Which barrel first and which chokes on an O/U ?

[bigswede]

I have heard differing opinions on which barrel should be shot first on an o/u shotgun and wondering what others opinions are. I usually shoot the over first. I have heard recently that you should shoot the bottom first? What's your thoughts?

My other question is what would you recommend in my Ruger for choke tubes. I will be hunting Pheasants opening weekend and am thinking I/C in the top and Mod. in the bottom. WHat would be any of your recommendations. Thanks in advance

[Mille Lacs Guy]

I was always heard that you want to shoot the bottom barrel first. The thought here is that the bead on the top of your barrel is an inch or inch and a half lower than bottom barrel so you want a more open choke tube on the bottom and the tighter one on top. The more open tube on the bottom barrel will allow you some forgiveness since where the shot is coming from is lower than the bead.

I know a pro dog trainer that shoots literally hundreds of birds per year and he said to put a modified on the bottom and a full on the top and let them rust in. He was half joking but modified and full are a good choice for lead shot especially on pheasants. If you are shooting steel you would use I/C and modified to equal modified and full in lead.

[metrojoe]

I recently purchased an O/U and it was explained to me exactly as MLG posted.

[bigswede]

THanks guys. I will try this weekend in preparation for the opener!!

[gspman]

Under barrel should be fired first because the lower barrel is more in line with the stock and the gun will recoil back into the shoulder with less muzzle jump. With less muzzle jump it should be easier to follow up with a more accurate second shot. With the lower barrel being fired first, it stands to reason that it should have a more open coke as the bird will be closer. Upper barrel will normally have the tighter choke as the bird will be farther away.

IC/MOD is a good choice for opening day.

[roosterslayer]

I always shoot the top barrel first with an improved cylinder, and the bottom with modified. It's just the way I like to do it, I dont belive there is a right or wrong way of doing it.

[captkev]

I have a Ruger O/U 20ga. I/C bottom and MOD. in the top. It seems to be the perfect grouse gun IMOP.

I have used it on Ducks as well and when pass shooting you might find it usefull to shoot the tighter pattern first then the more open, This is some what how "Driven shoots" in England is done. there you shoot two guns , one when they comeing in and the other gun when they are going away.... sounds like fun.

[surfs]

I also heard that the under barrel is stronger/better reinforcment then the top hence why we shoot the under first. Anyway, thats what I've heard.

[Hap Shaughnessy]

gpsman nailed it on the head with his answer. I believe Outdoor Life Shooting Editor Jim Carmichael wrote pretty much the same explanation about a dozen years ago. I shoot bottom barrel first for the same exact reason as Gpsman said.