Title: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: bdirks on December 18, 2021, 08:50:49 AM
Post by: bdirks on December 18, 2021, 08:50:49 AM
So I have pulled the trigger and bought a Savage 555 20ga Compact with 24" barrels to have set-up as a turkey gun. I plan on sending it to Sumtoy to get drilled and tapped and a Burris FF3 mount installed. I plan on using the Uncle Mike's shotgun sling swivels.
For those of you running a dedicated O/U turkey gun, what is your set-up? Are you running lead in your close barrel and tss in your long barrel or are you running tss in both? What choke tube constrictions are you using? For my long range tube I think I am going to use a .462. This is a little tighter than the .470 Sumtoy tube I run in my Winchester SXP Longbeard. If you are running tss in both barrels, what is your close range tube constriction, .485?
Remind me again, which barrel is your long range barrel, top or bottom?
Thanks for all your help!
For those of you running a dedicated O/U turkey gun, what is your set-up? Are you running lead in your close barrel and tss in your long barrel or are you running tss in both? What choke tube constrictions are you using? For my long range tube I think I am going to use a .462. This is a little tighter than the .470 Sumtoy tube I run in my Winchester SXP Longbeard. If you are running tss in both barrels, what is your close range tube constriction, .485?
Remind me again, which barrel is your long range barrel, top or bottom?
Thanks for all your help!
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: RED NECK on December 18, 2021, 09:20:24 AM
Post by: RED NECK on December 18, 2021, 09:20:24 AM
That is the exact o/u I am wanting to purchase later this winter if I can locate it. My goal is to have it be ready for 2023,I plan on having it dipped amd .Enjoy!
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: BandedSpur on December 18, 2021, 09:37:49 AM
Post by: BandedSpur on December 18, 2021, 09:37:49 AM
You have your choke constrictions off by .1". They should be .562, .570, .585, not .462, .470, and .485.
I have run an O/U turkey gun since 2009. Mine is twelve ga, so constrictions are going to be different. I use TSS in both barrels. I run a 1.625 oz handload of 9s (same as 20 ga load) in the BOTTOM (long range) barrel and a 1.25 oz handload of 9s in the TOP (short range) barrel. It doesn't make much difference which barrel is your long barrel if you are shooting the same loads in each. Just know that the felt recoil will be greater in the upper barrel due to the physics of how an O/U is put together. Recoil from the bottom barrel is more straight back into the shoulder with less muzzle rise and cheek slap compared to the top barrel. That is why all competitive clays shooters shoot the bottom barrel first. It is easier to get back on target for doubles shooting the bottom barrel first due to the aforementioned greater felt recoil and muzzle rise from the top barrel.
I got started in the O/U game after missing a couple of very close range birds with my 1187. At first, I wanted the most open pattern possible in the short range barrel to prevent close range misses. I started with lead 7 handloads and a cylinder choke. That gave a huge pattern in close but ran out of pattern at 20 yds. That left a large gap in capability between the short range barrel and my long range barrel that really comes into its own at 40 yds. Imp cyl was still forgiving and was good to 25 yds. Mod was a bit tighter and good to 30 yds. Eventually I decided that I wanted to be able to shoot with both barrels to 40 yds. The only way to make that happen (with my desired 1.25 oz load) was to shoot TSS in the open barrel as well.
I run a ST .675 in the long barrel that gives the tightest possible pattern (equivalent to a .555 or .562 for 20 ga). I run a light mod in the open barrel that is pretty forgiving at 20 but still puts 110/10" at 40. I would experiment with the factory imp cyl, mod, and full if your gun came with those with your desired load to get the patterns you want in your open barrel. You will just have to decide if you want the most open pattern possible from your open barrel (in which case I would use lead), knowing that there will be a gap from 20-40 yards where neither barrel is optimal. Or...use TSS in both barrels and shoot a .555/.562 in one and a .585/.590 in the other. I would choose the latter option and have all distances covered from 20 to 40 and beyond.
