There's a lot of talk about 'brush guns'

[SHELL SHUCKER]

I fully agree with the 20 ga. as an effective bush gun, but I would prefer to
have a full bore, paradox type bullet in a rifled shotgun barrel. In a 20 gauge,
a 600 gr. lead bullet driven to 1200 fps. would be ideal on any critter in North
America at 100 yds. and less.

For a 12 bore, a 750-900gr. lead bomb is very dependable on big & dangerous game
at close quarters. It all depends on the skill of the shooter to put the pill into
the right spot to drop the game quick & clean.

Look at muzzleloader game records to confirm what big hunks of lead have
accomplished, as well as handgun big game records.

My own brush guns are a Winchester 1400 smoothbore and a Rossi .357 mag
baby carbine that I use for hunting in my neck of the woods. I'm building
up another baby carbine in .45 Colt for black bear hunting as well.
The shotgun and the Rossi's are fitted with ghost ring type sights to aid
in quick & accurate shooting at ranges to 100 yds. max.

Ideally, I shoot most all my game, except varmints, at below 80 yds.

 

[blasted_saber]

cycle between my Rem 870 Wingmaster with 20" rifle sighted smooth bore barrel, and my Win 94 in 3030 as my "brush gun". I really dont think a rifled barrel is necessary for close range shooting from a shotgun.

Ironically the closest deer I shot was with a 270WSM

 

[Calum]

In some places in NA the SKS is the brush gun of choice for some.

For me it is a light, short rifle, with iron sights.

For the record my currently "brush guns" are both H&R single shots. Either a 30/30, or a 45/70 (both with iron sights and or a red dot).

 

[Calum]

The whole idea that you've got to have a lever, pump, semi-auto, when hunting in the timber, implies that you expect to miss with your first shot.

Or perhaps they don't like to carry their extra ammo in their pocket.

It doesn't matter what action type you use, as long as can shoot accurately with it. Use an adequate caliber-bullet etc...

I agree.

 

[philthygeezer]

In thick "brush" swinging your gun is a lot more difficult with a long barrel.

This is what everyone says, and yet I've never noticed the difference between a 36" carbine or a 42" rifle catching on brush. And shorter guns don't swing as smooth.

Mind you I wait for a stop and a shot, and this is all .22 experience in the spruce moose forest.

 

[surplusfan]

I go to my 32 winchester special in thick woods. It has never let me down. I agree that you may come into a clearing, and it is nice to have a little more reach available should you want it. Mainly though, whatever you choose should be quick pointing, and have sights suited for easy target pick up. Just my opinion.