First Impressions of **Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition
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The Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition promises a unique blend of shot sizes for versatile performance, a concept that immediately piqued my interest. As someone who has spent years navigating diverse terrains and hunting various game with a shotgun, the idea of a single shell that effectively covers both close-range and longer-distance needs is compelling. The potential for a reduction in the number of shells I need to carry in the field is incredibly appealing.
My search for the ideal shotgun ammunition has been a constant quest to balance effective range with pattern density. I’ve often found myself switching between different shells depending on the anticipated shooting distances and game type, leading to a juggling act that can be cumbersome in the field. The promise of Remington’s duplex load – a combination of #2 and #4 steel shot – seemed like a potential solution to this problem.
Upon receiving the box of Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the familiar Remington packaging, a hallmark of quality in the ammunition world. The shells themselves appeared well-constructed, with a clean crimp and consistent appearance. The 3-inch shell size is standard for magnum loads, immediately suggesting ample power.
Compared to my usual go-to duck hunting load, a 3-inch #2 steel shot from Winchester, the Remington offering with its duplex load presented a different approach. I also considered the Federal Premium Black Cloud, known for its flitecontrol wad and consistent patterns, but ultimately opted for the Remington due to its potentially versatile duplex load and attractive price point (especially with the $2.10 discount). The idea of the blended shot pattern offering a broader effective range swayed my decision.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The concept of a duplex load is intriguing, and Remington’s reputation for quality lent credibility to the product. I was eager to see how the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition would perform in real-world hunting scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
I tested the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition during a weekend duck hunt in the flooded timber of eastern Arkansas, a location that seemed perfectly suited to its namesake. The varying distances at which ducks presented themselves in the timber – from close, quick shots to longer, crossing shots – offered an ideal testing ground for the duplex load. I used my trusty Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a modified choke.
The conditions were typical for late-season duck hunting: cold, damp, and occasionally drizzling. The humidity hung heavy in the air. The Remington ammunition performed reliably in these conditions.
The Remington Arkansas Field & Timber shells cycled flawlessly through my Benelli, with no failures to feed or eject. Recoil was noticeable, as expected from a 3-inch magnum load, but manageable. The pattern at close range (within 25 yards) was impressively dense, effectively dispatching birds with authority. However, at longer ranges (35-40 yards), the pattern seemed to open up considerably, resulting in fewer pellets on target. This resulted in a need for more precise aiming and a slight decrease in confidence on longer shots.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several more hunts, I have a better understanding of the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition’s strengths and weaknesses. The shells have consistently performed reliably in terms of cycling and firing. The crimps remained intact even after being exposed to wet conditions.
After firing approximately 100 rounds, I noticed no significant wear and tear on my shotgun beyond what is typical. Cleaning my Benelli after each hunt was straightforward. I experienced no unusual residue or fouling attributable to the Remington ammunition.
Compared to my previous experiences with Winchester Blind Side (which patterns tighter at longer ranges) and Federal Black Cloud (known for consistent performance in varying conditions), the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber offers a different compromise. The duplex load provides versatility but sacrifices some of the long-range pattern density of dedicated long-range loads. While the Remington offering did not exactly “outperform” my previous favorites, it proved to be a viable, cost-effective alternative, particularly for scenarios where a mix of close and medium-range shots is anticipated.
Breaking Down the Features of **Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington. Remington is a well-known and respected name in the firearms and ammunition industry.
- Gauge: 12. 12 gauge is the most popular shotgun gauge, offering a good balance of power and manageable recoil.
- Number of Rounds: 25. The box contains 25 shells, a standard quantity for shotgun ammunition.
- Shot Size: 2/4. The duplex load combines #2 and #4 steel shot for versatility.
- Shell Length: 3 in. A 3-inch shell provides increased payload and energy compared to 2 3/4-inch shells.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1450 ft/s. A high muzzle velocity contributes to flatter trajectories and increased energy on target.
- Application: General. This ammunition is designed for a variety of hunting and shooting applications.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/4 oz. This is a standard shot weight for 12-gauge magnum loads, providing ample payload.
- Shot Material: Steel. Steel shot is required for waterfowl hunting in many areas due to environmental regulations.
- Lead Free: No. This seems to be a contradiction, as steel shot is by definition lead-free.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the ammunition’s performance in the field. The combination of #2 and #4 steel shot, along with the 1450 ft/s muzzle velocity and 1 1/4 oz payload, aims to provide a balance of pattern density at close range and adequate energy at longer ranges. The 3-inch shell length ensures sufficient powder capacity to achieve the advertised velocity.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition performs its job adequately, offering a reasonable compromise between pattern density and range. The #4 shot creates a dense pattern at closer distances, ensuring effective hits on birds within 25 yards. The #2 shot provides sufficient energy to maintain effectiveness out to 35-40 yards.
However, the performance isn’t without its limitations. The long-range performance (beyond 40 yards) is less consistent than dedicated long-range loads. A weakness is that experienced waterfowlers might prefer shells with tighter patterns for confident long-range shots.
Overall, the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber meets expectations for a general-purpose load, especially in environments with mixed shooting distances. The versatility is its primary strength.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition itself is well-designed and consistent in appearance. The shells load smoothly into the magazine and extract without issue. The Remington brand name inspires confidence in the build quality.
There is no real learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It performs like any other 12-gauge shotgun shell.
Durability & Maintenance
The Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition is designed for single use, so durability refers to the integrity of the shell during storage and use. The shells appear robust and resistant to moisture damage, which is important for waterfowl hunting. With proper storage, the ammunition should last for many years.
No maintenance is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories or customization options are directly associated with shotgun ammunition, besides choke selection for the shotgun. Changing chokes will alter the pattern density and effective range of the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber. This ammunition is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 3-inch shells.
Pros and Cons of **Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Versatile duplex load for mixed shooting distances.
- Reliable cycling and consistent performance.
- Remington brand reputation for quality.
- Cost-effective alternative to premium long-range loads.
- High muzzle velocity for flat trajectories.
Cons
- Long-range pattern density not as tight as dedicated long-range loads.
- Recoil can be significant in lightweight shotguns.
- The “Lead Free: No” specification is contradictory as steel shot is lead-free.
Who Should Buy **Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition
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The Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition is perfect for hunters who encounter a variety of shooting distances and game types in the same hunting session. It is also a good choice for those seeking a cost-effective alternative to premium long-range loads, or for newer shotgun users looking for a general-purpose shell. The versatility makes it a useful option for mixed-bag hunts.
This ammunition may not be ideal for hunters who primarily focus on long-range shooting or those who prefer a more specialized load for specific game. Those who are particularly sensitive to recoil may also want to consider a lighter load.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke designed for steel shot.
Conclusion on **Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition
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The Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition offers a compelling blend of versatility and value. While it might not be the absolute best choice for dedicated long-range shooting, its duplex load provides a practical solution for hunters who face varying shooting distances in the field. The reliability and consistent performance of the Remington brand, combined with the attractive price point (especially with the current discount), make it a worthwhile consideration for any shotgun owner.
The price is justified, especially considering the versatility it offers. I would personally recommend it as a solid, general-purpose load for a variety of hunting and shooting applications.
Give the Remington Arkansas Field & Timber 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition a try and experience the difference for yourself!