Author Topic: Tamer 20 Range Report  (Read 926 times)

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Offline chipmunk

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Tamer 20 Range Report
« on: August 26, 2009, 02:39:46 PM »
Finally got to shoot the new tamer 20 yesterday.  I scavenged a bunch of water bottles and soda cans from the trash at work for some targets!  I stepped back 20 paces and loaded a #6 - 2 3/4" federal game load and lined up on the first bottle.  I pulled the trigger and the bottle exploded!  First thing I noticed was how much this little gun KICKS!  With those shells I would compare it to firing 3" slugs out of my 12 gauge mossburg 500.  Maybe not as much "shove" as the 12ga but it has a sharp recoil that seems to make it feel the same. One things for sure - the tamer 20 is not for anyone wanting to get away from 12ga recoil!  Next thing I noticed was that I had a shell in my hand and I didn't have one when I pulled the trigger!  After a bit of confusion I figured out that it had come out of the shellholder under the recoil and I had somehow managed to subconsciously catch it.  I guess I didn't have the little rubber tensioners tight enough to hold them in.  So after I get everything figured out I pop the gun open and.......nothing!  The shell just sits right there.  Mocking me!  Lucky I had a rod and knocked it out easily.  I fired a few more rounds and they all popped out easily.  Then, about 6 shells later, another sticks.  I figured out that I can put the rounds that stuck back in the gun and they stick again.  Not quite sure what that means.    1 in every 6-7 did it.

Anyway, now too the accuracy!  As I shot I figured out that the first bottle was a fluke.  The gun shoots high so if I aim like I'm used to I tend to either miss or only put a few pellets on target.  But after a bit I got used to placing the bead at just below the intended bottle.  They explode every time!  I used to squirrel hunt with an old single shot winchester 410 that was the same way.  I actually like it doing that way because I can clearly see what the squirrel is doing as I aim instead of having a bead in the way.  Works out well.

After I destroyed a good majority of the targets, I pulled out a few slugs.  Just regular federal 2 3/4" rifled slugs.  At thirty paces the gun will shoot minute of bottle no problem.  3 slugs, 3 bottles sent flying!  Again I was placing the bead just below the bottle. 

I ended up regretting the next thing I did.  I had a box of 3" magnum buckshot I bought just to test the recoil.  I loaded one and aimed at my last remaining bottle.  I pulled the trigger and man that gun rocked me.  Again not much shove like a 12ga, but its like a sharp punch that really hurts.  More like a high power rifle then a shotgun recoil.  Both my shoulder and my hand hurt afterwards.  I don't want to shoot one again!  I would have no trouble doing it if there was a reason (I handle the 3 1/2" 12ga turkey shells) but I really don't see why I would ever need 3"s in this gun.

When I got home I looked in the mirror and I have bruises in the pattern of the bumps on the butt of the gun!   Guess that's the sign of a good range day right?  After I got done looking at the bruises I got on here and then successfully completed the bb trick on my ejector. The ejector is noticeably louder and does seem to kick dummy rounds further.  Hopefully that will fix the fail to eject problems.  I'll let you guys know if it does.

I'm going to do a real good paper pattern test with the gun at some point.  (Just no 3" shells!)  Should be interesting to see what I can get it to do.

Offline TYM2MOTR

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2009, 04:36:08 PM »
Like I said it kicks, more than a 12g I'd say.  I think that's not only because of it's light weight but in part because of it's compact size as well.  I forgot to mention the shells flying out of the stock, only one on mine holds so I just empty them into a cargo pocket when I start to carry it at my camp.  The inaccuracy to the bead thing I've gotten use to (ditto with my 410/45 Survivor).  I shoot it more tucked in by my side than at the shoulder anyways to avoid the shock.  In time I got use to / familiar with that and with the visual sighting in when I do shoot it from the shoulder.   

Offline chipmunk

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2009, 05:13:12 PM »
I think I'll like the way the bead shoots better than the "correct" setup.  As long as I get used to it before squirrel season it'll work great.

I think if I tighten the two screws on the holder a bit more it should hold the shells well.  I'll see when I shoot it again.  Really thumps ya don't it?  Lightweight, thin plastic butt, and the reasonably straight stock all probably factor into it. I don't think it'll bother me at all once I get past the new gun stage.  I plan on squirrel hunting and maybe the occasional snake or something.  No more high volume stuff.  Plus no more 3s!

One quick question since you have one.  Does yours have a hole on the bottom of the pistol grip or is there some type of cap?  Mine is just hollow.  It's not a problem and it didn't bother me at first but the more I look at it the more I think it's wrong. 

Offline plumberroy

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #3 on: August 26, 2009, 11:55:36 PM »
I changed the stock on mine to a synthetic regular shotgun stock and a survivor forearm allows for a sling mine likes brenneke slugs . just waiting for tues. to shoot at some doves and squirrel
Roy
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Offline TYM2MOTR

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2009, 03:04:06 AM »
My grip is opened on the bottom, I've wondered why NEF didn't put a cap on it for storage space.  I've never had an eject problem, I use Rem's, Fed.s and Winchesters.  Tightening the screws on the shell holder didn't help much on mine, if they don't all fall out on the first round they'll be on the ground after a second. 

Offline chipmunk

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2009, 11:32:15 AM »
That's what I was thinking.  They could have easily designed a cap for it and then they could have marketed it as a survival gun too!  That little space is about right for matches.

I'll play with the holder if it doesn't work this time.  I will find a way.  Maybe some different rubber pieces will fix it. 

Offline mjh

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #6 on: August 28, 2009, 03:44:40 AM »
Sounds like maybe I'll just stick to my 20ga topper, or if I am able to find one switch out the stock.  My topper shoots just fine and I don't have any problems with getting beat up by 3in shells, the shorter length tamer barrel would be nice though, but then there's the kick??  Sounds like your having fun though!

Offline TYM2MOTR

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #7 on: August 28, 2009, 11:12:33 AM »
Stopped by Gander Mt today, took advantage of their summer clearance sale and picked up a pair of Browning Little Skeeters 20 gauge to 28 gauge mini-tube reducers.  I really don't know much about how well they actually work but I've been looking at them for awhile and for only $15 I thought I'd give them a try in the Tamer (they are $45+ @ Cabela's).  28 shotshell is about the same to a little less in cost than the 410's.  I picked up 4 boxes of Fiocchi 25 count in #8 shot for $9 a box there, not bad.  I see that they are pretty much limited to #6 through #9 shot only though.

Checking out Chuck Hawk's recoil table it look's like it will deliver less kick, but will have to wait and see how they hit / pattern.  Something different to mix in and try out at the very least...I'd be shooting up shot shells anyways.  I won't be able to try them out until the middle of next week though, when I head back to my camp.  I'll have to take a look around and see how the opinions run on reducers...

http://www.chuckhawks.com/shotgun_recoil_table.htm

Offline mike@nds

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #8 on: August 28, 2009, 05:08:36 PM »
I changed the stock on mine to a synthetic regular shotgun stock and a survivor forearm allows for a sling mine likes brenneke slugs . just waiting for tues. to shoot at some doves and squirrel
Roy

Mine is set up the same way, much more practical.

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Offline Markus

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Re: Tamer 20 Range Report
« Reply #9 on: August 29, 2009, 08:13:35 AM »
I ahve a 12ga set up just like plumberroy's and love it. Recoil is a bit tough but the full size stock makes a big difference. It's the gun in my avatar.
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I'd much rather be remembered for being a great shot than having the most expensive gun