Optimizing Your Shotgun Performance: The Aguila Pichon Plus Advantage

For discerning shooters who demand unwavering precision and peak performance in competitive environments, especially the challenging world of live bird competitions, the Aguila Pichon Plus 12 Gauge Ammunition stands as a testament to specialized engineering. This isn't just another shotgun shell; it's a meticulously crafted round designed to give you the decisive edge when every shot counts. Whether you're a seasoned competitor aiming for championship titles or an upland hunter seeking consistent patterns and reliable knockdown power for fast-flying game, understanding the unique attributes of Aguila Pichon Plus is key to elevating your shooting experience.

Why Choose Aguila Pichon Plus for Competitive Shooting and Upland Hunting?

In the demanding arena of live bird shooting, where targets are dynamic and milliseconds matter, the choice of ammunition can significantly impact success. Similarly, when pursuing agile upland game birds, the ability to deliver a swift, effective pattern is paramount. The Aguila Pichon Plus is specifically engineered to address these critical needs, offering a blend of speed, consistency, and controlled spread that translates directly into superior performance.

Key Benefits for Shooters:

• Unmatched Velocity: At 1400 feet per second (fps), the "High Velocity" designation of the Pichon Plus isn't just a marketing term; it's a performance promise. This exceptional speed reduces the necessary lead on crossing targets, making it easier to connect with fast-moving live birds or upland game like doves, quail, and even flushed pheasants. A flatter trajectory means less room for error, giving shooters greater confidence in their aim.
• Consistent Pattern Density: The 1 1/4 ounce load of #8 lead shot is carefully calibrated to deliver dense, uniform patterns crucial for competitive success and ethical hunting. Aguila's manufacturing precision ensures that each shell performs reliably, distributing the shot evenly for maximum target coverage without creating gaps. This consistency is vital for breaking targets cleanly or ensuring humane one-shot stops on game.
• Reliability You Can Trust: In high-stakes scenarios, ammunition failure is not an option. Aguila’s reputation for dependable ignition and flawless cycling means you can focus entirely on your shot, confident that your ammunition will perform as expected every time. This reliability is built on rigorous quality control and a deep understanding of ammunition mechanics.
• Optimized for Live Bird Competitions: The "Pichon Plus" name itself, derived from the Spanish word for pigeon ("pichón"), directly signals its primary design intent: excelling in live bird shooting. This specialization means every aspect, from the primer to the wad, is fine-tuned for the unique demands of this competitive sport, where target presentation can be unpredictable and quick follow-up shots are often necessary.

Diving Deep into the Specifications: What Makes Aguila Pichon Plus Stand Out?

The Power of 12 Gauge: Versatility Meets Punch

The 12 Gauge remains the most popular and versatile shotgun gauge globally, and for good reason. It offers an excellent balance of power, range, and shot payload capacity. The Aguila Pichon Plus leverages this platform to deliver a substantial 1 1/4 ounce payload, ensuring ample shot on target. Its 2.75-inch shell length is the standard for most 12-gauge shotguns, guaranteeing broad compatibility across various models, from over/unders and side-by-sides to semi-automatics and pump-action shotguns. This common sizing also means reliable feeding and ejection, minimizing potential malfunctions during critical moments in a competition or hunt.

Shot Size #8: The Ideal Choice for Specific Targets

The selection of #8 lead shot for the Pichon Plus is a deliberate choice optimized for its intended use. #8 shot consists of a greater number of smaller pellets compared to larger shot sizes. This results in an incredibly dense pattern, which is highly effective for:

• Live Pigeon Shooting: The primary application for the Pichon Plus. The dense pattern dramatically increases the likelihood of hitting small, fast-moving pigeons, ensuring clean breaks or humane dispatch.
• Doves: #8 shot is widely regarded as one of the best choices for dove hunting. Its high pellet count makes it easier to connect with these agile birds, even at longer ranges.
• Quail and Other Small Upland Birds: For smaller upland game, #8 shot provides sufficient energy transfer and pattern density to ensure effective results without excessive penetration that might damage meat.

While #8 shot is exceptional for these purposes, it's important to note that its smaller pellet size means it's generally not recommended for larger, tougher game birds like turkeys or large pheasants at extended ranges, where larger shot sizes (e.g., #4, #5, #6) would be more appropriate for deeper penetration. However, for its intended use, the #8 lead shot in the Aguila Pichon Plus is a masterclass in ballistic optimization.

The Edge of High Velocity: 1400 fps Muzzle Speed

A muzzle velocity of 1400 fps positions the Aguila Pichon Plus firmly in the "high velocity" category. This translates into several distinct advantages for the shooter:

• Reduced Lead: Faster shot reach the target quicker, meaning shooters need to apply less "lead" (aiming ahead of a moving target). This simplifies aiming, especially for rapidly crossing or unpredictable targets common in live bird competitions and upland hunting.
• Flatter Trajectory: High-velocity loads maintain a flatter trajectory over their effective range, making shot placement more forgiving, particularly when estimating distances.
• Increased Knockdown Power: While shot size and payload are crucial, higher velocity contributes to the kinetic energy of each pellet, leading to more decisive impacts and cleaner kills on game birds. This provides confidence that hits will be effective.

