What's your go-to grouse hunting setup?

Since around 1967, my hunting companion has mostly been my dear old Savage 24H-DL .22/20ga. I bought it new back then and shows the use. Before that, and the odd time after, my Dad's old Tobin 12ga. double did service as well. The Savage is more useful, especially for longer shots at Prairie Chicken.
 
This fall was an old 16ga sxs. Last year was 22. I seem to switch between a 22 or a shotgun from year to year. But whatever I choose on opining day, I stick with it for the season.
 
At this point I believe I've killed more ruffled grouse with the tc hotshot I bought for my son. It's so compact and easy to throw in the atv toolbox and it's so accurate. Headshots are no problem.
 
My baikel 20ga single. Reliable and taken many many birds. Bought it for $40 and I don’t cry when it hits trees or it raining. Sometimes I use dads 1963 era 870 wing master. 12ga. Usually 7 1/2 shot.
 
Shotgun: 28 ga (Rem 1100 Sporting 28, Benelli Ethos or Win 37A) with 7.1/2's or 8's
Bow: Compound for longer shots, or recurve for out to 25 yards - with G5 SGH or small snaros.
 
Northern Ont hunt camp meat pot ground killing a 22RF fills the bill. Southern Ontario bush lot upland hunting with a good dog a 20gauge o/u or pump or auto with #7 1/2 shot works nicely.
 
I used a mini break action cocking crossbow this year (don't worry it was legal and over 600mm in length). Bagged me 9 forest chickens this year while out looking for deer. Quiet as can be, light weight and very effective with the right arrows at 25 yards.
 
Last couple years I've fallen in love with 28ga. This past two seasons the dogs and I have been on an upland bird quest. Between a franchi o/u and a Beretta SP, #6 shot, I've not had any issues with any of the forest or prairie grouse so far!
 
For the last several years my go to grouse gun has been my awesome Benelli Montefelftro Silver in 20 gauge. I recently bought a beautiful Huglu O/U in 28 gauge. I know everyone’s mileage will vary considering gauges and loads etc. but I am not terribly impressed with the 28 gauge, in my experience it does not kill nearly as well as the 20 gauge. Love the gun but my go to grouse gun will continue to be the 20 gauge Benelli.
 
Hunter7 said:
For the last several years my go to grouse gun has been my awesome Benelli Montefelftro Silver in 20 gauge. I recently bought a beautiful Huglu O/U in 28 gauge. I know everyone’s mileage will vary considering gauges and loads etc. but I am not terribly impressed with the 28 gauge, in my experience it does not kill nearly as well as the 20 gauge. Love the gun but my go to grouse gun will continue to be the 20 gauge Benelli.
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Try a little more choke with the 28 and 7 1/2 or 8 shot you may change your mind.
 
20 ga Beretta o/u. #7.5

Enough Said:

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Ac-130 gunship..if that doesn't kill em' dead, I use a single shot .22 for a follow up shot!
 
Hunter7 said:
I am already using full and IM with 71/2 and 8. Not impressed.
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Don't know much about the Turk guns other than I don't want one but my Berettas , Brownings and Remingtons are stellar on the pattern and killing department. I find your experience with the 28 unusual but go with what works for you.
 
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