Have you found your way into the exciting and engaging world of clay games? Perhaps, you have had the chance to chase feathers at a preserve or even on wild birds? Did you have your own gun to use, or did you need to borrow one? The holiday season is the perfect time to put in your wish list and make sure you receive the most amazing gifts.
How to Decide Which Gun is Right for You
The holidays are a spectacular time of year filled with tinsel, twinkling lights and time with family and friends. We are all frantically trying to find the “perfect” gifts for our loved ones, but often we end up purchasing more “stuff” that will invariably be pushed to the back of a shelf or closet.
As I’ve aged, I find myself asking for just a few key items that I can use, versus trying to sort out what I will keep and what is headed to the re-gift box. My family and friends know that anything to do with the shooting sports or bird hunting is ALWAYS a great choice.
During the holidays, I get quite a few texts and emails asking for help in selecting a shotgun for a student. These messages usually start with, “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was hoping for some guidance.” These requests are never a bother. Quite the opposite, I welcome them! It’s a tough situation to be in when the holidays are over and a student comes to me with her new shotgun, but the purchaser didn’t really know what to get and went off a buddy’s recommendation. These well-meaning purchases are usually too long, too heavy or not the best selection for the intended application.
Purchasing a shotgun should be one of those purchases where the recipient is involved in the decision-making process to ensure the gift is appropriate (and, it makes the transfer easier). [Note: Check your state regulations regarding the purchase of firearms as gifts.] I have had students leave copies of the Syren catalog lying around in conspicuous locations with certain pages dog-eared. Best idea ever!
Sporting Versus Field
One question I always ask is how will you be using your shotgun? If you go out 10 times in the next year, are eight of those times for clays and only two for feathers or is it the other way around? If it’s for clays, are you concentrating on mostly skeet, trap or sporting clays, or are you trying a little of all three disciplines?
For those of you getting into bird hunting, do you prefer climbing through the thick brush of the grouse woods, tucking into a blind for waterfowl or walking the open prairies for pheasants? Your answer will dictate the proper purchase and ensure you love your selection. You wouldn’t want to hammer a nail with a screwdriver, so why would you try to shoot a local tournament with a five-pound field gun?
Sporting guns – such as the Syren L4S Sporting, Syren Elos N2 or the Syren Tempio Sporting – are perfect for a clay shooter. When you need a gun for clay games, you need one that is designed to handle volume; in other words, a gun you will shoot a lot, but walk a little. The break action (over/under) guns will be heavier because the mass of the wood is used along with incredible engineering to mitigate recoil. Even though these guns are technically “heavier,” they are engineered to offer superb balance and a fluid, easy swing. You won’t find any front heavy guns in the lineup, nor will you find any of the Syrens over 8-1/2 pounds, with the majority of the Syrens well inside the 6 1/2- to 7 1/2 pound range. The autoloader (L4S) will be lighter with less recoil due to the incredible Pulse Piston setup that bleeds off recoil through the gas operating system versus relying on the mass and density of the wood.
Looking for more bling? Julia and Grayce should be at the top of your picks for Santa’s elves. Julia is available in both sporting and field models and boasts gorgeous engraving and upgraded wood. The all-new Grayce, an Invictus model, is a true million-round gun. For those ladies that are serious about competitive clay shooting, look no further. Grayce brings stunning design, along with an alloy receiver to remove weight, six titanium chokes and the revolutionary Invictus modular design that increases the overall life of the gun 200-to-300 percent, compared to other double guns. The Grayce Invictus truly tests the parameters of Syren’s lifetime guarantee.
Making Sure Your Gun is a Perfect Fit
Once you’ve ripped off the fancy wrapping paper and admired your amazing new gift, make an appointment at headquarters for a gun fitting. Those are performed on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the main office in Cambridge, Maryland.
Being able to work individually with one of our many professional gunsmiths to set up your gun specifically to your anatomy is the second part of the gift. While Syrens are built to complement a woman’s anatomy, each person will have unique requirements. A gun fitting will allow you to have the best success behind the barrel of your phenomenal, new shotgun.
Accessorize with Syren Pride
The Syren online store is full of wonderful swag and merchandise to outfit you and your new shotgun. We just released a new vest in your choice of grey or purple that complements the female physique and also, is capable of keeping your shells in place without creating a bulky appearance.
Prefer a great shell bag? We have those too, available in purple or black! You’ll find a vast array of shirts, sweatshirts and hats also available. Need a way to corral your shell boxes, chokes, glasses and cleaning kit? The range bag and tote bag are perfect options.
The range bag is built out of 1680 denier fabric and offers pockets galore and tons of room to keep your shooting and cleaning supplies at close proximity. There are even lockable buckles on the main, top compartment zipper so you don’t have to worry about items getting lost. Personally, I use the oversized tote bag as my daily “office” bag as I love the couture design and ample compartments. It even sports a padded pocket on the inside, large enough for a 15-inch laptop.
There are also gun sleeves, so you can store your gun more conveniently in between time at the course. Be on the lookout for an all-new sleek design coming out soon!
From all of us at Syren, we wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holiday season.
Enjoying this post? Read more just like it on our Syren Savvy Blog HERE.
*This article was originally posted in our column on WomensOutdoorNews.com written by Kate Ahnstrom and edited by WON Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird.
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