Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting

Archive: August 2025

Brown’s Lodge & Hunting Ranch – South Dakota Pheasant Hunting & Fishing

Saturday, August 30, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Destinations
Tags: #allinclusivehuntingsouthdakota, #brownshuntingandfishinglodgte, #pheasantuplandhuntingsouthdakota, #shouthdakotapheasanthunting, #southdatokafishing
Browns

Located on the banks of Lake Oahe and the Missouri River, Brown’s Lodge & Hunting Ranch offers the ultimate outdoor experience in South Dakota hunting and fishing. All-inclusive packages combine world-class hunting, guided fishing, and first-class accommodations for an unforgettable adventure.

All-Inclusive South Dakota Hunting Packages

Wild Pheasant & Upland Bird Hunting – Hunt across thousands of acres of private land carefully managed for prime pheasant habitat. Enjoy expert guides, seasoned bird dogs, and classic South Dakota hunting traditions.

Prairie Dog Hunting in South Dakota – High-volume varmint hunting on wide-open prairie lands, perfect for sharpshooters seeking a fast-paced challenge.

Premier Lake Oahe Fishing Trips

Fish the Missouri River and Lake Oahe for trophy walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike and more. Guided fishing trips are tailored for beginners and seasoned anglers alike, with everything provided for a stress-free experience. Visit https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/thkk

How to Measure the Trigger Pull Weight of a Shotgun

Saturday, August 30, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #shotguntrigger, #shotguntriggerpullgauge, #shotguntriggerpullweight

When it comes to shooting sports, the trigger pull weight of a shotgun can greatly impact the accuracy and performance of the shooter. Understanding how to measure and adjust the trigger pull weight is essential for ensuring a comfortable and consistent shooting experience. In this article, we will discuss the importance of measuring trigger pull weight, the tools needed for the job, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to accurately measure the trigger pull weight of a shotgun.

trigger

Understanding the Importance of Measuring Trigger Pull Weight

The trigger pull weight of a shotgun refers to the amount of force required to pull the trigger and discharge a round. A heavier trigger pull weight can make it more difficult for a shooter to accurately aim and fire their weapon, while a lighter trigger pull weight can result in unintentional discharges. By measuring and adjusting the trigger pull weight to a level that is comfortable and appropriate for the shooter, they can improve their accuracy and control over their firearm.

Tools Needed to Measure Trigger Pull Weight of a Shotgun

To accurately measure the trigger pull weight of a shotgun, you will need a trigger pull gauge. This tool is specifically designed to measure the amount of force required to pull the trigger. Additionally, you may need a small screwdriver or Allen key to make any necessary adjustments to the trigger pull weight. It is important to use a high-quality trigger pull gauge to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.

trigger pull gauge

Step-by-Step Guide to Accurately Measure Trigger Pull Weight

  1. Ensure the shotgun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
  2. Attach the trigger pull gauge to the trigger of the shotgun.
  3. Slowly pull the trigger until it releases, taking note of the reading on the gauge.
  4. Repeat this process multiple times to get an average reading.
  5. If adjustments are needed, refer to the shotgun’s manual for instructions on how to adjust the trigger pull weight using the screwdriver or Allen key.

Measuring the trigger pull weight of a shotgun is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and effective shooting experience. By understanding the importance of trigger pull weight, having the necessary tools, and following a step-by-step guide, shooters can make adjustments to achieve a trigger pull weight that is comfortable and conducive to accurate shooting. Remember to always prioritize safety when handling firearms and consult a professional gunsmith if you are unsure about making adjustments to your shotgun’s trigger pull weight.

# # #

History of the Beretta 303 Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Saturday, August 30, 2025
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Briefs
Tags: #berettasemiautomaticshotguns, #berettashotguns, #berreta303

The Beretta 303 semi-automatic shotgun is a versatile and dependable firearm that has a rich history dating back to its beginnings in the early 1970s. With its innovative design and reliable performance, the Beretta 303 has become a popular choice among hunters, sports shooters, and law enforcement agencies around the world.

303 1 4

The Beginnings of the Beretta 303 Shotgun

The Beretta 303 shotgun was first introduced by the Italian firearms manufacturer in 1974. It was designd as a successor to the popular Beretta 302, with improvements made to the gas system and overall reliability. The Beretta 303 quickly gained a reputation for its smooth operation and durability, making it a favorite among shooters looking for a reliable semi-automatic shotgun.

Innovations and Advancements in Design

One of the key innovations of the Beretta 303 shotgun was its self-regulating gas system, which helped reduce recoil and improve overall shooting comfort. The gun also featured a distinctive cross-bolt safety and a reversible shell ejector, making it user-friendly and versatile for shooters of all levels. Additionally, the Beretta 303 was known for its sleek and ergonomic design, with a slim profile and comfortable grip that made it easy to handle in the field.

