Robertt Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 Did 200 clays yesterday. 100 each with Side x Side with straight hand stock and Semi Auto with full pistol grip. Both Guns fit me. The Semi outshot the S x S and after a bit of self analysis realised the poor shots with S x S were down a slightly inconsistent grip which was affecting the mount. Whereas the Semi pistol ensured the grip was always the same by nature of the shape. In the past I've always shot very well with Pistol Grip S x S's but I never gave it much thought. Now wondering if a pistol grip S x S is the way to go. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 7 minutes ago, Robertt said: Did 200 clays yesterday. 100 each with Side x Side with straight hand stock and Semi Auto with full pistol grip. Both Guns fit me. The Semi outshot the S x S and after a bit of self analysis realised the poor shots with S x S were down a slightly inconsistent grip which was affecting the mount. Whereas the Semi pistol ensured the grip was always the same by nature of the shape. In the past I've always shot very well with Pistol Grip S x S's but I never gave it much thought. Now wondering if a pistol grip S x S is the way to go. Any thoughts? when you shoot the side by side how do you hold the forend ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokersmith Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 The purists will frown .. but if my life depended on shooting a high score with a sbs, I'd be requesting one with a pistol grip and single trigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrPhantom Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 Interesting question as I regularly shoot clays with my SxS (straight grip). I never expect to match my scores with my dedicated clay gun but that's not the point. I always assumed the difference in score was due to the way the gun handles, length of barrel (I shoot a XXV!), recoil, etc. Perhaps the grip is a factor too..🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walker570 Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 I don't shoot clays with either but have a mix of straight and semi pistol and full pistol of various shapes and sizes but must say for live bird shooting never noticed any difference, if I miss or have a bad day.... as yesterday, couldn't hit a barn door... it is all down to the operator. Of course the gun needs to fit you as best it can, so the semi probably fits you just that little bit better. My grip is only light anyway between three fingers and a thumb, grip hard and the whole boady hardens with it. Clench your fist and you will feel the tension go right up to your shoulder and into the shoulder blade. Just my take on it, but try just a relaxed grip just suficient to control the gun. Might make a difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robertt Posted January 31, 2020 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 (edited) It stood out using clays, which enables target repeatability, thus helping me to try and fathom out what's going on and try various fixes. I would imagine this fault may well go undetected with the unreapeatability of live shots. It was cured by using an uncomfortable firm grip which although it worked, was not instinctive, not substainable and likely to be forgotten when in a hot spot live shooting. A thick leather glove which fills the grip and give less wiggle room might help. Edited January 31, 2020 by Robertt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 4 hours ago, oldypigeonpopper said: when you shoot the side by side how do you hold the forend ? hello, with all the side by sides i have used a barrel hand guard, it helps put the gun more forward and shoulder better Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 3 hours ago, Robertt said: It stood out using clays, which enables target repeatability, thus helping me to try and fathom out what's going on and try various fixes. I would imagine this fault may well go undetected with the unreapeatability of live shots. It was cured by using an uncomfortable firm grip which although it worked, was not instinctive, not substainable and likely to be forgotten when in a hot spot live shooting. A thick leather glove which fills the grip and give less wiggle room might help. I thought that I could help but when I went to look to give you a link it seems it's all gone to pot. I've had mine for a while and believe they came from ASI but it's not looking too good now. If you're stuck for gloves to suit your specific needs see if you can find GripSwell GS12. ASI might be a good start in view of their SbS interests.from Spain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 I have shot guns with straight hand stocks and pistol, my personal preference is pistol grip, just feels more comfortable/natural and seems to give more control over the gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 I have both S x S with straight hand stocks and double triggers and O/U's and semi auto's with either PoW or pistol grip stocks. My S x S (which has been fitted) is almost 1/2 longer in the stock than any of the other guns. I see a lot of people who seem to believe that they have to hold the wood forend on a straight handed stocked gun, this has the effect of shortening the stock. Adding the two factors together, the straight hand stock can be well short of what is actually required. Although I do not shoot clays with my old English S x S, this is simply to not 'overwork' it. I will have a few shots on a high tower prior to the game season, but that is it. A double trigger, in my opinion, is better and easier to use with a straight hand stock rather than any form of pistol grip. I find my finger drops back more naturally onto the back trigger, although in most cases I pull the back trigger first (choke barrel) and shoot the bird well in front, moving onto the front trigger (open barrel) for the second shot or closer bird. By shooting too short a stock on a light S x S, felt recoil is well increased. Hence people saying their S x S "kicks like a Mule" ! I occasionally use 32 gram 5's and I am not aware of increased recoil, BUT, the gun fits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 I take it that all this 'holding the forend' does not imply gripping it - just in case a novice should read the thread and take it as gospel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 hello, so Westerley and Wymberley you do not advocate grip holding the forend of a side by side? , what about the gun recoil ??????????????????