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Would you load a second shell?

Schu72

Schu72

Well-Known Member
3,864
113
Streetsboro
I'm taking Ethan turkey hunting this weekend and I'll have him shooting his mom's 20 ga. Beretta A303 semi-auto. When he was using a pump gun I always had other shells in the magazine. However, with the auto loader I'm a little concerned. I'm leaning towards only having a shell in the chamber for safety reasons. The chance at a follow up shot probably are minimal anyway. Right decision?
 
Depends on how much he has practiced and his proficiency. One shot is all about you get anyway so one isn't going to hinder you much I wouldn't think.
 
Yeah, I would probably just go with one. It don't take that long to throw another in there if needed, which it probably won't be.
 
I won't go against the safety of one, since that is where your question came from and I would agree with the above opinions.

From strictly a turkey hunting perspective, they are all wings when they fly and not worth shooting. However, I've seen birds not react to a shot. Or in the case of a double, the a bird sticking around after the first has been shot.
 
If you're concerned about it, just stick with one shell. That being said, if you're concerned about it, maybe he should handle that gun a bit more in non-hunting situations so that the concern goes away. Just thinking out loud here... Not trying to be an ass.
 
JBrown said:
If you're concerned about it, just stick with one shell. That being said, if you're concerned about it, maybe he should handle that gun a bit more in non-hunting situations so that the concern goes away. Just thinking out loud here... Not trying to be an ass.
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No offense taken Jim. I thought I might have 2 kids hunting this year, so I was going to move Ethan up to the 20 so Micah could have the .410. Micah decided he wasn't ready even though he shot fine. I feel better about the 20 for turkey hunting and the gas system in the semi will reduce the recoil. So I'll probably have him take the 20 and just load shells one at at time.
 
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Schu72 said:
No offense taken Jim. I thought I might have 2 kids hunting this year, so I was going to me Ethan up to the 20 so Micah could have the .410. Micah decided he wasn't ready even though he shot fine. I feel better about the 20 for turkey hunting and the gas system in the semi will reduce the recoil. So I'll probably have him take the 20 and just load shells one at at time.
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That makes sense man. In all reality, that gas-operated 20 will probably kick less than the .410 anyway.
 
As a kid hunting w/ Gramp, we grew up on single shot guns for a number of years. You learn to make the first one count.
I see nothing wrong with that approach even if the gun will hold more.
I think its the right decision for a couple of reasons mentioned.
 
If he's been bad lately, give em an empty gun. If he,s been a good boy, put one in the chamber and you have an extra shell ready. Id be hesitant having more than 1 shell in a semi with a kid. Kids think short term not long term..Go with just 1
 
Agree with everyone on the one shell idea, will make him a better shot as well! I can remember when I moved up to a pump gun from my single shot .410 for rabbit hunting when I was little, boy did I start missing some rabbits!
 
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