Double rifle shooting tips for beginners?

[Safari Dave]

In extreme emergency, has anybody ever had the idea to pull two triggers in the same time?

Only if you want to end up "punch drunk" and your $20K rifle lying in the dirt.

 

[grand veneur]

In extreme emergency, has anybody ever had the idea to pull two triggers in the same time?

I once had on a shooting range unintended a "doubling" with my double rifle caliber 577 Nitro Express. I advise against this technique when using big bore double rifles.

 

[grand veneur]

Only if you want to end up "punch drunk" and your $20K rifle lying in the dirt.

That's right, but I was lying on my back in the dirt and I held my double rifle protectively against my chest. Most of the spectators were more interested in where the hits were on the target.

 

[Safari Dave]

Here are my thoughts:


1. Definitely AIM. You're not using a shotgun.
2. Stance - "fighter's stance" with 2/3 of your weight on your front foot and 1/3 weight on your rear foot.
3. Sequence - forward trigger first, aft trigger second.
4. Reloading - practice to see what works for you. I "thought" that 2 rounds in my forward hand while shooting (left for me) would provide for the fastest reload, based on my reading of books.
(It didn't, for me, in actual practice)
5. Unfortunately, I don't trust my reloads as well as I do Hornady or Federal factory ammo. (My reloads (Barnes TSX, just never shot as well).


After thoughts...

If I can't get within 50 yards, then my open-sighted DR becomes the limiting factor.

I take a scoped bolt action, also.


On my 2021 trip, I could never get close enough to use my DR for buffalo, so I had to make a 70+ yard (somewhat obscured) shot with a scoped .416 Rigby.

He did the "death bellow," which was absolutely awesome.

It was a one-shot kill, if my PH wanted it to bleed out, but he wanted me to put 2 additional shots into him.

I did, and he just rolled over and it was done.


I wanted the opportunity to "stop a charge," but my first shot was sufficient.

In hindsight, a fatal shot the first time, beats a wounding shot every time.

 

[Pondoro]

Mark..what sort of game will you hunt with a DR..?

 

[chashardy]

I agree with all the posts about practice. I probably put about 200 rounds through my double before I took it to Africa. I use a RMR red dot on mine and it makes aiming very easy.
Depending on what brand your rifle is, be sure you get your thumb off the back of the safety before firing. I learned that lesson the hard way and got a bloody cut in my thumb when the recoil pushed the end of the lever into my thumb.
As for practice, don't just practice on a bench. Practice using sticks and off hand, standing, kneeling, etc. You can't be sure what your shot will be.
Also, please make sure the rifle fits you. It will make a huge difference in felt recoil.

 

[AZDAVE]

As most have said what has worked for them. I reload with my weak hand and hold with my dominate hand as I have been doing that with SxS shotguns for almost 60 years it is kinda ingrained in muscle memory. So try the practice reloading both ways and see what works best for you.

On triggers I have always been a front then back trigger shooter. Again many thousand rounds of shotgun and double rifles rounds down range. Get a SxS shot gun and practice with it. and Snap caps for dry fire on your double rifle. When I shoot mine I pull the front trigger all the way back and hold that trigger back against the wall till I am through the recoil and the barrels are starting back down. Then move my trigger finger to the back trigger to prepare for the second shot..

For stance I use the fighter kinda stance as it works for me but also have buddies that shoot more squared up and that works for them. So try both off sticks and se what works. I use the drill of a shot off sticks at 50 yards then as I come down off recoil step right or left and a off hand shot at 10-25 yards.

Again see what works best for you and practice.

One last thing I do is practice reloading the rifle in the dark so it become almost second nature.

The last is with a double you might have to pass on a shot that is easy with a scoped bolt gun. It requires the discipline to know what shots you can make and ones that you need to walk away from.

 

[cajunchefray]

@mark-hunter, some really great advice here for you.

Based on practice (not hunted with it) with the 450-400 I owned for 8 years; my practice (300 rounds) was to learn the manual of arms for a double rifle.

