Checking accuracy

[chatterbox]

Ok guys,

Once you have dialed in your shotgun, and are happy with your load/choke combo, do you re-check before the season starts, or do you go into the woods based on last seasons results at the patterning board if your gun has had no issues (falling over, taking a hard wack, etc, etc)?
I only ask due to the cost of shells and the punishment these turkey loads dish out. I figure if I sighted in a new load over the fall, and had no issues, the gun should be fine for the spring.
What are your guys thoughts?

[Crappiepro]

I've checked mine a few time's this fall so far. I know they hit and pattern well but I enjoy shooting them. It kinda helps me while waiting on the spring season to come in!

[allaboutshooting]

Ok guys,

Once you have dialed in your shotgun, and are happy with your load/choke combo, do you re-check before the season starts, or do you go into the woods based on last seasons results at the patterning board if your gun has had no issues (falling over, taking a hard wack, etc, etc)?
I only ask due to the cost of shells and the punishment these turkey loads dish out. I figure if I sighted in a new load over the fall, and had no issues, the gun should be fine for the spring.
What are your guys thoughts?

That's a very good question. Theoretically, if your gun is patterning well and as you stated, nothing happened to it (that includes not taking it apart for cleaning, etc.) and you're shooting the same shells, all should be well. I can also understand both the cost and recoil issues.

However, I think that hunters sometimes get into problems when they've shot just a couple of shells through their gun, and maybe on a nice day.

As you know, temperature and other atmospheric conditions can effect patterns, as can the way your shells are stored and carried. It's good to pattern your gun in weather similar to what it will be when you hunt in the spring. I also find that it's a good idea to make notes (that you can find later) about how your POA and POI compare.

I'm not sure I could go to the turkey woods in the spring without firing a shell or two through my gun, just to make sure everything is the way it was the last time I shot it but that's really a matter of personal choice more than anything else.

Thanks,
Clark

[o2stk1]

I always try to shoot mine at least a couple of time to make sure

[davisd9]

I believe you ethically owe it to the game you are pursuing to make sure your equipment is working to its potential. Always make sure everything is in proper order so there will be no crippling or other issues during the season if at all possible. The cost of shells is not so great that I will not make sure I am doing my best to take good shots. Them shells do not punish that much either.

[SumToy]

Check your gun with old junk shells at say 50 to 60 feet.  I do that on every set up and most the time it is ready on the 40 yard stuff.  You learn what it shoots like with the junk and then you check it anytime you want.  Cheap and easy on the shoulder.

[Skeeterbait]

If you are using any type of optic sight, check it every season.

[chatterbox]

Excellent advice, gentlemen! Thank you for all the replies!
I think I will take her out and touch one off to make sure she's on.