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28 gauge vs. 20 gauge
woodyd70
Member Posts: 266 ✭✭✭
I know the ammo is harder to track down and more expensive for the 28 gauge, but other than that, is there a significant difference in the two guns for hunting purposes. I mean, if I put the bead on a quail, chukkar, or pheasant, am I at a noticable disadvantage with the 28 gauge? I'm really into a sporting chance for the birds and would really rather miss a few times than just "poof" them with like a 12 gauge. I regularly hunt the upland game with my 1187 20 gauge, and would like a little more challange, will the 28 provide this for me or not.
Thanks,
woodyd
Thanks,
woodyd
Comments
Don't forget about the baby shotgun - the .410 if you really want challenge. I skeet shoot with a 1100 Remington .410 and have been looking for a full-choke barrel for it. If you can hit skeet with a .410 regularly, then my friend, you're on target. [;)]
I have used them a lot on rabbits, squirrels, doves and quail. I wouldn't use them for anything bigger than those however or there might not be enough to cleanly take them every time.
It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...
When shooting and comparing the 28 guage and the 20 guage, I notice (at least with my barrels) that while the 20 guage will break birds, the 28 guage seems to hit harder. It does a better job and consistantly breaks them and into many smaller pieces meaning more shot hit thant the 20 guage.
It may be that the 28 guage throws a more consistant string while the 20 guage has gaps or that the 28 guage has a faster muzzle velocity.
Most people just pattern their shotguns against a board, but you have to remember that all the shot doesn't get there at the same time.
I know this is hard to explain but if you were to swing a shotgun over water while firing, in the water you would see a string of splashes. Any gaps in the string of splashes would be a gap in the string of shot and where a skeet or bird could fly through.
Just my experience.
( used 870 IC 28 and one ounce loads ) but by the end of the season I was back to a Model 12 16 IC and 1 1/8 OZ. Shoot some patterns at 40 yards with the 28. It's not a question of hitting or missing, it's about adequate pattern. Good luck. Oh, and on quail the 28 is great but pheasants are big birds!
timbroman@aol.com
Have a great and prosperous day,
woodyd
But maybe your really NEED a 28 GA!
As someone else said, it may mean that you will be giving them more of a chance ... to fly/limp away with a little lead in the behind![V][V]
Ken
And of course the 28 gauge has more powder and shot than a .410.
I agree with the posting about trying the lower power/less shot loadings for your 20 gauge first. However, it might not cycle your 1187 properly.
It doesn't matter what you shoot, just shoot it well...