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Hi everyone, I am new to the forum. Getting back into clay target shooting after a long break. I have an old Baikal 12 bore side by side, not really a clay gun but it works. :)

Welcome

Weclome.

Not a great shotgun shot at the clays, average used to only be 35 out of 40 shots at sporting clays.

Its the long shots that I struggled with, too much time to think about it

Do better in the field with bunnies, hares, pigeons, grouse and the like.

I could never hit a thing with an over and under, tried a lot over the past 50 odd years Miroku's, Browning's, and all the other high flyers choice of guns.

I know it is all about fit so I never included guns that wouldn't point right for me. However with the Baikal over and under I could attain my side by side average pretty consistently.

I still have the gun but mainly shoot muzzle loader at the clays now.

I also have a Baikal 12 bore side by side and it is a good solid game gun but not as handy as my side by side of choice a fine Laurona side lock, true and quarter. Stocked for me by Haygarth 40 years ago.

I also have a Darne side by side which works pretty well for me too.

My current favourite field gun is a .410 Baikal over and under and I can hit with that and it is a killer.

So nothing wrong with the Baikal from my limited experience, unfortunately there is a lot of snobbery and fashion chasing in this game.

As with all things in shooting, if you want to know the efficacy of your kit, look at the target, 'twill tell you all you need to know.

I hope that you enjoy your Baikal and clay breaking for many years to come.

Hi and Welcome

thank you all

Hello and welcome to the forum.

Alan

My best gun for clays (for me) is actually a 16bore SxS from pre 1930 ...

I have several including a semi-bespoke OU which was a "gift" and another OU that was sub £1k new - it is what suits you, your budget and feels right. The various gunshops I have used have all had access to clay facilities to giving me a chance to try out first - physical fit in the shop is one thing but fit when shooting also needs hecking.

The only problem with a SxS for clays teds to be heat, a couple of 10 shot stands in quick succession or a 30/40/50 bird flurry will leave teh barrels hot.

Hello and welcome

Hello and welcome

You don't see many broken Baikals