12GA Double Barrel SxS- Pulling Both Triggers

Wolfgang7

Wolfgang7

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One time I accidentally discharged both barrels on a side by side 12GA. I don't really know how, i am assuming i somehow pulled both triggers in my stupidity. Anyway is this a really bad thing to do, whether it's accidental or intentional?? Am I lucky the gun didn't explode!!?? Or is this somewhat of a "borderline common" practice amongst double barellers out there? I'm not really planning on trying but the incident got me thinking about it!!

Anybody else ever pulled both triggers simultaneously??
 
I did that recently and damn did that hurt, I dont know if it was in the wrong spot or what but its gonna be awhile before I do that again :p
 
It shouldn't be a major concern, should it happen on occasion. I can't think of a hunting or shooting situation where firing both barrels would be advantageous, so presumably it would only happen when one's finger slips from the front trigger to the rear, for example.

However, it's unfortunately not uncommon for double guns to double-fire on their own. This is a dangerous situation and should be rectified before the gun is used again.

In your case, you indicated that you aren't sure if you caused the double-fire, or it occurred spontaneously. Sounds (from this and other posts) like you've got a growing list of reasons to have this gun checked by a competent gunsmith. I'm sure the gun will give you years of carefree service, but it appears to be in need of a little professional attention to put it in serviceable condition.
 
Are you regularly using two fingers on the triggers? It is more common and better practise to just use your trigger finger on one trigger fire and then slip that finger to the second if needed, this way you will not get a double up. The need to have the instant option left or right is a negative concept because in reality you have ages of time to make the assessment locate your trigger finger and make the shot. Watch a good double man at the double stations in skeet or the pairs in walk up.
 
I did it once with my buddys o/u. It was the biggest jolt I have ever felt from a firearm. I was using the old Imperial half-brass shells at the time. It was a single trigger; he had to take it to the gunsmith to get it looked it after that. There was something worn in the trigger mechanism and it would fire two shells at once.
 
It's real nice on cheaper guns that don't have the front trigger hinged.As it cuts the knuckle on the rear trigger finger.Did it once on a shortened Spanish double[camp bear gun] shooting a jack rabbit that squirted out from under a corral..........bled like a stuck pig...................Harold
 
straightshooter said:
It shouldn't be a major concern, should it happen on occasion. I can't think of a hunting or shooting situation where firing both barrels would be advantageous, so presumably it would only happen when one's finger slips from the front trigger to the rear, for example.

However, it's unfortunately not uncommon for double guns to double-fire on their own. This is a dangerous situation and should be rectified before the gun is used again.

In your case, you indicated that you aren't sure if you caused the double-fire, or it occurred spontaneously. Sounds (from this and other posts) like you've got a growing list of reasons to have this gun checked by a competent gunsmith. I'm sure the gun will give you years of carefree service, but it appears to be in need of a little professional attention to put it in serviceable condition.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that StraightShooter. As a side note the gun i double fired wasn't the Fox Sterlingworth i posted about. Not sure if thats what you meant but it was a friends double. (BTW the Fox i had measured and it's 2 3/4")

The one I double fired was an FN. (Which also is in a thread, maybe thats what you meant!) Anyway you mentioned occasionally they will double fire on their own, and when it happened first of all i remember it kicking the hell out of my shoulder and i remembered thinking man i didn't think it kicked like that yesterday! (my friend and i had been shooting pretty much all the day the previous day) I just thought maybe the shoulder was a little tender form the day before or something. Then i went to shoot "the other barrel", that's when the gun wouldn't fire, leading me to find out both barrels had discharged.

The whole thing did baffle me as i do only use my trigger finger, and was sure i only pulled one trigger, i mean i didn't pull both triggers the whole day before, but i guess anything is possible. i basically dismissed it as somehow i pulled both triggers in my stupidy, but good to know they can do that themselves. i am going to let my friend know about your post and recommend he get someone to look at it. Thanks again.....
 
art.h said:
Are you regularly using two fingers on the triggers? It is more common and better practise to just use your trigger finger on one trigger fire and then slip that finger to the second if needed, this way you will not get a double up. The need to have the instant option left or right is a negative concept because in reality you have ages of time to make the assessment locate your trigger finger and make the shot. Watch a good double man at the double stations in skeet or the pairs in walk up.
Click to expand...

I just use one finger , but thanks for the heads up :)
 
Start by firing the rear trigger first, and see if the issue goes away, you could be harping the trigger. Most commonly due to a flinch or anticipation of recoil by the shooter, where they tense up and pull the trigger with more force than necessary, slipping to the rear trigger under recoil. It happens so fast it would likely sound and feel like one shot. Firing the rear trigger first will negate the issue until you become comfortable with the gun. If it still doubles, the gun's having issues, also not uncommon with doubles, especially old ones.
 
A while back there was a thread about some short chinese made outlaw double. Some of the buyers could not wait to pull both triggers on their shotties.
 
Ardent said:
Start by firing the rear trigger first, and see if the issue goes away, you could be harping the trigger. Most commonly due to a flinch or anticipation of recoil by the shooter, where they tense up and pull the trigger with more force than necessary, slipping to the rear trigger under recoil. It happens so fast it would likely sound and feel like one shot. Firing the rear trigger first will negate the issue until you become comfortable with the gun. If it still doubles, the gun's having issues, also not uncommon with doubles, especially old ones.
Click to expand...

Yeah i remember the day before i was pulling rear trigger first for that same reason. i'm new to doubles and wasn't sure of the "correct" process, so that's what i chose to do and why. As far as the time both barrels discharged i can't remember what i did.

in saying all this is there a "correct" way to do this?? Like pull rear then front? Or front then rear?? Or both simult. jk! Or is it personal preference?
 
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