Who has a .410 Bore Shotgun... and why?

st1264

st1264

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Was thinking about getting the GF a .410 shotgun to learn on, just wondering who has one and what do you think of it? I'm sure this is the shotgun version of a 22lr in the rifle category. How much smaller is the receiver on the 410 Mossy 500 compared to the 20 or 12g? Being much quieter and having very little recoil would be a plus for her.

I've read that the caliber is great for rabbits, snakes and small game. Maybe it's just fun at the range? I see youtube videos of guys punching 00Buck 410 through steel cabinets and doors, don't think the caliber is that useless at close range.
 
I have a single shot .410 bore which was my very first firearm. I bought it and used it for partridge as a young lad.

Today I use it to introduce new shooters to shotguns. I let them shoot a couple of shells before very quickly moving them up to a 12 gauge.

If I was starting from scratch, I'd skip the .410 and get a 20 gauge. Shells are cheaper. Hunting and target options are closer to a 12 gauge. Easier to hit what you're shooting at than a .410.

So I recommend you get a 20 gauge rather than a .410 for a new shooter.
 
Price449 said:
Just man up and learn on a 12G. Cheaper ammo and once you get used to the recoil your golden pony boy.

410's are for small birds and small children!
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Did you read my post? GF is tiny and is used to a 10/22. I'm sure a lot of kids weigh more than 105 lbs.
 
I just bought a Mossberg bolt .410 on the EE recently, strictly because I shot one as a kid and wanted it for nostalgic reasons. I'll use it for House Sparrows and Starlings in the yard, but honestly, I think that your reason for getting one seems reasonable. Just don't expect it to be something that will have much practical application beyond basic instruction. It's a very poor choice for any hunting and should really be considered a gun for experts rather than casual amateurs. After a beginner has fired a couple of boxes through it and has gotten over their initial nervousness, it's definitely time for a 20-gauge.
 
jjohnwm said:
I just bought a Mossberg bolt .410 on the EE recently, strictly because I shot one as a kid and wanted it for nostalgic reasons. I'll use it for House Sparrows and Starlings in the yard, but honestly, I think that your reason for getting one seems reasonable. Just don't expect it to be something that will have much practical application beyond basic instruction. It's a very poor choice for any hunting and should really be considered a gun for experts rather than casual amateurs. After a beginner has fired a couple of boxes through it and has gotten over their initial nervousness, it's definitely time for a 20-gauge.
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What he said , ether a 20ga or a 12ga with low recoil ammo would be a smarter chose , unless you're really set on a 410
 
The 410 will be perfect for your girl friend to learn on. If she likes it and really gets into shooting you can always look into a 20g down the road or maybe it will be all she ever needs?
The 410 is a great little grouse gun and doesn't demolish the birds!
 
We bought a Citori in .410 for a few reasons:

1. It'll be great to teach our kids
2. It was a great deal
3. I like to beat people who are using 12g for trap with it, when they run their mouths

The ammo is expensive, but I really enjoy shooting it.

-J.
 
I'd say a 410 is good for a starter shotgun for the lady, keeping in mind it's obvious range limitations. The shells are quite expensive for what you get.....but then again, she's not going to put you in the poor house banging away on a 410. Next to nothing for recoil, and won't ring your bell when you hunt without ear pro. Good for squirrels, rabbits, grouse in the 15-20 meter range, with 20 pushing it IMHO (depending on your choice of shell and choke). I'm not bagging on the 410, just the pattern can get pretty thin.

My gal has a little 410 for yard pests, and a 20 gauge pump for more serious considerations. The regular cheapy bulk pack loads are about as much as she cares for in recoil, the 3" hunting loads are a bit much for her.

I have a 28 gauge single shot, which seems to punch way above what it should in performance, and not much recoil. Again, 28 gauge shells cost more, but you won't go broke.
 
Get a 20g instead. It wont beat her up, and it will be good for life as a bird and deer gun.

.410s are extremely limited in range. Like 15m max for a reliable kill on a grouse.

I own one and while I like the concept, in practical use I hate it.
 
I have a .410 because my Dad passed it along to me.

I wouldn't have bought one myself (well, probably not - ok, maybe would have just to say I have one and to fill the hole since I have a 28, 20, and a 12 as well).

I find you need to be a decent shot with the .410 compared to a 20 gauge, which is my favourite shotgun gauge (and I'm 6'1"/200 lbs, so not "afraid" of a 12, just don't need it for upland birds/bunnies).

The .410 needs to be aimed, where the 20 gives you some room to be "off a little" and still take out the target.

But for anyone that is very recoil sensitive, the .410 would be a "viable" shotgun. There isn't the greatest variety of them out there, at least in "starter" price points. The 500 Mossberg pump's fit/finish is half decent and may be the best "lower cost" .410 option, although it has the "standard" (14") length of pull. There is a Mossberg 510 "mini pump" for about 50 bucks more than the regular 500. It has inserts to make the LOP 10.5 to 11.5" but only has an 18.5" barrel, but depending on what she would use the shotgun for (shooting vs hunting), it could be viable.

If you want to spend some bucks, Browning has a fine .410 (Micro Midas) for smaller framed shooters
 
I have tried to find a Cooey 410 for years but so far no go. Have a old Paker Hale insert of a 12 gauge to use until I find a Cooey or buy a Turkish made one. Why I want one is because I am a old guy and can buy anything I darn well please.
 
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