Shot size - basic question

[Clark McCombe]

Thanks Stan,
I’ve wondered why .410 isn’t more popular.

[mobirdhunter]

Clark, Stan is a .410 wizard on his beloved dove, so heed his advice. As he mentioned, I also see the need to increase shot size on our wild Bobwhites later in the season as they tend to flush further and seem to carry more shot. We start the season with 8s in the right barrel and 7.5s in the left and move to 7.5/7 later in the season. This is for 20 and 28 gauge (I’m not a good enough shot to not wound too many birds with a .410). For pheasants I like 6s and tighter chokes and a 12 gauge— they are tough and will “carry lots of shot” as the guys out here like to say. All of this is what I use in my vintage guns, so 3/4 oz. in 28 gauge, 7/8 oz in 20/16, and 1 - 1 1/8 oz in 12.

[Stan Hillis]

Originally Posted by Clark McCombe

Thanks Stan,
I’ve wondered why .410 isn’t more popular.

They require me to shoot with a different technique than a bigger, heavier gun, Clark. Most .410 doubles are so light that I just cannot use my normal mounting and shooting technique, at least not on doves. Quail is about the same for me with any gun.

I began my dove shooting "career" 65 years go with a J C Higgins .410, Tenite stocked, double. At 8 years of age. About 10-12 years go I revisited the .410 double scene and started opening the season with them every year. It has been hugely fun but required me to relearn how to mount and establish lead on a dove with the little guns.

Here's three of my favorites, all 30" barreled. From left to right, FAIR Verona O/U ...... Dickinson Estate ...... FAIR Iside Tartaruga Gold.

[mobirdhunter]

Like I said, Clark, Stan is the .410 Wizard in my book and caused me to acquire two—a Parker VH and a 1880s H&H hammer gun. I’ve killed dove with the Holland, but the Parker is my dedicated squirrel gun.

A 30” .410 is very tempting.

Originally Posted by Stan Hillis

They require me to shoot with a different technique than a bigger, heavier gun, Clark. Most .410 doubles are so light that I just cannot use my normal mounting and shooting technique, at least not on doves. Quail is about the same for me with any gun.

I began my dove shooting "career" 65 years go with a J C Higgins .410, Tenite stocked, double. At 8 years of age. About 10-12 years go I revisited the .410 double scene and started opening the season with them every year. It has been hugely fun but required me to relearn how to mount and establish lead on a dove with the little guns.

Here's three of my favorites, all 30" barreled. From left to right, FAIR Verona O/U ...... Dickinson Estate ...... FAIR Iside Tartaruga Gold.