The PH Gun Cabinet - Shooting Matters

[tertius]

ChemicalChaos said:

Turns out I got on really well with the gun, settling straight into some of my very best shooting on some tricky clays! I really do like it, and Jimmy was also impressed by the quality/robustness and usability for what was a totally bargain price.
The only thing I'm going to need to get used to it that this gun has an auto-safety - it flicks on when the gun is broken. The club guns I've used up until now dont have this feature so I've got used to just keeping the gun broken until I'm in position at the stand. This did cause a few "pull! *click* dammit!" moments yesterday

A gunsmith should be able to remove that for you, don't know the Baikal specifically but its usually a straightforward job..

[z4RRSchris]

I had auto safety on a beretta game gun, got the gunsmith to remove it when it was in for something else warranty related, was FOC.

[The_Doc]

Auto-safety isn't a bad thing per se.
You just get used to it.
Close breech flick switch, all in one movement, after a week or two you stop thinking about it.
For game shooting it's far safer, particularly walked-up game.
You trip over a stump or bramble, the gun snaps shut and hits the ground and fires. Not good.
I think for clays, stationary on a stand its perhaps not important.
Anyhow, an easy remove.

[Geffg]

Anyone any experience of a Winchester SX4 semi auto? Hopefully good.
Went to the northern gun show at the weekend and took a fancy to it so bought it. Just gotta wait till Sunday to try it out.
Only problem was it’s a 30” barrel and it wouldn’t fit in my cabinet. Have to remove the barrel to get it to fit.

[andyb28]

Geffg said:

Anyone any experience of a Winchester SX4 semi auto? Hopefully good.
Went to the northern gun show at the weekend and took a fancy to it so bought it. Just gotta wait till Sunday to try it out.
Only problem was it’s a 30” barrel and it wouldn’t fit in my cabinet. Have to remove the barrel to get it to fit.

I haven't personally, but my friend shoots with one and loves it.

When I was in the market for a semi auto, I looked at the Winchester, but picked a Franchi as I figured inertia driven would be better long term.
We both use the guns for pigeons, ducks etc. They end up being the gun in your cabinet you dont really care about too much. Both the Franchi and my friends SX4 have been working well for years problem free.

[andyb28]

Sporting gun for a game shooter.

I seem to be doing a lot more clay shooting these days. Last weekend I was on a sim day, I'm generally shooting clays once a week, sometimes more. Only Sporting, not Skeet.

Personally, I like Beretta's. So am looking at guns like the Black edition 692, or maybe the DT11.
I shoot with 28" barrels right now, I am not sure if I want 32", it's going to seem very long compared to my game guns. 30" will perhaps make more sense.
The places I go are fiber wad only, not sure if that makes much difference?

Anyone tried either of these?
Things to consider?

Thanks
Andy

[aeropilot]

andyb28 said:

Personally, I like Beretta's. So am looking at guns like the Black edition 692, or maybe the DT11.
I shoot with 28" barrels right now, I am not sure if I want 32", it's going to seem very long compared to my game guns. 30" will perhaps make more sense.

I tried a 692 with 32" barrels before I bought my Browning 725 Black Edition.

I thought 32" was way too long for sporting......and I couldn't get on with the Beretta either. It was going to need extra money spent on fitting, whereas the Browning fitted me pretty much out of the box. I bought 30" barrel, which is prob best compromise, although I sometimes wish I'd gone for 28" tbh.

[chemistry]

andyb28 said:

Sporting gun for a game shooter.

I seem to be doing a lot more clay shooting these days. Last weekend I was on a sim day, I'm generally shooting clays once a week, sometimes more. Only Sporting, not Skeet.

Personally, I like Beretta's. So am looking at guns like the Black edition 692, or maybe the DT11.
I shoot with 28" barrels right now, I am not sure if I want 32", it's going to seem very long compared to my game guns. 30" will perhaps make more sense.
The places I go are fiber wad only, not sure if that makes much difference?

Anyone tried either of these?
Things to consider?

Thanks
Andy

I’ve got a 692 Black and a DT11 ACS, both 30 inch barrels. Very different guns; the 692 is comparatively dainty compared to the DT11…I shoot better with the DT11 because it fits me better (I’ve got a long neck and sloping shoulders, so the raised rib and Monte Carlo stock work well for me). Not a big fan of the carbon rib on my 692, seems a bit flimsy/loose, but I still like the gun overall. Both shoot fibres fine, despite overbored barrels.

If undecided, what about a 694? Gets great reviews (fixed some off the issues the 692 has) and is more DT11-like in its feel and handling.

[andyb28]

chemistry said:

I’ve got a 692 Black and a DT11 ACS, both 30 inch barrels. Very different guns; the 692 is comparatively dainty compared to the DT11…I shoot better with the DT11 because it fits me better (I’ve got a long neck and sloping shoulders, so the raised rib and Monte Carlo stock work well for me). Not a big fan of the carbon rib on my 692, seems a bit flimsy/loose, but I still like the gun overall. Both shoot fibres fine, despite overbored barrels.