303 2

Legacy and Impact of the Beretta 303

The Beretta 303 semi-automatic shotgun has left a lasting legacy in the world of firearms. Its reliable performance and innovative design have made it a popular choice for hunters, sports shooters, and law enforcement agencies alike. The Beretta 303 has also influenced the development of other semi-automatic shotguns, setting a high standard for quality and performance in the industry.

The Beretta 303 shotgun, produced in the mid-1980s through early 1990s, was a landmark semi-automatic design that cemented Beretta’s reputation for reliable, versatile, and high-quality sporting shotguns. It bridged the gap between the early 300-series autos and the modern 390/391/A400 lineage.

# # #

Luxury Wingshooting & Upland Hunting in Sonoma Wine County, California

Friday, August 29, 2025
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Destinations
Tags: #californiauplandhunting, #finedining, #luxuryuplandhunting, #pheasanthunting, #sonomacountyhunting, #sonomacountyuplandhunting, #sportingclays, #winetastings, #wingandbarrelranch
Wing and Barrel woman

Discover Wing & Barrel Ranch, a premier private sporting club nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, California. Here, luxury wingshooting, upland bird hunting, and fine wine experiences come together in an unparalleled setting for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate sporting lifestyle.

Exclusive Sporting Experiences for Members

At Wing & Barrel Ranch, members enjoy year-round sporting clays, upland bird hunting, fly casting, and expert shooting instruction. Whether you’re a seasoned wingshooter or just beginning, our luxury sporting facilities provide the perfect environment to refine your skills and enjoy the thrill of the sport.

Fine Dining & Winemaker Experiences

The elegant clubhouse offers seasonal farm-to-table dining, curated by renowned chefs. Members can also participate in exclusive Winemaker Series events, enjoy private wine pairings, and even shoot and dine with top vintners. Rare bottles can be stored in private wine lockers, creating a truly unique culinary and oenological experience in Sonoma wine country.

Every detail is designed to enhance your luxury wingshooting and sporting experience.

Sustainable Land Stewardship in Sonoma County

Spanning 1,000 acres of ecologically rich land, the ranch is committed to habitat restoration and climate resiliency. In partnership with Point Blue Conservation Science, we work to preserve native species and ensure the land remains pristine for generations of sporting enthusiasts.

Experience Wing & Barrel Ranch

Join them for an unforgettable combination of luxury wingshooting, upland bird hunting, fine dining, and Sonoma wine country adventures. Explore membership opportunities and learn more about our unique offerings on the Wing & Barrel Ranch website at https://www.shotgunlife.com/go/6dap

Upland Hunting in Texas Hill Country at Joshua Creek Ranch

Friday, August 29, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Destinations
Tags: #berettatridentlodge, #jjoshuacreekranch, #luxuryuplandhunting, #orvisendorsedlodge, #selectfederaloutitter, #texashillcountry, #texaspheasanthunting, #texasquailhunting

Hunt quail, pheasant, and mallard ducks in the Texas Hill Country. Joshua Creek Ranch offers guided upland hunts, luxury lodging, and trophy deer hunting.

Since opening in 1990, Joshua Creek Ranch has earned a reputation as one of the premier hunting destinations in America. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, the ranch combines breathtaking natural scenery with world-class wingshooting and big game opportunities.

For more than 35 years, Joshua Creek Ranch has been carefully developed into a true sportsman’s paradise. Its diverse terrain—fertile creek and river bottoms, lightly wooded grass pastures, and dramatic limestone bluffs—creates ideal wildlife habitat for upland birds and native game.

Read More

Fiocchi Launches Arkansas Steel — The Hard-Hitting Waterfowl Load Built for Serious Hunters

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #duckhunting, #fiocchi, #fiocchiarkassassteel, #steelshot

August 2025 – CSG Member, Fiocchi of America, a leader in premium ammunition innovation, proudly introduces Arkansas Steel, the ultimate waterfowl hunting shotshell engineered for duck and goose hunters who demand uncompromising performance in the field.

The name pays homage to the storied waterfowling heritage of Arkansas and the famed Delta region — a place where world-class duck hunting traditions run deep. But while its roots honor the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, Arkansas Steel is lights-out no matter where you hunt. From the flooded timber of the Delta to the prairies of the Central Flyway or the coastal marshes of the Atlantic, this load is built to deliver results across the nation.

Designed to dominate the skies, Arkansas Steel’s 12-gauge, 3″ shell delivers a 1-1/5 ounce payload of #2, #3, or #4 steel shot at a blistering 1,550 fps. The result is devastating impact, superior downrange energy, and clean, ethical kills — even in the toughest wetland conditions.

Read More

Shotgun Coach vs. Shotgun Instructor: What’s the Difference?

Monday, August 25, 2025
Written by Cody Matson
Categories: Shotgun Clay Sports

So many times my students come me with the same complaint: When I was with my instructor I shot really well, but afterwards I reverted back to my old habits and couldn’t hit anything.

Since many wing and clays shooters don’t understand the differences between a shotgun instructor and a shotgun coach, they often end up wasting time and money with little to show for it.

