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Are you kidding? Of course the nontoxics are more expensive, at least where I shop for them! It also depends on exactly what non toxics you're referring to. If I wanted to just wound game birds, I could use the low-cost WalMart Super X's and Federals. The 12 gauge Winchester Blindside 3" 1/38...

Lead is still my first choice for shotshells where it's still legal. I remember the really pathetic first attempts at steel shot by the manufacturers and how it was singularly unsuited to dropping waterfowl dead. Through the years, yes, steel shot has improved but in my opinion it is still...

I heartily second the idea of using the boots first--no point in waiting till your dog is hurting. Also, definitely put them on a few times before the trip; they'll feel very awkward at first to the dog but they do get used to them. Once you remove them, be sure to clean out each boot...

I bought a blaze orange set of (I think) nylon cordura with Velcro tops from Ugly Dog Supply a couple of years ago. Haven't lost any yet BUT I tape the top of each boot with duck tape--not on the hair but on the boot. It definitely helps keep them on. I take them off just as soon as we're done...

There is entirely too much technology in hunting--EVERYWHERE in hunting...these days. The outdoor sports industry advertises "technical" vests and "technical" jackets---how the hell can clothing be technical? Shells are faster and more expensive evry year; I'm wondering how soon we'll just be...

I shoot a new A5 Sweet 16 and get by fine with Remington Express (Yellow/Green box) 1 1/8 ounce loads of #6 (early season)and #5 (late season). Unless I'm seeing extra-long chances (40 yards+) I use an IC choke. If weather/birds' jumpiness calls for longer shots I use a mod choke. I do also...

BPA---There is no substitute, in shotgunning anyway, for proper gun fit. Your eye is your rear sight in shotgunning, so you need a gun which fits YOU. You must handle as many 20 gauge guns as you can so that you can get a comparative feel for what fits you best. Consider length of pull (the...

I've hunted with the new A5 Sweet 16 for 2 years now and am heading into Year #3. Mine weighs just shy of 6 lbs. This year I'll be shooting Boss #5 non toxic shells but in past years I've just used Remington Express (yeelow/green box) #5's or 6's and they've worked fine. Igot the Boss shells as...

More good bird hunting reading !! "Mr. Buck: The Autobiography of Nash Buckingham"--1990, published by Countrysport Press, this is an excellent insight into the life of one of the most prolific bird hunters and outdoor writers of the early to mid-20th Century. "Hunting the Long-Tailed Bird"--...

Actually, many loads will work just fine, including (especially!) 16 gauge and 20 gauge loads with hard shot and reasonable (1200FPS or better) velocity. To quote Bob Brister from "Shotgunning: The Art and Science"--it's not hitting them hard, but HITTING them, that makes the difference. I'd...

I have a couple not yet mentioned. I've read most of the books previously noted. One of my very favorite reads is not from a book, but a magazine: Gray's Sporting Journal, the Upland Birds edition, Volume 2, Issue 4, 1977. When I got married and got a decent job, this magazine became a favorite...

I think Nater has it right; "I would personally never hunt a drainage ditch/buffer on private land without asking permission". That keeps everyone honest. In my country (Northern Indiana) there are a lot of irrigation ditches and so-called "pump" ditches the farmers use to seasonally control...

Everywhere I shop, the stores are swimming in 9mm, 7.62x51, .308 and .22 ammo but finding any decent 16 or 20 gauge loads, or for that matter any .204 Ruger or .38 special 148 grain target wadcutters, is proving difficult. Some are online but the shipping is almost prohibitive.

The right 16 SxS, for me anyway, is the Merkel 1620. I bought one in 2003 and it has a pistol grip, slim forend, single trigger and 28" barrels choked IC/Mod. LOP was 13 7/8" which is just right for me with hunting clothes on. It weighs 6.2 lbs and is a true joy to carry and shoot. I'd like to...

I've got one of the newer Citori White Lightnings in 20 gauge. Barrel length is 28" There's enough weight out front to keep the barrel moving (for me) but not enough weight to bog me down. I shoot 1 ounce of #5 or #6 in it. Works well. Browning or Beretta are both quality firearms that seem to...

Amen to the use of good standard field loads, been using Remington Express 16 gauge 1 1/8 ounce field loads in #5 and #6 for years, they don't let me down. How dead is dead?

Special shotgun ammo (Hevi-shot, Boss, Bismuth, etc.) are still ridiculously overpriced, if you could find them. Our local Wal Mart has Winchester Super Target #8's in 12 and 20 gauge for$8.48/box. They also have 1 ounce Federal (blue Box) loads (#7 1/2) in 12 gauge for $9.43. If you have a...

The 16 Classic's weight makes it a good target gun for Sporting, skeet, etc. and with some of the new 16 gauge non toxic loads, even a good duck gun. Speaking only for myself I'd get tired carrying it on an all day South Dakota quest for pheasants. The 1100 has been a great design over the...

I was looking at one several years ago when they first came out. The one I handled was way too heavy, for me at least, to be carrying around all day.

And where do you live? I have several hundred once fired 16 hulls---but no profit in shipping them; been there, experienced that....