Some Shotgun advice needed

[LHD]

People of PH,

As some of you will be aware not long ago i bought my first shotgun after getting my licence.

To compliment my Beretta i've been looking at getting a Bettinsoli Super Sport.

Has anyone got any experience with them? I've got a shoot tomorrow and a couple of guys that have them will let me try theirs out first.

Also a quick cartride question, i've been using CSP Competition from Just Cartridges (28g 7.5).

I've been quite happy with the performance from them, but should i try anything else?

TIA

[M.AlmondsStomach]

LHD said:

People of PH,

As some of you will be aware not long ago i bought my first shotgun after getting my licence.

To compliment my Beretta i've been looking at getting a Bettinsoli Super Sport.

Has anyone got any experience with them? I've got a shoot tomorrow and a couple of guys that have them will let me try theirs out first.

Also a quick cartride question, i've been using CSP Competition from Just Cartridges (28g 7.5).

I've been quite happy with the performance from them, but should i try anything else?

TIA

I used one once and found them to be front heavy. Excessively so, I just couldn't get on with it. That said each shooter is different. Out of interest what Beretta have you got? If you've already got a decent sporting Beretta I can't imagine it would offer you anything extra.

As for cartridges if you find you're getting on well with the CSP's both in terms of scores and price, I'd stick with them. There's nothing wrong with them, although if you're just starting out you might want to try a few others before settling. I believe it's important to use a cartridge you're comfortable with and stick with it, as different cartridges have differing spread patterns, velocity and recoil characteristics. I personally have settled on Hull Comp X in 7.5 (28g of course) however there's nothing wrong with Eley Olympic Trap either. If you want to try something completely different try Lyalvale Supreme. High velocity and a tight pattern, although I find the recoil a bit sharp and my shoulder is quite sore after 100, whereas with most other cartridges I can't even tell I've been shooting after 100.

[LHD]

I've got a 686 Silver Pigeon S (12g) that i love.

The reason i'm thinking Bettinsoli is my old man is making noises about wanting to come shooting with me.

So it would only get occasional use by me, more to be a 'spare' should i need it.

With regards to cartridges, is it worth getting a mixed 100 just to try a selection?

I'm happy with the performance of the CSP's, but like everything i'm wondering if there is something better.

[M.AlmondsStomach]

LHD said:

I've got a 686 Silver Pigeon S (12g) that i love.

The reason i'm thinking Bettinsoli is my old man is making noises about wanting to come shooting with me.

So it would only get occasional use by me, more to be a 'spare' should i need it.

With regards to cartridges, is it worth getting a mixed 100 just to try a selection?

I'm happy with the performance of the CSP's, but like everything i'm wondering if there is something better.

Same gun as me, good choice!

Obviously I don't know anything about your financial situation. If the cost of the Bettinsoli isn't a big deal to you then I'd go for it (you can never have too many guns!). Some grounds may have 'club guns' which they lend out/use for tuition. If your local ground does and you're a regular they may let you borrow one. Could be a more cost effective option whilst you see how keen your Dad is about it.

As for a mixed hundred I'm not so sure. I'd say you need at least a day's worth (100) to know if you really get on with a cartridge. Maybe buy a 250 slab of 4 different cartridges, see which you get on with? (I accept this isn't the most cost effective way to do this)

[LHD]

The thing is, a new Bettinsoli Super Sport is c.£850ish which is a lot less than i paid for the Beretta.

I found the Super Sport to be quite well balanced in a 28" (as well as the Beretta anyway)

The Super Sport is a lovely looking gun, not as well made as the Beretta, however saying that, i was down at the Border Gun Room in St. Boswells looking at them and the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon S that he had for sale (new) didn't seem as well put together as mine that i bought at the Game Fair.

I'm just wanting something that i can use now and again but it's primary fuction will be for my old man (or anyone else) to use.

[markcjd]

Try these as an alternative clay shell if you fancy a change. As said previously if your own flavour are working for you and you are happy with the price then don't change. These are a great round and are a higher velocity than many. Bit pricey though!

