![]() Others will say the 28 has no business out on the open plains on late season roosters. As previously discussed, shot size and loads determine its capability. ![]() I have absolutely no experience in shooting a 28-gauge, but speaking with those that do, the 28 is lethal inside its effective range of 30 yards. The truth is that the 28 will never become as popular as the 12- or 20-gauge, but it does have its fair share of fans. Now for the little shotgun that remains largely unknown: the 28-gauge. Its effectiveness, as with any shotgun, lies in the variety of loads that can be used in conjunction with the correct chokes.Ī recent study shows that 46.26 percent of the Project Upland community shoot a 20-gauge - versus 31.57 percent who shoot a 12-gauge. The 20 is going to have a slimmer, trimmer barrel, forearm and receiver which helps hunters feel more ready. The 20, when brought to your shoulder, feels lighter because it is. Most consider the 20-gauge’s ace-in-the-hole is that it simply feels good in a bird hunter’s hands. As the popularity of the 16 waned, the 20 rose to become the most popular small gauge shotgun. America has for some time transitioned to the 20 in large part, because 12s have always been so heavy. ![]() The 20-gauge or as it is commonly referred to, “The Gentleman’s Gun,” makes for an ideal gun for pheasants and everything in between. However, there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel: with a little homework, shooters can find true 16-gauge shotguns on true 16-gauge frames. Wingshooters looking to use a 16 in the pheasant fields will have to settle for this one and only flaw. The unfortunate part of the 16-gauge story is that at present most 16-gauge barrels are placed onto 12-gauge receivers. Ballistically it equals the 12-gauge and is a pound or so lighter. A proper 16 built on a small frame is considered by many to be the ultimate upland shotgun. The 16 shot like a 12 and could be carried afield much like a “light” 20. Both offer a variety of options and make a good choice for youth or small-framed hunters.Īnd then there is the “Sweet Sixteen.” There was a time when the 16-gauge was second in popularity to its big brother, the 12. The 12’s versatility is also good for a variety of upland hunting (dove, grouse, quail), and works well for waterfowl and turkey hunting, as well.Īlthough the 12-gauge shotgun is the most prominent in the field, some hunters feel more comfortable with the 16- and 20-gauge models. There are plenty of 12-gauge options available to fit different body types and which are still light and easily carried in the field. The twelve-bore can handle a variety of loads with enough power to bring down those tough longtails in both early and late seasons. Ammunition is readily available and less expensive than for other gauges. It’s obvious that the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular choice, and many consider this the best all-around option for pheasant hunting. There are plenty of shotgun options just remember, one doesn’t need a fancy high-dollar model to effectively hunt pheasants. Bear in mind, the right shotgun for one hunter may not be the right one for another.īecause pheasant hunting takes place in such a wide range of environments and habitats, pheasant hunters need to make sure they’re carrying a shotgun they can shoot well and carry afield all day. A shotgun that mounts quickly, swings smoothly, and can be comfortably carried makes for a good pheasant gun. And rest assured - comfort doesn’t mean expensive. Until that times come, the shotgun used for chasing wily roosters comes down to one thing: comfort. Your shotgun of choice will most likely be kept in your cabinet for a lifetime - that is, until it’s time to pass it down to the next generation. A special bond is formed by hunter and shotgun, very similar to that of hunter and dog. The shotgun that you’re planning on taking out into the field needs to be durable, accurate, and something you’ll enjoy (not just tolerate) carrying in the uplands, woods, deserts and fields. The shotgun - the final and probably the most crucial piece of the upland puzzle besides choosing a bird dog. Choosing a shotgun for pheasant hunting is a critical and personal decision based on many factors for any hunter wanting to chase America’s most popular, and some may argue the toughest, upland game bird to knock down (more on that later). The flash of iridescent color exploding from the ground coupled with the mocking cackle of a rising ring-neck rooster is an unforgettable moment for any pheasant hunter about to pull the trigger. Learning what defines a good pheasant hunting shotgun for you New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster.The Upland Shooting Life, by George Bird Evans.
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