To buy a .410 or not to buy a .410

[Licensed to kill]

I beg to differ on that, I thought that as well until I tried it. I bought 1oz loads for the 28g and my 20g still performs better with 7/8 oz loads than the 28 does with 1 oz.

“Performs better” how? There are a LOT of variables between guns that can affect “performance” that are not gauge related.

 

[Falconflyer]

The 28 g is definitely not a "glorified" 410

 

[Hunter7]

“Performs better” how? There are a LOT of variables between guns that can affect “performance” that are not gauge related.

Better more consistent patterning, if it works for you great, use whatever you like just relating my experience. I have even tried aftermarket extended choke tubes, made very little difference.

 

[Licensed to kill]

Better more consistent patterning, if it works for you great, use whatever you like just relating my experience. I have even tried aftermarket extended choke tubes, made very little difference.

OK, I was just wondering what you meant by “performance”.

 

[Grouseman2]

Are you sure about that? I've always read the regs as 20ga is the smallest you can use when loaded with shot ie buckshot. I've never used and wouldn't use smaller than a 20ga anyway but my take is even a 410 slug is legal.

You could be right ... my bad

 

[saskgunowner101]

The 28 g is definitely not a "glorified" 410

That's one of those things that you read (a 28 is a glorified 410), and it's a safe bet to discount pretty much anything else the person has to say...

 

[antiqueguy]

I can see a legitimate use for the smaller guns, 410 and 28g in sub gauge competitions but for hunting purposes I personally am not a fan. I own both 410 and 28g guns as well as 20, 12 and 10 gauge. IMO for hunting you are handicapping yourself with a 410 or a 28g. Just my experience and opinion, I know they have a loyal following but I am not impressed. Yes they kill at very short ranges but so will a slingshot. My nickname for a 410 is a “cripple stick” and find the 28g to be a glorified 410. I am referring to upland game hunting not waterfowl. They do not pattern as well or kill as well as a 20g in my experience and if the only reason to buy one is to save weight for carrying purposes there are light weight 20g guns that are available. When I was young my first shotgun was a borrowed Cooey single shot 12g. Kicked like a mule but killed like a bazooka For me the 20g is the sweet spot for upland hunting but again just my opinion and experience, use whatever you like that works for you.

For squirrels and rabbits in overgrown wood lots .410 is great my old bolt action mossberg patterns good enough. Would I use it for wing shooting not really then again I don’t do much of that.

 

[antiqueguy]

I beg to differ on that, I thought that as well until I tried it. I bought 1oz loads for the 28g and my 20g still performs better with 7/8 oz loads than the 28 does with 1 oz.

That’s odd I find that if the shot column is closer to the same length as it is bore diameter patterns rent to be better. Longer columns tent to have a huge shot string.