Shotgun Life | The Best in Wing and Clays Shooting
Briefs

The Delicate Art of Celtic Engraving

Shotgun Life Staff – August 28, 2024
Shotgun Celtic engraving is a unique and intricate art form that melds the worlds of firearms and ancient Celtic designs. This specialized craft involves adorning shotguns with elaborate Celtic patterns...
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Briefs

Top 5 American Vintage Shotguns to Collect

Shotgun Life Staff – May 27, 2024
Briefs

Shotgun Ejectors Vs. Extractors

Shotgun Life Staff – July 5, 2023
Briefs

Shotgun Shell Gauges: Unraveling the Key Differences

Shotgun Life Staff – September 5, 2023
Briefs

Reviving Tradition: The Resilience of Ruger’s Red Label Shotgun

Shotgun Life Staff – August 9, 2023
In a world filled with modern innovations and cutting-edge technology, it is rare to find a classic that stands the test of time. However, Ruger's Red Label Shotgun is one...
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Briefs

Unpacking the Pellet Count in 12-Gauge Shotgun Shells

Shotgun Life Staff – April 27, 2024
Briefs

The Causes of Shotgun Flinching

Shotgun Life Staff – July 23, 2023
Briefs

Parker Reproduction Shotguns

Shotgun Life Staff – August 28, 2023
Briefs News

Winchester E-Tech, an Innovative, Environmentally Friendly Shotshell

Irwin Greenstein – January 24, 2024
EAST ALTON, IL — Winchester Ammunition has changed the ammunition landscape through innovation time and time again. Whether it be John Olin’s Super-X that set the standard with progressive-burning powder...
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Briefs

How to Conquer Skeet Station 8

Shotgun Life Staff – January 4, 2024
Briefs

Titanium Chokes: Lighter, Stronger, Better?

Shotgun Life Staff – April 6, 2024
Briefs

Legacy Sports International Pointer Side by Side Shotgun

Shotgun Life Staff – June 28, 2023

Briefs

A series of brief articles cataloging the sport and gear for wing and clays shooting.

The Delicate Art of Celtic Engraving

Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: shotguncelticengraving, shotgunengraving

Shotgun Celtic engraving is a unique and intricate art form that melds the worlds of firearms and ancient Celtic designs. This specialized craft involves adorning shotguns with elaborate Celtic patterns that are both aesthetically pleasing and rich in cultural symbolism. Understanding the history, techniques, cultural significance, and key artisans in this field provides a comprehensive appreciation for this extraordinary form of artistry.

The History of Shotgun Celtic Engraving

The tradition of engraving firearms dates back to the early days of gun-making when craftsmen would embellish weapons with intricate designs to showcase their skills and create unique pieces. The integration of Celtic designs into shotgun engraving is a relatively recent development, emerging prominently in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As Celtic art experienced a revival during this period, artisans began incorporating its distinctive motifs into firearm decoration.

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Using the Right Turkey Choke Can Make All the Difference

Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: turkeychokes, turkeyhunting

When it comes to turkey hunting, selecting the right shotgun choke can make all the difference in your success. Turkey chokes are specially designed choke tubes that help to tighten the shot pattern, increasing the chances of hitting your target. In this guide, we will explore the importance of choke selection and provide tips on choosing the right one for your hunting needs.

Turkey chokes come in a variety of constrictions, typically ranging from extra full to super full. The tighter the constriction, the more dense the shot pattern will be, making it easier to hit a turkey’s vital areas at longer distances. When selecting a choke for turkey hunting, it’s important to consider the type of shotgun you are using, as not all chokes are compatible with every shotgun. It’s also essential to test different chokes with your specific shotgun to see which one produces the best results in terms of pattern density and consistency.

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Time to Retire the Beavertail Forend?

