Shotgun short starter

[snubnose57]

Just bought a like new 12 gauge Pedersoli. No choke tubes.
One barrel is really snug when checking the barrels for cardboard wad fit.
Do not see any markings on the barrel referring to choke size.
Does anyone have to use a short starter on their shotguns?

 

[Treestalker]

The left barrel is traditionally tighter than the right, this is because the more open right barrel is fired first at birds closer in range, then the left barrel is fired when the birds are further away, requiring a tighter choke for a good pattern at distance. The tighter barrel may indeed require some 'help' to load, aided by turning the wads sideways somewhat into the bore, or in the case of hard wads, cutting a small notch on one side to relieve back pressure during loading. Lubing cushion wads can help too. You'll love your double after you've become used to it, and may I suggest a 'shot snake' to carry your shot, I use one with an Irish scoop head, but some prefer the English type head, (no scoop to lose). There is a world of beautiful accessories and lore that go with upland game hunting with shotguns. May your piece serve you well. George.

 

[Grenadier1758]

The tight barrel is most likely improved cylinder. Pedersoli seems to think these are upland fowling guns so one barrel gets a bit of choke.

A customized short starter can be useful when building a load. Build the load with the wads shot and over shot stack so the stack can be loaded at on e and you don't have to fight compressed air as you load the next component. Of course you can nick the edge of the wad to let the air pass.