An important reason why is because the student hasn’t clearly defined their goals. For example, a shotgun coach provides life lessons in shooting compared an instructor who focuses on breaking targets.

When newcomers step into the shotgun sports – whether for clays, hunting prep, or a recreational outing – they often book time with an instructor. It’s the most common entry point, and for good reason: instructors are generally certified, safety-conscious, and trained to give beginners a good first experience.

Read More

Beretta Debuts All-New Suprema Waterfowl Collection for Fall/Winter 2025

Friday, August 22, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #berettahunting, #berettawaterfowlclothes, #waterfowlhunting

Friday, August 22, 2025 — Beretta proudly unveils its latest innovation in outdoor performance apparel with the launch of the Suprema Waterfowl Collection, a premium hunting clothing line engineered specifically for waterfowlers who demand superior protection, stealth, and comfort in the harshest environments.

Rooted in Beretta’s 500-year legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, the Suprema Waterfowl Collection brings cutting-edge design to serious hunters. The line blends traditional Beretta quality with advanced technical fabrics and purposeful features that stand up to punishing weather and terrain.

A standout feature of the new line is Colorblock Concealment™, Beretta’s proprietary advanced camouflage methodology. This technology enhances optical efficiency by leveraging natural shadow patterns in the most concealed environments, such as deep blinds and expansive fields. Through sophisticated layering of classic waterfowl color palettes, it fuses time-honored aesthetics with contemporary design principles to deliver optimized visual disruption, ultimately helping hunters blend in more effectively and hunt with greater confidence.

Read More

Webley & Scott in America Part 3: The Sport X Over/Under

Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Written by Irwin Greenstein
Categories: Shotguns

Webley & Scott was established in Birmingham, England in 1790. Today, like some other revered names from the Birmingham and London trades, the shotguns are  made in Turkey. Under the leadership of Matt Nelson based in Baird, Texas, Webley & Scotts have returned to the U.S. In this series, we discuss the Webley & Scotts currently available at affordable prices to American wing and clays shooters.

The formula for the Webley & Scott Sport X is simple: build an affordable over/under that’s a clays crusher.

For an MSRP of $2,399, you get a 12-gauge Sport X with black-chrome 30-barrels topped by a High-Viz bead and proofed for steel, plus five extended chokes. The barrels are chambered for three-inch shells. The shotgun’s handsome oil-finished Grade 3 Turkish walnut stock features an adjustable comb, a pistol grip and palm swell. The receiver is black chrome as well – a finish that’s been proven to resist corrosion in the elements. An automatic safety integrated into the stop strap.

Read More

After 43 Years with Holland & Holland, Chris Bird Retires as Head Instructor

Saturday, August 09, 2025
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: News
Tags: #chrisbird, #hollandandholland, #hollandandhollandshootinggrounds
Bird 1

After an incredible 43 years with Holland & Holland, we are announcing the retirement of Chris Bird, our esteemed Head of Instruction at the Shooting Grounds.

Chris joined the business in 1982 and has since become one of the most respected and recognisable figures in the shooting world. Over the decades, he has shared his exceptional knowledge and passion for the sport with thousands of clients, from complete beginners to experienced shots, always with the same patience, skill and good humour.

His contribution to Holland & Holland cannot be overstated. Chris has been instrumental in shaping the standards of excellence we are known for, mentoring generations of instructors and helping to make the Shooting Grounds the welcoming, world-class destination it is today.

“As General Manager of Holland & Holland, I’m lucky enough to work with some very skilled, passionate and experienced people. One of them is Chris Bird, Anyone who has visited Holland & Holland shooting grounds would need no introduction to Chris, but for those that don’t know him, he’s simply a legend, he’s taught a phenomenal amount of people how to shoot, in a style that has become so familiar, you will often hear -” Ah, you were taught by Chris Bird”


Chris has been with the business for 43 years and today he retires from working life. His hope is to go and enjoy time with his wife and of course some shooting from time to time. Chris has been a fantastic servant to the brand and helped pave the way for Holland & Holland, the future is bright because of the people like Chris, who help drive this brand. I personally, have only known Chris for a short time but already class him as a dear friend, so we say a huge thank you to Chris, enjoy your retirement, you will always be a part of the H&H team and welcome here anytime.”
– John Henderson, General Manager of Holland & Holland

We are deeply grateful for Chris’ dedication, professionalism and friendship over the years and while we will miss him greatly, we wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter.”

Please join us in celebrating Chris’s remarkable career and in thanking him for over four decades of outstanding service.

www.hollandandholland.com

# # #

Shotgun Life Newsletters

Join an elite group of readers who receive their FREE e-letter every week from Shotgun Life. These readers gain a competitive advantage from the valuable advice delivered directly to their inbox. You'll discover ways to improve your shooting, learn about the best new products and how to easily maintain your shotgun so it's always reliable. If you strive to be a better shooter, then our FREE e-letters are for you.