Re: 8 Gauge shells
For what this worth, several years ago the LCSCA and PGCA had an 8-bore 5-stand competition at the Southern Side x Side. It was a simple affair; pay $20 to include six shells and 6 targets, high gun wins. For the competition we managed to borrow 3 or 4 original 8 Gauge Smiths and the same number of Parkers. All guns were laid on a table and each shooter "picked his poison" from amongst the menagerie based on club affiliation. We arranged for a member of the PGCA and the LCSCA to handload shells (which were then generously donated to the Organization), and I learned just before kick-off that some shells were loaded with 1.5 oz of shot, and the others where 2 ounce loads. So I made sure every shooter had some of each to insure fairness; but these shells worked flawlessly in those old Smiths and Parkers, which all weighed about 14 pounds apiece. The shoot was an absolute hoot and was won by an LCSCA member who shot perfect scores to include the shoot-off. The most memorable moment for me was an older gentleman in his 80's. He was not a member of either organization, but told me that shooting an 8-bore double was on his bucket list of things still to do before he checked out. I will never forget the smile on his face afterwards; said it was the most fun he'd ever had with a shotgun! Recoil was surprising mild even with these heavy loads, as this older gentleman had no issues; and even the small females and youths who participated had no issues.
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