http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/...NjIwNjc1NDk1S0
Printable View
I took my pump rabbit hunting the other day and it got so iced up there was no way i would have got a second shot at anything. Wouldn't have been an issue with the sxs.
I hunt almost exclusively with doubles. I like having 2 different chokes , the simplicity and safety of loading/unloading and being able to crack it open when walking. This is especially useful when hunting over a dog that can be quite excited. Also just plain prefer the feel and balance of a double.
I like my Browning Silver 20 g semi very smooth and not heavy.
Certainly o/u's and sxs's are not the only way to go but here in the south when it comes to shooting flyers in training, they are almost exclusive and one would not dare show up for a plantation hunt with anything but an o/u or sxs.
The issue of safety and having guns open at various times trumps personal choice.
I hunt on private land and still prefer my semi than my o/u. Probably never do a plantation hunt or desire to. Safety is safe.
So do I in many situations but certain places demand break open guns, it's a visual thing......gun open means safe gun.
My next gun will be an O/U, I want one so bad. The group that I train the dog with all the guys have them (except one who has a sxs) and they are just beautiful. I think it would be perfect for the bush.
I have only had my o/u for close to two months but keep on going back to my semi. It may take some time to get use to it but feel more comfortable with the semi. I keep on thinking maybe I made the wrong decision with the o/u purchase.
I like my semi but its a beast. 30" barrel on that bad boy. It is currently what I use for everything - grouse, woodcock, waterfowl.... Love it, just think I would prefer a nice light o/u for trudging through the thick stuff. I never get off the 3rd shot anyways in the uplands and before this year always just used my old cooey single shot.