Totally OT Q for 86er that y'all might find interesting...

[Old Ironsights]

(Course the gun I'm talking about IS an "underlever" break-action...)

Joe: I've been invited to a Pheasant hunt in SD in Oct. I'm planning on using the Drilling with 1oz #6 lower pressure loads appropriate for a Nitroproofed gun of that age. (Polywad Vintager)

I'm re-reading "A trail of Feathers" and hitting the Trap range as soon as the ammo comes in.

There will be only a couple of dogs (maybe 4) and IIRC 6-8 guys shooting on a private farm over Corn & Sorghum near some CRP land. Minimal stocking.

Knowing the gun and the general conditions, got any pointers?

[86er]

Yes -

Look into RST ammunition in size 7 (not 7 1/2). Your gun favored smaller shot for even, dense patterns when I worked on it. Your safest bet is to carry the gun open with rounds in the chamber. When the dog points, close the gun and cock it while at the high ready position (discussed at length in my book A Trail of Feathers ...). If flushing dogs are going to be used and you will be "surprised" by each bird flush, I would consider hunting with the gun open, chambers loaded and hammers cocked. As you hear or see the bird, point the muzzles forward and bring the stock to the high ready. Simultaneously mount the gun as you close the barrels, and then shoot. Always open the gun and then de-cock if you didn't fire. In other words, don't try to de-cock the gun with round in the chamber and the action closed. Lastly, read the chapter about practicing with shooting cans and such and pay attention to the notes about pheasant. The point is, disregard the tail and concentrate on the head when you focus and do your gun mount. If you have any questions, I am happy to discuss it with you by phone at your convenience.

Joe

[Old Ironsights]

Thanks. I'm going out to pattern it and work on some Trap over the next few weekends.

I've been working on mounting & painting, but have been hesitant to dry fire because I haven't gotten my snap-caps yet.