20 or .410 gauge?

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Garsher

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Hey guys, im looking at getting a new shotty for pheasant, squirrel, ect. What Gauge should I go for? Im thinking that .410 might be a bit to week, what do you think?
 
Garsher said:
Hey guys, im looking at getting a new shotty for pheasant, squirrel, ect. What Gauge should I go for? Im thinking that .410 might be a bit to week, what do you think?
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Hi Garsher, I have a lot of experience with both those gauges. The 20ga is nice on pheasants with a modified choke, 2 3/4" shell with #5 or #6 shot. It's also a nice gauge for squirrels with a full, but if the squirrels run to the very top of a very high tree, the pattern of a 20ga will be too open for a good shot (walk back from the tree and have a seat for about 15 minutes or so and he'll usually come down a bit). The 410 is strong enough for any small game and birds, but it does not have the pattern like a 20ga. The 410 is best for rabbits, but again with a full choke, and I find #5 or #6 shot in a 3" shell to work nicely in pattern. So in my opinoin if you are hunting small game, but not rabbits, I would suggest the 20ga. The 20ga is good for rabbits, too, but it can chew up the meat a little, so I found the 410ga as a bunny gun does a nicer job.
 
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I have a 410 in an M6 and a 20 Gauge in a Savage 24C. The 20 is considerably more versatile and has much more even patterning ability. The 410 is a bit spotty with anything bigger than 6's. Even full choked 20-25 yards is a nice limit.
 
The 410 isn't weak, it has less pellets.

That said, if you know how your gun is patterning, it works.

I've knocked down a few snowshoe hares and grouse with my old single shot.

I have a pump 20 now though, so that will be going with me.
 
Don't forget the nice 28ga which falls inbetween your 2 choices. They are fun to shoot and usually pattern well. I just bought a Stoeger combo side by side with both 20 and 28ga barrels. Sounds like 1 of them may fit your needs.
 
20 Guage offers more ammo options for cheaper. It is more powerful than 410 however the 410 does have the hitting power of about a 357 Magnum so it could conceivably take a squirel:)
 
I've successfully hunted and killed many up-land birds with my .410, But my .410 was the first shotgun I ever had and acquired a lot of skill with it over the years using it. A 20 gauge is the easier way out/to go, but a .410 will make you a better shotgunner
 
Get yourself a 410 and a 12g. The 410 is a beautiful little shotgun. The 12g is for when you want to go geese hunting because it's so darn fun.
 
The .410 isn't known as the "cripple stick" without reason. If pheasants are in the plans then definitely get a 20.
 
1shotdown said:
I've successfully hunted and killed many up-land birds with my .410, But my .410 was the first shotgun I ever had and acquired a lot of skill with it over the years using it. A 20 gauge is the easier way out/to go, but a .410 will make you a better shotgunner
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Agree !
 
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Claybuster said:
The .410 isn't known as the "cripple stick" without reason. If pheasants are in the plans then definitely get a 20.
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I would not even consider going after these birds ( teal and geese) with a 410!:eek:
The gun I am holding did a very good job on them - 20 gauge F.A.I.R./Rizzini with 3/4oz of #4's going 1450FPS. ( I don't shoot 12's anymore)

Took a double that morning ( first a teal then a goose in the same flight)

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Cat
 
I'm a big fan of the 410, I've always got one or two kicking around the gun locker. But I think the 20 guage would be best for you (I've got one of them too). That being said I think you should go out and buy one of each.
 
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