The double barrel shotgun, a classic firearm with a rich history, holds a special place in the hearts of hunters, sport shooters, and collectors alike. Within this category, double trigger shotguns stand out, offering a unique shooting experience and distinct advantages. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of double barrel shotguns with double triggers, exploring their mechanics, benefits, drawbacks, and considerations for choosing the right one.
Understanding the Double Trigger Mechanism
Unlike single-trigger shotguns, double trigger models feature separate triggers for each barrel. This setup allows for independent firing of each barrel, providing shooters with precise control and flexibility. The sequence of firing is determined by which trigger is pulled, offering a distinct advantage in certain hunting scenarios.
How Double Triggers Work:
The mechanics are relatively straightforward. Each trigger is directly connected to its corresponding firing pin and hammer. Pulling one trigger fires only the corresponding barrel. This direct action ensures a crisp, responsive trigger pull, free from the complexities of a single-trigger mechanism's selector.
Advantages of Double Barrel Shotguns with Double Triggers
Several key advantages make double trigger shotguns a favored choice for many:
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Immediate Barrel Selection: The most significant benefit is the shooter's immediate control over which barrel fires. This is particularly useful in situations requiring quick follow-up shots, such as hunting fast-moving game.
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No Selector Confusion: Unlike single-trigger models which often require careful selection of the barrel to fire, double triggers eliminate the potential for confusion or accidental misfires. This simplicity contributes to faster target acquisition and shot execution.
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Reliability: The simplicity of the double trigger mechanism contributes to its inherent reliability. With fewer moving parts than a single-trigger system, there are fewer points of potential malfunction.
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Improved Balance (Often): The weight distribution in many double barrel, double trigger shotguns is often perceived as more balanced compared to their single-trigger counterparts. This can improve swing and point-shooting accuracy.
Drawbacks of Double Barrel Shotguns with Double Triggers
While offering numerous advantages, double trigger shotguns also have certain limitations:
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Slower Follow-up Shots (Potentially): Although often faster than a single-trigger in specific situations, some shooters might find transitioning between triggers slightly slower than manipulating a single trigger and selector. This is largely a matter of practice and individual shooting style.
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Less Versatile for Different Ammunition: While not always the case, some double barrel, double trigger guns may be less versatile in accommodating different types of ammunition in each barrel (e.g., one barrel for slugs, the other for birdshot). This depends on the specific gun's design and specifications.
Choosing the Right Double Trigger Shotgun
Selecting the right double barrel shotgun with double triggers involves careful consideration of several factors:
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Intended Use: Are you a hunter targeting specific game? A clays shooter? Or a collector? The intended use heavily influences the optimal barrel length, choke configuration, and overall design.
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Gauge: Shotguns come in various gauges (e.g., 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge). The choice of gauge depends on the intended use, your physical strength, and personal preference.
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Barrel Length: Barrel length affects the shotgun's swing characteristics, recoil, and shot pattern. Longer barrels generally offer less recoil and tighter patterns.
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Choke: The choke constricts the barrel's opening, affecting the shot pattern's density. Choosing the right choke is crucial for optimizing performance for your intended target.
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Overall Fit and Feel: The shotgun should fit comfortably and point naturally for you. Consider factors like stock dimensions, drop at comb, and cast.
Conclusion:
Double barrel shotguns with double triggers represent a niche but significant segment of the shotgun market. Their unique characteristics provide distinct advantages in specific shooting applications, making them a popular choice for experienced shooters who value precision, control, and reliability. By understanding the advantages and drawbacks and carefully considering your shooting needs, you can choose a double trigger shotgun perfectly suited to your requirements.
