20 gauge for sporting clays?

MD

MD

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I've only been SC shooting twice now, but I really liked it.

I got a 2nd hand Ithaca 20 gauge model 37 last year that I would love to shoot more.

Will I be severely handicapped trying to shoot clays with it, based on my inexperience and the fewer pellets in a 20 gauge shell?

Should I try to get to be a better shot with my 12 gauge first?
 
You will be throwing less lead down range, which may handicap you. That said, you will also be subject to less recoil which can help....

There are 1oz loads available in 20ga that can help you catch up shot wise.

Use what you've got, and go out and have fun. If 1 or 2 birds a round makes that much of a difference to you then hold out for the 12ga.

Brad.
 
You won't be seriously handicapped with the 20 gauge. I shoot 7/8s 12 gauge loads at most targets and haven't found them a handicap. I only go with the heavier loads when the targets are edge on and over 40 yards and even then I've broken enough of them with the lighter loads.
 
I think it would be quite enjoyable to while away an afternoon with a 20 bore on the clays range. The only thing better would be a little time with a 16 bore. Your 20 will work just fine. Remember point, swing and keep swinging that will break clays.

cheers Darryl
 
I remeber jack rabbit hunting with a model 37 12 bore as a kid in Southern Ontario. I had use Remington Nitro mag 1 1/2 oz loads because nothing else would kill them. (or so I thought) That Ithaca would loosen your fillings....

cheers Darryl
 
M D I shot all of last season with a 20 gauge as I was having shoulder trouble and could not raise my 12 auto loader very quickly if at all. Now out here in Alberta we can shoot gun up, so you can premount your gun to get on the targets that much quicker. Try and find your self some number 9 shot loads to shoot, and you'll have plenty of lead in the air, and have fun.FS
 
I had to put a slip-on shoulder pad over the exisitng one on the Ithaca to lengthen it to fit me, so the recoil is minimal despite the light weight of the gun.

I hit a few pheasants and quail with it in November, I'd just like to shoot it more.

I think it really fits me well.
 
Most guys at our range shoot their HUNTING guns at Sporting. A few of us have bought dedicated Sporting smooth bores that we also take hunting. I always advise to shoot what ya got and maybe later upgrade. As far as being handicapped by a 20 ga....not at all. As CB does I shoot mostly 7/8 oz. loads and they will smoke a clay very convincingly out to about 40yds. Just shoot and enjoy.:)
 
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