quote:

Originally posted by steel:
I hear many use a double 12 gauge for practice as there double replacement rifle. My question is where can I find a good double 12 gauge as practice for a double rifle?

....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

quote:

Originally posted by Wowo:
Steel,

Both fingers on the trigger is a definite BIG no no... Well you'll probably only do it once.

Depending on the calibre, fit and how you hold the rifle, try practising firing the rear trigger/left barrel first. This eliminates the possibility of your trigger finger slipping off the front trigger and letting off the left barrel by tapping the rear trigger, during recoil. Something to seriously consider.
I've done it and many experienced DR shooters can attest to it. I was told by no less than two veterans and had to experience it for myself . Once you got some mileage its easy to make the transition from front trigger to rear trigger.
Today, for snap shooting I'll use the front trigger automatically, for shots that afford a little time I instinctively use the rear trigger.


As someone mentioned earlier with a shotgun you simply what to use it to get the hang of double triggers and shooting moving targets. Save yourself from being pounded by 3" and 3 1/2" or hot 2 3/4" slugs in a relatively light SXS shotgun, its unnecessary.

Do a search on here for loads using the 75% rule either load them or get them loaded and practise that way while mixing things up with some full power stuff.

THE FLINCH - The quickest way to develop this is to do TOO MUCH SHOOTING initially with a heavy recoiling rifle - over doing it. This cannot be over emphasised! Its a terrible and extremely, difficult and frustrating reflex to get under control!!!!

I suggest your first range sessions you limit the number of rounds so that you put all your focus on mechanics and making the shot count. Speed and reloading will come with time. FIRST Priority is hitting what you are aiming at. Start with 2-4 rounds at 15 yards on your first range session and then move out from there gradually upto 50 yards and beyond as you build your CONFIDENCE in your rifle. Using a small target/mark at that close range to make you really focus.

This is to build your CONFIDENCE in your rifle. This a critical component to shooting well and ultimately having a successful safari and enjoying the experience of hunting with a double.

Another very important thing in a hunting situation is to hold your second shot. Make it to count. The tendency is to let rip immediately are the first shot has been fired then find yourself standing there with an empty rifle and perhaps fumbling cartridges to relaod! I'm not saying don't have another crack at your animal but be more conscience of where you are shooting instead just throwing lead. Just take that fraction of a second longer to hit the mark.

If I seem to have gone a bit overboard its because I've guided using a double for sometime now so I've personally experienced using one in real situations and seen many hunters use them on safari.

Shooting it well and having confidence in your DR can be a make or break affair.

All the best on journey!

Leon

quote:

Originally posted by Wowo:
Steel,

Both fingers on the trigger is a definite BIG no no... Well you'll probably only do it once.

Depending on the calibre, fit and how you hold the rifle, try practising firing the rear trigger/left barrel first. This eliminates the possibility of your trigger finger slipping off the front trigger and letting off the left barrel by tapping the rear trigger, during recoil. Something to seriously consider.

quote:

Originally posted by Kebco:
The only thing I would disagree with is using the rear trigger first. All makers of double guns regulate their guns to shoot front trigger first with the rear trigger 5-7 sec latter.

The front trigger is also generally set to go off with a somewhat lighter trigger pull.

Start with the front trigger and build good habits from the beginning.

The transition from a SXS shotgun to a SXS rifle should be easy.

Kebco is right, using the back trigger first doesn't automatically negate a double discharge, and doing that will train you to do that if you get away with it without causing a double discharge by that action.
If the double is not fitted with intercepting sears, which most are not, it is far better to learn to get a good finger purchase on the front trigger, so the finger doesn't slip off the front trigger and "STRUM" the back trigger under recoil. Bad habits are harder to unlearn than they are to learn. As Kebco says learn a good habits from the get-go.

Some doubles have an inertia(recoil) activated sort of interceptor on the left trigger to momentarily block the back trigger during the recoil when firing the right barrel.

The key is to get a good finger on the front trigger, and a good tight hold on the pistol grip so the hand doesn't move back and/or the finger slip off the front trigger under recoil.

Practice, practice, practice with proper trigger sequence! That will teach you far sooner to work your double to the best advantage.

....................................................................................

....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

quote:

Originally posted by Wowo:

>>> SNIP: Today as I said if I'm in hurry or not having to think too much I automatically go to the front trigger. Often times when taking a deliberate shot I'll use the rear trigger. I just tend to be feel more confident that way and get the left barrel gets some use too <<<SNIP

Anyway all the best and enjoy your double!

....Mac >>>===(x)===> MacD37, ...and DUGABOY1
DRSS Charter member
"If I die today, I've had a life well spent, for I've been to see the Elephant, and smelled the smoke of Africa!"~ME 1982

Hands of Old Elmer Keith

quote:

Originally posted by Wowo:
I don't disagree with Mac37 or Kebco, Its through a few experiences and advice that I ended taking the path I did.

My first double was a Kreighoff 500NE. On a follow up after a wounded buffalo. The Buffalo charged I lined up and shot. The Buff collapsed, in the moment before walking up to the buffalo, I turned to the client and congratulated him on doubling up. With a big smile he said he hadn't fired a shot!
I was certain I'd heard two shots, when I opened my rifle both cartridges were spent! The first one had it the mark just below the bosses and the second is probably still traveling!!! Good lesson learnt there! Adrenaline is also a wonderful thing!!

The man I worked for at the time, Peter Hepburn, old school Botswana PH. Said to use the rear trigger first. This is a little tainted as he was a lefty using a right handed 500NE.

Luke Samaras (Luke Samaras Safaris Tanzania) also gave me this advice. Luke has decades of experience in DG and using a DR.

When I got my .577NE it was a touch too long and ended up doubling it while a wounded hippo follow-up. So I made a conscience effort to start using the rear trigger first and had the solid rubber recoil pad worked down a it.
Today as I said if I'm in hurry or not having to think too much I automatically go to the front trigger. Often times when taking a deliberate shot I'll use the rear trigger. I just tend to be feel more confident that way and get the left barrel gets some use too

The reason I did it this way is because of experiences I had. Not to saying its the right way just how things panned out.

End of the day learn good habits and work on your CONFIDENCE with your rifle.

If you watch one of Mark Sullivans films you'll see he too doubled with a 600 NE. I think it was "DEATH AT NY FEET" he bowls over the Buff and tries to give it another one but nothing happens. Watch carefully and you'll see! Friends of mine told me about this.

Anyway all the best and enjoy your double!