Just started shooting a 410 for skeet, after coming across an almost new Browning 525 sporting gun at a price I couldn't pass up.
My transition is a little hampered by the fact that my other two clays guns are K guns with adjustable stocks; a K80 and a K20. So not only am I adjusting to the 410, but I'm also adjusting to a much different gun.
In any event, it's been a real kick and I'm having a lot of fun. Smoking a clay with a 410 really feels good. Wish I had tried it sooner.
Gonna have to start loading, though. Factory 410 is not cheap by any means.
114-R10David
Posts: 1749 | Location: Prescott, Az | Registered: 30 January 2007
The .410 can be fun, but given its patterning, the slightest error means a missed bird...
Truly an experts choice. Fun to use to handicap yourself with others or to shoot with like skilled shooters. Frustrating as heck with guys who are a little better than you...
As to reloading it, given the volumes and sizes to it, it's much more touchy in terms of getting a good looking shell but it really does save dough, it just takes me twice or more longer to load each shell than say a 12 ga.
Posts: 10578 | Location: Minnesota USA | Registered: 15 June 2007
Shot a 96/100 at a skeet match in Phoenix a couple of weeks ago. Followed up with a 98 about a week later in practice. It is a lot of fun to shoot the little gun. In my case the gun is not so little, a 10 pound Perazzi.
Not skeet, but certainly challenging. I hunt doves with a Beretta O/U and it is a blast. I never really kept track of the shells per bird on the 410 vs bigger gauges, but it take quite a few more shells in 410 to get the job done, in my case anyway.
NRA Patron member
Posts: 2634 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: 08 December 2006
Just saw this thread. I like shooting American skeet with a 410. I have a tube set and shoot the 410 and 28ga. the most. As to full choke, that is the way to go if you can. There was a legendary shooting coach many years ago who coached at St. Simon's Island or Sea Island (can't remember which) who shot full choke. Also, if you search the web there is a paper out there somewhere that, based on mathematical modelling, said that full choke was the best. Makes sense to me. If you are on the bird, you will hit it hard with a 410. If you are off then it is just another lucky hit! Having said that, a windy day will drive you nuts! As another poster has pointed out, there is a tendency with the 410 to think that you have to be more precise, and that will kill you as well. Personally I would not hunt birds with a 410. There is no need and I don't think you are doing the bird any favors by wounding it. Use enough gun! Remember you heard it first here! Peter.
Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong;
Originally posted by Customstox: Shot a 96/100 at a skeet match in Phoenix a couple of weeks ago. Followed up with a 98 about a week later in practice. It is a lot of fun to shoot the little gun. In my case the gun is not so little, a 10 pound Perazzi.
Fine shooting!!
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Posts: 17099 | Location: Texas USA | Registered: 07 May 2001
Customstox that is indeed fine shooting. Older member of our club uses a Win. Mod. 42 and for doubles you would think it is an autoloader he is so skilled with it. He does hold with the theory that you shoot it just like you would a 12 gauge. It is a rare time that he drops more than 2 birds but he has been shooting that same shotgun for number of decades. It is a pleasure to watch him go to work on the skeet field.
