On O?U's I generally fire the lower barrel first as it's more in line with the shoulder and doesn't raise the barrel as much as the upper barrel on firing (in theory). I think this is realatively standard thinking.

Is there a similar thought process for SXS's?

This assumes one doesn't decide to change the sequence at the last minute based on the shot.

You were close to saying it about O/Us, but I'll finish it a little by adding that with those IMO the bottom also has the less recoil. For that reason I favor it when doing a 100 rounds of trap (yes, trap singles is usually done with a single barrel gun...but you shoot what you have).

In hunting I'm unable to tell any difference with double guns (S/S) on which barrel first. The patterns on mine seem co-ordinated and I shoot them interchangeably or make the choice for other reasons...which trigger to hit first or once in a while, which choke. There must be a difference ballistically, but I suspect it's just too subtle for the average shooter to notice.

Now, I am in a minority that also uses the double gun for trap singles on occasion, which gets into a lot more shells than in hunting. Even there I'm unable to say I've noticed any difference in which barrel first, again, excepting choke considerations.

I have noticed on the double that even with a full forearm you feel enough of the barrels that gloves are required. They can get REALLY hot...I recall on one dove shoot having to open one by leveraging on the muzzle end...not my idea of fun. The O/U barrels you don't normally touch while shooting...that's just in the fwiw dept...

my SxS's all have 2 triggers, the right barrel fires with the front trigger and I think its logical and less motion to fire the front first and the rear 2nd (so right left), it certainly now is an engrained habit.

Poole

quote:

Originally posted by Bill Poole:
my SxS's all have 2 triggers, the right barrel fires with the front trigger and I think its logical and less motion to fire the front first and the rear 2nd (so right left), it certainly now is an engrained habit.

Poole

I only have one SxS, but that is how it's triggers work.

On both doubles or S/S and superposed or O/U they obviously set up the barrels and triggers so you will have a choice in chokes. However, in my experience the two shots come so close together that choosing which choke very rarely enters into anything. Afterall, either of these is like an autoloader for the second shot.

You also have single trigger guns where the barrels are either non-selective in the first place, or you select which by pushing a button on the trigger or working the safety laterally. The need to be doing that or opportunity for it is just not something I often see.

For anybody interested in which choke first, on single trigger guns usually the right barrel is the more open and was intended to be fired first. But, on twin trigger guns the left barrel is the more open and they figured would be fired first and that one is the rear trigger.

That's how it's set up on my A.H. Fox, the left barrel being a loose improved cyl, and the right barrel being a loose mod.

Which do I hit first? Like I said, I don't find that it makes a difference...so excepting rare occasions I do it either way.

O/U
Bottom barrel first....WHY....weight of the top barrel minimizes the muzzle jump and as a result you can acquire the second target quickly.

SxS
Traditionally RIGHT barrel first....WHY....probably has some physics associated to Right hand shooting. If you are a lefty then you may benefit from shooting left barrel first.

I found that shooting the left barrel first results in a quicker follow shot, whether it is on the same bird or a second bird. The muzzle moves less when firing the inside barrel.

I did not see this one coming.

I thought everybody except the Brits and Scots shot the more open barrel first.

Is it barely possible that I need to learn more about our sport?

Since a two barreled shotgun usually has two different chokes I shoot the one first I need.

The more open choke is usually in the right barrel.

So If I shoot the birds on the way in I shoot the fuller choke first. If I shoot them on the way out I shoot the open choke first.

That is why I prefer a SXS with 2 triggers.