Second chance with side-by-side pleasing

LITTLE ROCK — For my past three dove hunts I used a 16-gauge, CZ Ringneck side-by-side shotgun, and I am delighted with its performance.

I’ve been leery of sideby-sides for almost 10 years, thanks largely to my experience with a certain Miroku 12-gauge. I always wanted a Browning side-by-side, which was actually made by Miroku, a Japanese company which also makes the Browning Citori over/under and Browning’s bolt-action rifles. I got a good deal on a Miroku sideby-side with fixed modified and improved cylinder bores. But when I shot the gun, I saw stars. It jacked my jaw, and I sold it rather than risk permanent brain damage.

However, the lithe and elegant CZ Ringneck intrigued me, and when it became available in 16-gauge two years ago, I bought one. It also has fixed improved/modified bores, including many custom features that are usually available on much more expensive side-by-sides.

Both bores throw consistent patterns, and with its 28-inch barrels, the Ringneck swings fluidly. It drops doves with authority at amazingly long ranges, and its recoil is tame.

I have used two loads this season, both containing 1 ounce of 7-lead. One is a Mirage low-brass load, and the other is Federal high-brass. The only difference I notice is that the Mirage shells burn dirtier. I also prefer the Federal shells because I think the purple hulls look really cool. It’s superficial, I know, but I can’t help it. I like purple hulls better than red or green, all else being equal. Of course,I save all my hulls for reloading.

If you’re accustomed to shotguns with narrow sighting planes, such as pumps, autos or over/unders, the double wide sighting plane of a side-by-side takes some adjustment. It seems to swing a little slower, but mainly you have to resist the temptation to look down one barrel or the other. Lookstraight between the barrels. With practice, you’ll find a side-by-side actually makes it easier to blur out the barrels and align your eyes directly on the target.

Of course, a double-barrel limits you to two shots, so you have to be a little more selective about the shots you take. For quick reloading, an ammo belt is very helpful.