Explain purpose of M/F barrels on 28 ga. gun

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. Jay:
First, there isn't much difference in velocity for moderate upland field loads in most any gauge. Thus, the tight chokes are there for another reason in the 20 and 28.

That reason is pattern density.

Because the smaller gauges carry less shot for their bore size (the ridiculous 3" 20-bore excepted) tighter chokes help to keep more pellets within the 30" circle at most game ranges. This reduces wounded birds. If you miss, chances are you'll miss clean. If you hit, it may well be an effective and humane kill. (pardon the obvious oxymoron)

That's not to say an IC choke is ineffective. If you shoot quickly and are spot on, they work just fine. But you must be a bit more skilled.

[todd allen]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

Mr. Jay:
First, there isn't much difference in velocity for moderate upland field loads in most any gauge. Thus, the tight chokes are there for another reason in the 20 and 28.

That reason is pattern density.

Because the smaller gauges carry less shot for their bore size (the ridiculous 3" 20-bore excepted) tighter chokes help to keep more pellets within the 30" circle at most game ranges. This reduces wounded birds. If you miss, chances are you'll miss clean. If you hit, it may well be an effective and humane kill. (pardon the obvious oxymoron)

That's not to say an IC choke is ineffective. If you shoot quickly and are spot on, they work just fine. But you must be a bit more skilled.

John is exactly right. It's all about pattern density. The idea is, as you go to less shot in your pattern, more choke helps maintain sufficient pellet strikes to kill a bird.
Down side is, it takes more skill to wield a smaller pattern. That's where the term; "Expert's Gun" comes from, when applied to small bore shotguns.

[mobirdhunter]

I hope I don't get drummed out of the PGCA for admitting this, but I have a John Dickson and Sons 28 gauge boxlock with 26 inch barrels. It is choked .004 and .031. Although I now only use this gun for only grouse (ruffed, not the prairie variety) and woodcock, it was once my gun of choice for everything, and I took more pheasants (from here in North Missouri/Southern Iowa) with this gun than any other I have used. The choking on this gun is perfect for grouse for me, from Minnesota to Virginia. Some years ago I ordered a two barrel set 28 gauge AYA 453. I specified one set Skeet I/Skeet II and the other Cylinder/Full. The Cylinder/Full barrels are unused. The other barrels have taken lots of game, mostly wild quail here in the Midwest and grouse in Minnesota and the Appalachians. I shoot over pointing dogs and use standard 3/4 loads, mostly 7 1/2s (but 8s earlier in the grouse season). Unless your are doing some dramatically different kinds of shooting, I don't know if you'll really use two sets of barrels. That's my 37 years of experience, but I'll bet someone chimes in with something contradictory. In the end, get what you can afford and makes you happy. Life is very, very short.