SxS fer ducks???

Algonquin

Algonquin

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Why not use a 12 ga sxs for ducks? To this day I lament selling off a lovely older Ithaca double 12 I used for grouse and pheasant shooting. When I went overseas I sold of all my guns, young and foolish--now old and foolish...

I have an urge to buy an Ithaca sxs but am concerned that such an older gun might not like the stuff used on ducks today.

Are there any clever ways to help rationalise shopping for that Ithaca?

Thanks for all help.
 
Are you kidding? A 12G SxS is GREAT for ducks, one of the guns I learnt to hunt with. You can get copper plated steel shot if you are worried about steel.
 
You could get bismuth or some of the other soft non-tox shots for an older gun. I have a 16 gauge Ithaca and picked up a box of #6, I have not been able to use it yet for ducks but it will be nice jump shooting them while out hunting for grouse and rabbits.
 
I have a fine Model 1894 Remington, 30" barrels, both choked. Two stripe Damascus, 2 5/8" chambers. Throws beautiful patterns w/lead shot, black powder. Obviously it CANNOT be used with steel. Will have to get some bismuth shot, and work up loads for it for next fall.
 
As Nine stated.......sxs will be fine. Single bbls (read pumps and autos) are almost non-existent in the part of the world I migrated from and the waterfowl hunting was spectacular.......12ga sxs is the most dominant there.

Reminds me of a particular favourite, a 30" bbl sxs Westley Richards sidelock (full/mod fixed, hammerless/ejectors).......sigh:(
 
A southern fella by the name of Nash Buckingham had a SXS he called "Bo-Whoop" that took more ducks than any man alive today could claim. Choose the proper loads, and go shoot ducks.

Sharptail
 
Any danger to ducks?

Thanks for the interesting replies! What I have in mind presently is a 1939 Ithaca sxs 12 and am uncertain if it would stand modern high brass loads--obviously 2 3/4" is all.

Just the shotgun of my dreams, I really don't mind if I have to try a little harder to find the appropriate load for such a gun.

FM
 
Ahsan Ahmed said:
As Nine stated.......sxs will be fine. Single bbls (read pumps and autos) are almost non-existent in the part of the world I migrated from and the waterfowl hunting was spectacular.......12ga sxs is the most dominant there.

Reminds me of a particular favourite, a 30" bbl sxs Westley Richards sidelock (full/mod fixed, hammerless/ejectors).......sigh:(
Click to expand...

:eek: Now that's a gun :)
 
Algonquin said:
Thanks for the interesting replies! What I have in mind presently is a 1939 Ithaca sxs 12 and am uncertain if it would stand modern high brass loads--obviously 2 3/4" is all.

Just the shotgun of my dreams, I really don't mind if I have to try a little harder to find the appropriate load for such a gun.

FM
Click to expand...

I have witnessed many folks use modern loads in Damascus bbls although I personally have never used one. Nevertheless, it's better to have that verified via a competent gunsmith if the '39 Ithaca is one of those......Ithaca used to make good firearms at one time.
 
In a sound 1939 Ithaca NID you will be able to use Kent tungsten matrix or Remington tungsten polymer shot without difficulty (or handload your own bismuth shells). Use lead shot for all non - waterfowl purposes. Those barrels are SAAMI spec and are good for non - magnum 2 3/4" loads, unless they are loose, pitted, bulged, bent or otherwise bu**ered. Happy shooting with a fine SXS.

Sharptail
 
I've hunted ducks with my sxs although it's not my first choice. The gun isn't steel proofed so I used Kent Tungstren Matrix 2-3/4" and 2-1/2" and got the job done.
 
SuperCub said:
Those new CZs come with 3" chambers and screw in chokes.

They'd be perfect for waterfowl and steel shot. :D

sc
Click to expand...

Got a couple of Bobwhites in (12 and 20)......purely for Upland though :D

I notice mixed reviews (both good and bad) in the Shotgun World forum......haven't had issues with mine so far. However, it hasn't been that long.
 
Ahsan Ahmed said:
Got a couple of Bobwhites in (12 and 20)......purely for Upland though :D

I notice mixed reviews (both good and bad) in the Shotgun World forum......haven't had issues with mine so far. However, it hasn't been that long.
Click to expand...

I have a 20ga Bobwhite as well. I like it.

The 12ga needs to come with 28" bbls instead of 26".



sc
 
SxS likes ducks

So far we're mostly positive--I think if we're happy with a sxs then the cost for tungsten isn't going to be a factor. Are the Kent loads commonly available? Another possibility might be reloads, any suggestions regarding appropriate reloads?

Thanks!
 
Another option is to find a replacement for your "long lost friend" and to pick up a Browning BSS. I use a 12g BSS for duck and love it. 3" chambers, choked mod/mod, and can handle any shell on the market!
 
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