How do you shoot a SxS shotgun?!

[sig22018]

I normally shoot an 870, 1100, and single shot 410. I hit great with these at trap. I bought a side by side 410 and learned that I had to "float" the target (aim just under it) to get a hit. I just shot my new SxS 20g today and only hit 10 out of 25. I average around 16 with my 410 and 22 with my 12g.

What am I doing wrong? Why are side by sides so different and difficult to shoot? What is the trick to shooting them?
Thanks

[yellowfin]

Shoot much more instinctively, get a feel for the swing. Adjusting to any shotgun takes a little time, but side bys are a little peculiar because the picture is different. Thinking and mentally processing the sight picture is a necessity at first but it once learned you've gotta quit thinking about it because the overthinking gets in the way. I bet you a cup of coffee 90% of the time you miss you're thinking at least part of your mind "Ok, now I've got this odd thing in my hand, how do I aim it?" Take a few practice swings, then one or two with your eyes closed, then try a few birds.

It should all boil down to 1. I'm doing my swing 2. I see the clay 3. I catch up to it 4. BANG dusted bird all seamlessly, almost too fast.

None of the: 2(b) oh crap it's the SxS again, what am I doing? 2(c) I'm not my grandpa, he could shoot this darn thing, 2(d) didn't this gun go out of style in the 50's, 3(b) am I swinging too fast or not fast enough (3c) what the heck are these two lumps on the side of my bead , and 4(a) which barrel is going fire first? IdunnoIdunnoIdunnoIdunnohopeIgetitrightohmygodohmy god BANG crap another miss I feel like a retard. That is the recurring syndrome of someone shooting a SxS who hasn't for a fair chunk of their shotgun shooting experience.

Magazine articles and know it alls berate SxS as something that's nice for show and tradition but just not where it's at for hitting what you're shooting at. Garbage. There are too many millions of dove, duck, quail, grouse, and pheasant dead over a century's time for that to be even remotely true. If SxS's didn't get the job done people in the 20's and 30's (and a lot earlier and a few later) would have missed a lot of meals and the grocery store wasn't 5 minutes away back then. They're something people have forgotten, but not to the people's gain in doing so. A lot of people don't shoot them as well as they do O/U's or autos; that's not because the gun isn't up to the task, but because they simply don't know how to use them.

It's a different tool.

[Fjold]

Probably because the SXS doesn't fit you as well as the pump and semis. SXS barrels sit lower because the actions are not as tall as a repeaters. Usually SXS shotgun stocks need more drop at the comb and heel.

[sig22018]

Good point Yellowfin,
I was constantly trying to adjust my aim point. Maybe I just need a few solo rounds to work out the kinks.