12 or 20 gauge for pheasants?

[huntinforfish]

I'd like to have a decent 20 over under. I think that would be fun... The ole 870 is heavy and puts a hurting on my shoulder after a day of shooting trap and stuff. Sure is a bulletproof gun though.

 

[guywhofishes]

It's quite simply just a pleasure to shoot a smaller gauge and not have to think for one second - before the shot or after the shot - about recoil.

With a 12g I usually don't think about it, but on occasion depending on the form/position you do get bolted and think "crap - why you gotta whack me like that?" - especially the lighter model guns that are a pleasure to carry in the field

with a 20g I have never had that happen, even with goofy out-of-control positioning that doves can put you in

 

[SDMF]

I'm thinking this pair, kinda like "back to the 80's":

 

[deleted_account]

I'm thinking this pair, kinda like "back to the 80's":

Purdy

 

[SDMF]

Purdy

Nah, Beretta and Kimber. Purdey's start out about what a new loaded pickup costs and go up from there.

 

[Account Deleted]

Thought you weren't a fan of wood rifle stocks?

 

[SDMF]

Thought you weren't a fan of wood rifle stocks?

There you go thinking again.

 

[Account Deleted]

There you go thinking again.

You rat. I distinctly remember having that argument with you.

 

[SDMF]

You rat. I distinctly remember having that argument with you.

I can suffer wood provided that it's well bedded.

 

[deleted_account]

Nah, Beretta and Kimber. Purdey's start out about what a new loaded pickup costs and go up from there.

Well they're oodles nicer than anything I own in the safe.

 

[Account Deleted]

I can suffer wood provided that it's well bedded.

Fair enough.

 

[DirtyMike]

Ghost, you have a citori lying around and you still drive that Jimmy? Dust off some of that money already. (jk). My friend's dad (a dentist) has over a dozen citori's that have never been shot. I've known my friend since day care and I still can't get him to let me buy one.

 

[Account Deleted]

The Jimmy is paid for. The Citori was a "gift" as in the father in law wasn't using it so he left it at my place so his daughter (read: would have an untraceable weapon to kill me with) and grandson would have something to use.

 

[SDMF]

A guy should always have a backup, maybe this one for opener:

 

[guywhofishes]

That Teknys will work in a pinch. Cover the royal blue emblem with masking tape so people don't think you're from Wisconsin.

 

[Norske]

Field and Stream's shotgun editor did a comparison some months ago when he visited the Federal factory. There is quite a difference in pattern density.
I have and shoot 12, 20, and even a 28. Lightweight guns got more and more attractive as I aged.

 

[johnr]

I have a side by side 20 gauge that I picked up from a buddy needing some cash rather than the gun.
I hunt it a few times a season, but struggle with the 2 trigger system, and miss more often.

I picked up the Beretta A400 and will likely use nothing but that this season, I have to get used to it, and the recoil is less than an exhale..haha

 

[Lycanthrope]

If I hunted upland birds, it would be with a 20...

 

[SDMF]

That Teknys will work in a pinch. Cover the royal blue emblem with masking tape so people don't think you're from Wisconsin.

I hate those blue inserts. The "field" guns had green inserts that are just as ugly.

 

[Captain Ahab]

I shoot a 12 ga with 2 3/4 #4 short mags. That way I can shoot clean up.