Windy Posted May 4, 2009 Report Share Posted May 4, 2009 My first post.......so be kind! Having shot side by sides since I was 11yrs old, have just got my first O/U. My new acquisition (Winchester Select Sporting II) has chokes, which is a new game for me. What is the best set up to start with, whilst getting used to a new gun? Shooting clays whilst getting to grips with it. cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Markio Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 For sporting clays most will tell you 1/4 (ImpCyl) in the bottom barrel and 1/2 (Mod) in the top. I use Skeet and 1/4 in mine. Try it and see how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 I agree with Markio put cyl or skeet in the bottom barrel and 1/4 in the top. Unless you are shooting extreme range clays then that combination will be fine. Don't listen to anyone who says you want tight chokes to make you more accurate as it is rubbish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy W Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 As a choke fiddler myself in the past (sounds rude) I tried all combinations, 1/4 & 1/2, 1/4 & 1/4, skeet & 1/4 but was still missing a lot of stuff, Pair away and myself decided to pattern our chokes at Doveridge and we were amazed at my 1/4 choke, we even spoke to the gunsmith on site who actually said 1/2 is a better all round choice *, from that day on I have used 1/2 & 3/4 and Pair Away will vouch for this my scores have vastly improved and I am more confident now as well. All I am trying to say is everyone has there own preferences, what works for one will not necessary work for another, a pattern plate is with out doubt the best indication of what your chosen cartridge is doing at what ever range with what ever choke fitted, the results often surprise. *If shooting skeet or close up targets it obviously makes sense to put a more open choke in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windy Posted May 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 Cheers for the replies. I have not shot much for about 15yrs.....but recently started again, with my old s/s and straight away was hitting about 50% of clays on various stands at Bidwell's place (High Lodge). On my first outing with the new Winchester I wasn't doing quite as well. I used it how it came out of the box, 1/4 in the bottom barrel and 1/2 on top. Perhaps next outing I'll try Cyl in bottom and 1/4 on top as recommended. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 There is an old shooting adage that i believe in ,the better the shot you are the tighter the choke you should use . As a beginer you should be using more open chokes . Harnser . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweedledee Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 give yourself some time with the new gun mate,don`t go chopping and changing chokes just yet. you will only grind yourself down. best see where you are hitting first. try a few more outings and get used to th gun before you start blaming the chokes.i` d love to see some pics of that winchester Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windy Posted May 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 there you go: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat Dog Posted May 5, 2009 Report Share Posted May 5, 2009 Try putting cylinder and 1/4 in and leave the rest of the chokes in the house. Experiment with different chokes if you must but dont fall into the trap of blaming the choke for consistantly missing a target. Learn the gun and choke to suit in due course. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 :( Open chokes won't make you a good shot overnight. Shot placement and confidence with your equipment is far more important. Open chokes will allow for slightly more error but not a massive ammount. I use 1/4 in both barrels at the moment and apart from one stand at the Essex Masters I did not miss any birds due to choke. There was one stand that I could not find where the clay was, it was not a choke issue. If I were you I would put cyl and 1/4 in and pick a cartridge that you can always get hold of, not necessarily the cheapest one. Book a couple of lessons and steadily plug away at as many different shoots as you are able to. Score will go up and down but as long as you enjoy it and don't take it to seriously you will improve steadily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devilishdave Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 Stick skket and 1/4 in and dont give it another thought until you get used to the gun. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windy Posted May 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 Cheers all. Will be chucking in the cyl and 1/4, which will hopefully help me get used to the new gun and quickly bring my hit ratio back to what I was getting with my old s/s. Then onto improving on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jinxy72 Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 For sporting clays most will tell you 1/4 (ImpCyl) in the bottom barrel and 1/2 (Mod) in the top. I use Skeet and 1/4 in mine. Try it and see how you get on. bang on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesFearn Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 OK, super stupid question but......being quite new to breaking clays (had 5 or 6 visits to my club) I use 3/4 and 1/2; would I be better off changing then? I tend to do quite well as I am and wouldn't want to change for changings sakes. Reckon I'm hitting 70% of what I aim at. Would changing chokes make that much a difference? Sorry for the newbie question! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VicW Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 James, There is a very obvious answer to your question,put 1/4 and 1/2 in and see how you get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesFearn Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 VicW - Sorry mate, wasn't trying to be funny; if I've missed the obvious I apologise. I will try the 1/4 and 1/2 tomorrow and see if I notice a change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VicW Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 No probs James,let us know how it goes. Like a lot of sporting clays shooters I use the same chokes in both barrels and don't change chokes for different stands.I know I can break most things with what I use (3/8 & 3/8) be it near or far.If I miss it's my fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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