8 Bore Wishing

[Mike of the Mountain]

Originally Posted by CraigThompson

In Virginia it flatly states NO shotguns larger than 10 gauge for ANYTHING during a game taking season . Now when we have damage control permits ANYTHING GOES so to speak . WVA has no stipulation about gauge so theoretically if one wanted to kill something other than waterfowl with a 4 gauge it’s good to go .

Same thing in PA, nothing larger than 10g permitted. The logic behind it is flawed in that if you can load a 10g 3" or 3 1/2" shell with the same payload as a 3 1/4" 8 bore, what makes the 8 bore too much? I don't bash the PGC, I just disagree with some of the antiquated laws and regulations.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Same thing in PA, nothing larger than 10g permitted. The logic behind it is flawed in that if you can load a 10g 3" or 3 1/2" shell with the same payload as a 3 1/4" 8 bore, what makes the 8 bore too much? I don't bash the PGC, I just disagree with some of the antiquated laws and regulations.

Actually the 10 gauge 3 1/2” factory loads I have are of a heavier payload than my heavy 8 gauge loads . Well almost all the 8 gauge slugs I cast are maybe an 1/8 of an ounce beaver put as to my shot loads heaviest I go in the 8 is 1 3/4 ounces . I would also say my preferred 8 ga buck load of ten 000000 buck is a bit less then the eighteen 00 in the 10 3 1/2” factory load .

[Mike of the Mountain]

Let’s just say the feds and state agencies across America say they’re going to restore our rights and allow the 8 bore for any lawful hunting purpose. How many orange hats will run out and buy a vintage 8 bore to use in the marsh or hump around the uplands? Few will spend that cash. Same for gun-makers. How many will tool up and lake 8 bore guns? Few if any. Maybe some bespoke makers, but that wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar. Changing the law would not have a negative impact on the resource.

[6pt-Sika]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

Let’s just say the feds and state agencies across America say they’re going to restore our rights and allow the 8 bore for any lawful hunting purpose. How many orange hats will run out and buy a vintage 8 bore to use in the marsh or hump around the uplands? Few will spend that cash. Same for gun-makers. How many will tool up and lake 8 bore guns? Few if any. Maybe some bespoke makers, but that wouldn’t even be a blip on the radar. Changing the law would not have a negative impact on the resource.

If I were a “traditional” duck hunter slogging thru the marsh or flooded timber etc , I’d have a difficult time talking myself into carrying one of the big bruisers and to be honest I’d most likely frown on carrying my heavier 10’s . To me the whole 8 thing is being able to honestly say I’ve done this that or the other using one .