I have run an O/U turkey gun since 2009. Mine is twelve ga, so constrictions are going to be different. I use TSS in both barrels. I run a 1.625 oz handload of 9s (same as 20 ga load) in the BOTTOM (long range) barrel and a 1.25 oz handload of 9s in the TOP (short range) barrel. It doesn't make much difference which barrel is your long barrel if you are shooting the same loads in each. Just know that the felt recoil will be greater in the upper barrel due to the physics of how an O/U is put together. Recoil from the bottom barrel is more straight back into the shoulder with less muzzle rise and cheek slap compared to the top barrel. That is why all competitive clays shooters shoot the bottom barrel first. It is easier to get back on target for doubles shooting the bottom barrel first due to the aforementioned greater felt recoil and muzzle rise from the top barrel.
I got started in the O/U game after missing a couple of very close range birds with my 1187. At first, I wanted the most open pattern possible in the short range barrel to prevent close range misses. I started with lead 7 handloads and a cylinder choke. That gave a huge pattern in close but ran out of pattern at 20 yds. That left a large gap in capability between the short range barrel and my long range barrel that really comes into its own at 40 yds. Imp cyl was still forgiving and was good to 25 yds. Mod was a bit tighter and good to 30 yds. Eventually I decided that I wanted to be able to shoot with both barrels to 40 yds. The only way to make that happen (with my desired 1.25 oz load) was to shoot TSS in the open barrel as well.
I run a ST .675 in the long barrel that gives the tightest possible pattern (equivalent to a .555 or .562 for 20 ga). I run a light mod in the open barrel that is pretty forgiving at 20 but still puts 110/10" at 40. I would experiment with the factory imp cyl, mod, and full if your gun came with those with your desired load to get the patterns you want in your open barrel. You will just have to decide if you want the most open pattern possible from your open barrel (in which case I would use lead), knowing that there will be a gap from 20-40 yards where neither barrel is optimal. Or...use TSS in both barrels and shoot a .555/.562 in one and a .585/.590 in the other. I would choose the latter option and have all distances covered from 20 to 40 and beyond.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: firedup on December 18, 2021, 10:04:33 AM
Post by: firedup on December 18, 2021, 10:04:33 AM
Tristar upland hunter 20 ga. IC .555 in lower barrel shooting handloaded TSS #9. Factory modified or Carlsons Light modified (about .600) in upper barrel shooting #5 or #6 lead. At the 15-25 yard range it doesn't seem to matter which combo as far a solid killing pattern. Have to work with POI alittle to get it dialed in. I also shoot a red dot type sight so adjustments are simplified.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: wchadw on December 18, 2021, 12:01:06 PM
Post by: wchadw on December 18, 2021, 12:01:06 PM
I run Sumtoy 562 with #9 tss for long
Sumtoy 585 and pheasant 7s load for closer
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Sumtoy 585 and pheasant 7s load for closer
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Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: SumToy on December 18, 2021, 12:20:23 PM
Post by: SumToy on December 18, 2021, 12:20:23 PM
Alot of it is what shell you plan to run. If TSS in both barrels you run a 562 and then 585 to maybe 595.
Now I would run something in the 562 with TSS and 570 to 575 with a cheap lead load for the short stuff.
Now I would run something in the 562 with TSS and 570 to 575 with a cheap lead load for the short stuff.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on December 18, 2021, 01:19:11 PM
Post by: Tom007 on December 18, 2021, 01:19:11 PM
I change it up in my Cynergy over-under depending on what type of hunting I am doing. If I am running/gunning in the early Northeast woods with no foliage, I run tight chokes in both barrels. My lower barrel is my long range no matter what. I use a Rob Roberts .660 non-ported in the bottom with Federal Heavyweight #6's. In the upper barrel, I use a Browning Full strut .650 with#6 Longbeards. When I sit over decoys, I use the Roberts .660 and Federal Heavyweight 6's in the bottom. I use the Browning Spreader Choke with Federal 3rd degree in the upper for the close shots. It's nice to have the 2 choke option....
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: SM on December 18, 2021, 07:37:47 PM
Post by: SM on December 18, 2021, 07:37:47 PM
Quote from: firedup on December 18, 2021, 10:04:33 AM
Tristar upland hunter 20 ga. IC .555 in lower barrel shooting handloaded TSS #9. Factory modified or Carlsons Light modified (about .600) in upper barrel shooting #5 or #6 lead. At the 15-25 yard range it doesn't seem to matter which combo as far a solid killing pattern. Have to work with POI alittle to get it dialed in. I also shoot a red dot type sight so adjustments are simplified.
