MonkeyKong Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 I'm undertaking an "Introduction to target shotgun" course in August which I'm looking forward to. If it's something I take to I'm considering applying for an FAC and getting a S1 shotgun for target/practical shotgun. I have a S2 pump action which I enjoy using on the clays and I'm a big fan of how robust and easy it is to maintain, but I'm wondering if pump action is too much of a disadvantage against a S1 semi-auto. But then, cutting back the other way, how are semi-autos for reliably cycling/not jamming during that kind of shooting? I just wondered if there are any target/practical shotgun people on here who could give me the benefit of their experience please. Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 Go with what you are comfortable with, the top shots invariably use autos and you can spend a fortune on a 'race-gun' Personally, I love pumps, check out the Pump club thread for loads of info and opinions also Semi auto club for similar, Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 I've been using a pump for over 10+ years for PSG The scores are normally split between Standard (autos) & Manual (pumps) so you are not directly shooting against pump guns! An advantage of the pump is you can make up very mild reloads that allow faster follow up shots (but would be too weak to cycle a semi-auto) One shoot I was at I was 2nd fastest on the stage for one event, yet was the only person there with a pump....so they CAN be fast.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeyKong Posted June 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Go with what you are comfortable with, the top shots invariably use autos and you can spend a fortune on a 'race-gun' Personally, I love pumps, check out the Pump club thread for loads of info and opinions also Semi auto club for similar, Enjoy! I will do, thanks! I've been using a pump for over 10+ years for PSG The scores are normally split between Standard (autos) & Manual (pumps) so you are not directly shooting against pump guns! An advantage of the pump is you can make up very mild reloads that allow faster follow up shots (but would be too weak to cycle a semi-auto) One shoot I was at I was 2nd fastest on the stage for one event, yet was the only person there with a pump....so they CAN be fast.... Ah, that is very useful info, thank you. In that case I'm probably more leaning towards a S1 pump, if I enjoy the intro course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 To echo Saddler, pumps shoot in their own division, and another plus is that loading a pump can be much quicker than an auto. With a 3 shot, you will get loads of loading practice! Hopefully, your local club will allow 3 shot to shoot alongside FAC guns, you will find loads of encouragement, tips and tricks to learn, its a great sport, difficult, challenging, frustrating and rewarding when you get it right, but most of all its great fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Last "Target Shotgun Assoc." shoot I was at, I also used an old Russian Tula hammer gun on a slug stage. THAT was fun...and with my home loaded mild slugs, also very easy on the shoulder... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Last "Target Shotgun Assoc." shoot I was at, I also used an old Russian Tula hammer gun on a slug stage. THAT was fun...and with my home loaded mild slugs, also very easy on the shoulder... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Reminds me of a great stage at Thornlands many years ago, you took your lovingly prepared gun into a mock house where it was taken from you and substituted with a short barrel coach gun, some bleated but most roared with laughter and got on with it, great fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Only "problem" I had was that the gun had a straight stock (Tula Toz 66) Mate's otherwise identical Tula had a pistol grip stock; so got rid of mine & picked up another Toz 66 with a better stock....er, actually got two, but don't let swmbo know! Plan to keep one as-is & possibly Section 1 the other. 18" would be a hoot!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeyKong Posted June 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 To echo Saddler, pumps shoot in their own division, and another plus is that loading a pump can be much quicker than an auto. With a 3 shot, you will get loads of loading practice! Hopefully, your local club will allow 3 shot to shoot alongside FAC guns, you will find loads of encouragement, tips and tricks to learn, its a great sport, difficult, challenging, frustrating and rewarding when you get it right, but most of all its great fun Thanks for the advice, I'm looking forward to giving it a go! Can I ask if there's any advice for filling out the calibre, type and reason on FAC applications for S1 shotguns? Is it better to keep it as generic as possible, or is it just up the local FAOs preference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddler Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Should have nothing to do with the FEOs preference.....they're not the one who'll be buying/using it. Add the slot as 12-bore shotgun, or 12-bore multishot ...covers more options then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted June 30, 2016 Report Share Posted June 30, 2016 Additionally you may wish to state; Practical/target shotgun as a full member of xxxx club using all approved and insured ranges. If your club shoots it, or you wish to compete in competitions you may wish to include a suitable amount of slug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MonkeyKong Posted July 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2016 Should have nothing to do with the FEOs preference.....they're not the one who'll be buying/using it. Add the slot as 12-bore shotgun, or 12-bore multishot ...covers more options then. Okay I see, I didn't realise the language could be that generic. Thanks. Additionally you may wish to state; Practical/target shotgun as a full member of xxxx club using all approved and insured ranges. If your club shoots it, or you wish to compete in competitions you may wish to include a suitable amount of slug. Thanks for the advice. I remember reading something a month or so ago that gave advisory amounts for slug applications. I'll dig it out. Thank you both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Mighty Prawn Posted July 1, 2016 Report Share Posted July 1, 2016 If you have any land make sure they condition it for vermin control, and also clays so you can practise before going onto live quarry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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