As for the Shotgun I wouldn't have a Bettinsoli again. About 5 years ago I bought a Diamond Sport (field model) and had nothing but problems. In the end the shop gave me a deal for my Beretta and I have never looked back.

For £850 you should be able to find a tidy Silver Pigeon which I use for everything from clays to field.

Alternatively hang the expense and get one of these.

[wiffmaster]

I've been using some 28gm Kent Velocity 7.5 cartridges over the past few weeks and can highly recommend them. Absolutely dirt cheap from Just Cartridges (think I paid around £70 for 500) and they pack quite a punch. The downside to that punch is the recoil - they do kick a fair bit! Doesn't bother me and I happily put 100 through in a day, but all down to personal preference. If you don't mind a bit of kick, they're excellent value and hit hard!

[LHD]

markcjd said:

Alternatively hang the expense and get one of these.

I've just come over all funny.

Had a nice morning out with my Beretta, had a go with the Bettinsoli Super Sport too and i was quite impressed.

It will be pretty much a 'spare' so don't want to spend a fortune. Looking at used Beretta's most seem to be pretty shagged at similar money to an new Bettinsoli.

Didn't score to well this morning though.

Edited by LHD on Sunday 9th August 15:41

[M.AlmondsStomach]

LHD said:

markcjd said:

Alternatively hang the expense and get one of these.

I've just come over all funny.

Had a nice morning out with my Beretta, had a go with the Bettinsoli Super Sport and i was quite impressed.

Didn't score to well this morning though.

You should have plenty of opportunity to practice another essential shooting skill - making ridiculous excuses for why you did badly. For added points try to link your poor performance to the recession.

[LHD]

M.AlmondsStomach said:

LHD said:

markcjd said:

Alternatively hang the expense and get one of these.

I've just come over all funny.

Had a nice morning out with my Beretta, had a go with the Bettinsoli Super Sport and i was quite impressed.

Didn't score to well this morning though.

You should have plenty of opportunity to practice another essential shooting skill - making ridiculous excuses for why you did badly. For added points try to link your poor performance to the recession.

Thing is, i do actually have an ulcer on my left eye just now.

The 'Racing Driver's book of Excuses' has nothing on the guys i was shooting with today.

I've shot full-bore and Air Rifles for ages, the excuses i've heard there beggar belief sometimes.

[VetteG]

I dont think I have bought cartridges (other than at my clay club) for years, with my father and uncles etc dying and finding myself heir to several thousand, including some pretty old stuff, regardless it still drops them. My view is that you would need to be a pretty spectacular and consistant shot to find the difference between cartridges making a contribution to your kill rate as long as they are of reasonable quality of course.
Mind you I'm not a great believer in multi chokes either, one of my guns is cylinder/cylinder and I drop as many birds with that as I do with my others, if your aim is on then you will kill it.

All of that is MHO of course

G

[Olf]

Pigeon breasts for lunch today... yum.

[LHD]

VetteG said:

I dont think I have bought cartridges (other than at my clay club) for years, with my father and uncles etc dying and finding myself heir to several thousand, including some pretty old stuff, regardless it still drops them. My view is that you would need to be a pretty spectacular and consistant shot to find the difference between cartridges making a contribution to your kill rate as long as they are of reasonable quality of course.
Mind you I'm not a great believer in multi chokes either, one of my guns is cylinder/cylinder and I drop as many birds with that as I do with my others, if your aim is on then you will kill it.

All of that is MHO of course

G

G,

I'm sure we've had this conversation before, but what club are you a member of? I've just joined the West Calder club (really found out about it through my air gun club TBH).

About 15 of us there today, all in good fun.

I'm just looking for other places to get some more practice in without having to go to Cluny.

[IforB]

markcjd][url said:

Alternatively hang the expense and get one of these.

Oh God. There goes the kid's university fund. Lucky we haven't got any yet then.

