- Joined
- Jan 3, 2004
- Messages
- 14,767
- Reaction score
- 319
I've owned a couple in the past. Don't remember the models, but one was a 12 and the other was a 20. Fit, finish and function on both were great.
From the pure shotgun side of things, both reminded me of the handling of European cartridge doubles in terms of mount, balance and swing. If you ever handled one of the older Ithaca doubles with shorter barrels that will give you an impression of the swing- kind of butt-heavy and barrel-light, making them really quick, but hard to sustain a swing for pass-style shooting. With the "English" style grip and splinter forend, you can't choke them in tight to your body as is traditional with pistol grips and beavertail forends. Instead you want to cradle the forend in a more or less open forehand while pressing the butt stock up into your cheek with a little back pressure. I found them ideal for upland shooting and ducks over decoys or jump shooting, but definitely challenging on the pass.
From the pure shotgun side of things, both reminded me of the handling of European cartridge doubles in terms of mount, balance and swing. If you ever handled one of the older Ithaca doubles with shorter barrels that will give you an impression of the swing- kind of butt-heavy and barrel-light, making them really quick, but hard to sustain a swing for pass-style shooting. With the "English" style grip and splinter forend, you can't choke them in tight to your body as is traditional with pistol grips and beavertail forends. Instead you want to cradle the forend in a more or less open forehand while pressing the butt stock up into your cheek with a little back pressure. I found them ideal for upland shooting and ducks over decoys or jump shooting, but definitely challenging on the pass.