Sporter Or Game Shotgun.

[gatman 0]

Hi guys. Fairly new to shotguns and am thinking of getting a Browning 525 12g.

 

Can someone explain what the essential differences are between a Sporter and Game versions of shotguns in general ?

 

Paul.

[SportingShooter 0]

In practical terms, there is no noticeable difference between either, they're just for different targets.

 

In terms of Over and Unders then you'd be hard pressed to find a difference between a game or sporter. The only difference there may be is a slightly wider rib and longer barrels on a sporter than a game gun. The sight picture will be just the same.

 

A sporter is designed with clays in mind, a game gun as the name suggests, for game species.

[walshie 2,804]

As far as I'm aware a game gun has an automatic safety too.

[trenchfoot 4,243]

All the above reply. Some gunmakers also have different stock dimensions and shapes for sporters and game guns. Also game guns tend to be a little lighter.

[Born Hunter 17,780]

I believe Sporter models are designed with a higher shooting intensity in mind so weigh a little more and have recoil pads. The balance is more towards the stock than barrels due to slightly chunkier woodwork. In reality there is little difference. That's my understanding anyway...

 

Many many people use Sporter models for game and clays as many do Field/Game models.

[WILF 47,219]

Buy what fits you best and don't worry to much about what it's called.......as long as you are hitting most of what you fire it at then that's the main job

[Born Hunter 17,780]

"as long as you are hitting most of what you fire it at..."

 

 

 

Hmmm, I knew I should have bought the Field model over the Sporter!

[Alsone 789]

Personally if you're doing a mix, I'd buy a Sporter.

 

Game guns are fraction lighter, but the twist is that lighter = more recoil. A Sporter is slightly heavier but the extra weight in the form of inertia, helps absorb the recoil. The other slight differences have been covered above.

 

A sporter is pretty much suitable for most applications other than trap and you'll find that most people on game shoots (apart from the very poshest), using O/U's are actually using Sporters.

[urbanfly 11]

Both my guns are field guns my silver pigeon s is 28" barrels and tbh I don't notice the recoil from that but my aya no2 kicks like a mule

[trenchfoot 4,243]

Both my guns are field guns my silver pigeon s is 28" barrels and tbh I don't notice the recoil from that but my aya no2 kicks like a mule

If it kicks and you are using sensible loads the AYA doesn't fit you

[gatman 0]

Thanks for the info. guys. Think I'll get a 525 Sporter with 30" barrels

 

Paul.

[bird 9,938]

Weight. If you were shooting pigeons in a hide , a sporter if you're walking up grouse all day a game gun. I had a b 680 great if you're taking lots of shots, as it takes some of the recoil out. If I bought another gun it would be for walked up stuff so I'd get a game or light version of another style. Until you've carried a heavy sporter across your arm for a whole day's marching, you'd go for one every time. I guess I'd advise a light sporter!

true, ive got 686 B/12g use for pigeons ,clays, and have used it for the odd day on rough shoots , and it done all jobs no prob. But your right carry it for 6-7 hours walking gun on shoots or rough shooting , and you know about it. yeh light sporter the way to go

[oxo 455]

I have a 525 sporter, cracking gun and use it for everything. Have a old Baikal sxs I use if the weathers shit

[urbanfly 11]

 

Both my guns are field guns my silver pigeon s is 28" barrels and tbh I don't notice the recoil from that but my aya no2 kicks like a mule

 

If it kicks and you are using sensible loads the AYA doesn't fit you

 

Ok a mule is not the best way to say but I feel the punch more so from the sbs which is also expected, it may not fit me right but I'd still not sell it or change it, it's a 1974 gun and been in the family all its life comes with a history of stories so I'm honoured to now shoot it,

[trenchfoot 4,243]

 

 

Both my guns are field guns my silver pigeon s is 28" barrels and tbh I don't notice the recoil from that but my aya no2 kicks like a mule

If it kicks and you are using sensible loads the AYA doesn't fit you

 

Ok a mule is not the best way to say but I feel the punch more so from the sbs which is also expected, it may not fit me right but I'd still not sell it or change it, it's a 1974 gun and been in the family all its life comes with a history of stories so I'm honoured to now shoot it,

 

They are a v.nice gun and with that conection, I don't blame you for keeping it But to enjoy it to its best, it may be worth having a gunfitter run his eye over the two of you