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 5 minutes ago, oldypigeonpopper said: hello, so Westerley and Wymberley you do not advocate grip holding the forend of a side by side? , what about the gun recoil ??????????????????? Gun goes back and muzzles rise a little, gun stops going backwards and returns to original position for the second shot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 (edited) My left hand (I am right handed), merely acts as a rest for the front end of the gun, my left forefinger lies under the bottom centre rib and my remaining 3 finger curl alongside the right barrel, my left thumb lying alongside the left barrel. I am holding the barrels and NOT the forend. This leaves the entire top of both barrels and the rib clear of any obstructions, which, of course, would lead to head lifting. My first clay competition, in the early 1970's was shot with my only gun, an AyA No. 2. It was a 100 bird competition, I finished 9th. from a field of over 150 entries. That was with 32 gram Winchester AA's too ! Mind you, I was only in my late twenties then and you were only allowed to load 1 cartridge for the single birds on each stand.. Forgot to say that, you allow the gun to recoil. It is a bit like firing a spring air rifle, allow the gun to recoil and as TC says return to original position for second shot. I do NOT 'GRIP' any gun that I shoot, that causes tension in the upper body which is not good for allowing you to swing on the target. Edited January 31, 2020 by Westley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 53 minutes ago, oldypigeonpopper said: hello, so Westerley and Wymberley you do not advocate grip holding the forend of a side by side? , what about the gun recoil ??????????????????? Hello OPP 'Westerly' is a wind.............................although you could be right ! 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panoma1 Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 ^ This I too push my left hand forward of the forend (virtually straight arm) when firing a SBS with a SHS.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WalkedUp Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 IMO pistol grips on a SxS guns look like freakish hybrids. An English straight stock is a thing of beauty even if it’s original raison d'être has been lost on modern single trigger guns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldypigeonpopper Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 14 minutes ago, Westley said: Hello OPP 'Westerly' is a wind.............................although you could be right ! 😁 hello, sincere apologies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 Just now, oldypigeonpopper said: hello, sincere apologies Absolutely no problem old chap ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 The splinter fore end on SxS guns was never designed for holding with the left (front) hand. The fore end is to hold the gun together. The shooter holds the barrels. 31 minutes ago, WalkedUp said: IMO pistol grips on a SxS guns look like freakish hybrids. An English straight stock is a thing of beauty even if it’s original raison d'être has been lost on modern single trigger guns. My thoughts exactly. There is nothing worse than a pistol grip with double triggers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dibble Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 25 minutes ago, London Best said: The splinter fore end on SxS guns was never designed for holding with the left (front) hand. The fore end is to hold the gun together. The shooter holds the barrels. My thoughts exactly. There is nothing worse than a pistol grip with double triggers. How about SxS with flared out barrels to accommodate multichokes? look like you are shooting a Trombone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
London Best Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 Just now, Dibble said: How about SxS with flared out barrels to accommodate multichokes? look like you are shooting a Trombone. Multichokes??? You Philistine! Go and wash your mouth out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 I used to own, and really enjoyed using, a AYA sxs with a pistol grip. Great gun. The only thing I dislike about sxs’s is the double triggers, but that’s possibly because I’m mostly used to a single trigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala59 Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 (edited) I have found that the Prince of Wales grip on my model 1894 , 1902 Remington is a good compromise for a pistol type grip with double triggers, at least, it works for me. Edited January 31, 2020 by impala59 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted January 31, 2020 Report Share Posted January 31, 2020 1 hour ago, panoma1 said: ^ This I too push my left hand forward of the forend (virtually straight arm) when firing a SBS with a SHS.... Me too; in fact one of my s/s is a lightweight and has a quite 'abbreviated' splinter style forend - nothing to grip, but all my s/s my had goes on the barrels (mostly) in front of the forend. In hot weather - or for a flush - I use either a glove or a hand guard - or you get your fingers burned. I am also not either tall or long armed and have small hands. I also prefer straight hand (and double triggers on my o/u guns). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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