My experiences are:
- Get a SXS Double 12 gauge with double triggers. Shoot and handle it a lot. Front trigger first for me.

- Have dummy rounds made (at least6) that equal the weight of factory ammo, with Delrin primer inserts.
Snap caps I only used to release the sear when storing the rifle. Same weight cartridges for muscle memory to train my hands to handle this specific weight.

1. Practice (with the rifle in a safe direction) with the dummy rounds to mount and shoot quickly. Pull both triggers in sequence, front then rear every time with proper dummy loads that protect the firing pin with a proper primer insert.

I mounted a cape buffalo picture on the wall in my garage, and used the dummy rounds to pull the triggers, extract, and reload quickly. On sticks and off hand. When I found the right cartridge belt, it became easier. I reloaded with weak hand, held the opened double with my strong hand.
It's a personal choice, strong hand vs. weak hand for reloads. As you stated you reload your break open shotguns with weak hand, no need to change

2. Shooting Stance: I opt for the African hunter's preference. I learned this by reading Pierre van der Walts African dangerous Cartridges. Square up to the target, left foot forward slightly, and ' give shoulder'. Meaning your shooting shoulder
(I'm right-handed), is a bit forward.

Roll with the recoil, don't try to stop it.

The real key is a consistent firm grip with the rifle tucked firmly in your shoulder, and taking the recoil, not trying to stop it with a death grip. This helps with consistent accuracy.

3. Range Practice: Only shoot 8 to 10 rounds in a string (very dependent on caliber). Once I have determined POA matches POI, then I only shoot reactive targets for instant feedback (clay pigeons, half gallon milk jugs, etc.)


Good luck and send us pictures.

 

[John Telford]

@mark-hunter, some really great advice here for you.

Based on practice (not hunted with it) with the 450-400 I owned for 8 years; my practice (300 rounds) was to learn the manual of arms for a double rifle.

My experiences are:
- Get a SXS Double 12 gauge with double triggers. Shoot and handle it a lot. Front trigger first for me.

- Have dummy rounds made (at least6) that equal the weight of factory ammo, with Delrin primer inserts.
Snap caps I only used to release the sear when storing the rifle. Same weight cartridges for muscle memory to train my hands to handle this specific weight.

1. Practice (with the rifle in a safe direction) with the dummy rounds to mount and shoot quickly. Pull both triggers in sequence, front then rear every time with proper dummy loads that protect the firing pin with a proper primer insert.

I mounted a cape buffalo picture on the wall in my garage, and used the dummy rounds to pull the triggers, extract, and reload quickly. On sticks and off hand. When I found the right cartridge belt, it became easier. I reloaded with weak hand, held the opened double with my strong hand.
It's a personal choice, strong hand vs. weak hand for reloads. As you stated you reload your break open shotguns with weak hand, no need to change

2. Shooting Stance: I opt for the African hunter's preference. I learned this by reading Pierre van der Walts African dangerous Cartridges. Square up to the target, left foot forward slightly, and ' give shoulder'. Meaning your shooting shoulder
(I'm right-handed), is a bit forward.

Roll with the recoil, don't try to stop it.

The real key is a consistent firm grip with the rifle tucked firmly in your shoulder, and taking the recoil, not trying to stop it with a death grip. This helps with consistent accuracy.

3. Range Practice: Only shoot 8 to 10 rounds in a string (very dependent on caliber). Once I have determined POA matches POI, then I only shoot reactive targets for instant feedback (clay pigeons, half gallon milk jugs, etc.)


Good luck and send us pictures.

Very well said Sir.

 

[ChooChoo404]

Krieghoff offers (offered?) a rear set trigger for the Classic Big 5.

Anyone experienced it?

 

[ChooChoo404]

What you’re hearing about SXS double trigger shotguns is good advice. I would encourage you to work up to some heavy loads over time. Just dont give yourself a flinch with a gun that hurts your hand or face. I use trigger guard bumpers on everything.

I’m a fair game shot. One reason is that I’ve made sure to teach myself to make barrel selection nearly intuitive. There are times when you want that tighter choke first.