If undecided, what about a 694? Gets great reviews (fixed some off the issues the 692 has) and is more DT11-like in its feel and handling.

Many thanks. Thats very helpful.
Fortunately, there is a shop not too far from me that has all 3, so I can compare.

[chemistry]

andyb28 said:

chemistry said:

I’ve got a 692 Black and a DT11 ACS, both 30 inch barrels. Very different guns; the 692 is comparatively dainty compared to the DT11…I shoot better with the DT11 because it fits me better (I’ve got a long neck and sloping shoulders, so the raised rib and Monte Carlo stock work well for me). Not a big fan of the carbon rib on my 692, seems a bit flimsy/loose, but I still like the gun overall. Both shoot fibres fine, despite overbored barrels.

If undecided, what about a 694? Gets great reviews (fixed some off the issues the 692 has) and is more DT11-like in its feel and handling.

Many thanks. Thats very helpful.
Fortunately, there is a shop not too far from me that has all 3, so I can compare.

For what it’s worth, I was planning on getting a 694 ACS but ended up with the DT11 ACS because I found a very lightly used 2018 model for only a bit more money. I haven’t shot a 694 (any variant) but had the second hand DT11 not been available, I’m sure I’d have picked up a new 694; the people I know who’ve got one really like theirs.

[andyb28]

chemistry said:

For what it’s worth, I was planning on getting a 694 ACS but ended up with the DT11 ACS because I found a very lightly used 2018 model for only a bit more money. I haven’t shot a 694 (any variant) but had the second hand DT11 not been available, I’m sure I’d have picked up a new 694; the people I know who’ve got one really like theirs.

Out of interest, I take it that the rib on these guns didn't bother you?
I have never shot a gun with a rib that sits so high. Does it take much getting used to?

[chemistry]

andyb28 said:

chemistry said:

For what it’s worth, I was planning on getting a 694 ACS but ended up with the DT11 ACS because I found a very lightly used 2018 model for only a bit more money. I haven’t shot a 694 (any variant) but had the second hand DT11 not been available, I’m sure I’d have picked up a new 694; the people I know who’ve got one really like theirs.

Out of interest, I take it that the rib on these guns didn't bother you?
I have never shot a gun with a rib that sits so high. Does it take much getting used to?

I specifically wanted a high rib gun, as I'm tall, have a stupidly long neck and narrow, sloping shoulders; shooting a regular gun (inc my 692) means I'm looking out of the top of my eyes and/or have the butt so high some is above my shoulder. The adjustable Monte Carlo stock and higher (but not actually THAT high) rib helps me get a better gun fit where the butt is fully in my shoulder pocket and I can get a good view down the rib, with a comfortable head position.

I had no problems getting used to the high rib at all and preferred it straightaway. Mounts well. It doesn't even feel high to me, just normal. Haven't had issues canting the gun (yet...) or other problems. However, other people hate high ribs with a passion and feel that the gun is floating around below them etc. Horses for courses - works for me (in the blue) and not my shorter shooting mate shown here.

You have to find what works for you (and be able to put up with comments that you've got scaffolding on your gun, etc. if you get a high rib). Lots of info on the web about what suits long necked folks etc., e.g.:

https://www.ergosign.com/Shooting_position_88.html

[Celtic Dragon]

Another high rib user here too. I went high rib because a normal rib caused me severe neck pain after a couple of hours shooting.

I have a feeling I went OTT with my choice as my rib is 17mm! The confusing thing is my semi auto doesn’t cause me any issues at all, and that has a 6mm high vented to rib.

[ChemicalChaos]

The_Doc said:

Auto-safety isn't a bad thing per se.
You just get used to it.
Close breech flick switch, all in one movement, after a week or two you stop thinking about it.
For game shooting it's far safer, particularly walked-up game.
You trip over a stump or bramble, the gun snaps shut and hits the ground and fires. Not good.
I think for clays, stationary on a stand its perhaps not important.
Anyhow, an easy remove.

Cheers all,

From that comment I think I'll be learning to live with it rather than removing it! (Also saves gunsmith fees!)

So, my GP has completed their declaration now for me so I'm finally ready to submit to the police.

Time for me to pull the trigger (pardon the pun) on a gun safe..... this seems to be the best value police-approved cabinet I can find for mail order.
Has anyone used one before or got any observations/comments on it before I hit buy?
(I'm going for a 2-3 gun one in case I have shooting visitors, plus it gives me room for ammo etc.)
Plan A is to lay it down on the floor, I see no reason why it wouldn't work with the door opening upwards instead of to the side?

https://dirtyprotools.co.uk/collections/3-gun-cabi...

[MB140]

I’m going through the same process as you. I have my firearms officer interview next week.

We spoke to a few people at our gun club. We were initially going to go with a 3 or 4 gun safe but many advised to go for a safe for more than you think. You will end up with more guns than you think over time.

So to that end my wife and I chose this 6 gun safe.

