There is an opinion that it is not necessary for a novice hunter to immediately acquire a reliable, highly effective, and most importantly expensive gun. Indeed, in order to save money, for starters, you can gain experience by operating a fairly cheap rifle. However, it is much more expedient to immediately use the best double-barreled gun, gradually getting used to its features, which will subsequently become a professional hunter.
The advantages of double-barreled weapons
Considering a double-barreled
hunting weapon, it is worth highlighting its following advantages:
- ease of loading, discharging and changing cartridges;
- easy cleaning of the barrel from contamination, the effects of corrosion, moisture and snow;
- the ability to quickly disassemble if necessary in a compact form;
- use of various types of cartridges.
What is the difference between double-barreled guns from single-barrel?
The so-called single-barrels are divided into several types.
A single-shot
weapon is designed to fire one shot at a time. The latter require reloading every time after firing. As for store models, such single-barreled shotguns open up the possibility of performing from two to five shots without the need for recharging.
Double-barreled shotguns are often produced with several triggers. Each of them allows you to perform a shot without reloading weapons. Thus, the hunter gets the opportunity to repeatedly lower the hook several times. The trunks here can be located not only horizontally, but also vertically. Usually, double-barreled guns are recommended for use by novice hunters who are engaged in tracking small and medium prey.
Types
To understand which double-barreled gun is better, you need to understand the types of such weapons. Currently, the following varieties of hunting carbines with two barrels are distinguished:
- Rifled - designed for firing from a long distance. According to the law, for the purchase of a rifled gun requires a certificate of operation smooth-bore weapons for at least 5 years. Accordingly, rifled double-barreled guns are not suitable for beginners.
- Smooth-bore hunting weapons allow you to fire using buckshot, fractions, special cartridges at medium distances. Based on this, before proceeding with the operation of such weapons, it is worth determining the type of bullets.
Breaking guns
Double-barreled
hunting rifles, which in common people call "fractures", are charged by deflecting the chamber and laying cartridges manually. Such models are devoid of automation, which ensures the supply of ammunition for firing another shot.
The turning point is the lightest double-barreled shotgun. The designs of such products are simple and reliable, as they have succumbed to transformations and modernization for decades.
Despite the lack of automation, during the operation of the tipping gun, the ammunition in the chamber is replaced quickly enough, and the procedure does not cause unnecessary problems if the weapon is in the hands of a skilled hunter. Among other things, guns of this kind are considered easier to maintain than other popular systems.
Shotguns with extractors and ejectors
Considering double-barreled shotguns, photos of common models, it is worth noting products with extractors and ejectors. When buying a double-barreled gun equipped with these elements, the speed and ease of use of the weapon are significantly increased. Extractors provide the extension of the sleeve from the chamber. In turn, the ejectors throw them out with the help of a spring.
Double-barreled shotgun with a vertical arrangement of trunks, equipped with the above mechanisms, has a special rate of fire. However, the presence of such automation is reflected in the increase in the cost of weapons. In addition, double-barreled carbines with ejectors and extractors are more susceptible to all kinds of breakdowns, which is reflected in a decrease in their reliability.
Popular models
Fans of double-barreled hunting weapons most often prefer domestic products. The IZH-43 model is in special demand on the market, which is a 12-caliber horizontal bezkuronny rifle. Such weapons are a glorious representative of the once popular Izhevsk rifles with brazed horizontal trunks.
To this day, the IZH-49, IZH-26, IZH-54, IZH-58 carbines continue to be in demand, which also have fairly high technical characteristics. These models are distinguished by elegant, compact design, low weight, which acts as excellent qualities for novice hunters.
A series of modified guns IZH-43K can be called particularly simple and reliable. This option also belongs to the category of weaponless weapons.
If we talk about the second most popular models among domestic hunting enthusiasts, here it is worth noting the TOZ-34 brand rifles, as well as the IL-27. Presented samples relate to weapons with vertically arranged trunks.
Four-barrel and three-barrel rifles are freely available. However, due to their severity and special bulkiness, the latter are not in wide demand among hunters.
Selection tips
To choose a reliable double-barreled weapon for a successful hunt, it is worth using the following recommendations:
- It is advisable to immediately acquire a good gun, which will become effective when tracking almost any game. Similar options include shotguns of the 12th and 16th caliber. Which decision to give preference to is a personal matter for every hunter, depending on financial capabilities and the conditions for future fishing.
- When buying a double-barreled shotgun should be carefully inspected for marriage. The fact that the weapon is new and has no visual damage does not yet speak about its functionality in practice.
- Professional hunters are especially appreciated handguns. In other words, the weapon should lie equally on the shoulder with each throw. In the presence of a balanced butt, the line of sight will coincide with the direction of view. Therefore, the position of the gun will not have to be adjusted again.
- Double-barreled shotgun must be suitable for the hunter by weight. The mass parameter of the weapon is critical, especially when you need to carry the product on your shoulder or in your hands for a long time. Even physically strong hunters are often tired after a long hunt for prey, when the gun has nowhere to hang or fold for a while.
Pre-owned double-barrel shotgun purchase
In the case of the purchase of used weapons, special attention should be paid to the level of safety of the internal surfaces. To inspect the gun, it is recommended to remove the sleeve, and then rotate the trunks according to the axis of the channel, while inspecting them in bright light. slightly tarnished surfaces and the presence of a small rash is not an obstacle to buying a used gun. Since such minor nuances are quite easily eliminated. The presence of a stable layer of rust or the presence of “caverns” is a completely different matter. In the latter case, the acquisition of a double-barreled gun should be abandoned.
If the weapon looks too used, burnouts of metal are visible at the strikers, there are abrasions of the bed, the trunks on the outside have turned gray, while the external surfaces are as good as new, it is recommended to beware. Most likely, in preparation for the sale of the barrels of such a gun were joked. In other words, the top layer of metal was mechanically removed inside the barrel. After carrying out such procedures, the tactical and technical indicators of weapons are significantly reduced.
Finally
For a novice hunter who chooses his first double-barreled weapon, it is absolutely not recommended to rush. Shotguns are equipment, the replacement of which should be resorted to extremely rarely, since users have to get used to the new model for a long time. As a result, in order for the double-barreled weapon to remain effective when hunting for game, it is worthwhile to show careful attitude to it, which is facilitated by timely service.