Defining the "Perfect Grouse Gun"

[Former User]

I'm a really avid ruffed grouse hunter and have been in search of the perfect grouse gun "for me" since I graduated from college in 1984.

I think the perfect grouse gun for me is a 12 bore that weighs 6-1/4 - 6- 1/2 pounds. 28-30" barrels, straight grip, splinter forend. I like chokes of .003 & .007.

I have not found such a combination in an American double so my ideals have been English like this H & H Royal.


That said, I can't afford such guns so I only get to hunt with them when friends who can afford them visit and allow me to carry them.

I hunt with a 1925 20 bore VHE with 28" barrels. I've never measured the chokes so I'm not sure what they are but when I walk in on my dogs point I have complete confidence that if I do my job, the Parker will do its.

[Harold Pickens]

Jay,
looks to me as if you have the perfect gun. I dont think a light 12 would really be that much better. Like you, I have been searching for the perfect grouse gun since 1983, and have accumulated many good ones. My latest is a GH 16 O frame IC/M that will make its debut this fall--so far I am smitten!
Last year it was a grade2 Ugartechea that was the magic wand ( 11 out of 15 in the 3 days it was carried on grouse). I , too, have a little VH 20 w/ 26' cyl/mod barrels that needs a few days in the grouse woods.ps, the gun is unloaded and not really pointed at my head!