Upland shotgun

mosinmaster

mosinmaster

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For upland, would you rather have an Ithaca 37 or SxS. Criteria also would be 12 vs 20 ga and choke M, IM, F. Add in 'cool' factor for a certain gun, which would be a better choice? Talking grouse and pheasants.
 
mosinmaster said:
For upland, would you rather have an Ithaca 37 or SxS. Criteria also would be 12 vs 20 ga and choke M, IM, F. Add in 'cool' factor for a certain gun, which would be a better choice? Talking grouse and pheasants.
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If only the two the gauge would be 20 for me, choke would be choke tubes or IC and Mod fixed but I cannot decide on model since both are great
 
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I'm a SxS man myself. More compact and better balanced than the Ithaca ( I have one of those too), plus you just have to open the breech and everybody knows you're safe. Mine are 12 gauge, 20 is fine but expect to pay a premium if you're looking for a British gun. Full choke is too much, IC & M or IC in both would work just fine. Ejectors aren't really necessary, and neither is a 3" chamber.
 
I was leaning towards SxS myself. Isn't 12 ga too much fire power at the short distances that you'll shoot a pheasant flying away? What shot size do you guys use? 7 1/2?

Can you use normal trap/skeet loads?
 
mosinmaster said:
I was leaning towards SxS myself. Isn't 12 ga too much fire power at the short distances that you'll shoot a pheasant flying away? What shot size do you guys use? 7 1/2?

Can you use normal trap/skeet loads?
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Many guys do but I like N0.6 for pheasants, 7 1/2 for grouse and with a SXS a mod and IC choke
 
Nickel-plated, hi velocity. Is that all marketing or does it make a big difference? What is the average distance you shoot a pheasant at?
 
mosinmaster said:
Nickel-plated, hi velocity. Is that all marketing or does it make a big difference? What is the average distance you shoot a pheasant at?
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Sorry but I don't have any experience with factory loads. I use all reloads no. 6 & 7 1/2 copper plated lawrence shot in most upland shells. Expensive yes at over 40.00 for 10 pounds but works fine.Also use 16ga most times when pheasant hunting, 28 ga for grouse
Distance 10-30 yards probally since it is over two britts which can freeze them many times.
 
I use a 12 gauge O/U with IMP and Mod chokes with 11/4 oz #5 shot. Pheasants are the toughest of upland birds and will run like stink if not hit well, a 20 gauge will work but I find the 12 works better for me especially on longer shots. If the bird flushes close you need to wait it out a bit to eliminate burgered birds whether you have a 12 or a 20
 
I have also several M37s, including one in 20 gauge and one SKB O/U.
I find the biggest differnce is in the thick stuff, is my 26" Mod/IC Ithaca/SKB O/U also in 20 bore, is much more handy to carry and use. For shell choice in the close boreal forest, #7.5 target or 6 stiffer game loads are about equal in performance on ruffed grouse. But at longer distances shooting sharptails on the open field edges, the Prairie Storm in #6 shot size, seemed to have a longer effective range IMO. (no dogs)

But I find myself using the O/U a bit more often than the M37 these days.

my two bits only................:)
 
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I'm currently using a 12 SxS, but wouldn't hesitate to use an appropriate 20 or even 28 SxS.
I like 3-1/4 x 1-1/8 x 6 for pheasant and 1 oz. light target loads of 7-1/2's or 8's for grouse.
Chokes are .007" and .015" about a loose "Improved Cylinder" and "Light Modified".
For me 28" barrels balance and swing best.
 
Get the sxs in 20ga much lighter and nicer to carry in the uplands and you can always use heaver loads if you think you are going to have longish shots. Not much a 1 1/8 oz load of 6s cant do in the uplands but 1 oz is plenty and in the grouse woods 7/8oz do's the trick. In fixed choke ic by mod for sure. No need for full in a upland gun.
 
Nickel-plated, hi velocity. Is that all marketing or does it make a big difference? What is the average distance you shoot a pheasant at?
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Nickel plated shot penetrates better, and doesn't drag as many feathers into the meat. I use the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant loads in my 20 and 28gauge O/Us. #6 works fine for pheasant and I use #7-1/2 for all other upland game. I sometimes use #7-1/2 for pheasant as well.
 
What Brutus said as far as capabilities. Before you decide on gauge what terrain will be your predominate choice of hunting areas? This dictates what kind of weight you want to pack. Are you walking most of the time, bushwacking, open grassland etc? A SxS sits lower in your hand than an O/U. On a completely subjective note they just look better. I digress. I personally simply do not like the feel of a pump. Remember you are pointing with your lead hand not aiming. These are matters of personal taste. Back to weight, you will greatly extend your coverage with something that is balanced and becomes an extension of one of your arms whether you are bush bashing or walking towards the horizon. Knock down power becomes a secondary concern if you are not getting to the birds in the first place.

Also getting back to basics, you do not actually think you are going to end up with just one shotgun?....... Allowing me this presumption I suggest you start with a nice little 20 or better yet a sweet 16, then go to the 12 and then finally to the 20. Yes I sometimes confuse myself. It is my opinion you should stick to the same style be it SxS or whatever as they all point the same way and less adjustment is necessary when trading off. I am still working on the 16 angle to fill out the trifecta. Pick the general feel of a gun you look forward to packing all day and then follow the excellent technical advice which has already been extended.

Now as far as the best dog. The Brittany to my mind...............


Brutus said:
I have also several M37s, including one in 20 gauge and one SKB O/U.
I find the biggest differnce is in the thick stuff, is my 26" Mod/IC Ithaca/SKB O/U also in 20 bore, is much more handy to carry and use. For shell choice in the close boreal forest, #7.5 target or 6 stiffer game loads are about equal in performance on ruffed grouse. But at longer distances shooting sharptails on the open field edges, the Prairie Storm in #6 shot size, seemed to have a longer effective range IMO. (no dogs)

But I find myself using the O/U a bit more often than the M37 these days.

my two bits only................:)
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SxS it is, but I'll most likely get one in 12 ga due to availability. Can older fixed choke barrels be threaded or are they not thick enough? Or maybe opened up?
 
Yes older shotguns with fixed chokes can be threaded. Briley does it. Its there specialty I think its about 400$ plus shipping for double barrel guns and you get 5 choke tubes add 100$ for steel shot approved chokes.
 
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