snobbery' involved in British shooting;but I've only witnessed prejudice against semi's and pumps on the clay line on very few occassions,and I used to shoot a lot of clays.I found those blokes who took themselves a little too seriously and would use any excuse for a less than perfect score to be the ones doing the complaining. Even in our game syndicate you are welcome to use any gun you want;this includes semis,and the sound of a pump being racked on the next peg isn't unfamiliar. We don't take ourselves seriously,we just like to enjoy ourselves. well done to you and your guys matey. as far as im concerned, thats what sport is all about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zx10mike Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 thats why alot of DTL clubs do not like people like you using them! get a life and learn when people are having a laugh, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marki Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 Imagine if the same question had been asked but wanted to use a pump instead of a semi... jesus.... you'd get branded a "walt", insulted, followed by a slow burning on a stake! I've used a pump while clay shooting, I even took part in a competition with it. I guess I must go to working class grounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marki Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 I'd be interested to hear your reason why apparently 90%+ use O/U? I asked the same question and I'm still waiting for an answer. I'm always interested in learning but I think the answer is likely to be along the lines of 'it's the done thing'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 I have to admit there's a lot of 'gun snobbery' involved in British shooting;but I've only witnessed prejudice against semi's and pumps on the clay line on very few occassions,and I used to shoot a lot of clays.I found those blokes who took themselves a little too seriously and would use any excuse for a less than perfect score to be the ones doing the complaining. Even in our game syndicate you are welcome to use any gun you want;this includes semis,and the sound of a pump being racked on the next peg isn't unfamiliar. We don't take ourselves seriously,we just like to enjoy ourselves. Those Pheasant deserve the best, only shot delivered from a SBS is up to the job, the world has lowered its standards already and O/U are often to be seen...God forbid Semis and Pumps, whatever next, crossbows...Off with that mans head! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zx10mike Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 I asked the same question and I'm still waiting for an answer. I'm always interested in learning but I think the answer is likely to be along the lines of 'it's the done thing'. well with an over and under there is tradition not to mention you can break the shotgun in a manner that allows you to pick out the cartridges and pocket the empties without crawling around the floor half way through a shoot.also its not very sporting to the poor game birds to be able to rattle off 3 to 8 shots at each one.and doing that might mean your not welcome on shoots as the ones that get away are there for another day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brett1985 Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 (edited) well with an over and under there is tradition not to mention you can break the shotgun in a manner that allows you to pick out the cartridges and pocket the empties without crawling around the floor half way through a shoot.also its not very sporting to the poor game birds to be able to rattle off 3 to 8 shots at each one.and doing that might mean your not welcome on shoots as the ones that get away are there for another day. 1. no tradition with and o/u. if your sticking with tradition then its sxs only chap. 2.magnetic pick up stick and a safe-t-plug. no crawling around at all, infact no need to bend down. easy to see the gun is safe. 3.in terms of being sporting, if youve not downed it with the first 2, its highly unlikely that you'll do it anyway, regardless of how many shots taken, lol. if its that much of a worry then stick to clay ground rules. no more than 2 carts in the gun at any one time. fairs fair! Edited July 30, 2013 by brett1985 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 jesus... I cant believe how many knickers get in a twist about picking up spent carts, if you're too lazy, fat or it ruins your "rep" put a small shell deflector on and they'll park at your feet. I get jeeves to catch my spent carts, it gets him out the rolls and makes a good spectator sports for others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 No SBS mentioned in the Poll Vote, aren't they allowed on Sporting Clays? Get whatever you like, that you are comfortable with, does the job and is allowed on the shoot! :good: We are all different, I hate SBS, love my O/U, but frankly I use my 391 everywhere I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Animal Mother Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 Just get this and have done with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zx10mike Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 (edited) 1. no tradition with and o/u. if your sticking with tradition then its sxs only chap. 2.magnetic pick up stick and a safe-t-plug. no crawling around at all, infact no need to bend down. easy to see the gun is safe. 3.in terms of being sporting, if youve not downed it with the first 2, its highly unlikely that you'll do it anyway, regardless of how many shots taken, lol. if its that much of a worry then stick to clay ground rules. no more than 2 carts in the gun at any one time. fairs fair! sorry bud by tradition i meant round here its frowned on to use a semi on a game shoot.i have a safety plug but in my opinion i found it esier to brake my shotgun and pick the carts out than pick up stick or not.and to the last point when i'm out on the pigeons its not rare to get one with the third shot and then move on to another belting past (ok with pigeons but not game birds. the guys were asking for opinions on why people use o/u so i offered one .what would be your point or need in pulling my opinion apart point by point ? atb mike Edited July 30, 2013 by zx10mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepasty Posted July 30, 2013 Report Share Posted July 30, 2013 (edited) Just get this and have done with it. I'd love to take that to some snooty shoot or clay ground! Edited July 30, 2013 by thepasty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.