Grouse Greenhorn

[Mike Bravo]

I never hunted grouse before, wanted suggestions on what gun / round would be best?

I've heard of hunters using 22 rifles to different gauges of shotguns.....

[chester]

whatever you happen to have when you see one....ive killed them with a .22 30/06 .270 20ga 12ga and a .410. they all tasted good and the birds didnt know the difference. 

[cwuwildcat]

I don't have an answer for you, but I'm posting in here to see what the responses are.  I'm interested also.  My guess is a .22 if your a really good shot or like the challenge, a 20 gauge for normal shooters.

[JimmyHoffa]

For grouse, I mainly use a .22 Long Rifle for the birds that aren't flying and a side by side 12 gauge for the wing flappers.  I've had a few people say it is too much gun, but I think it's just right.  I'm not sure there is an all around perfect grouse gun.  In the earlier part of the season they seem to allow you to get a little closer, so a smaller shotgun will work fine.  Later in the year (when the leaves are off the trees) they seem to fly from a greater distance--so either a bigger shotgun or maybe a different choke on a small on seems to fit the situation.  Grouse seem to only give (me at least) real quick shots, so I find the double helpful for that...a semi-auto would be good too.  Savage (I think) made a combo gun that had .22 LR on one barrel and 20 ga on the other.  If you become good at finding them, you could get them with whatever.   I'm sure some dudes here will recommend a bow.

[bobcat]

If you actually want to bring some grouse home for dinner, then a 20 or 12 gauge shotgun would be best. 22 rifles/pistols are great if you want a challenge, or maybe if you're big game hunting and don't want to make a lot of noise. But for targeting grouse, I'd go with either a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun. Doesn't really matter which, you can tailor your patterns for the type of shooting you are getting by using different shot size and/or different chokes.

[bullrider97]

If your just starting probably a 20, but I use a .410. Always have, but I don't shoot them on the wing very often. Even then you have to be pretty accurate to ensure a good shot. Play around with it and you'll figure out what works best depending on the country your hunting.

Good luck.

[garyrnr]

What ever you have , and savage made several configurations of under over break action,.22LR-410,.30-30 20Gage, and maybe some others.

[Holg3107]

For me this is an easy one, I have an over/under .410-.22. The top barrel is a .22 and the bottom barrel is the .410. Its easy to pack and fun to shoot. Best grouse gun in the world IMO.there are a few different models out there, check em out. Mines the old traditional Savage model 24 but I know other companies make them. good luck.

[BigGoonTuna]

the areas i hunt in, i like a 12 gauge with a modified choke and #6 shot.  the damned things always seem to launch at the limit of shotgun range for me...unless i'm in my car,  then they'll let me drive right up!

[Gutpile]

I prefer a 20ga. or a 410. Many times they are too close for a 12 ga.

[bobcat]

Isn't "too close" more dependent on choke/load than gauge? I've used a 12 gauge for up close birds lots of times but with an improved cylinder choke and light loads of 7 1/2's or 6's.

Having said that, my favorite grouse gun is a 20 gauge Remington model 1100. It has a fixed modified choke though, and a 28 inch barrel, so for really close shots I still go for a head shot.

[CP]

I like a 1 1/8 oz load of #6 for grouse through a 12g IC choke.  The pattern isn’t any more dense than a 20g or .410 will produce, it’s just bigger and I like a little room for operator error.  #7 works as well but the bigger shot is easier to pick out of the bird.

[fisheral87]

Is it legal to use a slingshot for grouse? I'm thinking during modern season.

[bobcat]

Is it legal to use a slingshot for grouse? I'm thinking during modern season.

No it's not. Either are rocks or sticks.   

[fisheral87]

What abut Amazonian blow guns? 

[sisu]

What abut Amazonian blow guns? 

I don't know,  you'd have to ask her. Hahaha

[Skillet]

I like an open choked 12 ga.  with a short barrel.  My 26" barreled A5 Light with IC choke is perfect for grousing in the thick stuff. 

That said, my last spruce grouse was beheaded at 5 yards with a 50 cal muzzleloader and 370 grain maxiballs...  some guys say you can use a lighter bullet, but I like the punch of the maxi's...  

[Curly]

I killed a ruffed grouse once with a .54 cal 425 gr Maxi Ball......  

Great penetration with those Maxi Balls.......