28 gauges

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rustybarrel

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Hi folks,
Have always used 12’s and 20’s for my bird hunting;however, many swear the 28, and think it is a great gauge and I’m kicking it around- about getting one.Was wondering what the folks who have them think.Do you use them only certain situations? Are they everything that you need upland? Which ones do you like? Please share your thoughts.
 
Last week I was site surfing and came across a 28ga single shot with a 14" barrel. I thought this might be ideal for carrying up north at the cabin on the ATV for grouse as I can't walk far off the trails anymore. I watched countless video on different barrel lengths and also comparing it to the 26" barreled 410 o/u I use now. All the videos came to the same conclusion with the 28ga coming out ahead as expected. I imagine it would be a closer race between a 28ga and a 20ga and depend on the type of shooting you do.
 
The 28 gauge has worked well for myself in the uplands for over 50 years.Partridge(ruffed grouse) and rabbits( snowshoe hare) mostly,but have taken a few pheasant and woodcock with the 28 gauge as well.Although I do not usually hunt the later two.Have used single shot,SXS,O/U ,pump and self loading 28 gauge guns.All worked well in the field,but if I was to be limited to only one 28 gauge ,I would have to go with a pump or self loader.
 
If its a scaled frame the 28ga is great for upland and small game
I have a beretta a400 xplor. The 28 is thinner and lighter than the 20. They both swing fast and shoot great. I like tbe 20ga if waterfowl is in the menu if not i take the 28ga.
 
Pay attention to Post #4 - "scaled frame" - many makers use same size, weight and thickness of frame for 28 as they use for 20. My Browning Citori was done that way - so do not save much for weight / size unless the frame reduced accordingly. That said - I just found wads / recipes for 7/8 ounce 28 gauge loads; as well as the "normal" 3/4 ounce loads. Had read there are even some recipes for 28 gauge one ounce loads - so is not giving up much, if anything, up to a 20 gauge, if you do the reloading thing. I have never seen "cheap" or "promotion" 28 gauge shells though - all seem to be "premium" type - so not going to save any dollars on store bought shells over a 20 gauge.
 
Ithaca M37 with 28 inch barrel is a nice upland companion. I find myself the 28 gauge #6 Winchester one ounce load is very close in performance to low brass 20 gauge 2 3/4 #7.5 birdshot, with identical chokes.
The 28 is just a little more deft in the hand.
 
Thanks folks,
I’m thinking maybe the Beretta SP1 28 gauge as the Berattas fit me well in 12 n 20, and I believe they are scaled frames from what I have read. Ammo is pricey though….
 
I've seen lots of shooters pick up a scaled frame 28 and find that it's a lot lighter than what they are used to and therefore don't shoot it very well. They find them 'whipey" and have no follow though due to the light weight.
I have a 28 on a 20 gauge frame as well as a 28 scaled frame and I find that I shoot the 20 frame much better but it could be that I don't shoot the scaled frame 28 enough to get used to it since the bulk of my shooting is done with a 9 lb sporting clays 12 gauge. As far as the cartridge itself goes, I use it on clay targets and upland game birds and the only time I find that I may want more is for late season birds with a lot of plummage. The velocity is the same as a 12 or 20, you just have less pellets so I usually choke up a bit tighter to concentrate them better.
 
I bought a used Winchester-Cooey Model 840 Single Shot in 28 gauge for my Grandson to use - I already can load for 28 gauge, so did not think the cartridge cost would matter as much. I was actually quite disappointed - Winchester-Cooey used same receiver, forearm, etc. for 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge - so at breech - 28 gauge barrel very thick - same outside diameter as 12 gauge - right through the length of forearm, then tapered rapidly to muzzle - so chamber walls very thick - essentially 12 gauge barrel size on outside and 28 gauge chamber inside. About total opposite of a "scaled" frame. But Grandson is quite pleased with it - does not "rock" him at all, like did the Single Shot 12 gauge that I started with.
 
It all depends on what and where you use your 28 gauge.For all around use the modified works best.Now in certain areas or times of the year ,different chokes work better.Improved cylinder early in the season when leaves are thick and shots close.Full for late in the season when leaves are off and birds more gun shy.:)The modified gives you a good compromise for all around use.
 
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