I have that same O/U. How far off are your barrels to each other ? Are they close enough to not matter ?
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Ihuntoldschool on December 19, 2021, 12:32:33 AM
Post by: Ihuntoldschool on December 19, 2021, 12:32:33 AM
One thing to consider with O/U each barrel will shoot to a different POI as far as elevation. Obviously how far apart will vary depending on gun, choke, load etc.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: hunter85 on December 19, 2021, 04:32:40 AM
Post by: hunter85 on December 19, 2021, 04:32:40 AM
I my 555 I am using a .565 in the top barrel and a .600 in the bottom shooting Fed #9 tss in both barrels. I did not want to shoot different loads cause I just know my dummy self would put the wrong load in the wrong barrel and mess everything up. I use the top barrel as my long barrel as I feel that it is going to have better poa/poi as that is what you are sighting down. No proof to that just what my head feels. I started with .555/590 and got higer 10 inch numbers and I don't remember what they were and opted to go with more open chokes for forgiveness and have over lay of yardage from either barrel.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 09:06:42 AM
Post by: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 09:06:42 AM
I have a 12 and a 20; both Heckler & Koch. The 12 has ported barrels, 3.5" chambers, Rhino chokes...660 on top and 673 on the bottom. When i carry it (rarely) I shoot #6 Longbeards in my long barrel and whatever copper plated lead shell I have laying around in my short barrel...the turkeys hate it.
The 20 has a 580 in both barrels but I shoot Federal TSS 8/10s in my long barrel. After lugging a 12ga around for decades it's an absolute joy to carry and will flat wear a turkey's face out. It throws an absolutely wicked pattern.
The 20 has a 580 in both barrels but I shoot Federal TSS 8/10s in my long barrel. After lugging a 12ga around for decades it's an absolute joy to carry and will flat wear a turkey's face out. It throws an absolutely wicked pattern.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 03, 2022, 11:10:14 AM
Post by: Tom007 on January 03, 2022, 11:10:14 AM
Quote from: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 09:06:42 AM
I have a 12 and a 20; both Heckler & Koch. The 12 has ported barrels, 3.5" chambers, Rhino chokes...660 on top and 673 on the bottom. When i carry it (rarely) I shoot #6 Longbeards in my long barrel and whatever copper plated lead shell I have laying around in my short barrel...the turkeys hate it.
The 20 has a 580 in both barrels but I shoot Federal TSS 8/10s in my long barrel. After lugging a 12ga around for decades it's an absolute joy to carry and will flat wear a turkey's face out. It throws an absolutely wicked pattern.
Nice looking duo there!
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Ridge Rooster on January 03, 2022, 12:20:56 PM
Post by: Ridge Rooster on January 03, 2022, 12:20:56 PM
Those OU are sharp! What mounting system are you using and how are the barrels regulated? I have been wanting to add an OU to my turkey arsenal but have been concerned with barrel regulation.
Ridge Rooster
Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 12:49:58 PM
Post by: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 12:49:58 PM
Quote from: Ridge Rooster on January 03, 2022, 12:20:56 PM
Those OU are sharp! What mounting system are you using and how are the barrels regulated?
Ridge Rooster
Uncertain on barrel regulation but POI/POA is spot on for both. Burris FF3s are mounted on B-Square picatinny rail; rock solid.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 03, 2022, 12:53:16 PM
Post by: Tom007 on January 03, 2022, 12:53:16 PM
Quote from: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 12:49:58 PMQuote from: Ridge Rooster on January 03, 2022, 12:20:56 PM
Those OU are sharp! What mounting system are you using and how are the barrels regulated?
Ridge Rooster
Uncertain on barrel regulation but POI/POA is spot on for both. Burris FF3s are mounted on B-Square picatinny rail; rock solid.
That BSquare rib mount looks good. What model is it, and does it cover all rib sizes? Thanks
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 01:06:34 PM
Post by: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 01:06:34 PM
Google "B-Square cantilever" and it should popup. I cut mine down, smoothed everything down, and painted.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Ridge Rooster on January 03, 2022, 04:56:13 PM
Post by: Ridge Rooster on January 03, 2022, 04:56:13 PM
Know exactly what your talking about. Buddy put one on his SP10 and it is solid.
