SPORTING CLAYS BEST BALANCE
Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006By Don Golembieski
B&P Technical Director
We get calls from customers every day asking two now familiar questions. Why should I use your shells and which is best for Sporting Clays? Well, I wouldn’t steer you wrong, but here in Arizona we’re a skeptical bunch of cusses. So, I invite you to listen to what I say and then see if it makes sense to you.
We all know that if the lead shot weight (i.e. 7/8 oz, 1 oz, 1 1/8 oz) remains the same, the challenge becomes striking a personal balance between velocity and recoil. Enough velocity lets the shot reach out and touch a clay target before it disappears in the distance or travels behind a tree or other obstruction. Unfortunately, more velocity means more recoil. It’s that old “equal and opposite reaction” coming into play. More recoil means more discomfort and greater sight recovery time. Recoil is one factor in choosing a shell.
B&P has the only shells with the patented Gordon System. The Gordon System places a miniature shock absorber in the base of each three piece construction hull. This system results in less recoil and fewer deformed shot pellets. Fewer deformed shot means more symmetrical patterns, and better pattern density. So, with other brands of shells you must either reduce velocity or lead weight to feel the same recoil as with the comparable B&P. Giving up velocity or shot weight is a poor trade-off when you can keep’em both with B&P. The most technologically advanced shell design is another factor.
B&P is known for premium performance and premium pricing. This is because B&P invests more in quality checks, technologically advanced components, and more labor intensive powders, than any other manufacturer. The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” remains true. It’s true when comparing brand to brand, and also true when comparing shell to shell within each brand. Why’s that? Well, it costs more for additional quality checks and to form more complex plastic components. A shell that provides the most consistent pattern with best shot density is also a critical factor.
Even within the B&P shell line, there is an internal range of components and powders. While each a Gordon System shell, B&P performance and pricing increase from the base shell, the Competition 2000, to the F2 Legend, Sporting Clay, F2 Mach, and finally to the Sporting Clays Ultra Velocity. Sure, now I factor in econmics.
Now, for the best balance of all of these factors, I’d say my preference for Sporting Clays is our F2 Legend, 1 oz, 1230 fps, in 7.5 shot. This sweet shoot’n shell really crunches biodegradable, fast dropping battues, and rabbit targets. As you’d imagine from a great Sporting Clays shell, it also does a great job of harvesting game like dove and quail.
Say, I almost forgot. Our President has so much confidence in this shell, that he’s planning a Legend promotional sale unlike anything you’ve ever seen for a shotgun shell. Watch for the Late-Summer announcement. This will be your chance to experience the Legend, and to become a legend.
Adios, and good shooting.
