Grouse gun recommendation-please help.

S

Scott Bear

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Prince George
So, I went grouse hunting for the first time (actually my first time hunting ever) this past weekend and absolutely loved it. I used my girlfriend's grandfather's old Stevens 22-410. I had to epoxy the old plastic black and brown stock back together after the test fire and the rear sight is missing but the 410 was right on target. I was impressed with the power of the 410. I found no pellets in the breasts so I can only assume it was a through and through shot?

I would like to invest in a nice shotgun for grouse hunting. I hear a side by side is the way to go for upland game and was wondering what people liked. So far my options are Yildiz or Ugartechea since I'm not really sure who else makes SXSs. I was leaning towards the 20g since it might be more versatile, but have read some recent posts on the 28g. I would prefer something light to carry so a 20g made on a 12g action would not be ideal.

I am open to all options (O/U also considered) as well as other calibers. Cost of ammo, ease of reloading and all other factors will play a part in the decision making process. I'm not big on engraving, but if it is included in the price so be it. This gun does not have to double as a duck gun since I would probably just use my Citori or get a pump.

Thanks for any advice.
 
As you surmised a 20 gauge is more versatile than the .410 and ammunition cheaper and more available than a 28 gauge. A sxs is the traditional grouse gun and I use one, though a light O/U would do as well. The advantage of a sxs is they are usually made lighter than O/U guns. You might want to check the EE for a good used sxs and by all means try one for fit before you buy. Godd luck.
 
i use a H&R single shot 20g. Purfect and light well built gun. the cost of 179.00 is also nice.I have not run into the need for any double shots yet, that would be the only drawback if you flush a group of grouse
 
Did you see the Franchi Highlander SxS in the EE? They are new and they handle wonderfully IMHO. Beautiful guns at around 1500, a real bargin. I shot a buddys that bought one and had to get one myself. :)
 
My favourite gauge for partridge(ruffed grouse)hunting is the 28 gauge.My two favourite 28 gauge shotguns for use in the uplands are my AYA Model 3A SXS and my Franchi 48 AL auto loader.Both are light to carry in the field (5 1/2 pounds) and work well on the birds.
 
Scott Bear said:
So, I went grouse hunting for the first time (actually my first time hunting ever) this past weekend and absolutely loved it. I used my girlfriend's grandfather's old Stevens 22-410. I had to epoxy the old plastic black and brown stock back together after the test fire and the rear sight is missing but the 410 was right on target. I was impressed with the power of the 410. I found no pellets in the breasts so I can only assume it was a through and through shot?

I would like to invest in a nice shotgun for grouse hunting. I hear a side by side is the way to go for upland game and was wondering what people liked. So far my options are Yildiz or Ugartechea since I'm not really sure who else makes SXSs. I was leaning towards the 20g since it might be more versatile, but have read some recent posts on the 28g. I would prefer something light to carry so a 20g made on a 12g action would not be ideal.

I am open to all options (O/U also considered) as well as other calibers. Cost of ammo, ease of reloading and all other factors will play a part in the decision making process. I'm not big on engraving, but if it is included in the price so be it. This gun does not have to double as a duck gun since I would probably just use my Citori or get a pump.

Thanks for any advice.
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12 gauge Remington 870 Black synthetic using 7 1/2 shot size field loads. Have fun.
 
I love chasing bush chickens, have used pretty much every gauge and shotgun configuration in the process. I think you'll find a 20ga about optimal. rounds can be had very cheap, and it gives you great versatility. I keep a few slugs in my pocket incase I come upon a chance to sneak up in a bear/deer while chasing grouse. You can get winchester bulk packs (100rnds) at wally world for about $25.

I love my BPS Upland, but if I had a bigger budget, I'd be looking at a 20ga O/U with 26" barrels.
 
A 20G SxS is nice, but, there are many "great" older 12 bores out there that are as every bit as light, or lighter, that can be had for a reasonable price. I have also had every gauge and configuration (in search of the perfect grouse gun) and settled on a 30" barreled Army & Navy C.S.L. BLE 12 bore, weighing in just over 6 lbs. The skies the limit in load configuration, and you can select specific loads to compensate if you have fixed chokes.

