mudpatten Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Wow, I did`nt realise that the sbs with which I miss comparatively little, either feathered or clay targets, was so technically inferior to the o/u. I also shoot very well with a pump action, which according to the same sort of nonsensical populist opinion should be a tremendous handicap to my shooting. Regrettably, I subscribe to the school of thought that says that correct gun fitting is essential to good shooting, especially if your body shape does not confirm to the norm as imagined by the makers of mass produced guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 I have great success when decoying with my auto choked at Full, and was told this was because it doesn't have any cast, which apparently suits my vision best. The great thing about my favourite OU is that is has an adjustable comb which I have moved almost central to the line of the barrels, thus greatly reducing the cast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 It's not the barrels/bore/shells/chokes or their measurements, it's the innate greater shootability/pointability of the OU. They tend to be heavier and so create less fatigue (good) they tend to have longer barrels which help repeat accuracy on longer shots (good) Really? You shouldn't be able to see much rib, so the perception of the length of the barrel must be minimal they tend to have higher and thicker combs which aid repeat correct mounting (good) Surely just a matter of gun fit? they tend to have more desirable fore end shapes which are easier to grip (and don't burn fingers) and control (good) Wear a glove! they always have better sighting plane arrangements because there is only one barrel in your line of vision and even that is hidden below the rib (good) they tend to have one trigger which you pull twice so no need to move hand slightly forward/backward upon firing (good) As easily learnt as remembering to push the safety forward as you mount they always have a more desirable pistol grip shape compare to the straight grip of SS which can make quick second shots harder (good) So slight that it's irrelevant. they always kick more uniformly backwards rather than sideways by definition of a SS (good) they always play second fiddle to SS in gape when open (bad) they might be perceived as less pretty in some circles (subjective).No, Just a matter of taste (Having some LOL) All the things listed are minor. I wonder what the actual practical difference in birds on the ground would be at the end of the day? Not many I would imagine and statistically far less than those missed by operator error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamster Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 All the things listed are minor. I wonder what the actual practical difference in birds on the ground would be at the end of the day? Not many I would imagine and statistically far less than those missed by operator error. 1) you shouldn't look at the rib but to suggest you don't benefit from its dynamics and affect on the mounting and tracking process suggests lack of experience, sorry. 2) yes and no, I said they tend to have thicker combs and that is a true statement, SS tend to have thin ones which don't help. 3) don't want to wear gloves, certainly not in the summer and in winter they impede my trigger finger operation so no thanks. 4) good try but no it isn't - having to move your hand during the split second between first and second shot is not good, certainly not when seeking ultimate accuracy anyway and OU competition guns have non auto safety. 5) irrelevant to whom ? Have you tried shooting a well set up OU gun next to a normal SS, it's night and day. 6) I agree. This isn't about my dislike of SS but the sheer numbers who prefer OU, just visit a clay ground where scores matter and count how many SS are in use, the high bird game shoots also feature OU as a rule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Tim Kelly - you might perceive the things as minor, but added together - a bit more than minor. I agree with Hamster. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 I think if you were extreme range shooting there is probably an advantage and for clay shooting where every bird might be crucial there is an advantage, but for the vast vast majority of real bird shooting situations I honestly doubt there would be any appreciable difference. For me at least the advantages of carrying, loading and handling that a SxS offer outweigh the extra one or two birds a season I might hit because the barrels had been the other way round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old farrier Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Hi Enjoying the thread very much just a few thoughts The SS is a game gun most game shots would like to put in a 3 to 1 average or aim for it on good birds The OU considered a better gun high 80 on a clay ground would be average Still only gives 3 to 1 on game I've read all the comments above and the one that sticks out is the old boy with his Churchill He's got confidence And that is what you need 😊 Top tip buy a gun you like that feels comfortable have it fitted so your confident and shoot a lot And don't listen to any advice from a friend of your mates nephew 😗 Just my thoughts All the best Of Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 No not all gun fitters are equal like not all coaches are equal. I can't comment on H&H gun fitting but I know just across the road WLSS is very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 He told us it was wise to wear the clothes you intend to shoot in while having your gun fitted, which makes sense, but isn't always practical. Shoot naked problem solved..... Refreshing..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Shoot naked problem solved..... Refreshing..... Good way to lose my sgc, extremely gross public indecency......