Wes Littlefield 01.10.25
I just lately wrote an article about how a lot I just like the pump-action shotgun for waterfowl looking. Whereas I perceive the intercourse attraction of a semi-auto, in my expertise, it’s simply not dependable sufficient for harsh waterfowl looking circumstances. This is the reason I exploit a pump-action shotgun for many of my hunts—nicely, I used to. I began duck looking this season with an over-under shotgun, and I’ve actually loved it, nevertheless it’s positively not for everybody.
Advantages of an Over-Below Duck Searching Shotgun
I’ve obtained to be sincere: a number of years in the past, when a buddy advised me he primarily duck hunted with an over-under, I practically laughed in his face. I didn’t perceive the advantages, as I assumed upland hunters and rich clay shooters had been the one ones who used the sort of shotgun.
Nonetheless, after my buddy satisfied me to make use of an over-under on a couple of hunts, I began to see the advantages. After greater than a season of duck looking with one, I’ve develop into a full believer in all the next upsides:
Use much less ammoIt forces you to take higher picturesDependable & sturdyIt’s a brand new problemIt’s light-weight
I’m not one to make use of a field of shells each single hunt for a couple of causes. First, we simply don’t have as many birds the place I’m from; the flyway tends to separate us, as we have now much less farmland and habitat for waterfowl than a couple of hours straight east or west. The second is that I’ve by no means been the one who needed to shoot (apart from after I noticed a Speck for the primary time). Numerous occasions, I’ve sat within the blind, watching a flock work to perfection, and never shouldered my shotgun. Lastly, now that I primarily use an over-under, I can’t fireplace the identical variety of rounds as others within the blind, so I can’t use as a lot on a hunt. It positive helps with the ammo price range!
Having fewer pictures accessible additionally forces me to take higher pictures. I’m not a Skybuster and am naturally choosy when calling the shot (I would like them in tight), however utilizing an over-under has solely amplified my need to take the very best pictures. Whereas this typically means I come dwelling with fewer birds, so be it.
I’ve solely had one hunt when my over-under didn’t carry out, and it was my fault (I by chance dunked it whereas organising the decoys in freezing temps). Apart from that single hunt, my over-under has been extremely dependable in harsh circumstances. I’m additionally powerful on my gear; I may positively take higher care of it through the season, so I would like one thing that’s going to face as much as the abuse, and to this point, the over-under has achieved simply that. I imagine that is as a result of fewer transferring components than a semi-auto or pump-action, however regardless of how a lot abuse it may possibly take all through duck season, it’s been spectacular.
Perhaps it’s as a result of I’ve duck hunted most of my life, however I’m all the time searching for a brand new problem whereas waterfowl looking, whether or not looking a brand new species or utilizing a brand new methodology, like an over-under. It gives a brand new pleasure and jogs my memory why I began looking within the first place.
Lastly, my over-under reduces the quantity of substances I’ve to hold to the blind. It’s lighter than practically all semi-autos and plenty of pumps I’ve used. I’m an enormous fan of lowering the full quantity of weight and equipment I’ve to convey on every hunt.
Whereas I like looking with my over-under, it has downsides, and it’s not for everybody.
Drawbacks of an Over-Below Duck Searching Shotgun
I used to be extremely reluctant to start utilizing an over-under shotgun. I’d fallen for the lure that semi-autos and pump actions had been the one strategy to go when buying a brand new shotgun for waterfowl looking due to the next drawbacks:
Poor alternative for goose lookingBringing dwelling fewer birdsNo third shell
One of the crucial vital downsides is that an over-under is a poor alternative for goose looking due to the two-shot restrict. I nonetheless refuse to make use of an over-under if I do know there can be a excessive likelihood of geese decoying. Geese are powerful birds and sometimes require a follow-up shot, and over-under shotguns are inferior to pumps or semi-autos for follow-up pictures. The conservation snow goose hunt is one other time I refuse to make use of my over-under as a result of I would like as many shells loaded in my gun as potential.
I’ve come to simply accept that I’ll probably convey dwelling fewer birds except we simply have a ridiculous hunt. It’s because I’ve fewer makes an attempt per flock, making it much less probably I’ll shoot as many birds as I’d had I introduced a distinct sort of shotgun.
Without having a 3rd shell saves on ammo, it severely limits your alternatives when massive flocks decoy. So long as you might be decoying singles and pairs, you most likely received’t miss that third shell a lot, however as quickly as 10+ birds are available directly and also you rapidly squeeze off two rounds, you’ll be wishing for that third shell. Many guys will say the third shot is often a waste anyway, however I’ve had it turn out to be useful on multiple event.
Parting Pictures
I don’t imagine the over-under is the best duck looking shotgun, however I feel extra hunters ought to attempt utilizing it, particularly these struggling to search out the enjoyment looking as soon as delivered to their lives. There are a number of advantages to utilizing an over-under, and whereas loading solely two shells into your pump or semi-auto can present a few of them, it’s simply not the identical expertise.
Be happy to get out to the blind and attempt to show me incorrect!
