Ruark on gauge for quail.....

[Milton C Starr]

I have been wondering how range changes your quail load/gun needs or wants.
Before 2018 it used to be real close range shooting probably 10-15 yards, then hurricane Michael leveled most of the pine trees. Now you're looking at alot more wide open spaces.

I think this video shows the capabilities of the 28 gauge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcr5Bd0vQqU

[Joe from MO]

I've debated buying a 28 for years.... Never have done it though, because "Pre Pandemic" ammo shortages aside, I always thought that a 20ga gun, with light loads is a lot cheaper to shoot, than the 28's and does about the same thing. I don't do enough quail hunting to really have a desire to own a 28. That said, it's still an itch I feel needs scratching at some point.

I do have a .410, but it's one of those new fangled Rem 1100 autoloading contraptions...

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Milton C Starr

I have been wondering how range changes your quail load/gun needs or wants.
Before 2018 it used to be real close range shooting probably 10-15 yards, then hurricane Michael leveled most of the pine trees. Now you're looking at alot more wide open spaces.

I think this video shows the capabilities of the 28 gauge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcr5Bd0vQqU

He's pretty much preaching to the choir here. Thanks for the video.

[charlie cleveland]

I would have to stick with the old 12 ga with 26 inch barrels im proved cly and full chokes...charlie

[mobirdhunter]

A great thread -- Thanks, Pat.

I propose that the best quail gun is one you shoot well and have confidence in; and that you use, preferably over dogs you've trained yourself, in covers you love.

I've used all gauges on quail except a 10. I only use a 12 when I think I might run into a pheasant (which is not often where we hunt).

I've probably killed more quail with a 28 than any other gauge, but mostly because I used one during those years when we had more quail.

I recently bought a nice Watson Bros. 28 with beautiful 28 inch Damascus barrels and it performed perfectly during the 3 or so weeks I used it this year.

A 16 with light loads throws wonderful patterns in the right gun, and a 20 -- well, let's just say it's a proven gauge.

Here's a couple of 28s that have served me well in the quail fields.

[Gerald McPherson]

I recently bought a CZ-USA Woodcock Deluxe 20 gauge from a local fellow who had to give up shooting shotguns due to health issues. I am surprised how smooth it operates, not a hard spot anywhere. He thought he has shot it 1500 to 2000 rounds so it is broken in I suppose. I shot 25 rounds at clays in my backyard a few days ago and I think that little gun was built for me. I'm looking forward to really getting tuned in with it.

[mobirdhunter]

As I said, a great thread...

Here's a great 12 bore quail gun, a 29" Damascus barreled Dickson round action that weighs not much over 6 lbs and with chokes .008/.013. A delight to carry. I hope the "Great" Askins would approve.

[Double Lab]

With all due respect to you and Capt. Askins Harry he wrote in "Modern shotguns and loads", published in 1929 and I quote;

p86: "For personal reasons only I do not like a 12 bore except for waterfowl shooting. The normal gun weighs more than I like to carry, and it has unnecessary power for such birds as snipe, quail, woodcock and grouse. Any time the shooter begins to reason that he needs a lighter gun than seven pounds, take my word for it that he needs a smaller bore than a twelve."

I couldn't agree more.

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by Daryl Corona

With all due respect to you and Capt. Askins Harry he wrote in "Modern shotguns and loads", published in 1929 and I quote;

p86: "For personal reasons only I do not like a 12 bore except for waterfowl shooting. The normal gun weighs more than I like to carry, and it has unnecessary power for such birds as snipe, quail, woodcock and grouse. Any time the shooter begins to reason that he needs a lighter gun than seven pounds, take my word for it that he needs a smaller bore than a twelve."

I couldn't agree more.

Ha! Now that makes Askins even "Great-er" in my eyes now.

[6pt-Sika]

It might be worth noting that George Bird Evans after years of carrying Dr. Charles Norris’s Purdey in later years decided to lay it aside and carry an AYA 28 gauge . Now I think that was partly brought on by a bad shoulder , but none the less he still went to a 28 .