A Brief Pattern Test of the 20-Ga Stevens 311R

by FOG, Saturday, August 10, 2013, 12:49 (4067 days ago)

As I mentioned below, I test-fired the 311R the other day.

I also fired a few rounds at IPSC cardboard for patterning purposes. I paced off 10 long steps, giving me a range of about 30 feet, and placed the targets on MTM Jammit portable stands.

Ammuntion was limited to these two types:
• Brenneke 1-oz Silver Slug (3")
• Federal #3 Buck (2¾", unplated shot)

All targets were fired offhand. The first two with 'aiming points' (3x5 cards cut in half; centered and taped over the 'A') were carefully aimed and fired fairly slowly. The last one (no distinct aiming point) was aimed and fired much more quickly.

Since my 'training' (i.e., habit) with doubles is to fire the right barrel first most of the time, that is what I did here. This, of course, is easy enough to change up with a double-trigger gun, and some recommend going the other way around to prevent inadvertently pulling both triggers at once. However, neither the gun nor my hand seem prone to this, so I stuck with my usual front-to-back order when squeezing them off.

Results were as follows:

Target #1: Buckshot ('Slow Fire'; wad impact points marked)

Target #2: Slugs ('Slow Fire'; slug impact points marked)

Target #3: Buckshot & Slug ('Rapid Fire'; wad & slug impact points marked)

Conclusions
• Thirty feet (approx.) would appear to be the outside limit with the buckshot load
• Some 'crossing' of the barrels is apparent, but it appears to be within MOA (Minute-Of-Animus™)
• The gun shoots a bit high, but I think that's probably a good thing for a shotgun

A few pellets, plus the wad from the right barrel in the third and final test, escaped the paper (most likely high), results which I think emphasize the short range of open-choked shotguns in general and this one in particular.

Nonetheless, since recoil with both loads was pretty mild, I think I will next try Federal #2 Buck in the 3" load. I am curious to see if that load will pattern any 'better' (and perhaps impact a bit lower).

Meantime, I'm likin' those Brenneke Silver Slugs (and wishing one or more of the Big Three would start loading larger buckshot in 20 Gauge).

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