First shotgun recommendation for hunting grouse

You don't need a sledgehammer to drive a tack. A 16, 20 or 28 gauge are more than enough to kill grouse. Nothing wrong with a 12 but not necessary for hunting grouse. My 2 cents.
 
Yeah... but the OP is asking for a recommendation for a 1st shotgun... the versality/availability of the 12G is hard to beat.

100% agreed that 12ga is the default setting for "do everything"
But 20 ga can do a lot too

I use a 20ga for grouse and turkey. I'm never gonna hunt ducks or geese so its a great bird gun for me.

It all depends on what OP's plans are.
 
Of course, if the end-goal is to have multiple shotguns...

One can start with a nice double, with a appropriatly sized-action to the bore of choice... This way he'll be able to justify have having something nice for chasing grouse in thick bushes. Something else for pheasants... and than waterfowls... and sporting clays/trap/skeet...

If his significant other hunt (or might be interested in), now would be a good time to start buying 2-guns set...

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A 12g with removable chokes, doesn’t matter if it’s a single shot, pump or semi. The grouse won’t know the difference, 12g shells are everywhere and still relatively cheap. Removable chokes will allow you to shoot steel or lead and pick your appropriate pattern for your distances etc.

This is good advice.^

The Mossberg Maverick 88 is a budget priced pump gun with a good reputation. Price is $300 to $350. It comes with a modified removable choke, and cost about $30 to buy additional chokes. Get an improved cylinder choke and you're set.

If you have a larger budget, then Remington 870, AND Browning BPS are solid choices.
 
I use a Turkish made Ricol 20g O/U.

I prefer #4 shot, but #6 will do in a pinch.

Easily the best grouse gun I have ever had.
 
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