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudpatten Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Very quickly. Part of the problem with the sbs-v o/u debate is that we`re often trying to compare oranges with apples. Most sbs`s are configured as light game guns and as such have different weight, balance,shooting, handling,recoil absorbing etc. characteristics to an o.u. Mentioned on PW recently was the late Percy Stanbury`s Webley and Scott sbs. The gun with which he won a whole raft of clay competitions back in the day. Although a sbs, this gun had the weight, balance, handling characteristics etc. of a modern o/u. It would be interesting to see how a gun like Stanbury`s would perform in the hands of an average clay shooter on the modern clay shooting circuit if one was available at an affordable price. I`m prepared to bet that, if a sbs was configured like Stanbury`s, its performance would highlight the point that the o/u has no inherent advantage over the sbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Kelly Posted March 12, 2016 Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Very true. I would very much like to find something like an AYA mod 56, with 3" chambers, steel proof and probably multi chokes. Straight hand stock and double triggers. That would give some of the benefits of a modern OU, but with the advantages and style of a SxS. It would also be future proof to a good extent. Only about £14k short of buying it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElvisThePelvis Posted March 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2016 Local gunsmith has a try gun for sxs, I used a try gun of his when he fitted my ou and clay scores increased as a result of fitting so I'm sure he knows his stuff. What confused me us that local stocker recommended H@H and would comment on local gunsmith, mind you if I use H&H then the stocker gets work that he wouldn't otherwise. The only reason I had consulted a stocker was I didn't realise that he wouldn't do the fitting and the sxs has exhibition grade wood so want to get it done well, ou finish was a bit of mess when it came back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted March 13, 2016 Report Share Posted March 13, 2016 I can't comment on H&H gun fitting but I know just across the road WLSS is very good. I was going to say why give them a shout, Alan Rose did mine many many years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted March 13, 2016 Report Share Posted March 13, 2016 Alan's still about as well as having trained a few more of the coaches at WLSS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted March 13, 2016 Report Share Posted March 13, 2016 I was going to say why give them a shout, Alan Rose did mine many many years ago. Small world. He did my W&S 700 years ago, when he first started there, far too many years to recall. I went up there for some lessons/practice on their 120' tower which was an inovation at the time and got talked into having my gun fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted March 13, 2016 Report Share Posted March 13, 2016 Blimey, he's older than I thought! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted March 13, 2016 Report Share Posted March 13, 2016 (edited) They tend to be heavier and so create less fatigue (good) In my experience the lighter sgun (with suitable loads) is the less tiring gun on a day shooting (which is why many older people prefer 20s) they tend to have longer barrels which help repeat accuracy on longer shots (good) Whilst over 30" is uncommon in s/s, the majority of both O/U and s/s I see are 28" or 30" they tend to have higher and thicker combs which aid repeat correct mounting (good) Properly fitted gun of either type in experienced hands will mount correctly they tend to have more desirable fore end shapes which are easier to grip (and don't burn fingers) and control (good) Its true a glove is needed occasionally in hot weather - but it is very occasional they always have better sighting plane arrangements because there is only one barrel in your line of vision and even that is hidden below the rib (good) This is mainly what you are used to, but I agree O/U is less intrusive on vision they tend to have one trigger which you pull twice so no need to move hand slightly forward/backward upon firing (good) I prefer double triggers on both O/U and s/s. Again - what you are used to, but less to go wrong on doubles they always have a more desirable pistol grip shape compare to the straight grip of SS which can make quick second shots harder (good) Not so - I have straight hand double trigger on an O/U - and have single trigger pistol grip on a s/s they always kick more uniformly backwards rather than sideways by definition of a SS (good) Theoretically true - but I have never noticed a 'sideways' kick. s/s do suffer more muzzle flip though - especially with shorter barrels they always play second fiddle to SS in gape when open (bad) they might be perceived as less pretty in some circles (subjective). Overall, the O/U is a nice (relatively) easy gun to shoot and has the edge for high scores and probably the highest birds - the s/s more of an 'acquired taste' - but ideal for a 'normal' game day, and beats on O/U hands down for a day with lots of walking and few shots like walked up grouse. Good shots can shoot extremely well with either - and poor shots won't improve much with one over the other, but TECHNICALLY there are not major advantages - its a case of what you like. Edited March 13, 2016 by JohnfromUK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted March 14, 2016 Report Share Posted March 14, 2016 Blimey, he's older than I thought! Very good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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