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

[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.

[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.

[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 .

[mobirdhunter]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

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 .

And, you, young man, have almost 30 years before you get to that point.

[Double Lab]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

And, you, young man, have almost 30 years before you get to that point.

We all know how quickly that time goes don't we? I bought my first 28 Parker exactly 50 years ago and we've become quite attached. The 28's will be the last to go.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Garry L Gordon

And, you, young man, have almost 30 years before you get to that point.

I should hope to make it to 90