SxS VS. O/U

[Win/64]

I think you made a wise move (even if it's not a sxs lol) Those Stoegers feel like bricks. Post some pic's when you get it and an overall review.

 

[roadwarrior]

Here she is (from the Tradex site):

I can't waite to feel her up

 

[Win/64]

Here she is (from the Tradex site):

I can't waite to feel her up

You naughty boy. It looks a bit like my 200E Merkel.

 

[a j cave]

I have both and take a browning sxs most places.Had chance to handle a AYA 28 a while back.both handle & felt right + it was eye candy. Owner got it used and would not resell. With any shotgun (imho) if it dont fit it dont shoot. any ga, any action, fit & fun.AJ

 

[Varmit]

What do you guy's like best for upland game? And why? Any prefered bore size?

Even though I've been hunting deer and moose for 35 years, I just got into upland birds last fall after getting a golden retriever that was bought as a pet. when the dog was 6 months old a grouse ran into the side of a car in front of the house and I showed it to her to see if she was interested. Well, she ate the whole bird guts, head, bones, everything. Now I'm into the birds big time.

Now to the question, I went to a gun show in fredericton and was dead set on a 12 ga SxS or O/U. All the guys there told me to get a 20. I still wanted a 12, but when I shouldered the 12 berreta (O/U) and then the 20, I could not resist the 6 lb 20 ga.

I used it all last fall and am glad I got the 20. It handles extremley fast for the exploding grouse. There's no doubt a 12 would kill further out, but so would a 10 ga. and there are so many pheasants that come up within 20 yards that even with a 20 I hoping there's something left for the pot.

You get cripples no matter what you use as for some reason the bird is not always centered in the pattern, (I haven't figure out why yet). That's where the dog shines, she will dig them out of nastest stuff.

You could go with a 12 and use cheap ammo ease up on the killing power when you want to, but then you still have to carry a heavy gun and some of them are 8 lbs!

 

[carlo_b]

28 will work great on phesants with a good choke, I have shot lots of duck with me ugaartachea 28 sxs mod-full and #4 biss.

 

[Win/64]

28 will work great on phesants with a good choke, I have shot lots of duck with me ugaartachea 28 sxs mod-full and #4 biss.

As far as I am concerned 16 ga rules when it comes to Pheasants My 16 double weighs in at under 6 lbs and is a joy to carry.

 

[Grouse Man]

Right now I have an old mossberg 500 with full choke and 28" barrel that works ok buts its not what I want (got it for free). I feel 28 is way too long for a bush gun and full choke isn't exactly the best for upland bird.

You have the foundation for a decent bush/grouse gun already. Have that barrel bobbed at 24" or so. What you'll now have is a truly deadly killer. It will now (hopefully) throw wide, evenly spread patterns with a full 12 gauge payload. The fringe of that pattern will be as deadly as the center. And a pump with a 24" barrel will have a quicker swing but should still be smooth enough for wingshooting. Lighter, too.

 

[Grouse Man]

If all you want to do is "ground pound" sitting birds, you will find a coach gun effective, I suppose, but the birds deserve better. Learn the joy of shooting flying game with a good fitting and well-balanced double and you'll be hooked for life!

Hear! Hear! Well said. Doesn't have to be a double, just something that fits well. No, there's no satisfaction in shooting a bird on the ground.

 

[Win/64]

You have the foundation for a decent bush/grouse gun already. Have that barrel bobbed at 24" or so. What you'll now have is a truly deadly killer. It will now (hopefully) throw wide, evenly spread patterns with a full 12 gauge payload. The fringe of that pattern will be as deadly as the center. And a pump with a 24" barrel will have a quicker swing but should still be smooth enough for wingshooting. Lighter, too.

24"? I like longer barrels myself. They swing much better. But I never shoot birds on the ground.

 

[Grouse Man]

I agree, rethinking I'd limit the cut to 26". The choke will still be gone.

 

[marty vk]

20 gauge with 26 inch barrels in improved cylinder and modified choke. The side by side is the traditional choice but I tend to use whatever feels right for me. Personally I use an over and under as I shoot better with the single sight plane. I also owned a 16 gauge side by side that I liked and regret selling. Both shot grouse (and rabbits) equally well.