timclarke Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 I went to a clay shooting ground and took a Hatsan semi-auto along which I think some people looked at a bit disapprovingly but I really enjoyed shooting it. Whenever I wasn't ready to shoot I kept the action open with a big red Benelli breech flag in and the gun point straight up but I still got the odd funny look and I wondered if I'd breached any etiquette? One thing which occurred to me on the way home which is probably a stupid question but it's how do you check a semi-auto, or a pump for that matter, for any barrel obstructions while out shooting?? A side by side or over under is easy to look down but not a pump or side by side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet1747 Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 I use mine can't see owt wrong properly just snobs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 My only issues with semi-auto / pump guns on clay grounds is if they aren't carried to clearly show they are safe. Crack on. Keep on doing what you're doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 Have an extendable/telescopic rod with a light on, you can get them in £1.00 shops for about a £1.00. Fit's in you pocket like a pen. You also need to learn how to check the chamber/magazine it clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12gauge82 Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 My only issues with semi-auto / pump guns on clay grounds is if they aren't carried to clearly show they are safe. Crack on. Keep on doing what you're doing. Not meaning to be pedantic but when sxs and ou are in a gun slip you can't tell they're safe either. Sounds like snobbery to me, just ignore them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenlivet Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 Not meaning to be pedantic but when sxs and ou are in a gun slip you can't tell they're safe either. Sounds like snobbery to me, just ignore them. For me this is the answer; put the gun in a slip between stands - job done! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gemini52 Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 As long as you make it safe before you leave the stand thats fine,some shooters just dont like semi auto,s,i saw i guy with a over and under load it swing the barrel upwards,and the thing fired off both barrels,he blamed the gun,its the nut behind the but,shoot safe and enjoy it, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
69chris Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 you have to carry a s/auto in its slip whilst walking between stands at my local place.......................theres always a few that still dont like it tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 I use an auto for clays, BUT, I carry the gun in a gunslip ALWAYS. I do not use safety flags or anything else, however, I do move away from any crowds when removing the gun from the slip. Whilst pointing the gun in a safe direction, I raise the barrel to the vertical and slip the heel of the stock into the right pocket of my skeet vest. I keep the barrel skywards until I enter the shooting cage, being wary of any overhead bar. I then drop the barrel, pointing downrange to load the gun. After shooting and having checked the bolt is locked back, the gun is again pointed skyward until I replace it in the gunslip, I do not get any funny looks or anything else. I do not believe it is snobbery on other shooters behalf, more ignorance about auto's really. Having said that, some auto and pump users leave a lot to be desired, the way their guns are carried unslipped and waved around or carried 'at the trail' with a total lack of muzzle awareness draws a lot of unwanted attention. I can not see why any gun is carried around without a gunslip, auto or O/U. All of the damage that I have witnessed to guns, has occured between stands at sporting clay shoots. That is why my 25 years old Beretta auto looks like it has just left the box. Gun cabinet to gunslip, remove to use, replace into gunslip, home, clean, cabinet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry136 Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 (edited) With my Maxus, I just use a benelli breech plug and carry it over my shoulder on a sling. Edited April 5, 2016 by Harry136 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonny thomas Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 (edited) I've never had this problem I use my escort most weeks Had a few people ask about it usually let them use it if they're that interested Only real snobbery problem I have is with my youngest son who says "real men only use Spanish guns" Where do you shoot maybe that's the problem Edited April 5, 2016 by jonny thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowStandards Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 I use my SXP pump for clays, its much more enjoyable I stick a breach plug in and chuck it around on a sling, no one bats an eyelid. I suggest a new shooting ground, try to find one with less range rovers etc in the carpark... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted April 5, 2016 Report Share Posted April 5, 2016 I only shoot clays at Crabtree nowadays and there has always been the odd semi auto around. I like to see them, as well as pumps, and always make a point of talking to anyone I see with an interesting gun. A couple of weeks ago I made a point of talking to a bloke who was using a Beretta 302 with a choke system I was unfamiliar with. I have no objections to anyone using a pump or auto and have used mine at Crabtree in the past with no sideways glances that I was aware of. I don't use breech plugs but always slip my guns between stands, even my OU's. What I have noticed inside and outside the 'office' while having a brew and a bite, is many OU's propped up against walls and in purpose made gun stands. Nothing wrong with that, but it always amazes me just how many people pick up their OU from such stands or in the 'office' and then find they have no safe direction in which to point it while breaking it. I have also noticed just how many people have no clue as how to remove/replace a OU from and into its slip without sweeping the muzzles through everyone who surrounds them. Fixed action guns don't faze me at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
