20 gauge for sporting clays?

MD

MD

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I have a new (to me) 20 gauge pump shotgun and want to get some experience shooting it.

I've been sporting clays shooting twice with my 12 gauge and have a long ways to go to catch up to the veterans.

I'd sure like to try my 20 on the course now.

I patterned it recently at 40 yards and found the patterns are about one foot higher than my 12 gauge.

Would I have to hold a little more below the clays than I do with my 12 gauge?
 
Hard to say. First thing that comes to mind is a question: Is your 12 ga. a trap model?

The reason I ask (and this isn't universal) is that, generally, trap models are designed so that the proper sight picture has the target floating just above the barrel(s). A field gun, conversely, usually requires that the target be covered by the barrel(s) for a 'center of pattern' hit.

If both guns are field models, I'd say the difference is in the fit. The 20 ga. could be a touch long for you in the LOP department.

If they're both field models and their LOP measures the same, then I'd agree - the 20 just shoots lower and you'd have to compensate.

SS
 
MD said:
Would I have to hold a little more below the clays than I do with my 12 gauge?
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Yes. If the gun is patterning higher you might want a little daylight between the bird and your bead. It's also possible that your 20 gauge is a little higher in the stock than your 12 causing it to shoot high.

POI patterning tests are usually done a little closer than 40 yards. Try it at 16 yards and see how both guns perform.
 
They are both field models, the 12 is a standard early version 1957 870 Wingmaster.

The 20 is a 1969 Ithaca Featherlight. The previous owner had the stock shortened so the LOP is actually short for me. I'll be getting a slip on butt pad soon for it.

I know I should have tried the guns out at 16 and 30 yards too, but all the written advice I had seen for checking patterns suggested 40 yards, and I did that, but haven't had the time, ammo or pattern paper to try the shorter ranges yet.
 
You're right about patterning at 40 yards for pattern performance but POI according to the Churchill method is done at 16 yards. Every inch of pattern movement equals 1/8" of stock adjustment.

The shot LOP might be putting your face further forward and therefore higher on the stock resulting in a high pattern.
 
"The short LOP might be putting your face further forward and therefore higher on the stock resulting in a high pattern."

Good point. On one occasion I was so far forward my thumb bashed my nose with the recoil.
 
Then the stock is definitely too short for you.

Adding length to conventional stocks will in effect lower your eye
position as it will be further down the comb.

Get you LOP settled first before making any adjustments for
drop & cast.
 
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