Re the 28-Gauge

[Lou G.]

Possibly this is old news, but if not: a nice little defense load for the 28-gauge shotshell is fifteen #4 buckshot, in five layers of three pellets each. The total weight of this shot charge is about 315 grains, or just under 3/4 oz., so the standard powder charges remain unchanged, as do the wads.

 

[FITASC]

I prefer 8.5s for dove or quail......

 

[Badgerstate]

Id probably want something a bit bigger for defense. It is a great little gun for doves and quail though...

 

[FITASC]

It's a great gun for all kinds of upland birds, even pheasant, and is fun for sporting clays...

 

[Creek Henry]

How does the 3" 28 ga perform?

 

[FITASC]

Fairly new; I have no experience with it; but I bet it will be great on larger birds like pheasant.

 

[WIN71]

28 ga.

I've killed close to 100 pen raised pheasants over a GSP in the last 10 years using 1 oz. plated #6's. That out of a Red Label choked skeet and modified.
Wild birds take a little bit more pounding no matter the gauge.