1/12/2011

Made specifically for shooting in classic shotguns, Hevi-Shot Classic Doubles is the latest evolution of non-toxic shot. Made by a company called Environ-Metal, its tungsten/nickel/iron pellets raised the lethality bar of non-toxic shot by making it heavier than steel. But original Hevi-Shot, like steel shot, was also too hard to shoot in classic Parker guns, Model 12s, Foxes, L. C. Smiths and others because the barrels of these older guns were made of steel too soft to handle this extra-hard shot. So they were consequently relegated to the gun rack.

With a density of 10.4 grams per cubic centimeter—identical to lead shot—Classic Doubles pellets are made of powdered nickel, iron and tungsten that is blended then formed by compression under extreme pressure. Hevi-Shot’s former VP of marketing, Ron Petty, said, “[Classic Doubles] is dense but pliable, and will not hurt classic double-barrels or fixed-choke guns. We use powders that keep pressures low to reduce felt recoil that also protects the thin stocks of older guns.”

In use, these lead-like Classic Doubles pellets allow me to shoot my 1924 Parker without harm, and they print beautiful, even, virtually identical 72 percent, 40-yard patterns through its extra-full-choked barrels. Even better is how Classic Doubles performs on ducks! And that’s the point of this load. Now you can use your favorite classic gun in the duck blind, legally and effectively.

While hunting in Alberta with Classic Doubles last year, my guide and I found a slough chock-full of mallards that wanted back in following their morning feed. I shot the old Parker, and had the duck shoot of my life.