Post by: madcow41 on February 14, 2020, 07:04:46 PM
Thanks
Post by: RobinHoodlum on February 14, 2020, 07:25:33 PM
Post by: Hilltop123 on February 14, 2020, 07:39:55 PM
Post by: Cowboy15 on February 14, 2020, 08:26:12 PM
Post by: Cheif on February 14, 2020, 09:08:42 PM
Post by: jackson7 on February 14, 2020, 10:14:12 PM
Post by: 10mmg on February 14, 2020, 10:29:30 PM
Happy Hunting
Post by: jackson7 on February 14, 2020, 11:38:52 PM
Post by: huntingfool7 on February 15, 2020, 06:49:44 AM
Buy the 28 and learn to load HW. If you're against cobbling together your own ammo, buy the 20.
Post by: BTStewart on February 15, 2020, 07:19:47 AM
Post by: MR5x5 on February 15, 2020, 08:25:16 AM
Post by: Bill W on February 15, 2020, 08:38:09 AM
Post by: duckmen1 on February 15, 2020, 09:13:29 AM
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.
Post by: jetjockey on February 21, 2020, 08:10:00 AM
http://www.rstshells.com/28-ga-2-3/4-Heavy-Hunting-vel-1200-7/8-oz-load-case.aspx
Post by: DJR on February 21, 2020, 08:21:09 AM
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Phone-Dump-Sept-2018/i-6zZNj3G/0/cbaf0433/L/IMG_0494-L.jpg)
Post by: Evil_EdwardO on February 21, 2020, 08:36:26 AM
Post by: Bill W on February 21, 2020, 08:41:33 AM
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.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Phone-Dump-Sept-2018/i-6zZNj3G/0/cbaf0433/L/IMG_0494-L.jpg)
As I told my wife when she asked why I bought another gun and did I need it. I said I didn't need it, I wanted it. That's how the 28 followed me home.
Post by: Henrydog on February 21, 2020, 08:43:21 AM
Post by: C-Money on February 22, 2020, 07:53:37 AM
PS, I agree with Henrydog, 28ga is not a good choice for serious trap shooters, but it surly has the ability to introduce folks to shooting sports, and performs and patterns very well!
Post by: Fishnfowler on March 05, 2020, 08:30:36 PM
Post by: wadu1 on March 05, 2020, 09:01:42 PM
Post by: MR5x5 on March 06, 2020, 02:33:08 PM
The only shotgun I don't have is a 16ga. I load everything else from 10ga to .410 bore. I've taken ducks with all gages, .410 and 28 used #5 bismith Personally I think the 20 is an all round gauge, I prefer the 28 just because. It works well for me at 16 yard trap full choke and # 8 1/2's. I've even loaded some 10 gauge for friends to dove hunt with, 44 grains of AL-8 and 2 1/4 oz of #8 :chuckle: Bottom line if you hand load you can make what you need. :twocents:[/quote
You really should give a 16 gauge a go. My go to pheasant gun is a 16 Rem Model 58 that I've been shooting for 45 yrs. Seem to fill the psychological void between a 12 ga being overkill and a 20 ga maybe not being quite enough for all purpose use.
Post by: John B on March 08, 2020, 03:09:11 AM
I would say though, instead of starting with caliber, find a gun that fits you well.
Post by: wildweeds on April 12, 2020, 03:26:22 PM
Post by: wadu1 on April 12, 2020, 03:44:24 PM
Funny that no one has mentioned buying a "Set" I have 2 sets, one in 20/28 and another skeet set in 20/28/410. Buying a set is a bit pricier than picking a lane to drive in but cheaper than 2 complete guns. Gives you the option to choose what size of holes you want to hunt with, 28 early season,20 late season,another benefit is the rig will always shoot in the same spot.Same here, I have 20 barrel inverts for my 12ga. For my 20ga I have 28 and 410 and a stand alone 28. I do 90% of my shooting with the 20 ga combo.
Post by: Fishnfowler on April 13, 2020, 04:52:46 PM
20 ga is definitely easier to find shells. I'm a big fan of 28 ga, noticeably less recoil than a 20. If you can keep your shots around 40 yards or less, 28 is just as effective as a 20. My understanding (not an expert) is the 20 ga has a longer, stretched out, shot pattern than other gauges. This might mean on paper it appears to have a tighter pattern than it does in flight.
I would say though, instead of starting with caliber, find a gun that fits you well.
Recoil is not a function of gauge, it is a function of gun weight, payload, and velocity. I shoot 5-1/2 pound 20 gauges using 3/4 oz of shot at 1200 fps. The recoil will be exactly the same as a 28 gauge weighing the same shooting the same load. As to shot stringing, the exact same load in a 28 gauge will have more shot stringing than the 20. If you are pass shooting, it might matter, but probably not. The comment that a 28 gauge is "just as effective as a 20" is nonsense. Pattern density matters which is dependent on choke, load, and range. FWIW, I also shoot 6-1/2 pound 12 gauges, their recoil is completely dependent on what I shove down the tubes and the speed I push it at. Regardless of the points I bring up here, I absolutely agree that a well fitting gun matters most of all, however, I'm betting that most hunters never pay the fee for a proper fitting.
Post by: Henrydog on April 14, 2020, 05:22:43 AM
Post by: John B on April 14, 2020, 07:53:34 AM
20 ga is definitely easier to find shells. I'm a big fan of 28 ga, noticeably less recoil than a 20. If you can keep your shots around 40 yards or less, 28 is just as effective as a 20. My understanding (not an expert) is the 20 ga has a longer, stretched out, shot pattern than other gauges. This might mean on paper it appears to have a tighter pattern than it does in flight.
