SxS shotgun question

troy2000 · 09-05-2006, 12:10 AM

I just picked up a couple of used Boito SxS shotguns; one's a 20ga and the other a 12ga. Gave the 20ga to my nephew and kept the 12ga.

We took them out this morning and threw some clays off the tailgate of my truck, and my first reaction was, "my Gawd. Why have I even been screwing around with any other type of shotgun?" The second thing that crossed my mind was, "if the cheapies are this much fun and handle this sweetly, my ticker might not be able to survive an expensive SxS." The third thing across my admittedly limited mind was, "rabbits will fear me..."

But back to the question: these "hammerless" guns, as far as I can tell, cock when you break them. So any time you close them back up there are springs under tension, whether you're loaded and getting ready to shoot or just putting them away.

Is this a bad thing? Should I invest in some snap caps to take the tension off before I stick them in the safe, or just dry-fire them? Or are they perfectly happy setting there in the dark cocked and empty?

lefty o · 09-05-2006, 01:12 AM

it does not hurt springs to remain in a compressed state.

.22guy · 09-05-2006, 01:20 AM

If it helps your piece of mind, get some caps. You might be able to use them for other guns too. What are the barrel lengths on those side by sides?

troy2000 · 09-05-2006, 11:16 AM

Both of them have 28" barrels.

SPEEDY · 09-15-2006, 03:01 PM

I have always used SXS shotgun's and yes the more expensive ones are much better. I like the old guns best as you have to spend a lot of money to get the same quality now days.

09-05-2006, 12:10 AM	#1
troy2000 Resident Armed Liberal Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 9,926 Images: 9	SxS shotgun question I just picked up a couple of used Boito SxS shotguns; one's a 20ga and the other a 12ga. Gave the 20ga to my nephew and kept the 12ga. We took them out this morning and threw some clays off the tailgate of my truck, and my first reaction was, "my Gawd. Why have I even been screwing around with any other type of shotgun?" The second thing that crossed my mind was, "if the cheapies are this much fun and handle this sweetly, my ticker might not be able to survive an expensive SxS." The third thing across my admittedly limited mind was, "rabbits will fear me..." But back to the question: these "hammerless" guns, as far as I can tell, cock when you break them. So any time you close them back up there are springs under tension, whether you're loaded and getting ready to shoot or just putting them away. Is this a bad thing? Should I invest in some snap caps to take the tension off before I stick them in the safe, or just dry-fire them? Or are they perfectly happy setting there in the dark cocked and empty? __________________ I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting you really believe what you just said. WF Buckley, Jr Last edited by troy2000; 09-05-2006 at 12:31 AM.

09-05-2006, 01:20 AM	#3
.22guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 4,242	If it helps your piece of mind, get some caps. You might be able to use them for other guns too. What are the barrel lengths on those side by sides? __________________ My first priority will be to reinstate the assault weapons ban as soon as I take office.

09-05-2006, 11:16 AM	#4
troy2000 Resident Armed Liberal Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southern California Posts: 9,926 Images: 9	Both of them have 28" barrels. __________________ I won't insult your intelligence by suggesting you really believe what you just said. WF Buckley, Jr

09-05-2006, 01:12 AM	#2
lefty o Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: mn Posts: 5,027	it does not hurt springs to remain in a compressed state.

09-15-2006, 03:01 PM	#5
SPEEDY Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: NSW Australia Posts: 73	I have always used SXS shotgun's and yes the more expensive ones are much better. I like the old guns best as you have to spend a lot of money to get the same quality now days.