Whats the purpose/advantage?
- Thread starter triton
- Start date
A very good question. I shoot a high ribbed Beretta, and it suits my physique well. I did not choose the gun because of the high rib however.
Some people say that by placing the rib high above the barrel the visible distortion in the air caused by the heat of the barrel is reduced. Others say that the simple, clean sighting plane makes for more precise and easier pointing. Still others say that a high stock and a high rib allow for a more comfortable shooting position.
I don't really believe any of these arguments. I have shot guns without any rib at all, shot them until they were too hot to touch, and cannot say that I have missed a shot due to air distortion from the heat of the barrel. As for the sighting plane, I believe any single barrel or U/O gun offers a similar view. The stockmakers I have talked with can build you a comfortable, natural shooting position regardless of rib height.
Still, no less an authority than twice world champion trap shooter John Primrose shoots a high rib, and so do I, so there may be something too it after all. Personally, I think it is all a matter of gun fit, and if a high rib gun fits you, then you will undoubtedly like it.
As for the width of the rib, all sorts of theories exist. I don't take much stock in any of them. I have never heard any top flight shooters fussing about rib width either. Look at a Browning Superposed Broadway Trap with a rib so wide it requires a central channel to provide a sight line. The rib needs a rib? I suppose a really skinny rib would look kind of silly mounted on a tall bridge (such as on the Beretta). Theories exist about the type, size and number of beads as well. The truth is, the only time I ever see the rib is when I mount the gun. After that you are either looking for or at the target. If the gun does not fit you, if it does not shoot where you are looking, then no rib and bead combination is going to help you much.
I realize that this post does not actually answer your question, but I am not sure that there is a correct answer, other than personal taste and fashion. It is good that there is a choice as it increases the chances of you finding a gun that you like. However, championships have been won with high ribs and low, wide ribs and narrow and with one or two beads. Pick your poison.
Sharptail
Some people say that by placing the rib high above the barrel the visible distortion in the air caused by the heat of the barrel is reduced. Others say that the simple, clean sighting plane makes for more precise and easier pointing. Still others say that a high stock and a high rib allow for a more comfortable shooting position.
I don't really believe any of these arguments. I have shot guns without any rib at all, shot them until they were too hot to touch, and cannot say that I have missed a shot due to air distortion from the heat of the barrel. As for the sighting plane, I believe any single barrel or U/O gun offers a similar view. The stockmakers I have talked with can build you a comfortable, natural shooting position regardless of rib height.
Still, no less an authority than twice world champion trap shooter John Primrose shoots a high rib, and so do I, so there may be something too it after all. Personally, I think it is all a matter of gun fit, and if a high rib gun fits you, then you will undoubtedly like it.
As for the width of the rib, all sorts of theories exist. I don't take much stock in any of them. I have never heard any top flight shooters fussing about rib width either. Look at a Browning Superposed Broadway Trap with a rib so wide it requires a central channel to provide a sight line. The rib needs a rib? I suppose a really skinny rib would look kind of silly mounted on a tall bridge (such as on the Beretta). Theories exist about the type, size and number of beads as well. The truth is, the only time I ever see the rib is when I mount the gun. After that you are either looking for or at the target. If the gun does not fit you, if it does not shoot where you are looking, then no rib and bead combination is going to help you much.
I realize that this post does not actually answer your question, but I am not sure that there is a correct answer, other than personal taste and fashion. It is good that there is a choice as it increases the chances of you finding a gun that you like. However, championships have been won with high ribs and low, wide ribs and narrow and with one or two beads. Pick your poison.
Sharptail
That Vented Barrel Ridge - Purpose
Simple science.
The ridge that runs along the top of a gun barrel is a heat sinc. Much like the thin blades of metal in your car radiator.
They increase the surface area over which the heat generated by your car engine or your barrel can dissipate.
Funny story related to this question. A young man came into Wholesale Sports to have his shotgun looked at while I was standing at the counter.
He mentioned that the first time, a "gunsmith" had glued it back in place.
I couldn't help but to offer up the above information.
Cheers
C79
Simple science.
The ridge that runs along the top of a gun barrel is a heat sinc. Much like the thin blades of metal in your car radiator.
They increase the surface area over which the heat generated by your car engine or your barrel can dissipate.
Funny story related to this question. A young man came into Wholesale Sports to have his shotgun looked at while I was standing at the counter.
He mentioned that the first time, a "gunsmith" had glued it back in place.
I couldn't help but to offer up the above information.
Cheers
C79
beretta boy
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Orillia, Ontario
The "High & Wide" school of thought thinks that such ribs contribute
to more rapid target acquisition.
For "wide" ... the old Browning "Broadway" Trap guns.
For "high" any of the "Under Single" guns such as the Bereta or new
Blaser F3 American Trap guns.
The "Broadway" showed up c. 1961 ... the first "un singles" I ran across were Simmons custom guns ... c. 1975.
to more rapid target acquisition.
For "wide" ... the old Browning "Broadway" Trap guns.
For "high" any of the "Under Single" guns such as the Bereta or new
Blaser F3 American Trap guns.
The "Broadway" showed up c. 1961 ... the first "un singles" I ran across were Simmons custom guns ... c. 1975.