I would say though, instead of starting with caliber, find a gun that fits you well.
Recoil is not a function of gauge, it is a function of gun weight, payload, and velocity. I shoot 5-1/2 pound 20 gauges using 3/4 oz of shot at 1200 fps. The recoil will be exactly the same as a 28 gauge weighing the same shooting the same load. As to shot stringing, the exact same load in a 28 gauge will have more shot stringing than the 20. If you are pass shooting, it might matter, but probably not. The comment that a 28 gauge is "just as effective as a 20" is nonsense. Pattern density matters which is dependent on choke, load, and range. FWIW, I also shoot 6-1/2 pound 12 gauges, their recoil is completely dependent on what I shove down the tubes and the speed I push it at. Regardless of the points I bring up here, I absolutely agree that a well fitting gun matters most of all, however, I'm betting that most hunters never pay the fee for a proper fitting.
You're right. I was working under the assumption that OP would be buying shells off the shelf. If you don't reload and buy the same brand/shot size/velocity box of shells in 20 and 28, would anything I said not be true?
Doesn't pitch angle have an effect on (felt) recoil?
Post by: Henrydog on April 14, 2020, 08:56:17 AM
20 ga is definitely easier to find shells. I'm a big fan of 28 ga, noticeably less recoil than a 20. If you can keep your shots around 40 yards or less, 28 is just as effective as a 20. My understanding (not an expert) is the 20 ga has a longer, stretched out, shot pattern than other gauges. This might mean on paper it appears to have a tighter pattern than it does in flight.
I would say though, instead of starting with caliber, find a gun that fits you well.
Recoil is not a function of gauge, it is a function of gun weight, payload, and velocity. I shoot 5-1/2 pound 20 gauges using 3/4 oz of shot at 1200 fps. The recoil will be exactly the same as a 28 gauge weighing the same shooting the same load. As to shot stringing, the exact same load in a 28 gauge will have more shot stringing than the 20. If you are pass shooting, it might matter, but probably not. The comment that a 28 gauge is "just as effective as a 20" is nonsense. Pattern density matters which is dependent on choke, load, and range. FWIW, I also shoot 6-1/2 pound 12 gauges, their recoil is completely dependent on what I shove down the tubes and the speed I push it at. Regardless of the points I bring up here, I absolutely agree that a well fitting gun matters most of all, however, I'm betting that most hunters never pay the fee for a proper fitting.
You're right. I was working under the assumption that OP would be buying shells off the shelf. If you don't reload and buy the same brand/shot size/velocity box of shells in 20 and 28, would anything I said not be true?
Doesn't pitch angle have an effect on (felt) recoil?
Pitch has to do with cheek slap. Recoil is a simple a product of payload. Pitch is part of fit and perceived recoil. I shoot a lot of ATA trap and have a fitted gun. A couple of years ago I lost 15 pounds and the gun was beating the crap out of me. With a new tapered spacer changing the pitch no more pinch to the face. Recoil is the same it was just how the comb fit. There is a book called Stockfitters Bible by Rowland Oswald. It is worth the read if you are into shotguns
Post by: 2MANY on April 14, 2020, 09:34:13 AM
410 is great too.
20's are sweet
My 16 rocks.
and My 12's have killed a pile of flying objects.
Sounds like I might wanna buy a 10 to complete my discussion.
Post by: nwwanderer on April 14, 2020, 10:29:04 AM
Post by: Fishnfowler on April 20, 2020, 05:59:01 PM
20 ga is definitely easier to find shells. I'm a big fan of 28 ga, noticeably less recoil than a 20. If you can keep your shots around 40 yards or less, 28 is just as effective as a 20. My understanding (not an expert) is the 20 ga has a longer, stretched out, shot pattern than other gauges. This might mean on paper it appears to have a tighter pattern than it does in flight.
I would say though, instead of starting with caliber, find a gun that fits you well.
Recoil is not a function of gauge, it is a function of gun weight, payload, and velocity. I shoot 5-1/2 pound 20 gauges using 3/4 oz of shot at 1200 fps. The recoil will be exactly the same as a 28 gauge weighing the same shooting the same load. As to shot stringing, the exact same load in a 28 gauge will have more shot stringing than the 20. If you are pass shooting, it might matter, but probably not. The comment that a 28 gauge is "just as effective as a 20" is nonsense. Pattern density matters which is dependent on choke, load, and range. FWIW, I also shoot 6-1/2 pound 12 gauges, their recoil is completely dependent on what I shove down the tubes and the speed I push it at. Regardless of the points I bring up here, I absolutely agree that a well fitting gun matters most of all, however, I'm betting that most hunters never pay the fee for a proper fitting.
You're right. I was working under the assumption that OP would be buying shells off the shelf. If you don't reload and buy the same brand/shot size/velocity box of shells in 20 and 28, would anything I said not be true?
Doesn't pitch angle have an effect on (felt) recoil?
If the loads and velocities were the same, the gun with more recoil would be the lighter one, regardless of gauge. Shoot 1oz at 1200fps out of a 7lb 28 gauge and it will recoil less than the same load out of a 6-1/2lb 12 gauge. Generally, the 28 is lighter. It is funny how many people want to shove a huge load out of a sub-gauge. There are 1-1/8oz loads for 20 gauge which is as silly to me as 1oz loads for the 28. I won't shoot 1oz loads out of my light 20's as it isn't much fun after a bit of shooting. If I need to shove an ounce of shot down the barrel I reach for something that weighs north of 6lb. If I want to shoot an ultralight gun, I fit the load to it.
Post by: 444Marlin on April 29, 2020, 08:14:56 PM
Ammo is a bit more expensive. I haven't had trouble finding it though, except for non-tox. But I don't require much.