Tips for transitioning to a side by side

gdawg

gdawg

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Hi there - after shooting only O/Us, I've decided to try a side by side for upland game. I'll still use the O/U for clays and waterfowl. Growing up, I shot a few of my fathers SxSs, but nothing recently. I'll be taking her out to the skeet range for sure and have been doing some reading, but thought I'd ask here. Any pointers that might help this transition? Love the feel and lightness of the gun but it feels like I'll need to make a few tweaks here and there to my shooting style (e.g. I find I have to really get down on the gun to look straight up the barrel).

Thanks
 
I would guess that particular sxs doesnt have enough drop at comb for you. I would try shooting it and see how you feel but my guess is you will not shoot it well and possibly be looking at a different sxs.
 
Yes, if you really have to position your head to see a proper sight plane, the gun in all likelihood doesn't fit you. Gun fit seems to be quite important with a SxS, especially if you want to get the full enjoyment out of one. If it doesn't fit you, you may not be able to hit with it. This is what turns many people off from using a SxS. The experience they had was with one that did not fit them and instead of getting a proper fitting gun, they turn to something else.

What make of SxS do you have if you don't mind my asking? Is it a straight grip stock or pistol grip?
 
Start at the patterning board and find out where the gun shoots. Mark an aiming point on the board, stand 16 yards back, mount the gun, point and fire. Where the pattern lands will give you an idea of what adjustments may have to be made to the stock.

When you are practising at skeet don't shoot pre-mounted but shoot gun down as you would in the field. If it's acceptable to your squad mates have the puller do surprise pulls so you are reacting to the target instead of knowing where it's coming from. Singles, two quick followers, delayed pulls, report pairs, etc. A lighter gun usually requires a little more effort to keep moving so keep your swing smooth. If the barrels of your sxs are shorter than your o/u don't be surprised if the perceived leads are longer.

I shoot o/u and semi for clays but in preparation for the hunting season the target guns go away and I shoot a couple or three rounds of sporting clays with my sxs to get in tune. The first round is usually a struggle but eventually it becomes natural even though my sxs has double triggers and an auto safety. Enjoy your new gun!
 
It doesn't matter if the gun is a SxS or an O/U, it has to fit you. If you have to work to get into a proper shooting position, the gun doesn't fit you.
 
If by chance you're tall and have long arms like me, an easy fix for a high comb is to lengthen the stock with a pad. Try it first with a slip-on pad or even some sort of padding taped to the butt. If you do choose to install a permanent pad, pick a solid red rubber one.
 
I was very much in your shoes with O/Us. Always wanted a sxs and when I finally got one couldn't shoot it that well. Got the gun fitted (for me a 1/4 inch more length of pull) and it was a revelation. I try to always shoot skeet the way Claybuster suggested. I do it for bird hunting. With the proper fitting gun my shooting improved dramatically. No conscious thought as to where I have to mount my gun now. I just bring it to my face and shoot.
 
Rick B said:
I was very much in your shoes with O/Us. Always wanted a sxs and when I finally got one couldn't shoot it that well. Got the gun fitted (for me a 1/4 inch more length of pull) and it was a revelation. I try to always shoot skeet the way Claybuster suggested. I do it for bird hunting. With the proper fitting gun my shooting improved dramatically. No conscious thought as to where I have to mount my gun now. I just bring it to my face and shoot.
Click to expand...

My first SxS fitted okay, but not great, and I didn't shoot it as well as I would have liked to as a result, so I sold it. Then when I was in Prophet River, Clay showed me a 20 gauge AYA #2 that was on consignment, and it fit me perfectly, so I purchased it. I shot 49/50 at skeet with that gun the second time out, after getting more used to shooting double triggers, so I shoot it about as well as I shoot my O/U guns. I was so impressed that I ordered an identical gun in 28 gauge, which should arrive in a few months.
 
As was stated , pattern boards work well to figure out just where the gun shoots.
Personally, I just shoot the gun and adjust subconsciously .
i start on station 7 and the low house and work from there, or by licking the trap straight and shooting com station three
Cat
 
Thanks for the info gentlemen. Its a straight stocked gun (Webley & Scott) that I have on loan, pending decision to buy. I've adjusted my grip slightly (realized I was trying to hold it like a pistol grip) so now it naturally shoulders higher. I just took possession of another (Beretta) so we'll see which one works better at the range. Hopefully I can then find someone who can identify proper fit / what needs to be tweaked.
 
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