Good luck with your search, I hope you locate your perfect grouse gun.
 
I'd stick to a 12 or 20 gauge, with an open choke. I shoot No. 4 steel shot through mine for grouse, as I get essentially all pass throughs and only use non toxic shot on stuff we eat. If you go with a 12g, you're set for waterfowl, predator hunting, deer etc too should the urge ever hit you.

As a side note don't presume a smaller gauge gun is lighter, or smaller, my 12 gauge side by side is lighter than most 28 gauge side by sides. I can also load down to 7/8oz loads easily, or right up to 1 1/2 oz of shot, so you gain a lot of versatility. The handling and weight is more dependent on quality than gauge. The gun below has ultra-thin hammer forged tubes and comes in at 6lbs and a hair, in 12 gauge with 3" chambers and interchangeable chokes. To tell the truth, aside from my wife's 20 gauge, I only own one shotgun now. It's all you need, and it will likely be with me to bag a deer with a slug next week.

Here's my 12g and last week's grouse. Was excellent fare!

GrouseandGL-1.jpg


And 12g lets you put the bigger stuff on the table too.

DSCF2578.jpg
 
I'm glad you had a great time. Hunting grouse is a passion for many people, myself included.
I find hunting grouse with a single shot 20 fun and challenging. If you are with a group, one shot is often enough, as others will have their chance to shoot if multiple birds are flushed. The H&R topper deluxe is a nicer single shot with ventilated rib and screw-in choke. Our family has a cabin just outside a large wildlife management area, so if I am hunting there, I use an O/U 12 because of the steel shot requirement (no. 6 shot).
If you are on a budget tradeex has some decent used SXS's (Brno, Merkel, Baikal)for $350-$700.
 
I use a old Cooey Single shot 20 gauge that I bought from here on EE for $75 shipping included. Works great, if your strong enough to pull the 10 lb trigger LOL.

I also like to use a .22lr rifle up North when they are walking around on the logging roads. Like shooting fish out a barrel.

A person could easily live on wild chicken in Northern Ontario if all he had was a .22
 
blueflash said:
I also like to use a .22lr rifle up North when they are walking around on the logging roads. Like shooting fish out a barrel.
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Agreed! When im not using my sxs 20 ga, the .22 is my next go to gun. Get em in the head and theres no chance of ruining the breat meat. Easy on the ears too
 
I like the 410, I have a single shot Cooey that works great. If I were to change it at all I would go with one of those folding models (easier to fit in a pack or car). The 28 guage has also intrested me, at the cost of the gun does ammo cost really matter?
If you never got any pellets in the breast then you probably did a head shot, pattern your gun at a few ranges to know where your pellets are going. If they went through the breast you would know it as the pellet will drag a feather or two with it and makes a fairly noticable wound channel.
As for the rimfires I found them limiting, a .17hmr will blow them up..., a 22 is good but if they tree your screwed (unless you don't mind launching a bullet up in the air and not care when or where it comes down).
The 20 does give you the most options though (slugs for larger critters).
 
I use everything from a 12 ga o/u or pump to a single 410. My favorite is my Dad's 20 ga 870 pump with a 26" mod barrel. they all work as long as the operator is able. In my area ground shots are rare so you better be quick to get your shotgun up and moving or you will be shooting where they were instead of where they are going. Nothing wrong with a good old Cooey in any caliber.
 
i use a o/u 28 gauge its nice cause its purty hard to miss with it and u can shoot them on the fly. but most the chickens i see are sittin on logging roads so i kinda want a .22lr so i dont gotta deal with pellets in the breast. id recommend 2 guns 22lr and shotgun id either go with a 410 or a 20 guage 410 cause theres less pellets or 20 guage for cheaper ammo
 
Grouse gun

SHOOT what you have!!! i also have a .22mag/410 works fine,but it shoots high. i have several 12 guage pumps but really enjoy my 100 year old ITHACA "flues " model double. i have 20 guage inserts so i can shoot12 or 20 guage rounds. If i am shooting with the 20guage tubes, i only carry 20 guage shells, except for several rounds of 12 ga. buckshot that i keep in a zippered pocket. E mail me if you would like more info on these tubes. POPS (GLENN):cool:
 
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