Shotgun for hunting, for and against

Now the shelves of game stores are literally inundated with various infantry systems. Among them, a large proportion of pump action takes domestic and foreign production. Meanwhile, our hunters with great distrust look at these systems, believing them more suitable for self-defense, not hunting. Try to figure out whether the shotgun is not suitable for hunting or is it only in conservatism and reluctance to accept the new.

A bit of history

Contrary to popular belief, the shotgun was created precisely as a hunter, not a military weapon. Officially, the first time a system of "sliding gate" used the designer Elliott on "Colt" firm guns in 1900. Meanwhile, it is known that in the twenty years before the "Winchester" has produced a similar weapon perezaryaki mechanism in the form of small-caliber carbine and smooth-bore hunting rifle. Only during the First World War pump shotgun he went to serve in the army, as an effective tool of melee in conditions of trench warfare. Since then, the popularity of such weapons is only growing, and if our market is relatively new, the rest of the world it is successfully used for more than one hundred years.

Disadvantages of hunting

What sort of "defects" gave domestic shotgun hunters? Firstly, it is impossible to make the following clear shot at once. The reason for this reloading of the forearm that knocks sight and time consuming. Secondly, it is hard, and change for a long time, if necessary, the cartridge type. That in certain circumstances, it makes it necessary to charge a shot impossible. Third, the shotgun is usually too heavy for the suspension of hunting, besides complex maintenance and demanding to leave. Finally, it is believed that if the hunter was unable to hit the target with two shots, then further shooting "on the areas" is nothing but shame and ammunition consumption can not give. Like the cowboys said, "... I did not have five in the drum is not enough and fifty ...".

Pros and Cons of

Well, serious disadvantages, but whether they have a place for real?!? Of course, the distortion of the forearm takes time, but because of the shotgun and do immediately shot a second shot impossible. Powerful output twelve-gauge in any case require a re-targeting. But as practice shows, trap shooting, at a certain skill shooter shotgun fired as quickly and accurately as well as of the "machine" or a shotgun. Technique Hold the forearm "in tension" allows recharging "shotgun" instantly, almost without effort, without being distracted from the goal. As for the "impossibility" of the replacement cartridge, so often it's just a prejudice, for the majority of pump action shotguns allow to do so, simply right hand in these cartridge into the chamber through the open gate. Of course, you need to aim to hit one shot, but who is to say that the ability to make a third or fourth shot without reloading the gun, superfluous. Hunting - an unpredictable thing, and it is always better to have an "extra" unused shot than be without him in a critical situation.

Conclusion

Shotgun still has significant drawbacks. It is really difficult and complicated in comparison with the "shotgun", and also much more expensive. However, its potential is much greater, and most importantly, it is a truly versatile weapon. Choose according to their ideas and conditions of use and do not pay attention to the biased views of conservatives.