Ridge Rooster
Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: diyj98 on January 03, 2022, 08:17:54 PM
Post by: diyj98 on January 03, 2022, 08:17:54 PM
Quote from: Ihuntoldschool on December 19, 2021, 12:32:33 AM
One thing to consider with O/U each barrel will shoot to a different POI as far as elevation. Obviously how far apart will vary depending on gun, choke, load etc.
Good point. Another issue is that lower priced over and unders often don't have the barrels well regulated and sometimes shoot to drastically different points of aim. It may not make a huge difference with open chokes, but with tight turkey chokes tit can make a big difference.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 04, 2022, 03:19:44 PM
Post by: Tom007 on January 04, 2022, 03:19:44 PM
Quote from: Boll Weevil on January 03, 2022, 01:06:34 PM
Google "B-Square cantilever" and it should popup. I cut mine down, smoothed everything down, and painted.
Thank you
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 04, 2022, 03:32:08 PM
Post by: Tom007 on January 04, 2022, 03:32:08 PM
Quote from: diyj98 on January 03, 2022, 08:17:54 PMQuote from: Ihuntoldschool on December 19, 2021, 12:32:33 AM
One thing to consider with O/U each barrel will shoot to a different POI as far as elevation. Obviously how far apart will vary depending on gun, choke, load etc.
Good point. Another issue is that lower priced over and unders often don't have the barrels well regulated and sometimes shoot to drastically different points of aim. It may not make a huge difference with open chokes, but with tight turkey chokes tit can make a big difference.
I set my Browning Cynergy Turkey with a .660 Choke on the bottom, this is my long range barrel. I installed a larger Picattiny rail on mine to allow me to install a larger base red dot sight. I set up my Nikon Red Dot sighted in with the lower barrel where the feathers meet the neck, pretty much right on the waddle. My upper barrel shoots a little higher, but I found the Browning Full Strut .650 choke centers my pattern real solid with the Turkey head dead center. If I sit over decoys, I use the spreader choke in the upper barrel with Federal 3rd Degree for the closer 20 yards on in shots. Devastating pattern with that combo. You definitely should check and establish POI with over-under Guns. There are differences in the various manufacturers, but with the right chokes and load combo's, the 2 barrel setup is hard to beat.....
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: BandedSpur on January 05, 2022, 07:24:14 AM
Post by: BandedSpur on January 05, 2022, 07:24:14 AM
Excellent advise all. Have my Beretta 686 set up the same way. Bottom (tight) barrel is sighted to red dot (B-Square rib mount). Top (open) barrel hits 3-4" higher. Hold on waddles and he is dead at any reasonable range.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 05, 2022, 08:42:00 AM
Post by: Tom007 on January 05, 2022, 08:42:00 AM
Quote from: BandedSpur on January 05, 2022, 07:24:14 AM
Excellent advise all. Have my Beretta 686 set up the same way. Bottom (tight) barrel is sighted to red dot (B-Square rib mount). Top (open) barrel hits 3-4" higher. Hold on waddles and he is dead at any reasonable range.
If you can, post a pic of your setup. Love to see those over-unders.
Title: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PM
Post by: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PM
Here's my Yildiz youth 20
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
I run tss 9s in 562 and usually golden pheasant 7s or 6s in 575 for close
My setup is a little different than most O/U shooters. I shoot long barrel on top mainly due to my red dot sight. I run a Trijicon triangle site and use top of triangle as poa on long barrel. Feel like I can get more accurate sighting. I just cover birds head with entire triangle for close (sometimes quick) shots and the spread does the job. Works out perfectly on POA/POI
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
I run tss 9s in 562 and usually golden pheasant 7s or 6s in 575 for close
My setup is a little different than most O/U shooters. I shoot long barrel on top mainly due to my red dot sight. I run a Trijicon triangle site and use top of triangle as poa on long barrel. Feel like I can get more accurate sighting. I just cover birds head with entire triangle for close (sometimes quick) shots and the spread does the job. Works out perfectly on POA/POI
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: ChesterCopperpot on January 05, 2022, 10:02:33 PM
Post by: ChesterCopperpot on January 05, 2022, 10:02:33 PM
Quote from: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PMEvery time you post it, I want it
Here's my Yildiz youth 20
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 06, 2022, 06:22:33 AM
Post by: Tom007 on January 06, 2022, 06:22:33 AM
Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on January 05, 2022, 10:02:33 PMQuote from: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PMEvery time you post it, I want it
Here's my Yildiz youth 20
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
X10, that gun is a beauty!!!
