Churchill XXV

ismith

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
2,600
Location
Helena, MT
Anyone hunt with a 25 inch barrel(s)? Seems like a Churchill 25 would be pretty awesome for pheasants.
 
I don’t like getting too short on shot guns for wing shooting. A 26” barrel
is already pretty responsive. I find I tend to miss more birds with my 26” than my 28”. My swing isn’t as smooth and I have to focus more on keeping it smooth.

That’s just me though. I’m sure it would be deadly if you were used to it.
 
I guess I should have mentioned I will have one inbound soon, a true-blue prewar Churchill XXV from jolly ol' England. Even with import costs it will cost me much less than a Spanish copy. Guess I should be able to try it out next fall, Lord willing.
 
I shot a Rem 1100 28" for years and was good with it. I ruptured a bicep and started having shoulder trouble and my shooting went downhill. I bought the lightest 12ga I could find in my price range and choose the 24" barrel. Took awhile to get the right swing and speed down but I shoot it really well now until my shoulders get fatigued. Then it's time to quit for the day.
 
I don’t like getting too short on shot guns for wing shooting. A 26” barrel
is already pretty responsive. I find I tend to miss more birds with my 26” than my 28”. My swing isn’t as smooth and I have to focus more on keeping it smooth.

That’s just me though. I’m sure it would be deadly if you were used to it.
Same here. I think 28” is a sweet spot barrel length for a shotgun.
 
I shot a Rem 1100 28" for years and was good with it. I ruptured a bicep and started having shoulder trouble and my shooting went downhill. I bought the lightest 12ga I could find in my price range and choose the 24" barrel. Took awhile to get the right swing and speed down but I shoot it really well now until my shoulders get fatigued. Then it's time to quit for the day.
This one has a 2 1/2" chamber so despite the light 6lb 2oz weight it shouldn't be too bad on the shoulder.
 
I was going to steer you to gunbroker, there are a couple of AYA Churchills listed there now. It would appear you have that covered.
 
BIG difference in 25-26” on a repeater vs the sxs we are discussing here. They share absolutely nothing in common handling wise. I believe when you get the Churchill in hand, it will be a love it or hate it outcome. Most people who shoot them are in TIGHT cover hunting birds like grouse or WC. Never heard of one being carried for plains birds like pheasant where shots can be long.The only short barreled double gun i ever really got along with was an old fixed choke 26” citori 20ga. I shot it very well but it was also quite heavy for what it was. I truly hope you LOVE the Churchill. They are beautiful heirloom type guns.
 
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