Saturday, August 24, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: beavertailforend, vintageshotguns

Shotgun beavertail forends have been a staple in the world of shotguns for decades, providing shooters with added grip and control. However, as technology and design continue to evolve, some are questioning whether it’s time to retire the traditional beavertail forend in favor of more modern alternatives. In this article, we will examine the viability of the shotgun beavertail forend and make a case for potentially phasing it out in favor of more efficient options.

Examining the Viability of the Beavertail Forend

One of the main advantages of the shotgun beavertail forend is the added grip and control it provides for shooters. The extended design allows for a more secure hold on the firearm, especially during rapid or repeated firing. This can be particularly beneficial for shooters who require precise aim and stability, such as hunters or competitive shooters. The beavertail forend also helps to absorb recoil, reducing the impact on the shooter’s hands and wrists.

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Is the Smith & Wesson Model 1000 Semi-Auto a True Collectable?

Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: smithandwesson, smithandwessonmodel1000, smithandwessonshotguns

The Smith & Wesson Model 1000 shotgun, first introduced in the 1970s, was a departure from the company’s well-known line of revolvers. It was a bold foray into the world of semi-automatic shotguns, and it quickly gained a reputation for dependability and precision. The Model 1000 was produced in various configurations, including hunting and trap versions, catering to a broad spectrum of sport shooters and outdoor enthusiasts.

However, the production of the Model 1000 was halted in the late 1980s, making it a collectible item today. Its enduring popularity among firearm enthusiasts stems from its classic styling, reliable performance, and the nostalgic appeal associated with owning a part of Smith & Wesson history. Despite the discontinuation, the Model 1000 continues to be a sought-after shotgun in the second-hand market, proving its enduring appeal.

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The Importance of Proper Foot Position in Wing & Clays Shooting

Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: claysshootingfootposition, shotgunfootposition, wingshootingfootposition

Foot position, in wing and clays shooting, is an integral part of the process. This is because your feet act as the foundation for your entire body, providing balance and stability during the action. The correct foot position can help you absorb gun recoil and align your body towards the target, greatly enhancing your accuracy and performance. Generally, your lead foot (the one closest to the target) should be slightly ahead of your rear foot, with your weight mostly on your front foot.

The foot position can also influence the body’s ability to rotate smoothly, which is essential in wing and clays shooting. More specifically, when shooting at moving targets, your feet must be positioned in a way that allows your upper body to pivot easily. This is due to the fact that, unlike in stationary target shooting, moving targets necessitate a wider range of motion. Therefore, the foot position should foster both stability and fluidity.

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George Hoenig: The Brain Behind the Rotary Action Shotgun

Saturday, August 10, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: georgehoenig, hoenigrotartyactionshotgun, hoenigshotgun

George Hoenig, a master gunsmith and talented inventor, hails from Idaho. His passion for firearms and their mechanics sparked his career, leading to the creation of the Rotary Action Shotgun. Not just a gunsmith, Hoenig has been a machinist, design engineer, and prototype fabricator throughout his career. His deep understanding of firearms’ intricacies is evident in his creations, which combine the best of traditional and modern firearm principles.

Hoenig’s ingenuity and dedication culminated in the creation of the over/under Rotary Action Shotgun. His innovative design took years of laborious prototyping, testing, and tweaking before it became the impressive firearm that exists today. The Rotary Action Shotgun’s invention illustrates Hoenig’s genius, as he meticulously solved the issues commonly associated with traditional shotguns.

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Mastering the One-Eye Blink in Clay Shooting

Friday, August 09, 2024
Written by Shotgun Life Staff
Categories: Briefs
Tags: claysshootingeyedominance, oneeyeblinkclaysshooting

Among the many techniques employed by shooters, one stands out for its unique approach – the “One-Eye Blink” technique. A controversial yet effective method, the One-Eye Blink technique is a subject that merits closer examination. In this article, we will dissect each aspect of this technique, understanding its role, impact, mastering process, and its pros and cons in the fascinating world of clay shooting.

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