First of all, I am a Game shooter turned Clay shooter, I began to shoot clays in 1974, when I was paid to do so. (indirectly) For the first 2 years I shot an AyA No. 2 S x S, as it was my ONLY gun. Using that gun, I finished ninth in a National English skeet shoot, my first competition. It was a 50 bird shoot (most were back then) and I was given 75 Winchester AA's 1 1/8 ozs. to use. If only I had heard about how much easier things were with an O/U then, I may have bettered my 46 ex 50 score ! I still insist on using my current S x S 12 bore for game shooting (which I bought in 1979) and 1 ozs. of 5's or 6's depending on the shoot. I prefer the S x S for many reasons as a game gun, easier and quicker to load, instant choke choice, (via triggers) carries better on the arm, Oh, and of course 'the biggie', it is far harder to shoot ( :angel: ) I try to avoid shooting 'driven' ducks whenever possible, but, if I am left with no alternative (rather than offend), I will use 28 grams of steel in my Beretta 20 bore O/U (just to make things easier). I am now the wrong side of 70, have suffered 2 minor strokes, a shoulder operation (that failed) and 2 left eye operations. I still shoot clays on a regular basis, using an O/U, but being so easy, it is now only for enjoyment. I try to average 3 game days per season, using my S x S. I restrict it to 3 days as it is so difficult using my preferred gun instead of my 'Sporter'. Mind you, difficult as it is, I still manage slightly better than 2 for 1. Oh, and yes I wear a shirt and tie and tweeds, but more for comfort than anything else. I personally could NOT give a toss as to what my other guns are using, including a semi auto, as long as they are SAFE and shoot in a sporting manner. I put more emphasis on ensuring everything possible is done to avoid leaving any wounded birds and that we ALL have a memorable and enjoyable day.