throdgrain Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 I use a sling when I shoot my auto. The odd person mught think it's odd (generally people don't though) and if you think about it, the gun is pointing up in the air, it's got a breech flag in it, very safe, and it makes it easier to score other players hits too, as you have both hands free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingman Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 Semis have been used for donkeys as clay guns and it's normally snobs and older shooters that object. What your doing is spot on so carry on enjoying it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainBeaky Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 I use a sling when I shoot my auto. The odd person mught think it's odd (generally people don't though) and if you think about it, the gun is pointing up in the air, it's got a breech flag in it, very safe, and it makes it easier to score other players hits too, as you have both hands free Likewise - gun slung over right shoulder, muzzle up, so breech faces out, big red Benelli safety clip in ejection port. The world and his guide dog can see it is safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exudate Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 I shoot clays regularly with a semi-auto. Have the gun slung over my shoulder in between stands, barrel up. I don't bother with a safety flag, I just have the bolt locked open for all to see. No-one has ever objected. I've only ever had one complaint, and that was from a marshall on one of the stands during a CPSA registered comp. He said that using a gun fitted with a sling during a registered comp was against the rules (unless I was registered as disabled, which I'm not), and that I could be disqualified. Upon checking this out with the CPSA rule book, he was indeed correct. However, this was approximately half way around the course, and none of the marshals on stands before or after this said anything. Just something to be aware of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penfolio Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 Sounds like snobbery. I recall the comments of a group of shooters who had struggled on the stand that I was waiting to shoot. As I loaded my cammo coloured Maxus with extended/ported choke there were some jibes of, cannon, bazooka, flak gun, etc ... until I smashed the targets that they'd failed to hit with their classier sporters. As they shuffled away, with their heads down, I heard one of 'em say, 'he can shoot it right enough though'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.C Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 Plenty of folks at my club,including myself use a s/a on clays. I use a red benelli clip and carry a hamilton slip stand between stands. It's not an issue just bloody awkward holding my gun skyward,butt in pocket,operating the traps and scoring when theres just the 2 of us on the skeet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Exudate Posted April 6, 2016 Report Share Posted April 6, 2016 (edited) Plenty of folks at my club,including myself use a s/a on clays. I use a red benelli clip and carry a hamilton slip stand between stands. It's not an issue just bloody awkward holding my gun skyward,butt in pocket,operating the traps and scoring when theres just the 2 of us on the skeet. That's the main reason I use a sling with my semi-auto. It leaves both hands free to score or work targets. Some of the stands at the clubs I shoot at have no gun rack, and if the guys with classic sporters haven't got their gun bag handy, they always struggle to mark or operate the traps. Edited April 6, 2016 by Exudate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katash Posted April 7, 2016 Report Share Posted April 7, 2016 I suggest a new shooting ground, try to find one with less range rovers etc in the carpark... .... Oh the irony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted April 7, 2016 Report Share Posted April 7, 2016 My safety is a luminus orange car polishing cloth with a knot tied in the corner. Not had any issues, is big enough and bright enough. I wouldn't mind if the safety flags disappeared altogether. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted April 7, 2016 Report Share Posted April 7, 2016 No gun is unsafe it's the person in charge of it who either is or isn't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bostonmick Posted April 7, 2016 Report Share Posted April 7, 2016 I have shot with many auto users at grounds all over the country.i own a semi auto which I use on a rare occasion mainly for a couple of semi competitions.also have a sxs which also only goes to about four comps a year.i have no problem with anyone using whatever gun the prefer.i also believe that most of the supposed snobbery is actually inverted snobbery in the mind of some users.in fact I have never seen or heard of any incidents or negative comments at clay grounds in some fifty years of shooting.dont dwell on what you think others are thinking just enjoy your day out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Del T Posted April 7, 2016 Report Share Posted April 7, 2016 I only shoot clays at Crabtree nowadays and there has always been the odd semi auto around. I like to see them, as well as pumps, and always make a point of talking to anyone I see with an interesting gun. A couple of weeks ago I made a point of talking to a bloke who was using a Beretta 302 with a choke system I was unfamiliar with. I have no objections to anyone using a pump or auto and have used mine at Crabtree in the past with no sideways glances that I was aware of. I don't use breech plugs but always slip my guns between stands, even my OU's. What I have noticed inside and outside the 'office' while having a brew and a bite, is many OU's propped up against walls and in purpose made gun stands. Nothing wrong with that, but it always amazes me just how many people pick up their OU from such stands or in the 'office' and then find they have no safe direction in which to point it while breaking it. I have also noticed just how many people have no clue as how to remove/replace a OU from and into its slip without sweeping the muzzles through everyone who surrounds them. Fixed action guns don't faze me at all. We have witnessed somebody at Crabtree who couldn't hit the pair of clays, so decided to load 3 then hit the pair of clays and was about to walk out as he's forgot he still had one cartridge ready to go!! Some very unsafe things have been witnessed there over the years, and with us always taking our young son (from about 2 months old, now 2 years) its not an enjoyable shoot always worrying what others are doing. Still we will give it another go soon and see if the safety aspect has improved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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