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.

 

[Speaks]

686 20gs rst 7.5s

 

[WCB]

20 gauge or 28 gauge Stevens 55 O/U. We own multiple. They are inexpensive but aren't "cheap", light, and for most people point well. We have dozens of cases through a couple 20 gauges, 28s, and a .410. Not one issue and the guns are hunted hard in any and all weather.


As far as ammunition any standard trap load #7 is perfect or #6. If you have to shoot non toxic I get by just fine with Steel #6 shot.

Don't over think it and you don't need to over spend. If you are hunting later season birds that are maybe flushing at 30 yards just go to #5.

 

[Yes_no_what_ok]

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

This is what I use for grouse hunting. Works well.

 

[dtrkyman]

20ga, heavy game load in number 6.

If I were buying new I would not touch anything over 6lbs personally.

 

[letrbuck]

I shoot a 16ga pretty exclusively. For ruffies I usually shoot 3/4 or 7/8oz of 8 or 8.5. For dusky or sharptail I'll move up to 6 or 7, and I usually shoot 6s on sage grouse.

Ruffed grouse are smaller and easier to kill than most people think, you just have to hit em. Shots are usually pretty close and I like to eat them. So shoot pretty light payloads with open chokes.

Certainly don't need heavy payloads and large shot sizes

 

[_S_R_]

Check KYgunco for blems shotguns deeply discounted. I’ll pass 410 for sure just in case other birds in menu. keep in mind ammo prices and availability 12 16 20 28. Mod choke Winchester AA target shot 7.5

 

[Mk44]

I would consider either a “20ga” or 12ga because shell can be easily found in most stores.

My friend’s son hunted with a .410. He quickly outgrew it when he turned 17 y/o.

I hunt with 12, 16, 20.

 

[Weldor]

I'm leaning towards a 28 ga. myself. Time to start looking. Side x side would be nice.

 

[_S_R_]

Grouse & Woodcock hunter would purchase the 16 gauge gun

 

[_S_R_]

I'm leaning towards a 28 ga. myself. Time to start looking. Side x side would be nice.

A good quality side-by-side 28-gauge shotgun can cost around $2,500, yet many manufacturers still use a 20-gauge receiver instead of a true 28-gauge frame. In comparison semi-auto shotguns from Beretta or Benelli around $1,500. On the practical side 20-gauge ammo is generally more available and affordable. The lightest semi-auto option is Browning A5 20-gauge weighs only about 5.25 pounds.

 

[Weldor]

I'm thinking more the Tri-star or Spandou for the use it will see.

 

[_S_R_]

Why not CZ??? 5 years warranty established company. Cabelas/Basspro running exclusive CZ model that on sale

https://www.cabelas.com/p/cz-teal-double-trigger-side-by-side-shotgun

Or bobwhite

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/shotguns/cz-usa-bobwhite-g2-walnut-28-gauge-3in-over-under-shotgun-28in/p/1775905

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I have used both 12 and 20's. I go with 12 for late season when they are wising up some and breaking further out. #6 shot for both. Red Label over under. I have seldom found the need for a third shot, the birds are either down, out of range, or the cover is to thick.