what do you use for grouse partridge and why?

these days I typically use one of my 28 gauge SxS guns with anything from 8 to 6 shot

One of the advantages of using a smaller gauge (on a scaled frame) is the reduced weight - very helpful after miles/hours in the field.

Most of the lower end double barrels are just too heavy. I owned a Mossberg silver reserve O/U 28 gauge for a short time. Damn thing weighed a ton! Much heavier than my buddy's featherweight 12 gauge B-gun.

The CZ and Yildiz are scaled frame and the Yildlz for sure has some aluminum in the receiver. I own a CZ 28 and it is one of my go-to shotguns for upland birds
 
Savage 24. 22 on top and 20 ga on bottom. Before it I always found that I'd have the shotgun and a shot would arise that I wish had the 22 or the other way around. Best of both worlds carrying it other than its heavy to carry on long walks.
 
To the OP. Looks like you are in Ontario. Lots of good advice that does not need repeating. There is no one size fits all in the upland game. Make sure whatever gun you choose will fit the terrain you are hunting. Dense bush many people will choose a shorter barrel as you have no time to think, usually a snap shot (my type). More open country, more time, longer barrel may suit you. Hunting over a dog (my preference) is a different game than without. You almost have time to think:) when shooting over a dog in dense bush. Weight is a factor if you do lot of walking. I use a 16 ga sxs because it is lighter than a 12 to pack but still has enough moxy to punch through the heavy spruce boughs etc. A 20 would probably be just as effective in that regard.

Hoyt: Excellent photos once again. Have to ask. It looks like you prettied up your beautiful springer for that shot? She can't look that good after pounding the bush all day.
 
Years ago I used a Browning Citori in 20 gauge IC/mod.Bought it new in 75 when I lived in PQ.
Like a fool I sold it when I moved to the north coast of BC.
Just found myself an 870 special field with 21 inch imp cyl barrel.
Looking forward to the 2017 season:)
 
I use a Ithaca SxS 20 ga. double triggers, 28" tubes, M&F. Nice wee gun that my Dad had willed to him years ago. Probably dates from the late 30's or 40's. My Dad gave it to me when I first started hunting it was my first gun. I carry it on the atv and loaded with 6's or 7.5's its a dandy partridge gun.
 
Last two seasons I had good success with a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge. Have since traded that for a nice CZ Ringneck which unfortunately did not fit me well. Replaced the CZ with a Browning BPS Upland Special 20 gauge. Looking forward to next season! I think the short barrelled BPS Upland will be just the ticket. Most of my grouse hunting is in pretty thick stuff.
 
Forgot to mention in my last post. I usually use an IC choke, though sometimes Mod. Any 7/8oz or 1oz load of 7 1/2s or 6s works for ruffies.
 
badgreenbird said:
these days I typically use one of my 28 gauge SxS guns with anything from 8 to 6 shot

One of the advantages of using a smaller gauge (on a scaled frame) is the reduced weight - very helpful after miles/hours in the field.

Most of the lower end double barrels are just too heavy. I owned a Mossberg silver reserve O/U 28 gauge for a short time. Damn thing weighed a ton! Much heavier than my buddy's featherweight 12 gauge B-gun.

The CZ and Yildiz are scaled frame and the Yildlz for sure has some aluminum in the receiver. I own a CZ 28 and it is one of my go-to shotguns for upland birds
Click to expand...

I agree with Badgreenbird ,,,,,a Classic SxS in 28 ga. is the best , I have used in 50 years of chasing grouse
around the thick bush . Mine is a AYA Model - #3 , made in 1980 . Light for all day carry with it's own scaled
down frame.
The 28 ga. is all you need for all shots in the bush . Ammo. is also a little smaller & lighter than 20.
In my book , the classic SXS is the best . My # 2 choice is another SxS but a 20 ga. Ithaca Flues , made in
1912. ,,,,,,,,,,,, Frank
 
Another single shot .410 grouse hunter here. My beater Baikal gets the job done, and I've never had a problem with it.

32807666396_7c08a7be91_o.jpg
 
If going by the gun I've used most and killed the most ruffed grouse with, then marks me down for an 870wingmaster in 20ga with either Sk or IC choke screwed in. Last couple years I've run high brass #6's. Number six shot seems to kill well for me and I use high brass loads simply because I prefer the look over the tin/aluminum crap hulls lol. No performance based reason.


If asked what I think the proper shotgun to use on ruffed grouse, I'd definitely give the nod to a SxS. Make mine a 20 or 28, but whichever guage a person prefers is fine.

If a rule book ever came out on code of conduct while hunting pa' trridge I'd guarantee somewhere inside would make mention of a SxS , English setters, and brass bells.
 
^Leveractionjunkie, I am very close to your opinion. Presently a 20 gauge 1971 made Ithaca Featherlight is at the gunsmith getting a broken shell stop screw drilled out and replaced.
My other best grouse gun, SKB made for Ithaca, 20 gauge Model 500 O/U with 26inch pipes in fixed IC and Mod.

Have used 22/410 combos and various pump action 12 gauges, but the first two are almost always first pick from this household. Lately I tend to have a wondering eye for working man's grade, English SxS's 1950s vintage, 12 bore 2 3/4 inch as a third pick. And I did buy a 28 pump this past October.

Cheers
 
Frank McFarquhar said:
I agree with Badgreenbird ,,,,,a Classic SxS in 28 ga. is the best , I have used in 50 years of chasing grouse
around the thick bush . Mine is a AYA Model - #3 , made in 1980 . Light for all day carry with it's own scaled
down frame.
The 28 ga. is all you need for all shots in the bush . Ammo. is also a little smaller & lighter than 20.
In my book , the classic SXS is the best . My # 2 choice is another SxS but a 20 ga. Ithaca Flues , made in
1912. ,,,,,,,,,,,, Frank
Click to expand...

I have a 28 gauge AYA Model 3A that I purchased back in 1976.Great upland gun.Never had a problem with it in all these years.From what I understand ,the cost of 28 gauge AYA guns has gone through the roof in recent years.Back when I purchased mine they were very reasonable to buy.
 
28 gauge now a weatherby auto nice gun comes up quick has choke tubes and a decent size.Shot a pile of doves in Argentina (7000) and found there was little difference between the 20 and 28 imho
 
I don't like picking shot out of my breasts, so I shoot 'em in the head with a ruger 10/22
 
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