Pattern

[onpoint]

I agree that to pattern your shotgun is something everyone should do. But the pattern achieved doesn't tell all. The other variable is the length of the shot string. Shot string doesn't matter much on going away shots but on crossing shots it sure does. Here's an interesting video on the subject.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/gun-nuts/2011/08/measuring-shot-string-high-speed-video

I agree 100% Zeb, IMO..some make things far more technical then need be. I have pattered guns myself, as have many others I know but nearly every single one of us inevitably veer from the load and choke we tested during the season, to a non tested choke and load as ammo supplies, shot size and shot charges change throughout the season. By the end of the season. I'm cramming anything that's rolling around in the truck in my pocket and still killing birds just fine.

 

[Dakotazeb]

I agree 100% Zeb, IMO..some make things far more technical then need be. I have pattered guns myself, as have many others I know but nearly every single one of us inevitably veer from the load and choke we tested during the season, to a non tested choke and load as ammo supplies, shot size and shot charges change throughout the season. By the end of the season. I'm cramming anything that's rolling around in the truck in my pocket and still killing birds just fine.

I've said before on this site that we analyze this stuff too darn much. But then what else is there to do at this time of year when it's still -8 degrees at noon. The shooter is much more of a variable than any shell, choke or gun. I'm sure you were like me when you were a kid. Just happy to have a gun and some shells. Didn't matter what the gauge was, brand of shells, choke or anything else. And we shot a boat load of birds. If you are a decent shot you should be able to take any gun (20 ga., 16 ga. or 12 ga.) and shell and kill pheasants. I think the guys out there shooting 3" 12 ga. loads for pheasants are trying to compensate for their lack of shooting ability. Just my humble opinion.

 

[OldDublin]

I agree 100% Zeb, IMO..some make things far more technical then need be. I have pattered guns myself, as have many others I know but nearly every single one of us inevitably veer from the load and choke we tested during the season, to a non tested choke and load as ammo supplies, shot size and shot charges change throughout the season. By the end of the season. I'm cramming anything that's rolling around in the truck in my pocket and still killing birds just fine.

Exactly as it happens in the field.:thumbsup:

For targets tho, especially registered trap targets, the manipulation of pellets within a pattern into the outer 5" circle can occcur with component work and it will, over a registered season, give the odds on of picking up some targets.

For the field, the benefits are less once pattern relative to aim is found good.

Great and practical point....OPoint.