Patterned the shotguns yesterday.. *pics*

[Squirrelhunter91]

Yesterday we had the chance to get out do some scouting and pattern the shotguns. This year, I decided to step up to the 12 gauge. I wanted to shoot my dad's 12 gauge to see if I could handle the load that he was using. It was nothing. I expected more kick, but it wasn't that bad..

All patterns for the 12 gauge were out of a Mossberg 835 with Winchester Supreme 3", 1 3/4oz of #6 shot. The first 3 patterns are at 20,30 and 37 yards with an Undertaker choke. The fourth pattern is with a ported aftermarket choke tube.

20 yds undertaker:

30 yds undertaker:

37 yds undertaker:

37 yds ported choke:

For the 12 gauge, the gun patterned best with the ported choke tube. We didn't have time to use any other loads, so we'll see if we have time for that next time.

I also decided to pattern my Mossberg 500 20 gauge. I patterned it last year as well, but hey, it was out there with us and I figured, what the heck.. I used the full choke that came with the gun and a Federal 3", 1 5/16 oz of #5 shot.

20 yds:

37 yds:

The effective range for the 20 gauge is only like 25 yards. The 37 yard shot was just for kicks.

[borch]

Re: Patterned the shotguns yesterday.. *pics*

Joe for the 20 gauge you might want to check out a tight wad choke and feed it some hevishot. My daughters 870 20 gauuge is now good out to 40 yards averaging 15 bone hits with the Rem #6 Hevishot. I wasn't able to find the Hevi 13 version but guys are getting good results there as well.

With lead she was getting a good killing pattern out to 35 yards with a hastings .566 turkey choke and Federal #6 shot.

The 20 hits as hard as the 12 gauge if you find a choke that will keep the smaller shot charge clustererd tight enough.

Good Luck this spring.