Chukar, shotgun, questions for the experts

[packmule]

I'm curious what the chukar experts think:

(1) Is a 20 gauge or 12 gauge preferred?

(2) Is a pump, autoloader, SxS, or O/U preferred?

Any insights would be appreciated.

[jackson7]

I prefer the 20 sxs w 6 shot choked modified/full. Sometimes a third shot is nice to have as stragglers flush late ie: model 37 pump also in 20.
Weight is a concern when one is hiking 5-10 miles per day.

[birddogdad]

no expert here,

1) what you shoot accurately (most important)
2) weight, you are shagging steep hills
3) 2 shots vs 3, if your fast, you can pull off a tripple. Also 2 barrels allows for choke tube differences if you feel the need. (mod/full)

having said this, i have all 3 guns available, perfer my 12 o/u but have 20 o/u and benelli light 20 semi. All work, and yes have wished i carried the semi with that 3rd shot on occasion!

the upland "purist' would say only sbs or o/u other wise your cheating....

[bobcat]

For chukar, definitely a pump or auto, for the third shot. It's too much work for me to only get two shots when I finally find some birds. I like my 20 gauge Remington 1100 LT, but my preference would be a 12 gauge. Shots can be long, and again, birds are too far and few between to hunt with anything less than a 12 gauge. However, if you only have a lightweight 20 gauge and a heavy 12, take the 20.

[Dave Workman]

I'm curious what the chukar experts think:

(1) Is a 20 gauge or 12 gauge preferred?

(2) Is a pump, autoloader, SxS, or O/U preferred?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Since I do this sort of thing as part of my living   

My preference is for the double-barrel, in either 12- or 20, but I think the 20 is a bit more practical because of the size of the bird. Use 3-inch shells for chukar for the extra distance. I own a double 12 and two 20s, one an S/S and the other an O/U.

Use 6 or 7 1/2 shot, with modified and full or modified and I/C, depending upon whether you have a good dog and can get close. Chukars will hold for a good dog. For a lousy dog, they'll boogie and you'll be lucky to get a decent shot in maybe two or three flushes, and in that case, you'll definitely want the M/F setup.

Having a third shot is often superflous because by the time you get that one off, the birds have gone far enough out that you won't get an effective shot pattern. Chukar, if you hunt them over on the Snake River or Columbia breaks where it is steep terrain, will almost always get up and then head straight down hill to pick up speed and create distance from the threat. They are a remarkably fast bird, but they don't frighten the ¢r@p out of you like a grouse can in cover.

Pumps and autoloaders are nice for goose pits and duck blinds; places where you don't have to do a lot of walking. After a half-day lugging around a pump or auto with its longer receiver and firing mechanism, you could have some tired arms.

I hunt almost exclusively with double guns. Learned a long time ago the additional weight was not worth the additional shot.

Bear in mind, that a S/S double is regulated differently to put the patterns in the general same spot at either 25 or 40 yards, so you need to pattern the gun at those distances.

The O/U shotgun I also regulated, and you will want to pattern your gun at those distances, too.

Good luck!

[AspenBud]

Use 3-inch shells for chukar for the extra distance.

How does that work? My understanding is the powder charge doesn't change between shells, just the number of pellets. They should all fall at about the same distance regardless of whether they are 2 3/4 inch shells or magnum 3 1/2's. Or are you looking for maximum pellet density as the pattern spreads out? That would make more sense.

Sorry, I'm just curious. I'm always surprised at how many people don't realize that magnum means something entirely different with shot shells than pistol and rifle ammo.

[Bob33]

Use 3-inch shells for chukar for the extra distance.

How does that work? My understanding is the powder charge doesn't change between shells, just the number of pellets. They should all fall at about the same distance regardless of whether they are 2 3/4 inch shells or magnum 3 1/2's. Or are you looking for maximum pellet density as the pattern spreads out? That would make more sense.

Sorry, I'm just curious. I'm always surprised at how many people don't realize that magnum means something entirely different with shot shells than pistol and rifle ammo.

A 3" shell has room for more powder, more shot, or both. More powder means higher velocity which translates to greater energy per pellet. More shot means greater pattern density. At 40 yards instead of 3 or 4 pellets hitting a target, 4 or 5 pellets hit the target.

[AspenBud]

Use 3-inch shells for chukar for the extra distance.

