Well, what a day that was ! I have put my 725 woodwork in for some 'fine tuning' and resorted to using the old 303 auto. I just took it from the cabinet, into a gunslip and out to the car and apart from pushing the safe to off and releasing that stupid catch to lock the bolt back for when I next opened it, I did not bother to check it. I was using the usual 24 gram cartridges. Having got to the ground and taken all the flack for wearing my 'Christmas' jumper, I got togged up, ready to shoot. Now I ALWAYS use 1/4 in both on the O/U and 1/4 in the auto too, so along with my 3 shooting pals, off we go. I was the last of the 4 group to shoot on the first stand, nothing too difficult, a fastish quartering up and away from R to L, followed by a high teal midi in a gap in the tree foliage directly above the first target kill point. I dropped the first teal midi (shot under it instead of blotting it out) but hit all of the rest. I noted that I was getting a high proportion of 'dusted' targets, but thought no more about it. Next stand dropped another 1 but again 'dusted' the remainder. 3rd stand, fast driven mini, low overhead. I always shoot this gun up, because of the speed and lack of distance, usually a flick of the barrels is all that is needed. WELL, I flicked and missed and flicked and missed again, killing the second target each time. The last pair I managed both, but the driven aspirin was totally obliterated. Well, onward and upward to the next stand, a high R to L crosser pair. Whilst awaiting our turn to shoot I happened to glance at my gun as I took it from the slip. Hang on a minute, that extended choke looks to be ported. Sure enough, it was a ported 3/8 Briley that I had purchased second hand earlier in the year. I then remembered trying it in the gun, to check the thread, got sidetracked and forgot about it, putting the gun back into a silicone sleeve thingy and back in the cabinet. Well, now knowing I had the 'wrong' choke in, need I say more ? Suffice it to say, I could not help but start looking at the clouds of dust when I hit something, BUT more often than not, looking at the untouched clay sailing on. I reckon that little escapade cost me around 10 targets overall and I have to say, even the flashing lights on my Christmas sweater did not raise a smile. So, for all of you 'tight chokes' enthusiasts, you can keep em for me !....................................Then again, I suppose it could all just be between my ear defenders, could it not ?
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