Doubling a double

[albertaoutlaw]

I have a double rifle (o/u) with a single trigger. I seem to double the gun whenever I try for a percision shot. It seems you almost have to shoot it like a shotgun to avoid doubling ?

Is this normal ? Any tips ?

 

[Boomer]

When I was packing a SXS .500 NE double rifle over seas I learned that my shooting style had to change completely from the more familiar for me bolt action. The fingers on the forearm wrap around the barrels, and my trigger finger had to hook firmly around the trigger to prevent doubling. Surprisingly the recoil from doubling was not much different from firing a single shot, just the muzzle rose a little higher, as they happen as individual events rather at the same moment.

This rifle had two triggers however, and if yours has a single trigger and doubles I suggest that there is a problem with the mechanism. The recoil of your first shot should set the trigger for the second barrel, but it seems that it is releasing it rather than holding it in the cocked position until you are ready to fire. If this only occurs when you are at the range, I would suggest you load the rifle one barrel at a time and select you barrel accordingly, but if it was me I'd get the lock work checked out.

 

[H4831]

A fellow had a famous Model 21 Winchester that doubled when it was brand new. It took two trips to the factory before it was cured.

 

[albertaoutlaw]

It won't double if I "snap" the trigger like a shotgun. But if I "feather" it then it doubles.

 

[RR]

Set the trigger heavier.

Rich

 

[Pudelpointer]

Boomer's got it, you have to get a good hook on the front trigger, other wise when the rifle (shotgun) rebounds off your shoulder your finger will slip back onto the second trigger. Took me a couple times to get used to my double triggered shotgun, used to a single selective that I was obviously using just the tip of my finger on.

Try it,

Ian

 

[Ganderite]

I doubled my 375 H & H. I was shooting off a bench with a target scope on it. My skull sheared the mounts right off the rifle.

Until then I had never been kissed by a scope.

I had assumed the sear realeased, but after reading this, mabe it was a finger problem. Rifle has double triggers.

Anyone want to test a rifle??

 

[catnthehatt]

I have a double rifle (o/u) with a single trigger. I seem to double the gun whenever I try for a percision shot. It seems you almost have to shoot it like a shotgun to avoid doubling ?

Is this normal ? Any tips ?

Your rifle needs trigger work.
There is a very big problem there!
Cat

 

[albertaoutlaw]

I think setting the trigger to be heavier might be the answer. Unfortunatly its not adjustable for the rookie....need a smith.

 

[AP]

I have a double rifle (o/u) with a single trigger

I think you are correct and "may" need to increase the weight of pull on the trigger.
As previously said .. the recoil from the first shot is "setting" the trigger mechanism up for the second shot ... sounds like your light squeeze is allowing your finger to bounce off the trigger when the first round fires ....AND then come back and release the trigger a second time giving you the "doubling" ....either squeeze harder - holding your trigger finger tight against the trigger .. or you may wish to try pulling the rifle harder into the shoulder which "may" reduce the amount of distance the rifle is recoiling enough to prevent the second "pull".

Setting the trigger weight up will help perhaps .. but at the expense of a heavier trigger.

BTW - is the weight of pull the same on the second shot (when it doesn't double) as it is on the first shot?? If not you may have another issue...that needs a smith to attend.

 

[albertaoutlaw]

AP I think that is exaclty what is happening, and I agree with you with respect to correction. I am used to firing more precision rifles bolt action rifles with a very light trigger, so I am not cognizant where my trigger finger ends up and its probably a little sloppy and rebounding and setting the second barrel off.

I do believe the weight of both shots is the same.

Thats what I mean when I say that it won't double when I snap the trigger like a shotgun which is a harder more aggressive pull as opposed to "feathering" it with a precision rifle.

My question is though....does one really have to completely alter your shooting style in order to prevent this doubling ? It seems odd that I have to shoot my double rifle differently than other kinds of rifles ....but maybe thats the way it is.

 

[AP]

Do you need to alter shooting style? Some guys that shoot benchrest have developed trigger techniques that wouldn't be optimal for a heavy recoiling rifle.

I don't know completely what your style is but there are lots of variables that can affect it eg: length of pull; pistol grip shape etc and size of your hand .. for example you might find that wearing a heavier jacket or a lighter one will sufficiently change the LOP on your rifle to make the trigger squeeze more "definite" and less likely for your finger to "bounce".


Another option is to use your rifle as a "one-shooter" ... it may be safer for all concerned. Seems a shame but if you are getting off a second round in an unexpected - and therefore not as well controlled - fashion this is called an accidental discharge (AD) which can get you thrown off a lot of ranges .....


Incidentally while dry firing isn't recommended ... a good way to get your trigger pull in order is to put a "snap cap" in your second barrel.. and practice your trigger control/pull on the first, loaded, barrel UNTIL you can repeatedly drop the pin on the snap cap when you choose rather than randomly through recoil...


good luck.

 

[Pudelpointer]

Whoops, sorry, I totally missed the single trigger part.

Ian