28 gauge for upland birds ?

W

WIN1886

New member
Been looking at a new Ithaca pump in 28 gauge for all day carry in the woods tracking down ruff grouse . I have a 20 gauge o/u i use as well but really would like another smaller gauge shotgun for fun and light carry weight . Anyway , not being familiar with the 28 gauge I wonder how effective is on upland game out to similar ranges in comparison to 20 gauge upland loads . I guess having a 12 and 20 gauge already I want an excuse to get the 28 gauge to try and see how I like it ! :)
 
one oz # 6,s from Winchester hi brass factory shells drops ring necks dead out of a modified choke to 30-35 yards, maybe longer on a good day, but I,m hunting over dogs.
 
The 28 is my favorite for upland birds. One friend and his girlfriend use their 28s every year hunting wild birds in Montana with great success.
 
Oops, ruffed grouse , think I'd remember that after a couple decades of hunting them ! :roll eyes: Nice replies , thank you !
 
Have only shot a couple grouse with my 28 and it worked fine Have shot a bunch of training pigeons over dog's with it and love it. 3/4oz load is all I use. It's all I carry hunting anymore but birds around here are hard to come by anymore. Getting another in a month or so. I figure if I need more than 3/4oz, I need my 16ga.
 
The older I get the more I find myself grabbing the 20GA instead of the 12GA. I just don't see why a dove needs a 12GA, etc.. Being that as it is, I can see myself enjoying the hell out of a 28GA someday. Sure, why not? Like you said, you don't have one yet so you need to go get one and see if you like it. ;)
 
grouse are not overly hard to kill, being light boned. I use 3/4 oz # 7.5 and when hit they tend to fold up and go down.
 
I always wanted a 28g for dove and quail. Got too easy shooting both with 20g. I have browning 20g o/u ultra light. That would be my choice for a 28g. Came close to getting it for about $1500. Shells are on pricy side.
 
Hunting over setters in the western upper of Mich for close to a life time says a Browning 20ga Upland or a Browning Lighting 28ga will make a guy smile, a lot!
 
I always wanted a 28g for dove and quail. Got too easy shooting both with 20g. I have browning 20g o/u ultra light. That would be my choice for a 28g. Came close to getting it for about $1500. Shells are on pricy side.
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If you reload, ClayBuster wads makes a 20 gauge 3/4oz wad that works great (They also make a 3/4oz wad for 12 ga)
Otherwise, if you buy a flat (or up to 5) of Winchester AA ammo from Academy during Winchester's rebate time, your cost is $7/box. If you know skeet/sporting shooters who reload, hou can easily sell the once-fired hulls for .012 each so knock another $3 off per box, making your final cost $4/box
 
If you get the Ithaca 28 gauge, you will like it. Very fast handling gun, light weight
and the stocks are made just right. The new Ithaca's are made tighter and better than before. Quality is outstanding, wood is of better quality than many other makes.

Yes I like Ithaca's, been to the factory seen how they make them.
 
the price is a little high for the new Ithaca,s, I use a older rem 870 light weight 20 with good effect on upland game.
 
The Ithaca 28 gauge model 37 is made to order. So it is fairly cheap for a bespoke
shotgun. The 28 is on it's own frame and handles better than many others.
 
I must be going retro in my older/retired years. Been upland hunting forever with my '75 870 Wingmaster. Now, I'm looking hard at a Mossberg International SA-28. And, I just bought a Henry Big Boy Classic in .357/.38. Oh, my 870 is a 20ga, no vent rib.
OP, get that 28ga!
 
My go to grouse guns are a 28 gauge Mossberg Silver Reserve II and an Ithaca 37 English Ultralite 20 gauge made in the mid 1980's. I have .22 rifles that weigh more than the Ithaca. Both are a joy to carry in the woods and readily drop ruffs if i do my part.
 
For upland birds, I bought the first edition of the ..

Ruger Red Label in 20ga nad the SKT/SKT, chokings.

Next best shotgun is a 1956 M37 16GA.

Go ahead and give it a try!

Good Luck.
 
A 28 Gauge is definitely going to be an "expert's gun", but if you enjoy using the smaller shells and a lighter carry weight in the field, then go for it! Just know that you'll really have to master it before heading out to the field. :)
 
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