Ultimate Safe® Extra Wide and Deep 6 Gun Cabinet for Shotguns and Rifles With Unique Triple Blade Lock® With Internal Ammunition Box Compliant With BS7558/92

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E1FO8UM/ref=cm_sw_r...

Has a small lockable compartment at the top for ammo although I think I am going to use that to store things like passports, birth and marriage certificates etc.

Just a thought. 3 might be enough if it’s just you.

[R56Cooper]

chemistry said:

andyb28 said:

chemistry said:

For what it’s worth, I was planning on getting a 694 ACS but ended up with the DT11 ACS because I found a very lightly used 2018 model for only a bit more money. I haven’t shot a 694 (any variant) but had the second hand DT11 not been available, I’m sure I’d have picked up a new 694; the people I know who’ve got one really like theirs.

Out of interest, I take it that the rib on these guns didn't bother you?
I have never shot a gun with a rib that sits so high. Does it take much getting used to?

I specifically wanted a high rib gun, as I'm tall, have a stupidly long neck and narrow, sloping shoulders; shooting a regular gun (inc my 692) means I'm looking out of the top of my eyes and/or have the butt so high some is above my shoulder. The adjustable Monte Carlo stock and higher (but not actually THAT high) rib helps me get a better gun fit where the butt is fully in my shoulder pocket and I can get a good view down the rib, with a comfortable head position.

I had no problems getting used to the high rib at all and preferred it straightaway. Mounts well. It doesn't even feel high to me, just normal. Haven't had issues canting the gun (yet...) or other problems. However, other people hate high ribs with a passion and feel that the gun is floating around below them etc. Horses for courses - works for me (in the blue) and not my shorter shooting mate shown here.

You have to find what works for you (and be able to put up with comments that you've got scaffolding on your gun, etc. if you get a high rib). Lots of info on the web about what suits long necked folks etc., e.g.:

https://www.ergosign.com/Shooting_position_88.html

Ah, the boys from Hereford. Wink wink, what colour's the boathouse etc...

[aeropilot]

ChemicalChaos said:

Has anyone used one before or got any observations/comments on it before I hit buy?
(I'm going for a 2-3 gun one in case I have shooting visitors, plus it gives me room for ammo etc.)
Plan A is to lay it down on the floor, I see no reason why it wouldn't work with the door opening upwards instead of to the side?

https://dirtyprotools.co.uk/collections/3-gun-cabi...

You can't really use a cabinet that is designed for vertical wall fixing and lay it on the floor, you'll struggle to open the door, as you'll only have the key to hold to lift it, pulling on the lock mechanism. The door are heavy for obvious reasons, and this is why the purpose made lay down cabinets have a handle on them to lift up the door once unlocked.

If you have no option other than to fit to the floor, and that seems odd in a house, as it will take up a lot more room than a wall mount! then you need to buy a cabinet that is designed for floor mount.
Why can't you fit a vertical cabinet....??

[ChemicalChaos]

aeropilot said:

ChemicalChaos said:

Has anyone used one before or got any observations/comments on it before I hit buy?
(I'm going for a 2-3 gun one in case I have shooting visitors, plus it gives me room for ammo etc.)
Plan A is to lay it down on the floor, I see no reason why it wouldn't work with the door opening upwards instead of to the side?

https://dirtyprotools.co.uk/collections/3-gun-cabi...

You can't really use a cabinet that is designed for vertical wall fixing and lay it on the floor, you'll struggle to open the door, as you'll only have the key to hold to lift it, pulling on the lock mechanism. The door are heavy for obvious reasons, and this is why the purpose made lay down cabinets have a handle on them to lift up the door once unlocked.

If you have no option other than to fit to the floor, and that seems odd in a house, as it will take up a lot more room than a wall mount! then you need to buy a cabinet that is designed for floor mount.
Why can't you fit a vertical cabinet....??

You make a very good point about opening the door, I hadn't considered that!
Space wise I can fit a vertical cabinet, however only the concrete floor is suitable to fix to as the house, and particularly the cabinet location, is gossamer thin plasterboard. I had thought laying it down would be more secure however on consideration I assume I can bolt to the floor vertically as it's hardly going to sway when fixed down....
The cabinet I linked has holes in its base so i guess it's good to go for that

[aeropilot]

ChemicalChaos said:

You make a very good point about opening the door, I hadn't considered that!
Space wise I can fit a vertical cabinet, however only the concrete floor is suitable to fix to as the house, and particularly the cabinet location, is gossamer thin plasterboard. I had thought laying it down would be more secure however on consideration I assume I can bolt to the floor vertically as it's hardly going to sway when fixed down....

Is your house one of these new timber framed construction types with no external brick/thermal block walls?

Or are you trying to position cabinet against an internal partition wall?

[ChemicalChaos]

aeropilot said:

Is your house one of these new timber framed construction types with no external brick/thermal block walls?

Or are you trying to position cabinet against an internal partition wall?

Both, the latter because it's the only suitably hidden place in the house