Looking to buy an O/U here in the next week or two. Will primarily be a range gun, but will also see some time as a backup in the field.

-Range Pros/Cons
-Field Pros/Cons

GO!
TIA

I don't think it really matters on the range unless you're collecting your hulls for reloading. In that case the extractors will be a little easier. However in the field I want them to fly out so I can be reaching for two more if I have another quick shot coming. Makes reloading your gun easier in the field, where it really doesn't matter on the range.

I shoot a Browning Citori. It has ejectors. I spend more time in the field than on the range.

When I am not in a hurry to reload, I have learned to catch my hulls as the ejectors are kicking them out. Not very hard but does take a little practice. I do not leave hulls behind anywhere I hunt. We pick them all up.

I also have an old Springfield side x side that has extractors. I use it occasionally when I loan out my Citori to a friend. The extractors are okay but I prefer the ejectors.

I think it is a personal preference thing. I prefer ejectors.

I prefer extractors, both in the field and on the range.

...and the simple reason is I don't like picking up hulls.

Many ranges consider spent hulls to be the property of the range once they hit the ground, so if you're shooting a lot of skeet/trap and you want to reload that can be an issue. Other places don't really care. Either way, most prefer that you put your hulls in a box/basket/trashcan and you end up having to bend over 12X a round to pick them up.

In the field I don't like knowing that I'm leaving shells laying around everywhere. It happens and it can't be avoided, but I pick them up if possible. I also believe that shooting an O/U limits me to 2 shots per flush. If 20 quail blow out, I still get 2 shots. No way I'm firing twice, reloading and firing again before they are gone. With pheasant you might be able to reload if you get into a big bunch (I can think of maybe 2X in the past 4 years where I could have reloaded in time to get another bird).

Either way, it's extractors for me.

I prefer ejectors. Once you are used to them, it is actually just as easy or easier to "catch" the hulls as they are ejected than it is to remove them by hand from extractors, even if you are saving hulls or don't want to let them fall. And, as was pointed out, in the field it may be preferable to let them fly if you are in a hurry.

One more for Ejectors

Extractors. Bending over to pick up shells after every station at the sporting range sucks donkey balls. And I don't want to eject in the field either...they can get in high grass and I don't want to waste time searching for them. I've used an o/u with ejectors, and bought one with extractors because of it.

Here is a lengthy thread/debate on the subject from another forum. Lots of opinions...most of are about the same as the ones expressed so far on this thread.

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=25212&highlight=easier

Bottom line: Just like many other things related to shooting/hunting, it is a matter of personal preference. There is no right/wrong answer to this one.

Yall are missing the most obvious point...it looks so much cooler when you break it open and the empties fly out!

There is absolutely no reason to have to pick up hulls if you have ejectors. It is so easy to put one hand over the gun and intercept the empty hulls as the are ejected.
I have both extractors and ejectors on various SXS and O/U guns and find the ejectors much more convenient. (Although, as I get older, I'm in less of a hurry with anything I do.)
I used to reload a lot and even now I make it a point to not leave hulls on the ground when I hunt. I assure the landowners appreciate that.
Basically, Shorty is right - it usually is just a matter of personal preferance, so count me as one vote for ejectors.

Gun safety is no accident.

quote:

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I prefer extractors, both in the field and on the range.

...and the simple reason is I don't like picking up hulls.

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this.

I don't care either way but I grew up shooting an auto so picking up shells doesn't bother me. However, like most have already said, if you put your hand over the receiver when you break open the gun ejectors are not really a problem.

If you have a Browning Citori, Cynergy, or BT-99 this thread gives instructions (with pics) on how to change from ejectors to extractors.