The Pure Performance of Lead Shot

The use of lead shot in the Aguila Pichon Plus is significant. Lead, due to its density and malleability, forms excellent patterns and delivers consistent energy upon impact. For competition shooting, where environmental regulations on lead shot may be less stringent than in some hunting areas, lead offers superior ballistic performance. It also allows for a higher pellet count per ounce compared to less dense materials like steel, contributing to the dense patterns that define this ammunition. Shooters should always verify local regulations regarding the use of lead shot for hunting in their specific areas.

Aguila: A Legacy of Ammunition Excellence

Aguila Ammunition, manufactured in Mexico, has earned a global reputation for producing reliable, high-quality ammunition across various calibers and disciplines. Their commitment to innovation and precision manufacturing is evident in products like the Pichon Plus. They employ advanced ballistic technology and rigorous quality control processes to ensure that every shell meets stringent performance standards. This dedication to excellence is why competitive shooters and hunters worldwide trust Aguila for their demanding needs.

When you choose Aguila Pichon Plus, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in a product backed by decades of expertise, designed to deliver repeatable, exceptional results. This focus on consistency is a hallmark of the Aguila brand, ensuring that shooters can rely on their ammunition round after round, box after box, case after case.

Answering Your Most Pressing Ammunition Questions

As you consider the ideal ammunition for your specific needs, several questions often arise. Here, we address some common inquiries related to the Aguila Pichon Plus and its applications.

Q: What is the primary application for Aguila Pichon Plus ammunition?
A: The Aguila Pichon Plus is specifically designed and optimized for competitive live bird shooting, particularly live pigeon competitions. Its high velocity, consistent patterning, and reliable performance make it ideal for this demanding sport.

Q: Can I use Aguila Pichon Plus for hunting, specifically upland game?
A: Yes, absolutely. While optimized for live bird competitions, the 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/4 oz #8 lead shot configuration makes it an excellent choice for hunting smaller upland game birds such as doves, quail, and grouse. Its high velocity is a significant advantage for fast-flying birds. Always check local hunting regulations regarding lead shot.

Q: How does the 1400 fps muzzle velocity benefit my shooting?
A: A higher muzzle velocity means the shot travels faster, reducing the amount you need to "lead" a moving target. This simplifies aiming and improves your chances of connecting with quick-moving birds or targets, especially under challenging conditions. It also contributes to a flatter trajectory over typical shooting distances.

Q: What does "1 1/4 oz 8 Shot" mean for performance?
A: This refers to the shot payload weight (1.25 ounces) and the size of the individual lead pellets (#8 shot). A 1 1/4 oz payload is substantial for a 12-gauge shell, ensuring a large number of pellets. The #8 shot size provides a very dense pattern, which is crucial for increasing the probability of hitting small, agile targets like pigeons or doves.

Q: Why is consistent patterning so important in competitive shooting?
A: Consistent patterning ensures that the shot spreads evenly and predictably across a target area. In competitive shooting, particularly with live birds, this means fewer "gaps" in the pattern that a target could fly through unscathed. For hunters, it translates to more humane and effective kills due to a higher concentration of pellets striking the target. Aguila's precision manufacturing helps achieve this critical consistency.

Q: How many shells come in a box and case of Aguila Pichon Plus?
A: Aguila Pichon Plus ammunition is typically sold in boxes of 10 rounds, with 25 boxes per case. This packaging makes it convenient for competitors who consume large quantities of ammunition, allowing for bulk purchases and efficient transport to the range or field.

For shooters who demand the absolute best in high-performance shotgun ammunition, the Aguila Pichon Plus 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/4 oz 8 Shot offers a superior solution, combining velocity, precision, and unwavering reliability for the most challenging shooting scenarios. This specialized ammunition reflects Aguila's dedication to delivering exceptional performance in the unique and demanding environment of live bird competitions and provides a compelling option for upland hunters seeking a premium edge.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail	Attribute
Brand	Aguila	Ammunition Manufacturer
Model Series	Pichon Plus	High Velocity Competition
Gauge	12 Gauge	Standard Shotgun Caliber
Shell Length	2.75 inches	Common Chamber Size
Shot Weight	1 1/4 ounces	Heavy Payload
Shot Material	Lead	Dense & Effective
Shot Size	#8	Dense Pattern for Small Targets
Muzzle Velocity	1400 fps	High Speed Performance
Application	Competition, Upland Hunting	Versatile Use
Rounds Per Box	10	Convenient Packaging
Boxes Per Case	25	Bulk Supply
SKU	1CHB1296	Product Identifier
UPC	640420002194	Universal Product Code