Beretta waterfowlers edge

D

Deerhunter

New member
I was just watching an episode of Beretta's waterfowlers edge that I DVRd this weekend. They were hunting duck's in Mexico on the Gulf coast. They were talking about the SemiAuto shotguns that Beretta has. First they talk about one and have a picture behind the info of an over under. Then the last gun they talk about is the new Xplorer. They said,
it will handle anything from 2.5 to 3.5 inch shells
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. Interesting I didn't know anyone made 2.5 inch shells. You would think a show like that they would pay better attention. Certainly doesn't help how I feel about Berettas. Now I am basing that off my experience with the 92F in the Army. Anyway this didn't help.

So am I crazy or is there actually a 2.5 inch shell for a 12 gauge?
 
So am I crazy or is there actually a 2.5 inch shell for a 12 gauge?
Click to expand...
The 2.5" 12 gauge is a very common chambering in Great Britain. It's available but not common in North America. Kent has some 2.5" offerings.
 
100 years ago, most 12 gauges took 2.5" shells. Kent, Gamebore and Polywad still make them available for use in older shotguns.Most are loaded light to keep pressures down in century old guns.

The Brits also used a 2" 12 gauge shell in certain very light guns, and I've heard of but not seen a 2.25" version.
 
Why would we want 2 1/2's in a duck blind

Even if you don't have a vintage British sxs, the 2 1/2's are useful

If you are upland bird hunting with a light, field grade sxs, you get minimal recoil and still good stopping power for Quail, grouse and doves.

In the duck blind, I don't see it. Then again, 3 1/2's are usually over kill and never a substitute for accurate shooting. Maybe for long shots at geese, but those shots are usually just sky busting

I had a Beretta 302 that jammed on duck hunts and I had to get rid of it...
 
2" shells can be very accurate

On a sporting clay course a British shooting instructor named Paul Smith insisted I try some 2" shells on some nasty, high midi targets. I thought, no way. I had no trouble breaking them. If you think you need heavy loads you will. It has a lot to do with confidence in your shooting. Try lighter loads, you will be surprised. I shoot 1 oz loads in my 12 gauge. Why have extra recoil?

Paul killed pheasants with 2 1/2" #7 1/2 target loads. I shot, one bird. I never saw him miss. He thinks high brass loads are for people who can't shoot accurately...he wrote a great book on English wood pigeon shooting. They fly higher and faster than doves and are great to eat if you can shoot one.
 
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