New gun help. Had it with SX3 poor performance

[RiverRoost]

I have a sx3 12 ga Longbeard that I am just about fed up with. I've shot nitro 4/5/7 blend and rhino for years and got less than advertised numbers by them. I just bought an Indian creek 665 and apex 9's 3" and shot last weekend and it initially didn't look too impressive. I'm going to count my pattern today but I am just about at the end of the road with this gun. What gun would anyone recommend for next season? I k ow there's a ton of guns but part of me wants to stick to the 12 ga and just shoot 3" tss. Or would it make more sense if I did that to just move to a good 20 ga?

[SumToy]

That gun will shoot.   Check POA/POI.   Get all oil and gun cleaning solvent out the barrel.     That not a bad choke.  Do I think you buy better yes but that one should do ok.   

[RiverRoost]

The barrel is probably a little dirty bc I've shot a few dove loads checking POI and shot probably 10 turkey loads through it this year. I know your chokes are awesome, bought one for my dads m2. Do you think the pattern would improve much just by running a bore snake several times or do I need to do my traditional cleaning with solvent and patches and brushes and alcohol?

[SumToy]

I would get all the oil and solvent out of barrel.   Try just one shell to see what it does. 

[Terry]

I shoot a 20, but I had to go with a more open choke with my SX4. Ended up with a .585


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[RiverRoost]

I guess I owe my gun an apology! I shot it at a better target today with a dirty gun and actually circled the pattern and got 435 in the 10". Pattern just didn't look good on the smaller paper I shot last week.

[BandedSpur]

 

[bbcoach]

I guess I owe my gun an apology! I shot it at a better target today with a dirty gun and actually circled the pattern and got 435 in the 10". Pattern just didn't look good on the smaller paper I shot last week.

Glad you figured out the problem.  Here is a TEACHING moment for ALL of us!  NEVER pattern your shotgun with small targets.  ALWAYS use 30" X 30" paper to pattern with.   

[Fullfan]

I have two on the Sx-3 long beards in 20ga.  Both do very well clean or dirty.
Hand loaded TSS. 
Glad you were albe to hit yours dialed in.

[RiverRoost]

I guess I owe my gun an apology! I shot it at a better target today with a dirty gun and actually circled the pattern and got 435 in the 10". Pattern just didn't look good on the smaller paper I shot last week.

Glad you figured out the problem.  Here is a TEACHING moment for ALL of us!  NEVER pattern your shotgun with small targets.  ALWAYS use 30" X 30" paper to pattern with.

I typically always use a big piece of cardboard paper but didn't have any the day I first shot just made do with a shoot n see type target and was quickly reminded why you need to see the whole pattern regardless of if you think it's "dialed in"

[chipper]

I guess I owe my gun an apology! I shot it at a better target today with a dirty gun and actually circled the pattern and got 435 in the 10". Pattern just didn't look good on the smaller paper I shot last week.

Glad you figured out the problem.  Here is a TEACHING moment for ALL of us!  NEVER pattern your shotgun with small targets.  ALWAYS use 30" X 30" paper to pattern with.

Yep good advice.