[VetteG]

LHD said:

VetteG said:

I dont think I have bought cartridges (other than at my clay club) for years, with my father and uncles etc dying and finding myself heir to several thousand, including some pretty old stuff, regardless it still drops them. My view is that you would need to be a pretty spectacular and consistant shot to find the difference between cartridges making a contribution to your kill rate as long as they are of reasonable quality of course.
Mind you I'm not a great believer in multi chokes either, one of my guns is cylinder/cylinder and I drop as many birds with that as I do with my others, if your aim is on then you will kill it.

All of that is MHO of course

G

G,

I'm sure we've had this conversation before, but what club are you a member of? I've just joined the West Calder club (really found out about it through my air gun club TBH).

About 15 of us there today, all in good fun.

I'm just looking for other places to get some more practice in without having to go to Cluny.

I'm in Howgate club, we meet at 9 Mile Burn each Sunday at 11.00am Pm or call me if you want to go next Sunday and I will introduce you.

G

[LHD]

VetteG said:

LHD said:

VetteG said:

I dont think I have bought cartridges (other than at my clay club) for years, with my father and uncles etc dying and finding myself heir to several thousand, including some pretty old stuff, regardless it still drops them. My view is that you would need to be a pretty spectacular and consistant shot to find the difference between cartridges making a contribution to your kill rate as long as they are of reasonable quality of course.
Mind you I'm not a great believer in multi chokes either, one of my guns is cylinder/cylinder and I drop as many birds with that as I do with my others, if your aim is on then you will kill it.

All of that is MHO of course

G

G,

I'm sure we've had this conversation before, but what club are you a member of? I've just joined the West Calder club (really found out about it through my air gun club TBH).

About 15 of us there today, all in good fun.

I'm just looking for other places to get some more practice in without having to go to Cluny.

I'm in Howgate club, we meet at 9 Mile Burn each Sunday at 11.00am Pm or call me if you want to go next Sunday and I will introduce you.

G

I'll see you on the 20th. The next couple of sundays are booked for me.

[Dick Spanner]

I also have a Silver Pigeon S, lovely gun and I've yet to try anything that feels "better" to me.

With regards to the Bettinsoli, I have no direct experience myself but one of my friends who shoots a lot more than I do always describes them as being "soft", by which he means that they look quite pretty but wear out very quickly unlike the beretta which will still feel the same for years and years. If its only for occasional use I guess it would be okay but I would probably look at a second hand Silver Pigeon for the same price. Resale value will be better too should you ever decide to get rid.

[markcjd]

VetteG said:

I dont think I have bought cartridges (other than at my clay club) for years, with my father and uncles etc dying and finding myself heir to several thousand, including some pretty old stuff, regardless it still drops them. My view is that you would need to be a pretty spectacular and consistant shot to find the difference between cartridges making a contribution to your kill rate as long as they are of reasonable quality of course.
Mind you I'm not a great believer in multi chokes either, one of my guns is cylinder/cylinder and I drop as many birds with that as I do with my others, if your aim is on then you will kill it.

All of that is MHO of course

G

Couldn't agree more! I am a reasonable shot and found that the faster shells equated to leading the bird less and hence a higher score. What is quite amazing is the difference a couple of hundred FPS makes when shooting high/distant targets.

As for the Bettinsoli I had a really bad experience both of the quality AND the aftersales care. My new toy was broken (these things happen) and the cannon was sent back to RUAG for repairs. After a lengthy delay it became apparent that the barrels had been crushed whilst in their care and were fked! I have never discovered what they did to the gun but the force required to flatten a shotgun is quite substantial.

Miroku is also worth a look and I found this and this using the interweb!

[Carfiend]

LHD said:

I've got to shoot a couple of guys

Surely it doesn't matter as long as it is sawn off and close range?

[LHD]

Well i folded,

I didn't buy a Bettinsoli but rather a used Browning Medallist for the king's ransom of £450.

Shoots well and not too worn.

Bargain.

Edited by LHD on Sunday 16th August 23:14