Why a conbo gun?

[dougk]

With all the gun options.  Why do you carry a combo or drilling?  Why do you prefer a combo/drilling over a bolt, semi auto, pump or lever action?

thanks

Doug

[woodchukhntr]

I find it to be handy when expecting 2 different critters.  Squirrels and grouse, for instance.  I have hunted 2 adjacent properties where one landowner would not allow a rifle.  I prefer to hunt squirrels with a rifle, but sometimes you just need a shotgun.  And you never know when a crow will come around.  Actually I prefer a rifle but have used my 24V in .222/20 ga. sucessfully in woodchuck hunting out to about 200 yd.  The trick with a 24 is to find one where the barrels are regulated properly.  This is a hit-or-miss propersition.

[flaflash]

Because of the way I hunt in FLA a combo is a great choice.When I'm on the buggy,moving thru the palmettos and myrtles,if a deer jumps up at 100 yards or more--the rifle-but if he gets up right next to the buggy--its shotgun time.While the other fellows are reaching to swap guns I'm hitting the selector and shooting.But in turkey season I 'll use my 24f in12/223 because I'm always going to sacrific the turkey hunt if a bobcat or coyote come by.

[Wallyfish]

Two weeks ago while hogging with the 7x65r/12, I knocked down a 150 # with the 7x65and he got up and ran, I got the light on him as he ran by the stand and touched off the 00buck---dead pig.
Last week while night calling coyotes, had one in the lights at about 100 yds, touched off the 5.6x50r/12.dead coyote. In the halo of the light another coyote was running across in front of us at about 40 yds or so. Got him with the #4 buck.
Both the V. Bernardelli and Wischo are Italian made good quality combos and I enjoy the heck out of the versatility they offer. A good combo is real hard to beat for night hunting of varmits.
 

[3leggedturtle]

Wally,  where do you get your 5.6X50R brass at?

[Drilling Man]

Wally,  where do you get your 5.6X50R brass at?

  I bought my RWS brand 5.6x50R  from Huntingtons...

[Pat/Rick]

Different game with one gun, small to large. Savage 24f 30-30/12 (IC tube). I like it!

[Wallyfish]

3lt,
ditto on Huntingtons.

[Mike A.]

Many places the deer and small game/upland bird seasons overlap.  If you are carrying only a shotgun for the latter, OF COURSE you will see a nice buck in range--rifle range, not handgun or slug.....  If you are only carrying a rifle, NATURALLY you will flush a covey of quail or see cottontail after cottontail....

So a combination gun makes some sense, especially if you are accustomed to shooting game with a double shotgun and a single shot rifle anyway (I am.).  A drilling makes even MORE sense, but they are usually several thousands of dollars more, and often in hard-to-find calibers or are very old and unique and therefore not so suitable for hard field use.

I especially like a combo for boar hunting; you can primarily use the rifle barrel but always have a slug or buckshot shell at your fingertips for "stopping" or "finishing" purposes.  Nice insurance policy, that big 12 ga slug!

[Dalgo]

Love this question!  The first thing that comes to mind, is, because: a) I'm a romantic, and b) because I can.  I love single-shot rifles.  Mostly don't need but one well-placed shot, though not always possible.  But then, managing a second shot w/a single gun is not hard. I've been hunting w/a TC Encore for years, and love it (my go-to gun this year). Someday I'll break down and get a Hubertus or some such. On the practical side, as many have mentioned in this post, the versatility of having a shotgun (one or two barrels) and a rifle, all in the same package is extremely handy.  I lived in Florida, in the Ocala area, and everyone there hunts with dogs chasing deer.  They carry two guns - a shotgun and a rifle. Obviously, one is for up close shots and the other long shots.  Problem is, you invariably have the wrong gun in your hands. With a combo (or a drilling) this isn't a problem at all! That's the beauty of it.  Now, living in Northeast PA, sometimes deer and fall turkey seasons overlap. I would not risk spooking a deer shooting a squirrel, but for a Turkey?  You bet. And, if an animal bolts a shotgun is better for a close running shot than a rifle. A combo/drilling gives you a CHOICE. I love the fact that combo/drillings are break-apart guns (including taking off/putting back on scopes). Compact. Great for travel. Next, I would say, is the balance and familiarity factor.  It's the same gun all the time.  You get used to it, the fit, the feel, the balance, and trigger management. You are much more apt to shoot it better. Being a romantic is impractical.  Not in this case!


Pierre