troyandmarsha

what do you guys recommend for hunting grouse in gauge, barrel length, choke, shot, load?

the right relationship is everything,
troy

Mr. 16 gauge

I am assuming you are talking about ruffed grouse; These are my preferences:

12 gauge: IC choke, 24-26" barrel, 1 1/8 oz #7 shot @ 1300 fps (#6 shot during Dec. season).

16 gauge: IC choke, 24-26" barrel, 1 oz #7 shot @1275 fps. (#6 shot during the Dec. season).

20 gauge: IC choke, 24-26" barrel, 1 oz #7 shot @1220 fps (#6 shot during Dec. season).

In addition, if I am hunting with a double barrel (all mine have IC & Mod. chokes), during the early season I will use a spreader load in the tighter barrel. After leaf drop, and during Dec, I make use of the mod. choke for my second shot...I may even put a heavier load in the second barrel depending upon how spooky the birds are. Good luck and good hunting.

pa marsh man

I use a 12ga. o/u 26in mod./ic.In the early season I like 7.5 shot and later season
I go to 6 shot. I always shoot highbrass. I prefer the o/u for its short length when hunting in varying terrain. From young aspens to thick conifer.

halcon

I use IC choke at the first of the season and switch to Mod later . 1 1/8 oz of # 7 1/2 shot in a 12 gauge with a 28" barrel .

grouseguy

For prairie birds I go with a 16ga SxS @ 28.5". 1oz of 71/2's are okay, but I prefer #6's most of the time. Early in the season, a mod x I/C combination would be nice, but not an option on my favorite piece (mod x full). The mod x full configuration works well as long as I let the first bird get out there a little.

Don't get out much for forest grouse these days. But, I've tried spreader loads for the 1st barrel with so-so results. The loads I've tried seem to lack punch. Early season aspen cover makes a modified choke a tough shot for me.

mauser06

i think the ultimate grouser would be a old a bit beat up remington model 1100 with a 24 inch barrel...with a mod choke shooting copper plated 7.5 shot..but i dont have that set up lol...thats just wut id think would be great...this year i got mine with my all around shot gun...my mossberg 500 with a 28 inch barrel shooting my friends reloads..a handicap load with 7.5 shot (i didnt think about grouse bein close handicaps arent needed..i was given them for pheasant)with a modiyied choke...my first grouse....i got em good bein my load wasnt open that much...id say a shotgun ur not afraid to get a scratch or 2 on and you can swing in nasty cover...and hit consistanly with...would be the good grouse gun

CharlieO

I use a 410 full choke with a 21 inch. and i have killed a lot of grouse with it and it is a lot more fun than with my 12 or 20 gauge.

CDover

Well I shoot as a backup a Winchester Mod 12 20ga 24" Cyl Bore...Great Grandpa Quail gun and My Remington 1100 LT20 26 IMP with 1 oz 7 1/2 is my ticket....

pup

i use an old bit beat up model 11 16gauge with a full choke and lead 6s or some times an old bit beat up model 11 20gauge with a modified choke with nuber6 shot