28 ga vs 20 ga

[madcow41]

Looking at getting a new/used shotgun. I used to have a 12 ga citori but I traded it for a 12 ga semi auto SBE 1. I’m now wanting an upland/ bird gun. What are your guys thoughts on 28/20 for upland and am I crazy for getting rid of my citori and or wanting a 28 ga. Is it worth it for dogless upland hunting that I do?

Thanks

[RobinHoodlum]

This was my first year of upland and have no experience with 28 gauges, so maybe not the best person to advise. Anyway, I bounced between my Benelli M2 12 gauge duck gun and a little Franchi Affinity 20 gauge I picked up last spring. I'm psyched about the Franchi (26" barrel)! It swings quickly and the light carry weight was appreciated on long days. I found good variety and availability of load choices in 20 gauge, whereas I have to believe you'll have to plan well ahead for a 28. I hunted with a dog, but I didn't find the 20 lacking on wild flushes or bumped birds. Hope this helps with your decision.

[Hilltop123]

Ammunition availability, would be a concern for me.   

[Cowboy15]

I have a 16 ga and it seems as though there is a much wider variety of ammo available for the 28 ga than the 16. I was really surprised to see what was out there, even at outdoor "box stores".

[Cheif]

I’d get the 28.

[jackson7]

20, more pellets. Sometimes you just don"t get lots of shooting. Think the 20 is more practical for everything as your only upland gun. Get the  28 after you have some shooting under your belt.Good luck.

[10mmg]

Without a dog I would go 20 gauge. 28 is a bit of an aficionado round that is expensive to feed and ammo is not always available. If your a 2 shotgun guy having a 12 for waterfowl and a 20 for upland you will never be lacking. Plus you can get 3 boxes of practice 20 for the one of 28. Gun weight is about the same between the two. Only savings is the weight of the shells in your vest. Another consideration for the 20 is with more and more areas going non-toxic only you have a better ammo selection of non-toxic with the 20. If you go with the 20 get a 3” chamber. My upland gun is a 3” 20 gauge that I shoot hybrid 3” #5 shot that is half steel half bizmuth from. That allows me to kill the occasional duck in the corn field legally.

Happy Hunting

[jackson7]

 

[huntingfool7]

This is Washington and it won't be long before they outlaw lead in the uplands.  28 is a fine gauge if you're shooting lead or HW tungsten.  Pretty weak when loaded with steel. 

Buy the 28 and learn to load HW.  If you're against cobbling together your own ammo, buy the 20.

[BTStewart]

I own both and hunt with both. I would suggest the 28 gauge if you primarily hunt quail and/or ruffed grouse. I'd go with a 3" 20 if chukar/pheasant/blue grouse are your primary quarry.

[MR5x5]

Dogless?  That's pretty tough sledding right there.  You will want to maximize your limited shooting opportunities.  My vote for your situation would be a 12 followed by a 16.  Probably not a 20 and definitely not a 28.  Get yourself over a dog, and sure go with a 20, I do.  Still would not go with 28.  Just don't see the point. What's next 410...?

[Bill W]

I have both as I may be a gun hoarder.  I will say that ammo is cheaper and readily more available for the 20.  It also has more variety out there.  It is possible to get both guns in the same weight.  I have a 20 that comes in less than 6 lbs and my 28 is listed at 6 lbs.  Hunting loads for the 28 I think are listed at $18 per box with limited variety.  20 gauge is  way more cheaper.   Having said that my next gun will be a Browning o/u in .410.

[duckmen1]

I have both as I may be a gun hoarder.  I will say that ammo is cheaper and readily more available for the 20.  It also has more variety out there.  It is possible to get both guns in the same weight.  I have a 20 that comes in less than 6 lbs and my 28 is listed at 6 lbs.  Hunting loads for the 28 I think are listed at $18 per box with limited variety.  20 gauge is  way more cheaper.   Having said that my next gun will be a Browning o/u in .410.

Love when I hear of people wanting a 410. Options on ammo selection are starting to rise. Bit pricy for shells but I seem to be finding deals off and on. Shells are so light to carry. Guns are super light and swing amazing. That's my go to for pheasant, quail, grouse, turkey. Absolutely love it.

If I were to choose 20 over 28 I would go the 20 gauge though.

[jetjockey]

Dogless?  Get a 20.  If you have a dog, go with the 28.  Since I buy almost all my ammo from RST online, buying shells isn’t an issue for me.  A case of  RST 12’s is $120, and a case of RST 28’s is $120.   Btw. There’s not an upland bird in the world you can’t kill with 7/8oz of #6’s at 1150fps. 

http://www.rstshells.com/28-ga-2-3/4-Heavy-Hunting-vel-1200-7/8-oz-load-case.aspx

[DJR]

There is something special about 28s and I wouldn't be without at least one but the correct answer is the 20 gauge for all the reasons posted by others.