Changing shotgun action styles when getting older

iron cat

iron cat

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The last few years have seen my arthritis advancing into both my knees and hands, and as I get older I have found my reflexes slowing up in general , as well.
The 28 gauge thread rekindled my thoughts on changing up my upland gun style from hammers and double triggers to a single trigger and box locks.
I am finding that cocking both hammers at once is getting to be a bit difficult except when using my Westley Richards and even then I have trouble at times, and getting my trigger finger moving quickly to switch barrels can be a chore as well. The hammers on my 20 gauge Iside Vintage are a no go right off the bat as the springs are very strong and the hammer ears are shorter than on the W.R.
I hunted Sharptails and ruffies a bit this year with a lightweight C.I.L. 1000Super Field O/U ( a late 60's/early 70's Franchi) and enjoyed it, but would like to stay with a sub gauge to lose a bit more mass and I prefer the smaller gauges for upland hunting.
Decisions, decisions......!
Cat
 
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kamlooky said:
Le Gatteau avec le chappeau………….go get that A-5 in 20 yer buddy has.
Light, quick and assa bonus, well chit, yewd be a styl’in Fudd.

Such as you, I sure miss my youth.
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Uh, you won't find me hunting with a semi auto today- tomorrow don't look any better! LOL
I am pretty much a SxS guy, but have been known to shoulder an O/U at times as well........
Cat
https://imgur.com/Y8l9Vkd
 
In the past I used a Browning Auto 5,3 inch ,32 inch vent rib barrel for my duck gun.Back then, it did not seem to weight that much.However,over the years I believe it has put on weight,a lot of weight.It does not carry now like it did in my younger days.:)
 
I shoot O/U for clays , English stocked ,twin trigger SxS for upland, and semi auto for waterfowl. My O/U clays guns are fairly heavy, and stand up to many thousands of rounds per year, my SxS sub gauges are light to carry, and my gas operated semi auto reduces felt recoil , with 3" waterfowl loads. I don't see myself changing shotgun types anytime soon.
 
birdbuff said:
I like my Huglu sxs in 28. My sausage sized fingers would never work in a double trigger gun. The single select trigger on my ac mini is great for my upland needs.
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Having rather “svelt” fingers (ring finger size 12) I have zero issues with double triggers. My Dad, interestingly had……….no so svelt fingers (ring finger size 22) but also had no issues with double triggers. FTR, Mr Grandfather (Dads Dad) had HUGE fingers such that they made my Dads 22’s look dainty. He couldn’t bend his fingers much at all. He was not a shooter.
 
iron cat said:
The last few years have seen my arthritis advancing into both my knees and hands, and as I get older I have found my reflexes slowing up in general , as well.
The 28 gauge thread rekindled my thoughts on changing up my upland gun style from hammers and double triggers to a single trigger and box locks.
I am finding that cocking both hammers at once is getting to be a bit difficult except when using my Westley Richards and even then I have trouble at times, and getting my trigger finger moving quickly to switch barrels can be a chore as well. The hammers on my 20 gauge Iside Vintage are a no go right off the bat as the springs are very strong and the hammer ears are shorter than on the W.R.
I hunted Sharptails and ruffies a bit this year with a lightweight C.I.L. 1000Super Field O/U ( a late 60's/early 70's Franchi) and enjoyed it, but would like to stay with a sub gauge to lose a bit more mass and I prefer the smaller gauges for upland hunting.
Decisions, decisions......!
Cat
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Like you I am a physically & mentally tortured soul. Not a spring chicken anymore either and I much prefer the smaller 20 & 28g’ers now. But some 28g are still big and swing like a brick, some kick out those precious beautiful green and red reloadable empties on the ground and I risk falling on my nose when I bend over trying to pick them up.lol I treat my pumps like single shots, the empty gets slowly ejected into my palm and then into my pocket. Really sucks if I miss my bird on the first shot (but like my fellow CGNers I rarely do).

So I find myself leaving my Krieghoff K20 ‘bricks’ at home and bring out my little Browning/Win Mod 12s and my little Browning Citori 28g O/U shotguns instead. Have several new Rizzini O/U and I think they are a great ‘compromise’. I like them but haven’t fallen in ‘love’ with them. Love is very important !!!!

Have I learned my lessons…NOPE !! Bought a Rem Sp10 just because and a beautiful little Benelli Ethos 28g Sporting Clay the other week. Fired 3 shots to confirm POI and the little biatch tossed the empties somewhere into the snow. She’s parked for now. Maybe take out the Win Mod 23 SxS next or the Browning BBS in 20g….. or maybe go for a drive to the USA to look at a Win Mod 21 high grade in 28g that someone forwarded me a link too last week…I hope they take cheques.

