What is the best Grouse and Woodcock gun choke and ammo and shot size?
Printable View
What is the best Grouse and Woodcock gun choke and ammo and shot size?
Something light too carry, quick shooting and easy maneuvering, and most important don't mind scratching the hell out of it. woodcock 8-7 1/2 grouse 6's do well. improved cylinder or skeet for a choke.
My go to gun is a 20 gauge weatherby youth model synth stock, 7 1/2 & 6's out of the improved cylinder over a decent setter.
What ever gun you can shoot quickly and effectively. I have a SxS 20ga Ugartechea side-lock. English stock with splinter forened and two triggers. Choked cylinder and I/C. It’s fast as lightning and works for me. For sale too...
I prefer a 20g double gun for grouse and woodcock. Bought a Franchi Instinct over under a few years ago and love it for grouse/WC. I recommend a 26-28 inch barrel, with C and IC or skeet chokes and you are good to go.
Lorenzo
20g, 26in double barrel, pick a gun that fits or have it fitted, I use a Browning citori gr 3 in that configuration with removable chokes for all my upland shooting
My “go to” is a 20g Citori Feather Lightning. 26” bbls usually chocked Skeet/Light Mod for grouse & pheasant. If specifically targeting WC, then it’s #8 shot and SK/SK chokes. Oh, the gun weighs 5lb 14oz. One of these helps a lot. Don’t ask, it’s not for sale https://www.oodmag.com/community/blo...c-eba4297df0f3
Whatcha askin $$ ??Quote:
Originally Posted by dilly
It’s cased too....with accessories....$3400 ish... :)Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
I like 20ga double barrel shotguns. Early season when the woodcock are around I go with 7.5 shot and chokes CY by IC. After the woodcock are gone and I’m strictly shooting grouse, I go with number 6 shot and choke up to IC by MOD.
Basically you want something light in weight for long walks and quick to shoulder for the fast flying birds. Very important the shotgun fits right as so it shoots where you’re looking. No time for adjusting your gun mount when a bird flushed. Shots are usually close in cover so open chokes and small shot size to fill the pattern are the norm. Plus you don’t want to damage to much of the tasty grouse meat.
Sounds like a sweet one. I wish.Quote:
Originally Posted by dilly
Seems like the 20g is winning the votes,
I carry a 26" semi auto 20g benelli in 3 inch chamber. Generally change the choke with the time of the season, and use #6 or 7 1/2 shot.
Yeahhh....the 20g is pretty nice to carry and can handle most upland game nicely.
16ga SxS for me :D
That’s a damn nice gun there Terry ... someday I’ll get a Citori, always liked Browning doubles. I love my old BSS, gifted to me from my uncle ... very heavy 12 to carry all day but I have had it for over 25 years, so I’m lethal on birds with it even though it’s choked M and F.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Lorenzo
Nothing wrong with that either.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fox
When all is said & done, the perfect gun is the one that fits you well and you shoot well. Price and brand or gauge mean nothing to the grouse or WC trying to put trees and distance between it and you. Still, always best to own a few nice ones........lol.
For me it depends on the area some places I will take a 22 as I know they won't take flight other places I like my 16 as they might be in the brush in the Ottawa area I take my 12 because I find they are very flighty and I get them in flight. it all depends on the area.
Yup. Up north where we used to moose hunt a Sand Wedge or 9 iron wasn’t out of place...lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
The “ Evil Southern Grouse “ are Iike an entirely different species.
^^ I'm with him.Quote:
Originally Posted by fishhawk
https://live.staticflickr.com/4906/4...591f15a9_k.jpg
Yep. I like my upland gun so much i have been using it for turkey the last few years. So far it is 4 for 4 on turkey - just gotta get them inside 30 yards.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...40aff952_k.jpg
Species8472 Looks like a Beretta you have there. Fine example of a upland gun.Quote:
Yep. I like my upland gun so much i have been using it for turkey the last few years. So far it is 4 for 4 on turkey - just gotta get them inside 30 yards.
Thought I would of seen some more 28ga but I guess not. Love my 28ga choked skeet and IC with #9 shot for woodcock.......they just don't stand a chance. Can walk for miles with that gun as its light and just feels my a part of my body. Works well on grouse too and never felt I was under gunned.
… and that's when the fight started.
