Birding shotgun selection

[bck1968]

Here's the scoop:

It's not that I haven't gleaned a fair bit of knowledge from spending a few hours here doing search after search, but I've yet to come to any kind of conclusion.

I plan to go out bird hunting, upland and waterfowl, for the first time this Fall and to that end I expect to be buying my first shotgun in the near future. I know this much- I'm not a huge fan of recoil and I'm certain a 12 gauge is too much for me- I'm medium framed and vertically challenged. Therefore I'm leaning towards either a 16 or 20 gauge. I'm assuming some compromises will have to be made so the question is would either (or both) of these options fit the bill for both categories of birds?

If so, what shot loads should I be looking at for said types of hunting?

Any and all constructive input is much appreciated!

Thanks

Brian

 

[patricksbb391]

Bird Gun

Hey there:

A Beretta 391 Urika 391 in 20 gauge is very nice. In 16, I think your only choice is the Browning BPS. So, a choice between Semi and Pump if buying new.

Good luck.

Soggy.

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

It would certainly help to generate more appropriate recommendations if you specified a budget range, your preference (if any) for action type + your hunting conditions since you've Waterfowl in the equation.

Shotguns are kinda sensitive tools ...therefore, the first most important thing when selecting one (regardless of action type, guage etc) should be to determine GUN FIT.

Judging by your post, I take it that you haven't had an opportunity to shoot a 12ga yet? If so, suggest do not dismiss that guage too quickly as the impression of felt recoil will vary and more often than not blown out of proportion .

A one-gun-do-it-all that encompasses Upland/Waterfowl/Small Game hunting may not be entirely out of place provided you select the right tool to address that need. Obviously, that firearm will need to be steel shot compatible.

At this point, you'd be better served with a 12 or 20 ..... a 16ga will create a handicap as far as Waterfowl is concerned more due to the unavailability of requisite shell type (steel).

To dampen recoil from a 12ga one may opt for the semi-auto shotguns (various brands/price ranges). A 12ga is also the most versatile and may offer a new shotgunner/Hunter some "edges" in terms of performance.....more so, should you find yourself hunting Waterfowl more than Upland.

A 20ga semi (or a Pump action) will have comparatively less recoil and will serve above purpose almost equally well. Having said that, a 20ga may also produce substantial recoil and could be unpleasant to shoot specifically if the fit is not proper. Depending on brand, the advantage is that a 20 will almost always be lighter than a 12 and more conducive when it comes to Upland hunting (read walking around a lot ).

A synthetic stocked shotgun (semi or pump) although not as pretty as wood will be better against the elements.

One may also go for a sxs or o/u shotgun provided the selection criteria is proper and meets the conditions of Hunting scenarios that one may be confronted with.

Best of luck in your search!

 

[bck1968]

It would certainly help to generate more appropriate recommendations if you specified a budget range, your preference (if any) for action type + your hunting conditions since you've Waterfowl in the equation.

Shotguns are kinda sensitive tools ...therefore, the first most important thing when selecting one (regardless of action type, guage etc) should be to determine GUN FIT.

Judging by your post, I take it that you haven't had an opportunity to shoot a 12ga yet? If so, suggest do not dismiss that guage too quickly as the impression of felt recoil will vary and more often than not blown out of proportion .

A one-gun-do-it-all that encompasses Upland/Waterfowl/Small Game hunting may not be entirely out of place provided you select the right tool to address that need. Obviously, that firearm will need to be steel shot compatible.

At this point, you'd be better served with a 12 or 20 ..... a 16ga will create a handicap as far as Waterfowl is concerned more due to the unavailability of requisite shell type (steel).

To dampen recoil from a 12ga one may opt for the semi-auto shotguns (various brands/price ranges). A 12ga is also the most versatile and may offer a new shotgunner/Hunter some "edges" in terms of performance.....more so, should you find yourself hunting Waterfowl more than Upland.

A 20ga semi (or a Pump action) will have comparatively less recoil and will serve above purpose almost equally well. Having said that, a 20ga may also produce substantial recoil and could be unpleasant to shoot specifically if the fit is not proper. Depending on brand, the advantage is that a 20 will almost always be lighter than a 12 and more conducive when it comes to Upland hunting (read walking around a lot ).

A synthetic stocked shotgun (semi or pump) although not as pretty as wood will be better against the elements.

One may also go for a sxs or o/u shotgun provided the selection criteria is proper and meets the conditions of Hunting scenarios that one may be confronted with.

Best of luck in your search!

Ah, blanks I shall try to fill in!

Budget: Preferably under a thousand.
Action: No preference though I was marginally leaning towards pump, the idea of lower recoil of a semi auto is rather appealing.

I did shoot a 12 gauge once, years ago. I didn't enjoy it but I do have a bit more weight to me now.

 

[Ahsan Ahmed]

Ah, blanks I shall try to fill in!

Budget: Preferably under a thousand.
Action: No preference though I was marginally leaning towards pump, the idea of lower recoil of a semi auto is rather appealing.

I did shoot a 12 gauge once, years ago. I didn't enjoy it but I do have a bit more weight to me now.

Since you've still some time till the start of '09 season.....a constructive approach would be to try and handle the firearms (both used and new) at various Gun shops....helps determine fit/feel.

Used semi-autos (depending on brand/condition etc may be $1k +/-):
-Look for good deals on used Benelli, Beretta, Brownings.

Pumps (keep in mind that recoil + the firearm itself will be heavier in a 12ga):
-Browning BPS, Benelli Nova/Super Nova, Rem 870 WM etc (better quality finish on those).
-Rem 870 Express, Mossberg etc not as well finished but more cost efficient.

 

[Matt_mg]

One thing I found with the 12ga is that you need practice to get good coordination and avoid having a sore shoulder. The first time I shot sporting clays my shoulder was sore and after a season of shooting a round or two rounds every other weekend I was hunting geese using magnum loads without a hitch...

If I was in SK I'd let you try my BPS, @ 160 pounds I have no problem with the 12 gauge but I'm not sure what you mean by medium build.