Psyxologos 2 Posted October 11, 2009 Report Share Posted October 11, 2009 As some of you might be aware, this year is my first as an associate member for Morecambe Bay Wildfowling Association. I get three free passes a year (Sept-Oct, Nov-Dec, Jan-Feb) and on Sunday morning I used the first one. I arrived at Cockerham marsh at 05.15 to meet the five full members who were to accompany and supervise me. We got changed in our waders and headed up to our posts. No decoys, just waiting for the wildfowl to show up. As soon as we arrived there were some ducks flying from inland but we were nowhere near being ready for them so they went passed. I got to my post and loaded my gun, and four mallard got over me, only managing to take one safe shot but sadly, missed! No more ducks showed up. Around 500 yards from us there must have been a couple of thousand geese, as we could hear them getting ready to raise. Sadly, no geese came any close to where I was stationed, but one of the party managed to bag a pinkfoot. We had five shots between us, one pink in the bag. I know it does not sound too pleasing, but I definitely had the time of my life. No doubt! I think I need a new gun though. As soon as I got back home my Miroku MK 70 sporter was as if it suffered the German measles. Full of spots. I had to spend 90 minutes cleaning it back to it's glory. A friend suggested I go for a Hatson Arms escort synthetic, anyone has any experience with these? Needless to say i am TOTALLY hooked on wildfowling... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wildhorse 1 Posted October 12, 2009 Report Share Posted October 12, 2009 glad you enjoyed yourself wildfowling gets in your blood the solitude and respect for the quarry should never leave you I have an escort 3 1/2 cracking little gun 3 seasons old and still perfoming well cheap and cheerfull you just need to keep it well {relished } sorry oiled Stick at it mate you will get under the birds one day and you will never forget your first one in the bag Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Psyxologos 2 Posted October 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 12, 2009 Thanks wildhorse. I realistically do not have loads of money to spend right now. I am an associate member, which means 3 trips a year plus any days I buy separately, so I am looking at maybe 6-7 trips to the marsh a year or so. I was hoping I could get something with £250-£300 or so. Hatsans seem to be ~£300-£450 depending on what you go for. I was thinking of going for a 3 1/2 inch 12bore. Cammo seems to make the gun more expensive, so I think I will just go black synthetic. What sort of price would be a good price? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Welshwildfowler 0 Posted October 18, 2009 Report Share Posted October 18, 2009 Hi If you only going to use it occasionally then why not buy a used shotgun? if you have a look around you can pick them up very cheap. There are plenty of cheap, good quality guns about, I was offered a SBS magnum last week for just £50. I bought a Miroko SBS 2 years ago (like new condition) for just £150. Although I have not used an escort semi auto myself, they look ok and they take a 31/2 cartridge. A friend I was shooting with last week has one. He does a lot of shooting (mainly pigeons, crows & wildfowl) he just did a part ex on his old one for another new one and loves them, they are reasonably cheap (about £350 - £400) 4 or 5 year guarantee. Although I think not really built to last, so a second hand better quality gun in my opinion might be a better choice, although used availability is rather more rather limited if you need a 31/2 magnum. But it would be interesting to know what do others think? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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