How does that work? My understanding is the powder charge doesn't change between shells, just the number of pellets. They should all fall at about the same distance regardless of whether they are 2 3/4 inch shells or magnum 3 1/2's. Or are you looking for maximum pellet density as the pattern spreads out? That would make more sense.

Sorry, I'm just curious. I'm always surprised at how many people don't realize that magnum means something entirely different with shot shells than pistol and rifle ammo.

A 3" shell has room for more powder, more shot, or both. More powder means higher velocity which translates to greater energy per pellet. More shot means greater pattern density. At 40 yards instead of 3 or 4 pellets hitting a target, 4 or 5 pellets hit the target.

Apparently you're right, I learn something new every day.

But at the end of it I would think that most shells would pattern similarly at about 40 yards so I'm guessing the expectation then is to have more lead on target at that range, not increased range resulting from more powder. You're still at the mercy of your choice of choke.

[birddogdad]

Use 3-inch shells for chukar for the extra distance.

How does that work? My understanding is the powder charge doesn't change between shells, just the number of pellets. They should all fall at about the same distance regardless of whether they are 2 3/4 inch shells or magnum 3 1/2's. Or are you looking for maximum pellet density as the pattern spreads out? That would make more sense.


Bob, if you arent tied to steel shot based areas hunting, you can load your own screaming 2 3/4 loads to reach out and touch them if your gun doesnt accept 3" as well...  Also Dave,  the Benelli ultralight autoloader is only 6 #, which makes for a nice all day carry....


Sorry, I'm just curious. I'm always surprised at how many people don't realize that magnum means something entirely different with shot shells than pistol and rifle ammo.

A 3" shell has room for more powder, more shot, or both. More powder means higher velocity which translates to greater energy per pellet. More shot means greater pattern density. At 40 yards instead of 3 or 4 pellets hitting a target, 4 or 5 pellets hit the target.

[AspenBud]

Use 3-inch shells for chukar for the extra distance.

How does that work? My understanding is the powder charge doesn't change between shells, just the number of pellets. They should all fall at about the same distance regardless of whether they are 2 3/4 inch shells or magnum 3 1/2's. Or are you looking for maximum pellet density as the pattern spreads out? That would make more sense.


Bob, if you arent tied to steel shot based areas hunting, you can load your own screaming 2 3/4 loads to reach out and touch them if your gun doesnt accept 3" as well...  Also Dave, the Benelli ultralight autoloader is only 6 #, which makes for a nice all day carry....


Sorry, I'm just curious. I'm always surprised at how many people don't realize that magnum means something entirely different with shot shells than pistol and rifle ammo.

A 3" shell has room for more powder, more shot, or both. More powder means higher velocity which translates to greater energy per pellet. More shot means greater pattern density. At 40 yards instead of 3 or 4 pellets hitting a target, 4 or 5 pellets hit the target.

The ultralight isn't for everyone. If you're used to shooting a heavier gun that light weight can screw with your aim.

That said, if I had the cash I'd suffer the consequences and take the lighter weight.

[bobcat]

Yep, there are lots of lightweight autoloaders. My Remington 1100 LT 20 gauge is about as light as a feather. I also have a Franchi 12 gauge autoloader that must only be a couple of ounces more. The recoil isn't light, however, but for chukar hunting it doesn't matter. I only noticed it when I tried using it for trap shooting once.   

[AWS]

I have a couple of sub 6 pound 12ga sxs's never noticed the recoil on birds but the do get your attention on the skeet field, neither wears a recoil pad. 

[270Shooter]

From the little bit I have hunted them I will say they seem like pretty tough birds, lead 6's seem like a good load. They like to get up far when you bust a covey, but when you scatter the group out and find the singles and pairs they seem to hold much tighter. I prefer a 12 ga autoloader for pretty much all bird hunting. The benelli platform is lighter than most gas operated systems and in my experience, inertia guns are more reliable than gas guns.

[packmule]

All,
Thanks for the information.  This has been really helpful.  I appreciate it!

[joe_dumy]

I am a 16 guage fan. 1 oz traveling at max velocity is where its at for me.  I load 6 nickle or copper plated for the second shot and 7 1/2 for the first shot at the same wieght and velocity. I would get a 16 gauge Remington 31L if I had my choice of ultimate chukar guns. But I miss just fine with my Model 90 marlin. It is ultimately up to you and your loads will play just as much as a factor as your guns. so find something you shoot good with and stick with it. Because shots in the chukar hills are hard to come by and all must be cherished to find any kind of piece in life.