Old Single Shot 12ga pattern SURPRIZED!

[TJK68]

I recently lost my Dad and I got his old single shot 12ga, it belonged to his Dad before him. The best I can find out the gun is over 80 years old, still very solid in great shape. I decided to see how she patterned, as it would be special to me to take a bird with it. The gun has a 30" full choke barrel, and shoots 2 3/4" shells and has not been fired in years. I found some Federal Flight Control #5 Turkey loads for it today and went to see what she would do. I set up at 30 yards and after the first shot I was very surprised by the results, surprised in a good way. At 30 yards I got 164, 155 and 161 pellets in a 10" circle,  with all 3 shots being just a little low. I think I may have to clean this Ol'Gal up and carry her a couple days, I was pretty impressed. Here is a pic of one of the shots, nice consistant pattern on all 3 shots.

[jblackburn]

Nice, that should do the trick!

[memert116]

That's a good one there brother....

[Skeeterbait]

Sorry to hear about your dad.  Taking that gun hunting will be a little like taking your dad and granddad on the hunt with you.  That is what the flight control wad is really meant for, making a turkey gun out of fixed choke guns.  That pattern will work all day long.  You, your dad and granddad all go get you a gobbler. 

[TJK68]

Thanks guys, like I said I was pleasantly surprised by the pattern the Ol' girl threw. Yep I am sure she will have some time in the woods this year.

[BandedSpur]

Sorry to hear about your dad. I lost mine during turkey season last year. What kind of gun is it? Got a pic? Good luck; I hope you get one with her.

[Twowithone]

Sorry for your loss. That's a good pattern and when your turkey hunting your pap will be there when you harvest that gobbler with the shotgun.

[surehuntsalot]

take it hunting and get a bird with it
Dad and Grandpa will be smiling

[jakebird]

I love history, nostalgia, and sentiment. Love to see a pic of you toting a gobbler out with the old gun. It will be super special when you do!

[albrubacker]

Nice pattern! 

[TJK68]

Sorry to hear about your dad. I lost mine during turkey season last year. What kind of gun is it? Got a pic? Good luck; I hope you get one with her.

Not sure who really made it, heard a couple things. It has "Columbia" written on the side in fancy letters, and says "12 GA CHOKE" written on the top of the barrel in front of the breech. That is the only writing on the whole gun. Pretty sure not an expensive shotgun, but it is solid and seems well made. I will try to post a pic in a bit of it.

[tomstopper]

take it hunting and get a bird with it
Dad and Grandpa will be smiling

Good luck....

[DirtNap647]

 

[243wssmfreak]

Some of the oldies are goodies good pattern I've seen some new guns not shoot that good post a pic when u get one with it

[Dtrkyman]

Good luck, I took an old single barrel that my grandfather left me out one year, the gun patterned terribly. waaaaay off POA.  But I got it done on a really nice bird!

Try some heavyweight 7s if they make a 12ga 2 3/4!

Condolences!