By Joe Evans
USA -(Ammoland.com)- Before I went out to a Mossy Oak media event at the gorgeous Harpole’s Heartland Lodge in Nebo, Illinois, I’d never shot clays.
Thanks to Savage Arms firearms and Federal Premium ammunition, I was able to check the experience off my list.
I had the pleasure of using the 12-Gauge 320 Field-Grade Camo Pump Shotgun in Mossy Oak camo and the 555 Enhanced Over-And-Under.
I’ll provide a full breakdown of the guns and ammunition I used below.
The Stevens 320 pump shotgun series quickly built a reputation for solid, affordable performance for everything from wingshooting to home defense. Stevens has expanded the line with a new waterfowl camo model.
The shotgun boasts the same features as the company’s other 12-gauge 320 field-grade models, including dual slide bars, a rotary bolt, rugged synthetic stock, and five-round capacity.
It is finished with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo, includes interchangeable chokes and come in both compact and standard length-of-pull models.
Features & Benefits:
-
- Rugged synthetic fore-end and stock in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
- Bottom-load, right-eject pump action
- Mid-length fore-end
- Long green fiber optic front sight
- Standard length-of-pull: 13.75 inches
- Compact length-of-pull: 13.25 inches
- Dual slide bars and rotary bolt
- Five-plus-one capacity
- Vent-rib barrel
Specifications:
- 12-gauge: 28-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 44 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/8-inch drop at comb, 6 pounds
- 20-gauge specifications: 26-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 42 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/4-inch drop at comb, 5 1/2 pounds
- 28-gauge specifications: 26-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 42 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/4-inch drop at comb, 5 1/2 pounds
- 410-bore specifications: 26-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 42 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/4-inch drop at comb, 5 1/2 pounds
Get technical specifications on Firearms List page on their website.
Stevens has dovetailed performance and value in its new 555 over-and-under shotgun. Its light aluminum receiver is scaled to gauge and incorporates a steel insert that reinforces the breech, minimizing weight and maximizing strength.
The fast-handling 555 Enhanced features upgrades that include Imperial walnut stock and forend, auto shell ejector and laser-engraved Filigree ornament receiver.
Standard features include a manual safety, and a single, selective mechanical trigger, and more—at a price that’s unmatched among comparable over-and-unders. Five interchangeable choke tubes allow the 555 to meet any shooting need.
Features & Benefits:
- Auto Ejector
- Imperial Walnut Stock
- Laser Engraved Filigree Ornament
- 5 Interchangeable Chokes
- Lightweight Alloy Receiver
- Single Selective Mechanical Triggers
- Chrome-lined barrels
- Tang-mounted safety
Specifications:
- 12-gauge: 28-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 44 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/8-inch drop at comb, 6 pounds
- 20-gauge specifications: 26-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 42 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/4-inch drop at comb, 5 1/2 pounds
- 28-gauge specifications: 26-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 42 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/4-inch drop at comb, 5 1/2 pounds
- 410-bore specifications: 26-inch barrels, 14 3/8-inch length of pull, 42 7/8-inch overall length, 2 1/4-inch drop at comb, 5 1/2 pounds
Federal Premium was kind enough to provide me with some Hi-Bird and BlackCloud 12-gauge ammunition.
Once I was all set up and took a couple practice shots, I was ready to go.
I never imagined shooting a moving target would have been so difficult! Call me naive, but I thought it would have been a lot easier than it turned out to be.
My first couple shots, the closest I was to hitting the clay was with the wod.
Thankfully, with some coaching and lots of practice, I was actually able to eventually hit the target, getting better as I practiced. It was a really, really great time.
The ammunition was super high quality, providing two very different experiences. The Hi-Bird had a significantly reduced recoil, allowing for better accuracy at longer ranges. I can imagine for more experienced, accurate shooters (unlike myself) this ammunition must feel pin-point precise.
The BlackCloud ammunition featured an incredibly tight, dense patterns. When you hit the clay with this ammunition, it shreds that little orange disk to bits. This ammuniton would be ideal for waterfowl hunting, for sure. I’m looking forward to taking this duck hunting.
After shooting at the gun range, reloading ammunition or cleaning your gun can be a dirty process. Hoppe’s understands, and has you covered when it’s time to clean up.
Hoppe’s Lead-B-Gone Skin Cleansing Wipes lift and trap lead, nickel, cadmium, arsenic, silver, mercury, zinc, chromium, copper, antimony and other metals without smearing.
Why choose Lead-B-Gone Skin Cleansing Wipes instead of soap and water? Simple. They’ve been proven to remove 98.8 percent of contaminants on their own, and 99.9 percent with a water rinse.
Soap and water only remove 72 percent of contaminants. Use them to wipe down your hands, arms, face, neck and any working surfaces after cleaning your firearm or any other activity involving lead and other metal dust.
- Removes up to 99.9 percent of metal contaminants with water rinse
(soap and water only remove 72 percent) - Saturated with gentle pH cleaner
- Soft towels lift and trap lead and metal dust
- Contains aloe skin moisturizers
- Disposable
Overall, I really enjoyed my first time shooting clays.
It was the type of challenge I like, something that makes me want to keep trying despite how frustrating it is initially. I’m looking forward to shooting again, making a habit out of clay shooting.
About Joe Evans:
Joe Evans is the Assistant Editor at Ammoland.com.
The 22-year-old journalist, freelance writer and editor is a Pennsylvanian, a University of Scranton 2016 graduate. He’s a sports fan, blogger and lover of all things interesting. Forever writing something somewhere. Find him and read his work on Twitter and Ammoland.com.