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: laturkeyhunter on January 09, 2022, 12:59:44 AM
Post by: laturkeyhunter on January 09, 2022, 12:59:44 AM
Quote from: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PMGetting everything rounded up for a gun just like that. Going to put a swamp fox kinslayer on it with a meadow creek mount, have a sumtoy 562 and 570 on the way and am probably going to use one of the mossy oak vinyl wraps on it for now. Going to start out trying the federal tss #9. What kind of sling swivel do you have on the front
Here's my Yildiz youth 20
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
I run tss 9s in 562 and usually golden pheasant 7s or 6s in 575 for close
My setup is a little different than most O/U shooters. I shoot long barrel on top mainly due to my red dot sight. I run a Trijicon triangle site and use top of triangle as poa on long barrel. Feel like I can get more accurate sighting. I just cover birds head with entire triangle for close (sometimes quick) shots and the spread does the job. Works out perfectly on POA/POI
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: Tom007 on January 09, 2022, 07:43:13 AM
Post by: Tom007 on January 09, 2022, 07:43:13 AM
Quote from: laturkeyhunter on January 09, 2022, 12:59:44 AMQuote from: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PMGetting everything rounded up for a gun just like that. Going to put a swamp fox kinslayer on it with a meadow creek mount, have a sumtoy 562 and 570 on the way and am probably going to use one of the mossy oak vinyl wraps on it for now. Going to start out trying the federal tss #9. What kind of sling swivel do you have on the front
Here's my Yildiz youth 20
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
I run tss 9s in 562 and usually golden pheasant 7s or 6s in 575 for close
My setup is a little different than most O/U shooters. I shoot long barrel on top mainly due to my red dot sight. I run a Trijicon triangle site and use top of triangle as poa on long barrel. Feel like I can get more accurate sighting. I just cover birds head with entire triangle for close (sometimes quick) shots and the spread does the job. Works out perfectly on POA/POI
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Meadow Creek has a new rib mount specifically for over-unders. It allows you to mount it further back, in the first rib opening. Works great......You can get a barrel clamp sling swivel mount for the front. Works great.....good luck with your build.
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: wchadw on January 09, 2022, 08:16:26 AM
Post by: wchadw on January 09, 2022, 08:16:26 AM
Quote from: laturkeyhunter on January 09, 2022, 12:59:44 AMI used a screw in swivel sling attachment I think I got at WalmartQuote from: wchadw on January 05, 2022, 04:09:05 PMGetting everything rounded up for a gun just like that. Going to put a swamp fox kinslayer on it with a meadow creek mount, have a sumtoy 562 and 570 on the way and am probably going to use one of the mossy oak vinyl wraps on it for now. Going to start out trying the federal tss #9. What kind of sling swivel do you have on the front
Here's my Yildiz youth 20
Cerakote and dipped
Sumtoy mount with Trijicon triangle optic
Sumtoy 562 and 585
I run tss 9s in 562 and usually golden pheasant 7s or 6s in 575 for close
My setup is a little different than most O/U shooters. I shoot long barrel on top mainly due to my red dot sight. I run a Trijicon triangle site and use top of triangle as poa on long barrel. Feel like I can get more accurate sighting. I just cover birds head with entire triangle for close (sometimes quick) shots and the spread does the job. Works out perfectly on POA/POI
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220105/49785f9e4ab07ff1b8fe925e46ca4243.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The front was too long and I had to grind it down with a dremel a little
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: magnumgray on March 05, 2022, 11:15:57 AM
Post by: magnumgray on March 05, 2022, 11:15:57 AM
I've bEEn shooting the HK Ultra Mag since about 2000.....trulock with 3 inch #6 hevi in the top barrel and modified in the lower with #6 lead 2 3/4 ....
Title: Re: O/U Shotgun set-up
Post by: TheSportsman on March 08, 2022, 08:03:59 PM
Post by: TheSportsman on March 08, 2022, 08:03:59 PM
Beretta 686 onyx 12ga 3" here... top barrel is long range with patternmaster code black .665 with 2 5/16oz 9s and bottom barrel light full factory tube with 2 1/4oz 8.5s