What gun???
 

Im going hunting on a preserve for pheasants with some that have been released and some that are wild. Anyway, I was wondering what everyone thought about what gun i should use. I have a Rem. 870 express 12ga, and a mossberg .410 pump, what one would be best???

RE: What gun???
 

A .410 does not belong in the field (even a preserve) with pheasants. Your 12ga pump gun should serve you nicely.

RE: What gun???
 

whats wrong with a .410, are you afraid of a challenge.

RE: What gun???
 

Agree with seattlesetter! When it comes to ringnecks, a .410 is a crippler. I lived in the Midwest for 7 years and took a couple hundred during that time. They're tough birds. Wouldn't use anything less than a 20 gauge with 1 oz. For me, a 16 or 12 with high brass loads would be better. Another thing, if you don't have a dog, you'll probably lose a third of the birds you knock down.

RE: What gun???
 

Another in agreement with seattle and snuffy. One of my favorite books describes the .410 the best way I've heard: (to paraphrase) "the .410 is a ballistic little nightmare that no amount of tinkering will fix". At least not for upland game birds and surely not for pheasant - preserve or not.

RE: What gun???
 

Snuffy, first of all hunting with 2 dogs....second of all im using lead shot, still not quit seeing wats wrong with it....also im usin 3in magnums...

RE: What gun???
 

If those dogs are pointers you might be okay with the .410 but good shot selection is important. Seeing both guns are pumps what is the difference anyway? 12 ga shells are cheaper and you could shot 1 oz loads or less to reduce recoil. One of my favorite loads for "game farm" birds is a 1400 fps 7/8 oz load of #7 1/2 that coat a whole $3 a box. Put that in the chamber and some 6's in the magazine if you don't "focus" enough on the first shot. ;) Don't underestimate what it takes to drop a rooster that is flying straight away at 30 yds +.

RE: What gun???
 

Duckhuntin247, IMHO, the .410 doesn't have a sufficient shot charge to get the job done consistently, particularly at ranges over 25 yards. Even the 3-inch shells are lacking. I bet, if you use the .410, the dogs are going to be chasing a lot of runners. Also, I bet you'll see a lot of hit birds glide quite a distance before going down, and then the rascals will run. Glad you have dogs! Nothing like hunting behind some good bird dogs.

RE: What gun???
 

12 gauge.

RE: What gun???
 

i agree with the others that the .410 doesnt belong in the field for pheasants.it just doesnt have enough power to killed them efficiently