No Limits
That’s exactly what I got dove hunting recently, as the dove hunting has been a little lean around here this year. Still, what kind of hunter would I be if I didn’t find something to brag about? So here goes…
The two shots I did get were both hits, and were pretty nicely done, if I do say so myself. One was a good 30 yards, crossing right-to left (and I’m right-handed), and when I pressed the trigger on my Franchi 16 gauge, the bird folded right up. The second was a similar distance, also crossing right-to-left, but at a more oblique, going away angle. Another ounce of #8 shot launched from the Franchi was all that was required to send the dove fluttering to ground. Two shots, two birds in the bag. It’s probably good that I quit at that point, while I could still claim no misses on dove…something few can honestly say unless they didn’t shoot at all.
Seriously, while I wouldn’t call myself a shotgun expert, I have shot a pretty fair amount of birds with one over the years, and I must say that this new Franchi Instinct SL 16-gauge shoots better than any I have ever owned. Its sub-6 pound weight means it’s easy to carry all day and comes to the should easily, and the stock geometry helps reduce felt recoil (I have shot it more than twice). And although I’m not knowledgeable enough on shotguns to go on about things like length-of-pull and comb height and overall drop and cast, I know when a gun fits me well, and this one does. While your mileage may vary, the Franchi Instinct has already become my favorite shotgun.
I should mention that both of my doves were expertly retrieved by an eager 10-year old, who actually declined the dog treat I offered as a reward when he returned my birds directly to hand with not a single tooth mark. This might have something to do with the fact my retriever was a young boy and not a Labrador…but he did a fine job, and was having so much fun that I’m certain if he had a tail, he’d have wagged it. We’ll have to see if he holds up as well if I ever actually shoot a limit.
The dove bucket is loaded up and ready for next time.
