anyone using a 28 gauge?

biscuit jake · 03-15-2008, 03:55 AM

I grew up with duck hunters and they all used 12's, and wished they had 10 gauges. It was sacreligioius to use anything smaller. But when I am in the weeds, it seems I either kick things up close or they are so spooked a 10 won't do. I have handled several 28's and they feel great, although a skosh pricy... but I will spend the tax refund on somethin'.

Wondering in real world what sort of effective hunting ranges you get with your 28?

gselkhunter · 03-15-2008, 04:25 PM

I use a 28ga for all my upland hunting any more. 35yds is about max, but I am shooting lead. I can't remember seeing any non-toxic shot for 28ga shotguns.
Gselkhunter

biscuit jake · 03-21-2008, 08:38 AM

I appreciate your comments. Actually, I don't take long shots at this age. Can't stand the idea of wounding, and plenty get up at bad breath range anyway. I may take the plunge and get an over-under. What barrel length are you using?

JW · 03-23-2008, 06:58 AM

Mine came with 28" I think - better go look - hey second that seeing no non-leads loads for the 28 GA.

To me it is strictly upland gun O&U - very lite nice to carry...

JW

gselkhunter · 03-28-2008, 09:13 AM

My Ruger has 28" tubes. I am using IC/IC for chokes. I load all my own shells. Most of my upland hunting is done with 6s and 5s for shot. I am shooting standard 3/4oz loads.
Gselkhunter

biscuit jake · 03-28-2008, 05:42 PM

Okee dokee. Well, I don't handload shotshell at this point but who knows. I have been looking at a couple O&U berettas, one w/ a 30" and one with a 28". I have one of the bestest wives in the world, who just informed me I can bring one home. Will probably p/u Monday night.

Until now, I have done all my shooting in 12 gauge. Last shotgun purchase was an SBE II, which really works quite well. However, I also have duty injuries and surgeries in both arms and shoulders, so I am looking for something a little bit kinder for the dry land birdies. Also want to be able to take my petite dotter biscuit out clay shooting.

Although I have flushed quail I have never had the load to take them. Usually I am cranked up for ducks. You know, the dog looks back in disgust like..."What are we out here for?"

gselkhunter · 03-29-2008, 04:18 AM

Beretta makes a good gun, I can't shoot them. They don't fit me at all. A couple of my buddies own them and love them. Which ever gun feels the best to you[28 or 30] is the one you should grab. They take a little getting used to because they are lighter than the 12. If you have a trap range or your own thrower start with some straight aways to get used to the feel of the gun. Be as smooth as you can and keep it moving. Unlike the 12 that moves itself on crossers the 28 is way to easy to stop. It won't take you long, took me about 100 shell to get the feel. But I came from shooting 20s. I shoot mostly AAs, but Estates are good shells and cheaper, not that any thing for a 28 is cheap. That's why I reload. Make sure you purchase some extra chokes. I have 2 skeet, 2 IC, 2 MOD and 2 full. I stick with the IC/IC set most of the time, but there are times you may need more or less. All my upland hunting is done over pointing dogs so my shots are close. Enjoy the new gun, let me know how you like it and buy that wife a bunch of roses.
Gselkhunter

biscuit jake · 04-02-2008, 06:40 PM

They had 4 28 gauge O&U's and what I brought home was an Onyx. I could not justify the added cost of the higher grades, and this one was quite nimble. The past 2 nights I had it out just to check barrel convergence and the chokes, so I was shooting up some large cardboard. This piece definitely shoots where I am pointing so it is a keeper. Since I am 58, I may have a mid bead put on, and possibly have the trigger smoothed a bit. Better than a Benelli, but not quite what I want.

My first experience with a double barrel. I will pick up some 3/4 oz loads before little dotter biscuit comes home for the summer. The 1 oz loads will probably be too much for my petite little princess, believe it or not.

oldelkhunter · 04-03-2008, 05:34 PM

Last O/U I had was a Beretta Silver Pigeon in 20 gauge. I was not happy with that gun and didn't shoot well with it. I now have a Ruger O/U Red Label in 28 gauge which I will never part with well until I pass it on should I say

Rammer · 04-26-2008, 09:13 AM

Just saw this thread. I have numerous pheasant hunting clients that shoot 28s every trip here. You can always tell when they shoot, its a "POP" sound instead of a "BAAANG", and these guys have no problems getting their limit of Roosters. I may even take the plunge and get myself one.