Learning to shoot the .410

[Stan Hillis]

I can assure you guys that getting to be proficient with a .410 is light years easier with longer barrels. I began using .410 S X Ss at age 8, and now 63 years later I have formed some opinions about them. I want the longest barrels on mine that I can get. I currently own three .410 doubles with 30" barrels. I've also found that using them on game requires quite a different shooting technique than I use with my larger bore doubleguns. With the very light .410s I begin my "move" towards the mount by swinging the muzzles on the bird from a low gun position. I fire almost immediately upon the butt being seated in my shoulder pocket. With bigger bore guns I have a much more deliberate move ......... mounting the gun before making the "move" and establishing lead.

My three current 30" barreled .410 doubleguns:



However, I am still searching for the perfect .410 double ........... maybe a 32" ????????

[Bill Murphy]

Stan's problem is solved. A new gun.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Stan Hillis

However, I am still searching for the perfect .410 double ........... maybe a 32" ????????

I’ve never had one of the Browning 725 32” 410’s in my hands but if the same thing in a 28 gauge is any indication I wouldn’t be adverse to a 32” 725 410 .

[Cold Spring]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

I’ve never had one of the Browning 725 32” 410’s in my hands but if the same thing in a 28 gauge is any indication I wouldn’t be adverse to a 32” 725 410 .

A friend has a Browning 725 Sporting in 410/32" and it works well for him but looks a bit ungainly to my eyes. Based on that perception I bought a 725 Sporting in 410/30". I also shoot Winchester Model 42's and with the longer sighting plane to include the 42 receiver a 26" barrel sights like a 29", 28" barrel like a 31". Protocol for me: use the 725 until the hulls are just about kaput for reloading and then shuck them through one of the 42's.