Shotgun for quail and grouse.

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deadcoyote

New member
I previously only owned two shotguns, a 16 gtauge Win model 12 and an LC Smith side by side 12 gauge. I sold the model 12 for a hefty profit and the LC smith is a bit much for quail (Full choke w/ 32" barrels). I'm contemplating just picking up an H&R or NEF single shot crack barrel in 20 gauge or 410. I know the .410 ammo costs a little more, but I'm only going to go through a couple boxes of shells a year. Also, there will be a good chance to get some rabbits while I'm out. Is the 20 gauge a significantly better choice? Thanks in advance.
 
Yes, the 20 gauge is a better choice. Not that a 410 can't kill a quail, the pellets from each will have the same energy, but the 20 gauge just has a lot more pellets and is easier to hit with.

Rather than buying a cheap 410, take a look at used 20 gauge shotguns. I picked up a used Remington 1100 2-3/4" 20 gauge a few years ago for just about nothing. Most people want the 3" 20 gauge magnums, and all those perfectly good 2-3/4" 20 gauges are just sitting around gathering dust. Shells are cheap, and they are a pleasure to shoot.
 
+1 for scorch

I have use of a .410 from brother and use it for squirrels when I want to drive myself crazy. At least in my area, it is very difficult to find .410 ammo in anything but #4 shot. There aren't many pellets in those shells and my .410 being full choke shoots more like a rifle.

Otoh, a nice 2 3/4 load of #8 in 20 guage makes a very nice pattern for old bob white. Scorch is also right about there being quite a few good used 2 3/4 inch 20 guage guns available for reasonable prices.
 
If you used the 16ga 2 3/4" shells you be pretty close with the 20ga 2 1/2" shell.

Shame you sold the 16ga but I can understand that been offered good price for mine. I also have 20ga model 12 and at time I wish it had 3" chamber so if your only shooting few boxes a year I get the 20ga 3" chamber if they have that.

If your hunting over dogs 410 or 28ga be a good choice.
 
It was not the prettiest model 12, some rust and not too good of blue, but it was amatching serial number set with two barrel/forarm assemblies. I paid $300 for it in 1996 and was offered $950. honestly, I mostly used it for hog hunting with slugs before I bought a 30-30.

I looked into 28 gauge, the ammo is expensive!! Also, it looks like most of the loads are identical in velocity and shot load to the 20 gauge so I don't really get what niche it fills?
 
If its a choice between 20 ga and .410 then go with the 20. Using a .410 can be very challenging. Especially with quail. Little buggers are tiny and fast. .410 dosnt carry much shot and spread pattern seems to be tighter ( smaller exit bore).
 
For flushing birds I use a double sidexside, 2 triggers, 2 chokes..... 1st improved, 2nd modified. This really helps with flushing birds. I don't often get a 3rd shot kill anyway.
 
My local Wal-Mart has Mossberg model 500 20ga pumps for around $270. 26'' Vent rib Barrel, wood or synthetic stock. Having a quick follow up shot is priceless when a covey of quail flushes.
 
Between the 410 and 20 gauge,I would go with the 20 gauge for quail and squirrels. I personally like a 12 gauge w/imp cyl. for quail and mod. choke for squirrels.
 
Best luck with squirrels is an open choke 12 or 20. The shot spreads out enough to make the damage minimal, even at close range, but has a good enough pattern to make shots out to about 30 yards on the little guys. Grouse around here get the same treatment, as it's so thick, hitting them with a modified choke takes chunks out of the breast meat with #8s.
 
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