What's your experience with ...

[edgarspencer]

I know the 16 of which you speak, and I killed 4 grouse with it the first day I took it out.
That said, a few #8 pellets will break clays quite impressively at about the distance you mention, even as your pattern is pretty dang open at that range, but, I still maintain, #5 shot, at 20-25 yards will most certainly kill pheasant, if you put your shot centered on the bird.
If you don't put your shot on the bird, perhaps you are correct in choosing a different gun.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

If you don't put your shot on the bird, perhaps you are correct in choosing a different gun.

That said, no pellet size, ounces of shot, gauge, or distance from the muzzles will help you if you don’t put your shot on the bird.






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[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Dean Romig

That said, no pellet size, ounces of shot, gauge, or distance from the muzzles will help you if you don’t put your shot on the bird.






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You got it Dean.

Karl, I would'nt use that choke combination on wild pheasants period. Quail, woodcock and grouse it would be perfect. I've bagged a boatload of wild SD pheasants over some very good dogs and I shoot 20's and 28's. You need choke, the more the better. For a 20 I suggest a minimum of .020 in the right barrel and .027-.030 in the left. I'm not a fan of 5's as I use 7.5's with a lot of choke. They are usually shot in the open giving you plenty of time to focus and swing to the front end of the bird. That's the only reliable way to kill and not cripple. Keep your shots to under 40yds. and you should do fine. Good luck.