In all seriousness it's great to see that ideas and opinions have been shared. My first answer is my gun is the perfect gun. My second answer is I can't even decide on a perfect grouse gun and there is no such thing as a perfect grouse gun. What works for me and what I like can't, won't and shouldn't be what everyone wants/likes.
I have 5 guns that I use for grouse. I love them all and I think two of them love me back. One I'm not sure about and two we are still getting to know each other. I use a 16 gauge sxs with fixed chokes skeet and IC I think, a 20 gauge O/U with removable chokes, a 28 gauge O/U again with interchangeable chokes, a 20 gauge Ithaca pump fixed mod, and a 22 lr/20 gauge combo that I always wanted as a kid but never owed until recently.
My preference is wood stocks and 2 barrels because I like having 2 different chokes more than a 3rd shot. When I'm deciding what I'm going to bring on a walk I start from the 20 gauge O/U and then work from there. If it is going to be very wet day and or there are any leaves still on the trees the 16 gauge is more likely. It's an older gun that I bought used for a song and has so much character already I can't add any more to it. The 28 gauge is the lightest double and I like it early. The other factor for me is my most regular hunting companion is my brother and he only uses a 20 gauge so if we're hunting together having all the guns shooting the same shells does make things a little more simple.
Having said all that, my favourite gun is the Ithaca ultra-featherlight 20 gauge pump because my dad only had one gun and it was a 20 gauge featherlight. Love is rarely rational.
Big fan here of the 28 gauge, especially for woodcock and rabbits. Also lots of fun on the skeet field.Quote:
Thought I would of seen some more 28ga but I guess not. Love my 28ga choked skeet and IC with #9 shot for woodcock.......they just don't stand a chance. Can walk for miles with that gun as its light and just feels my a part of my body. Works well on grouse too and never felt I was under gunned.
Do you take a specific gun for a different area or just depends on your mood.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kickingfrog
This is a very valid point, can count on one hand the amount of times I've needed the third shell unless I've flushed 2 birds very close together....Quote:
Originally Posted by kickingfrog
20 gauge. 3" chamber. 26" barrels. Double barrel. Tang safety. Easy to change on the fly barrel selector (or two triggers). One you can change as you mount the gun on a flushing bird. Multi choke so you can adjust as the season changes. As said, it has to fit you and shoot where you aim it. 7 1/2 shot. Then take it out and pattern it with the shells you're going to use and see what the chokes actually do at the ranges you expect to be shooting. Some guns/shells pattern tight some pattern open. You'll be surprised. Some guns don't shoot where you aim them! Just one grouse hunters opinion.
That would be me with a 28 ga. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by huntervinni
Ya, mostly mood. More gut feeling and a little logic.
There was a grouse guide in Michigan who for 3 years, carefully measured the distance his clients shot grouse ....the average distance was 12 yards! The 2 most important attributes for a grouse/woodcock gun: 1. the guns fits you (shoots were you point quickly) 2. open choke. Although I have quite of few shotguns to choose; my go-to gun is a 20 gauge Laurona sxs choked skeet/skeet loaded with 8's or 7 1/2 shot. This gun just fits me perfectly.
That's something I've never done but would be useful to keep track of. I think in the heat of the moment and while trying to mark the bird it would be difficult but worth while instead of just "that felt like a 22 yard shot". My general feeling is that as the leaves come off the trees the shots get farther out, but it would be interesting to see if that is actually the case.
I like my light 12 beretta sxs
If I was a really serious upland hunter Id like look at a 20g Browning BPS Upland special.
As it is, Ive shot most of my upland with a 12g 870 Wingmaster. Second place is a 20g Cooey
I'll vouch for the 20 bps. I've used the upland special for thirty five years. I shoot left handed and its ambidextrous with bottom eject. Rather than rely on a safety, I like to keep the chamber empty, especially when dog rangling. Its amazing how fast you can pump one up with some practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
To bad it dosen't slam fire. ;)
I guess that's my problem haven't really practiced with the pump. Have a .410 Browning BPS that I use on occasion for woodcock. Always forgot to pump for the second shot. May take it out more this fall and see if I can get the hang of it. Fully confident it'll be more than enough gun for woodcock. Like the idea of walking with an empty chamber as the dogs always give me ample time to load when they go on point.Quote:
Originally Posted by swampsinger
The pattern emerging from the responses to this thread is a well-established one. A 20 ga double, whether O/U or SxS with frame and barrels proportionate to the gauge (i.e. overall weight of under 6.5 lbs) choked skeet or IC in the 1st barrel and mod in the 2nd is hard to beat.
