What caliber for clamming????

pdxkevin · 04-02-2002, 05:48 AM

My wife thought it would be fun to try clamming (I knew I married the right one :grin: ). Anyway, we headed out looking for a couple clam guns.

GI Joes is out. They say they sell out in a couple hours after the shipment arrives. People are even trying to get on a reservation list! :tongue:

We tried Freddies. I didn't see any so I asked at the counter. The sales lady got upset that we would trudge up and down the shore shooting poor little clams. She also asked if shooting them didn't blow a bunch of them to pieces wasting even more clams. :smile: :smile: I wanted to explain but had a hard time keeping a straight face while she got more amd more upset.

BTW - anyone know a good place to pick up a couple clam guns, around Portland, this week? New or used.

So... what is a the right cal. for clams anyway?!?!? :whazzup: :whazzup: :whazzup:

04-02-2002, 05:50 AM

2.00 Ca. works good. :grin:

Pilar · 04-02-2002, 06:23 AM

Why don't you make some? Search Ifish for the the clam gun post.

Mine takes 3" high brass 12ga.

Dogfish · 04-02-2002, 08:22 AM

I carry my HK USP in .40 S&W for clamming. Dependable pistol in the harsh beach environment. Fill it full of sand and it will still fire. I suggest staying away from the hollow points, as you won't get enough penetration. My favorite is the FMJ Montana Gold in 180 grain. The bullet stays together, and has a big enough meplat to deliver some hefty knock down power to subdue those pesky clams, also it doesn't ruin much meat. I switch to my 22 when it comes to sand shrimp. It's just more sporting. tha way.

04-02-2002, 08:36 AM

I would suggest using hollow points to reduce ricochets and skipping. Also be aware of what is behind your target. :grin: :tongue:

roundbelly · 04-02-2002, 01:55 PM

i printed out pilar's clam gun post from last november, did not know it took 3 inch high brass, must be a special option. be careful if you decide to use the flare gun from your boat, if the flare goes in the air, the coast guard will come for you

Lives_to_fish · 04-02-2002, 02:31 PM

:grin:

Lives_to_fish · 04-02-2002, 02:34 PM

:grin: I have found that its not so much what gauge as how good the decoys are and how well you can call em in close! Also, make sure you have good clam camo and a really well trained retriever.

Dogfish · 04-02-2002, 02:44 PM

Never thought about getting my black lab involved in clamming. I rent her out as a ditch digger on weekends. I just have to channel her energies elsewhere.

"Dead clam, Jenna, fetch it up!"

bigshark · 04-02-2002, 09:29 PM

If the barrel isn't 5 inches in diameter your going to crack too many when you take your shot. :grin:

lightline · 04-02-2002, 09:33 PM

Bigshark: What kind of recoil do you get with a five inch barrel?

crabbait · 04-04-2002, 05:49 PM

Dogfish and Bigshark - You guys are killing me!

Mortar might work good..........

OneLastCast · 04-05-2002, 07:10 AM

Please Remember. CALL BEFORE YOU DIG.
State Law says if you dig a hole deeper than 12 inches than you must call "One Call" and get your utility locates.
Just mark with white paint that portion of the beach where you plan to dig. Locates will be completed within 48 hours.

Dig Safe.

OneLastCast