12 Gauges Are Overrated Change my mind

[jmez]

Anyone use a 410 for anything other than slow moving turkeys or squirrels and rabbits?

All I shoot when grouse hunting. Sometimes for pheasants.

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[Jason Snyder]

16 gauge ammo is easy to find. You won’t always buy it local, but who cares? Order a case or two at time when you can find a free shipping deal.

 

[Curtdog]

Switched from a 12 gauge Benelli SBE to exclusively shooting 28 Tri-Star Bristol SxS this year for upland birds, out west chasing Chukars, Huns, Quail, and Pheasants. I am shooting over a GSP and Black Lab.

I have found that if I do my part right inside of 35 yards the birds crunch dead strictly shooting #6 lead all season with a Modified and IM choke (except chukars, a 20 would be nice in those rugged mountains). The reduced recoil, follow-up shots, and less damaged birds have been the upside.

I missed birds this year don't get me wrong but the difference between 28 and 12 killing power was minmal (maybe 10-20 birds a season)

I am curious what everyone's thoughts are on the 12 vs sub gauges for Upland Birds. I am convinced that anything over 20 is overkill for Upland Birds.

I don’t disagree with the fact that for most upland birds anything over 20 can be overkill. My wife uses a 20 every year for turkey as well. My only problem with some of the gauges besides 12 and 20 is the availability of the rounds. I don’t find myself forgetting to bring my ammo on trips but I like to know that if I did I can find what I need easily and it’s hard to argue with the availability of 20 and 12 gauge ammo!

 

[RIPTobyKeith]

12 G. Cheap shells and easy to find

 

[Fowl Play]

I mostly agree, but find myself still shooting 12's for upland and waterfowl where non-tox is required. Turkeys I can stomach the increased cost for tungsten, but not the rest.

 

[JMitchell121]

I only own 12 gauges. I have shot everything from mourning doves to swans with them, and everything in between. My daughter hunts with a 20 gauge. I use boss 2 3/4 inch 1 1/4 oz loads, she has 3 inch 1 1/8 oz loads. They are pretty even. 1/8 oz of number 4 bismuth is 20 more pellets for me. I dont consider a 20 to be a sub gauge.

I have shoot a lot of 28 gauges when I was a shooting instructor at a sporting clays resort. I shot them very well but have never had the desire to buy one. Shells are pricey and recoil doesnt bother me. My 12 gauge autoloaders have low recoil, fairly light weight. I hate a super lightweight shotgun, it affects my swing. Nothing against sub gauges but I am not running out to buy one.

 

[Sandhills]

I want a gun that can dump giant Canada's at 50 yards, roosters at 40 and teal at 10 all on the same hunt if needed.

If I'm busting catails for roosters and a flock of mallards buzzes over at 40, I want one for the roaster.

So for that reason. I carry a 12.

And 12-20 birds is not a small number.

But I bet... if I carried a 28 for a change of pace. It would be a fun change up.

With the right load you can do that. Tss is some wicked stuff.

 

[KurtR]

With the right load you can do that. Tss is some wicked stuff.

Shoot on average 2 cases at waterfowl a year not counting spring snow goose. Tss i would need a second job

 

[maxx075]

12 gauge? Ya'll don't hunt with a blunderbuss??