I wouldnt know, yet, but I imagine there’s times when one might want the solid in the left bbl first.

 

[mark-hunter]

Mark..what sort of game will you hunt with a DR..?

The one you have on avatar.
Plus buffalo. and sable with optional 375 bolt action

 

[Franco]

I bought my Heym 450/400 specifically for my first safari and I killed 3 of my 4 cape buffalo with it. since then I've used it on elephants, rhino, giraffe, zebra, camels, donkeys, water buffalo, banteng, a couple sharks, and most recently a croc.
A double can be very effective, and they are fun to shoot.

You've gotten some excellent advice - I'll tell you what works for me.

Is this a borrowed gun or one custom made for you? What make and caliber? Modern or old?

I ask these questions because the most important thing I think is the fit. Double rifles means up close with the potential for some quick action.

The rifle has to fit and allow a smooth acquisition of your target. When you bring it into your shoulder your cheek has to be tight on the stock and the front and rear sights need to be aligned. If you find yourself shifting on the cheek rest - that is not the rifle for you.

Hold tight and firm, be ready for the recoil of the first shot and stay on your target. The whole idea of a double is the second shot. If you're on your butt, or the barrels are pointed at the sky - that is not the rifle for you.

It was mentioned in another reply - know your POA - point of aim and POI - point of impact. I'm assuming open sights, so - know how much bead you want to see in the rear sight. If the rifle fits properly, the rear sight is in direct line with your eye and the front sight drops right into the "V".
Focus on the front sight placement on your target.

Here's the shooting sequence I use - I carry my rifle low and bring the bead up to the target, I keep both eyes open and push forward toward the target as my trigger hand snaps the butt end up and into my shoulder, I lean into the rifle as I drop my cheek and pull hard into my shoulder. As the rifle is coming up - safety off, pulling into my shoulder my grip hand rotates and my finger goes on the front trigger (I'm a front trigger first guy) You need to practice all this - in the dark.

As this is happening you need to compute shot placement and know your point of aim and point of impact. Practice at 20, 30, 40, & 50 yd targets and you'll see what that means.

Keep your head down on the rifle, your cheek needs to be married to the stock; you raise your head up and you'll probably shoot high.

Practice standing, kneeling, laying down - I cant recall shooting off sticks other than in practice.

After you pull the first trigger, "ride the bull", the rifle will push you back as you absorb the recoil. STAY ON THE RIFLE - push right back onto your target and pull the second trigger. I've found keeping both eyes open helps maintain focus on the target.

Both barrels empty I lower the rifle out of my shoulder, and bring my thumb around to release the lock. Now, my shooting hand is on top of the butt end and I push down as I rotate my forward hand to a palm up position - this forces the rifle to "break". I kick the rifle out a bit, keeping the barrels pointed up to assist the spent shells as they eject.

As the empties eject I tip the barrels toward the ground with my forward hand as I grab two more shells from my belt with my trigger hand. Holding those shells with two fingers and my thumb, I rotate my hand palm up and drop the shells into the barrels. Once that's done that hand goes back on the rear stock with some down pressure as I bring the barrels up with my forward hand. As the barrels lock I'm right back to my original pre-shooting position and ready to engage.

Note: Be sure the barrels lock before you raise them all the way up - you don't want the new ones falling out.

I hope that all makes sense - it would be easier to show you.

This is what works for me, there's others on here who have their way which works perfectly; and I don't think you're looking for a debate, just simply some tips on what works.

Practice, practice, and practice some more. Ontario Hunter got reamed but he does have a valid comment, which he has made before, a double is not just another rifle; it's not the same as shooting one bolt action vs another bolt action. It is complex, and not just the rifle. You need to shoot it effectively and reload proficiently. Remember, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

If you drop one of the rounds during your reload - don't go fumbling around for it - load the other one and shoot, you might only need one more. It's better to take one shot than get run over by a cape buffalo or elephant. If they're that close, you might have only had time for one shot.

Good luck, have fun