Decisions, DECISIONS !!!!
….Ive recently attended a local ‘Gunaholics Anomynous’ meeting for help…they are setting up a ‘Go Fund Me’ in my name…🤗
 
The unstoppable march of time has left its mark on me, too. I have the singular pleasure of dealing with both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. The rheumatoid version came close to ending my hunting for good, but I have it under control now.

But, between the two (and throw in declining muscle strength and easily bruised hands), and I’m definitely dealing with the same age-related issues that we all face.

My response mirrors some of the previous comments - I’ve found a new appreciation for sub gauges; I choose round actions over sharp-edged receivers; and I limit the weight and quantity of the gear and supplies that I carry. (NOTE: If anyone has figured out how to reduce the weight of water, I’d be interested!)

I think the important point is that, despite the challenges, we adjust and we adapt - we find ways to continue to enjoy the sport that has kept us fit and out enjoying what nature has to offer.
 
For water ... there anren't many options .... for me it boils down to three:

1.) You drink a lot (1Liter) and before heading out ... and to last you till you get back to the car/truck. I can go a half day with this method.
2.) You carry the water you need to stay hydrated.
3.) You carry a filter like a LifeStraw or Sawyer filter .... and to filter any water that you find in a creek or pond ... etc. Depending where you hunt this might work.

When I am out hunting small game for half a day .... I normally drink a lot before heading out .... and I carry a lightweight and compact water filter or water purification method with me and just in case. I don't carry anything to drink .... and this works for me for roughly half a day.
 
My hunting partner and I are well matched. Both in our early seventies, we've been hunting together for 35 years. We get up at 10:00, meet up at noon, and do afternoon/evening hunts. Three to four hours in the uplands is about all we can manage these days.

I carry 300 mls of (initially frozen) lemonade and 500 mls of water for me. It's the liter of water that I carry for Field Marshal Montgomery (AKA Monty the Brittany) that adds a Kg to the load. Without question, he earns every drop of it!
 
Since we're on the subject of getting older, and the joy that comes with it...

Anyone has recommendations on some warm dexterity gloves? (That doesn't sneeze the hands)

I used to be ok wearing nothing, or some plain unlined roper gloves... But that doesn't cut it anymore...

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I shot a S x S for many years... prefer that to an O/U due to how far you have to open the barrels to load it... but I would have no problem going to a good semi auto in 20 gauge today...
 
Interesting. For all my upland hunting days, I used either my Dad's old Tobin double trigger, double full choke, or my Savage 24H-DL 22/20. The old Tobin needed to be retired and handed off to a family member for a keepsake. I came across a beautiful old Ithaca double with single trigger. I just couldn't adjust to that setup so I sold to back to the original owner. Now a nice SKB/Ithaca XL 300 gas semi is looking pretty good. It came from H4831 and has a special place in the pile. I only shoot clays with three buddies these days. I would use the little Savage for upland. I am not bothered (yet) by arthritis in my hands, but my back tells me I am not going to be walking any great distance any more.

I can't really say that old age sucks, but it does have its way, doesn't it.
 
Well this thread makes me sad as I have been reading posts and threads from many of you gentlemen for close to twenty years now and still picture you all as you were in those stories and photos. By the same token I am no longer in my twenties, my ears ring with tinnitus, and there’s many hunting adventures I have still not done that I keep thinking I will do.

As for the issue with your guns Cat the only thing that comes to mind is that a slim sub gauge box lock will likely extend your time afield and pleasure while doing it. Removing the issues of the hammers alone will likely make things much easier.

No need to do anything drastic and move into an auto loader or anything
 
Glad to hear (really) that I am not alone, suffered a work related injury one week after grad lost 3 fingers and tore up my left hand never stopped me and my model 12 and later 870 from smashing everything with wings. But now arthritis in the hand has stopped me from pumping so have shot semi's and O/U for he last 20 years at ducks. Tried the 16 model 12 for a while at pheasants but sadly single shot gave them 2 many chances. Love my 20g SKB sxs and 28 Beretta A400 for upland and the Browning cynergy Wicked wing for ducks .Crappy getting up there but have to adapt ...or quit not ready for that yet.
 
….We adjust and do adapt….sometimes with a little help from ones who understand.

My one and only Xmas wish this year is for Santa to make each and every one of my ‘old crusty brothers’ happy on the morning of the 25th. And I offer up a silent prayer to the Big Guy in the Sky to bless you all with what’s more important, continuing health. Cheers 😇
 
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