SST: Anyone actually select different barrels?

Other than being quick shooting, the other heralded feature of a Single Selective Trigger is the ability to choose one barrel versus the other depending on the range of the bird. Does anyone actually do this in the field? Or do we all do the same thing; fire the more open barrel, usually the right or bottom, first?

The only time I've ever elected to fire the tighter barrel first was with a double-triggered gun that I used to own, at a cottontail that was crossing a heck of a long way off but then made the mistake of stopping to look back at the beagles.

Very seldom, but I have done it....

I recently learned that Browning once offered a "twin single trigger" on the Superposed. It had two triggers but either trigger could fire both barrels, just in different sequence.

Never with SST, only with double triggers. Then only rarely.

The early Superposed guns were available with the twin single triggers. Back then double triggers were more the norm for those shooting SxS's so the twin singles were probably as much a marketing thing as anything for the new fangled O/U's.
I hunted grouse with a 20ga. Citori for many years and to be honest I don't think I ever switched barrels on the fly. At times during late season I would leave the selector set on the tighter barrel as shots tended to be more open and longer. The only doubles I have now are both SxS's, a 12 and a 20, both with double triggers and I'm quite happy with that set up.

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

Other than being quick shooting, the other heralded feature of a Single Selective Trigger is the ability to choose one barrel versus the other depending on the range of the bird. Does anyone actually do this in the field? Or do we all do the same thing; fire the more open barrel, usually the right or bottom, first?

The only time I've ever elected to fire the tighter barrel first was with a double-triggered gun that I used to own, at a cottontail that was crossing a heck of a long way off but then made the mistake of stopping to look back at the beagles.

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No matter how/who promotes the feature - not at all practical in wingshooting scenarios. Only DTs will serve well in such conditions.

This is the reason I prefer two triggers. While not often, I sometimes want to just fire the tighter barrel. With the double triggers it's super easy, and can be done while a bird is in the air. The last time that I did it with O/U with sst, a grouse walked out onto the trail at a significant distance. I had time to turn the switch with was in front of the trigger and then take the bird.

I have seen late season grouse flush, and not present a shot until they were out of the range of the open barrel. With a double trigger gun, this in no problem. If you have to turn a switch, it's not going to happen.

When you get used to the selector switch like whats on a Citori it becomes second nature switching to the other barrel,

An SST can be very useful. If you are pheasant hunting it is not unusual to have one come at you from a distance that is flushed by another hunter. Quite often I see them come flying at me from across a field. In that scenario a tighter first shot and open second shot is useful. This would also apply in a duck blind with ducks coming at you. A non selective single doesnt give you the option. I have 3 over unders with the SST and usually keep it on open choke first but making a switch is really nothing as it is on the safety anyway. I shoot them quicker and better than my D/T side by side. Certainly double triggers are likely the better setup but most O/U shotguns are now single triggers. a non selective single is not very versatile, not all shots are close flushing birds.I have also seen several sporting clays stations where the bird is crossing and getting closer when in flight, again the first shot being tighter is more useful. A non selective doesn't give you that option. I actually find it easier to fire my second shot on a SST than double triggers.

My 12 ga. O/U has two triggers and I often talk about it on one forum or another. Love the gun and have owned it since new, purchased around 1985. It is second nature to me to fire the barrel that I want quicker than a blink.

I can never own and be comfortable with a single trigger double-barrel gun, because I've been spoiled owning this one for so long! In many cases I'd load two different shells and be ready for a deer and a grouse at the same time.
It's a shame that most manufacturers don't put two triggers on O/U guns any more. It's a useful set-up if you ask me!

I find double triggers much easier to use. But I suppose this is a matter of what you're used to.

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Originally Posted by sharps4570

No matter how/who promotes the feature - not at all practical in wingshooting scenarios. Only DTs will serve well in such conditions.

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Millions of experienced windshooters would disagree with you. I also know a couple turkey hunters who use SST O/U shotguns because quite often a bird can materialize too close for the tight choke and again having the capability to select another choke is useful. The D/T is certainly fool proof but to claim the SST isn't practical is ridiculous. Scan the catalog of any gun manufacturer and tell me what they list? Pretty sure Beretta, Browning, Winchester etc. Don't produce SST guns because they aren't useful.

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Originally Posted by terrym

Millions of experienced windshooters would disagree with you. I also know a couple turkey hunters who use SST O/U shotguns because quite often a bird can materialize too close for the tight choke and again having the capability to select another choke is useful. The D/T is certainly fool proof but to claim the SST isn't practical is ridiculous. Scan the catalog of any gun manufacturer and tell me what they list? Pretty sure Beretta, Browning, Winchester etc. Don't produce SST guns because they aren't useful.

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Well, you need to first obtain an honest response from those millions of experienced wingshooters as to how often they effectively select barrels on the fly using SST?

Turkey hunting? Thought my original comment pertained to SST practicality relevant to wingshooting scenarios? SST feature may have its usefulness in some areas but being practical in terms of immediate choke selection in the heat of wingshooting - no!