My new 712 Mag

[Quackhead]

I have a new 712 mag and it is patterning low and a bit left of point of aim from a rest at 40 yds. with 3.5 #2 steel shot. With all my chokes. What am I going to do???  this bothers me alot.

[Gunner]

Quack, I know many advocate test patterning from a rest but, shooting a scatter gun from a rest can change the whole dynamics of the shot.  I would try patterning again from your regular shooting position.
           
            If the pattern is still not 50/50 (or where you want it), try a different brand of ammo.
           
            You can raise the pattern easily by adding a stick-on foam pad such as the model sold by D&E Cheekeeze.  The Cheekeeze comes in different thickness to allow a fit that works best for you.  The problem with the pad is that it can also change your horizontal string as well.  Adding the pad is just an option that may, or may not work-out for you???
           
            If you can't get the pattern where you want it by changing ammo. or adding a pad to the comb you are left with altering the way you mount the gun, or seeking a 'smith who can modify the comb to fit you

[Quackhead]

Thanks for the comeback.I am getting the same pattern off hand also. Low. I have read some on gun fit. but I don't understand how this will effect my shot when I am aiming like you would with a rifle if you will. Now I can see it if I were throwing it up and snap shooting like I was shooting at a flying fowl. I am in fact concentrating on my sight picture so any error in fit should be eliminated. Another way to put it is that my gun is not hitting where I am aiming it. I read some more on point of aim and I am going to try this tonight. That is to shoot at about 15 yds and see where the whole is.

[Gunner]

Quack, raising the comb (adding pad) forces you to look at your bead  "up-ramp" instead of straight down the top of the rib.  The effect is a higher pattern.  Trap guns are often designed to look up-ramp.
           
            This pattern issue is exactly why many serious competitive shooters opt for fully adjustable rear stocks.  They can move the pattern any way they want simply by adjusting the comb's height and by adding "cast-off", or "cast-on" (moving the rear stock left, right, or at angles).
           
            Most of us don't have adjustable stocks so we are forced to make adjustments like I described in my prior reply.  If after all your efforts, you don't resolve the issue to your satisfaction, you may be forced to try another gun as none shoot exactly the same for every individual shooter.

[Quackhead]

Ok, Gunner I get the picture now. I didn't realize that they were altering the sight picture when talking gun fit. I thought it was just so that when you throw the gun  up, your eye was in the right place. I guess it is. You could say that you are forcing the sight picture that  you need. I could also add little height to my rear sight plane with some type of stick on piece.