Grouse shotgun/shell choice

[Benlarsen21]

Looking for recommendations for a good hobbyist grouse gun to use during the late summer/ fall in Oregon. 12/20/410 and ammo recommendations

 

[justinspicher]

I know my 870 in 12g is reliable, but it tears up birds. I’d really like an 870 in 20g for grouse hunting.

 

[Hnthrdr]

I’ve always thought a cz o/u ultralight in 20 ga would make a great grouse gun!

 

[Axlrod]

My favorite grouse gun is an O/U 28 Ga.

 

[chemist]

How are you going to hunt them? Are you walking logging roads and shooting off the ground? Are you shooting on the wing?

My default answer would either be a .22lr target pistol or a 20 gauge depending on the above.

I personally dislike a 410 for anything on the wing.

 

[Raghornklr]

.410 with 3" 6 shot

 

[Jim1187]

The 12 or 20 gauge I am happy to use whatever sporting clays loads I have left over until most of the leaves drop, but we only have ruffed and spruce grouse provided lead is legal. Roughly 1 ounce of lead number 6 and either improved cylinder or modified choke is my preference for.
I shoot a lot of steel at grouse cause a couple of my favorite spots also provide the opportunity to jump waterfowl and one area mandates non toxic. I'm pretty happy with any load of ¾ to 1 ⅛ ounce of steel 5 or 6 shot with a muzzle velocity of 1400 or so fps, larger shot if pheasants or waterfowl are more likely.
I'm not fond of the .410 for grouse as it's small payload and typically tight choking makes effective wing shooting particularly hard. It's great option for any who are skilled enough or mostly take shots at birds on the ground or in trees.