diver94

Thanks JW for the help on the 28 GA Benelli. After reading your response, I am a little concerned about using a 20 Gauge for pheasant as well. Any one else have those concerns??

skb2706

No concerns at all. Given the available ammo.
Early season I use lighter loads, as the season wears on birds get smarter and you may need more....bigger shot and heavier loads.

Topgun 3006

Ditto that, especially if you're hunting over a pointer.

Cessna Flyer

Just remember, in a shot gun, the only difference is shot payload, That is what gives you the better game taking ability. I love the 20ga and I am just as good with it as a 12ga.

diver94

Thanks for the thoughts guys.
Looks like a new Benelli Legacy 20 in my future.

JW

The above posters are correct - Practice - Practice - and then practice more and become a confident shooter with which ever Gauge you choose.

It is the Payload one shoud e concerned with at the shot and while a 410 or even a 28Ga will kill pheasants you should use a gun that is suited for the game you are after. A 28 is too light in the majority of pheasant hunting situations IMO.

Most use a 12 - alot of people use a 20, and then some use a 16 . But which ever you choose practice.

Good luck
JW

diver94

Thanks again guys.

sproulman

12 ga for pheasants
20ga for grouse

i tried 1 gun gauge for all birds fOr longtime.

found out you have to have 2 guns.
so, i bought a beretta uricka field semi 12 ga
franchi al48 semi in 20ga.

i could go into long reasons WHY but my rec make it very simple.

sdhunter11

First shotgun was a youth model 870 20 gauge, killed many pheasants, grouse, doves, ducks, canadians and snows with it. Bottom line is with 3 inch mags out of a 20 gauge,you can get the same amount of lead as 2 3/4 12 gauge shells. nothing wrong with a 20,16,or 12 gauge for pheasants.