I use a 12 gauge O/U and haven't seen that kind of problem with either grouse or even woodcock. I'm typically using 7 1/2 shot size.

I don't think you would go wrong with either 20 or 12. Would depend more on what you like better. I think if you opt for a 20, you will probably be able to get a lighter gun. I don't have any problem schlepping my 12 around for a day, but to each his own.

Good luck.

i just use my .22 lr and shoot them in the head. works good for me and wastes no meat at all

Well, I finally picked a Browning Citori Classic Featherlight in 20G. Its a breeze to carry and I like it very much. I like the smaller frame of the 20G. Can't wait to get out again!

finner...you think the 16G is making a comeback? I hope it does!

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If ther it such a thing as over gunned for grouse THIS IS IT.

50 years at grouse hunting here in pa.. our woods are thick with trees..when grouse goes up, its quick..weight of 12 ga is terrible to lug around ..that was my view..

but i found the gun that is ticket.. BERETTA URICKA FIELD 12 GA.. i sold my old shotguns and bought this wonderful shotgun.. its like feather in woods, handles great ..i use 2 and 3/4 inch low brass in 7 and 1/2 while leaves are on trees..choke is improved cyl because most shots are not over 25 yards..you could use skeet/cyl choke also..NOW,after leaves come off its all new ball game..i use 2 AND 3/4 INCHno.6 shot HIGH BRASS with a FULL CHOKE..my barrel is 28 inch but many use 26 inch..28 inch BALANCES better but is hard to swing in brush but you get used to how to make it work..

that about it..i HIGHLY rec you get a uricka field,it can be used for just about anything and its light..no way i would use 20 ga anymore with gun like this..

get your guns cleaned up and sell them..i did and i am a very happy grouse hunter..

if anyone needs info on grouse hunting here in pa,feel free to pm me..

I went for a Browning Citori Classic Featherweight in 20G. I like it very much. I handled a Urika Field in 20G and it did impress me. Very light without the cumbersom feel of my Remington 11-87. It hasme thinking of dumping the 11-87 ever since!

yes, 20ga is real nice BUT if you want to hunt pheasants and spooky grouse, 12 ga is way i would go..grouse get spooky after they are hunted and when leaves come off,your shots will be 40 yards easy..

right now i am shooting grouse at 20 yards,not for long..the 12 ga is light ,i carry it thru heavy laural and no problems..i have 28 inch barrel and i am using the IC choke now and will switch to FULL after leaves come off..

yes, 11-87 is way to heavy,even in 20ga..i have never hunted with such a great shotgun as this URICKA FIELD..

i got mine at dicks last year..i sold all my shotguns that were semi-auto,6 of them..all were to heavy..browning is nice gun..

i just bought 2 browning buckmark plus pistols,took me 9 months to get them..browning makes real nice guns..

28 and 20 work fine for quail and smaller birds but i'd go with 12. little more range and power for large birds such as pheasant that might take off farther ahead. I'd work with the chokes to see to find something that will work for ya and not destroy your birds. I go with IC and Modified in mine. The only other thing I'll suggest is that you make sure the gun fits you and if the recoil is still too much then consider buying an addition recoil pad.