Top small game shotgun picks?

D

diemaco

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I just started seriously hunting small game this year. Needless to say it is quickly becoming my favorite type of hunting and I am addicted to grouse.

Currently I hunt for ruffed grouse and rabbits mostly. I purchased a 20 gauge remington 870 with a 26" barrel this fall for the purpose. I like it, but would like to aquire something a little nicer, and use the 870 for a loaner.

I'm pretty set on 20 gauge because of its versatility and the cheap ammo. The 28 gauge is tempting, but I'm a poor enough shot that I think the 20 will be a little more forgiving.

I want a gun that doesn't weight anymore than the 870 (6.5lbs IIRC), isn't any longer, and is around $1000 or less. My preference is for a semi but I'm open to other action types.

Obviously I will check the feel/fit before I buy. What do you recommend?
 
Well I'm a 12 guage fan, so I'd recommend that for starters. I like 870s personally, I haven't found any other shotgun I feel more comfortable with. Go to your lgs (local gun shop) and start shouldering different guns. Take a note of model and price of any you like then head home and ask the interwebzzz what they think of them...base your decision on that.
 
- For ruffed grouse and rabbits ...
- Nicer than an 870 ...
- 20 gauge ...
- No more than 6.5 lbs. ...
- No longer than the 870 ...
- $1,000 or less ...

Diemaco, you are describing a 20 gauge CZ Bobwhite SxS. (Except for the part where you say you would prefer a semi auto.) Remember that the SxS was created to do exactly the kind of shooting that you want to do. No pump or semi will be as fast on ruffed grouse or rabbits.


Sharptail
 
Get a Martial Fabarm 14". Extremely light, corrosion resistant, dead reliable. I have the "pro forces" model which I believe is around $899 right now. Love it. Patterns nice out to 20M with the option of screw on chokes. I have a 4" full choke for it, which is for the most part unnecessary for most small game purposes.

Size comparison to an 18" REM.

n647466120_553142_7789.jpg
 
type of hunting and I am addicted to grouse.
Click to expand...

Not to try and get off topic as you are looking for a shotgun, but I
must chime in and say the best gun for grouse is a .22lr

I know it sucks when the grouse is above the horizon, but with the
head shot of a .22 makes eating and cleaning a breeze.

Same with rabbits but it gets hairy :rolleyes: when they're on the run and
a shotgun is much easier.

As well, for $1000 you can get a decent 12 or 20 gauge AND a
.22lr just check out the EE and you'll see,

Cheers
Pea
 
Singles, SXS's and O/U's (any break-action) are the way to go for small game. Shorter (no action length compared to pumps and semis), lighter, better balance in hand, easier and qucker to the shoulder are all important factors when trekking around and suddenly being faced with a bird taking off. I use a 12 O/U but a 20 would probably be better providing it's a true scaled down version and not just a 12 with swapped 20 gauge barrels. (If I'm going to be carrying the full weight of a 12, I'll shoot a 12).

For potting remote area ground sitting birds, rabbits and hares, a 410 is best. ( Less meat damage.)
 
Nine said:
Get a Martial Fabarm 14". Extremely light, corrosion resistant, dead reliable. I have the "pro forces" model which I believe is around $899 right now. Love it. Patterns nice out to 20M with the option of screw on chokes. I have a 4" full choke for it, which is for the most part unnecessary for most small game purposes.

Size comparison to an 18" REM.

n647466120_553142_7789.jpg
Click to expand...

A pistol grip Shotgun for "Wing Shooting". :rolleyes:
 
Get a used O/U

The best gun for upland hunting is an O/U in 20 or 28 gauge. They are significantly lighter than a 12 ga and much more pleasant to carry around in the woods all day.

20 ga guns are usually cheaper to acquire and feed, as well as much more common than 28s. A new O/U will be more than your budget if you want a quality gun. For $1,000, you can try and find a used Browning Citori or Beretta 686. Get one with choke tubes preferably. If fixed chokes, my preference is Light modified (Upper barrel) over skeet or IC (lower barrel), or modified over IC.

If you insist on getting a new gun, get a quality semi, rather than a cheap double. I recommend a Browning Silver hunter in 20 ga, with a 26 inch barrel.
 
In the $1,000 range there are two semis worth considering, the Browning Silver and the Beretta 391 Basic. Both are good guns. A third choice might be a Remington 1100 or 11/87 although I think the Beretta and Browning semi-autos are better guns.

As noted by others a used 20 gauge o/u is an option. As well as the Browning and Beretta I'd keep my eyes open for a Winchester 101 or an SKB.
 
diemaco said:
I just started seriously hunting small game this year. Needless to say it is quickly becoming my favorite type of hunting and I am addicted to grouse.

Currently I hunt for ruffed grouse and rabbits mostly. I purchased a 20 gauge remington 870 with a 26" barrel this fall for the purpose. I like it, but would like to aquire something a little nicer, and use the 870 for a loaner.

I want a gun that doesn't weight anymore than the 870 (6.5lbs IIRC), isn't any longer, and is around $1000 or less. My preference is for a semi but I'm open to other action types.
Click to expand...

Well, 20 gauge is perfectly fine for what you are hunting. I use both an 870 Wingmaster and a Remington 1100 G3 depending on the mood I'm in. Both work great. If I do my part there is meat on the table. The G3 was over $1000 though.

If the 870 you bought is an Express model, consider getting an 870 Wingmaster. The fit and finish is far superior to the Express and the stocks are usually very nice walnut. And since you like the 870 already there should be no learning curve. New Wingmasters are under $1000.00 which will leave a few dollars to buy some more shells!
 
I would take a break action over a repeater any day. I too shoots a 20ga pump for upland, but nothing beats a twin pipe. SXS would be my choice.
 
a nice littel sxs is the best gun for upland hunting in 20g .you are lossing all the weight and leghth of the action .thy swing so nice and come up so fast .you may have to try a few doubles to find one that fits you just right .but once you try it you will fall in love DUTCH
 
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