I posted this response in the ".410 for Pheasant" threadbut it applies to Quail as well. While Quail may be smaller and easier to kill, theyfly muchfaster and your problem will be with shot distance not bird toughness. Good dogs will make quail hunting a joy as they will get them to stay froze in their coveysuntil theybust....... with you in close proximity for easy shots.
Here's what I wrote:
Using a .410 for Pheasant is no problem at all....But there are some guidelines (I've found) that should be followed in order to do so.
The first thing that I recommend is, your .410 should have 3in chambers. This will allow you (obviously) to use 3in shells loaded with 11/16oz of lead #5 or#6 shot and put you at about 1200fps in velocity.
Next you should keep your shots close, under 35yds. Hunting with good dogs this caneasily be done.
I hunted all year with a s/s .410 and it was a blast! It's very light and points easy. I didn't see any difference in my shots than when I use my 20ga.
Now, that being said, I don't think I would try it if I could only shoot 2 3/4 shells, just not enough lead IMHO. The 3in on the other hand as stated, have 11/16oz of lead, that'sjust about the same as a standard 3/4oz 20ga and folks have been killing pheasants for years with that set up.
Good 3in chambered .410, good 3in 11/16oz shells, keep your shots close and have fun!