Shoot lots of clays. You'll catch on quickly to pumping. Doesnt have to be formal, can be informal with a hand thrower.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
I never managed to catch on with a pump either, not no mention it beat my shoulder so badly I now own 2 "soft" shooting semis haha.
Ya that would be to do it. Never was much of a shooter though. Maybe shot two rounds in my life time. Guess if I can get the dogs to point 'em might be different.Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
If I wasn't allowed to carry doubles for upland birds, then I think you'd find me with an Ithaca 37 in 20ga or 16ga.
Pumps were never a problem for me, as they were my first guns. The transition I'm struggling with now is going from a single selective trigger to double triggers.Quote:
Originally Posted by blasted_saber
If you have a passion for upland and love the old stories of a simpler era a nice side by side is hard to beat. I have an a 1926 Ithaca 20 that I picked up a few years back for under $700 and brought back to life with some elbow grease and lots of tlc. Just got a Parker reproduction 28 gauge from the US, kind of a bucket wish. Sold a few guns and a aluminum boat to cover the price. lol One of the nicest guns I have used for upland is a Spanish Laurona 20gauge side by side--they show up every now and then go for about six to seven hundred --an extremely well balanced gun lovely to shoot.Attachment 40469 Ithaca 20 NID
I had a 20ga Ithaca Flues that I unfortunately sold before I had an appreciation of classic doubles. It was light as a wand and was interestingly choked IC and Full.
My next one will be a 20g double. I always watch the for sale section. It's hard for me to justify the price of new, I guess you never know what could come around.
My brother in-law has a 20guage flues--hard to find a lighter shotgun--lovely little upland gun--shoots two and a half inch shellsQuote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
My goto is a Rem Wingmaster, Special Field, 20 ga. 21" bbl. My second is the BPS Upland Special, 23" bbl.. Both removable chokes. Sorry, I am a pump guy.
Depending on where, and when I either use my 20 gauge Mossberg SRII, or my 20 gauge Mossberg SA-20. Choke depends on how much leaf cover there is, and possibility of longer shots.
I like using the O/U SRII, as if I'm in an area where there might be swamps / ponds, etc, I can open it quickly and drop a couple of 3" steel in for jump shooting ducks.
I shot the most grouse with a Mossberg 500 12 gauge, and next a Rem 870 20 gauge, but I think my favourite is a Winchester 1400 20 gauge, you just point it and they drop. Beautiful, light, well balanced gun with a nice chunk of wood to boot.
I've been shooting steel for grouse for a few years now just for this reason, I have yet to kill a duck on a grouse hunt. But I could if circumstances provided.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
Don’t get caught with a dead duck and lead shot in your pocket.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
That would be the way to go if exercising an abundance of caution however not quite absolute.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
https://oodmag.com/ask-a-co/ask-a-co...and-waterfowl/
Is steel the most effective load for the uplands? Hunter orange and a pocket full of #7/12, #6 lead with a few steel #2/#3 and an upfront discussing of intent if question by a co should be enoughQuote:
Originally Posted by dean.f
Typically I only do this in the early season with high speed #6 in 3" 12g. It's a compromise really. Later in the season it's always lead from the 20. I don't usually see many ducks hanging around the ponds I hunt later in the season anyway.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
I think it's more for peace of mind knowing I won't have to argue my position to a CO.
Actually, got stopped a couple of years ago, with just that scenario.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
I always make sure I keep the spent shells ( the SRII is an extractor, not ejector).
CO asked, I showed him mixed bag ( 2 grouse, 1 wood duck), and then produced the spent shells I shot the woody with.
GTG.
The best gun.....is all of the seven in my rotation....ranging from sixteen to twentyeight gauge.
Does anyone have any experience with Stevens Mod 555 O/U in 20ga? I'm looking for a light,fast shooting gun that's easy on a high mileage shoulder. Cabela's has them on sale.
Turkish made, decent handling. I'd strongly recommend you actually handle one.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
I loved when Stevens made the 512, the 555 isn't as nice a gun. It's why I went with the SRII.
Depending on the price, the 555 might fit the bill though.
That's what I'm thinking,too. I don't want something that I'd be afraid to carry through brier and berry patches.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bluebulldog
Not the best platform if you intend to shoot thousands of rounds a year at clay targets. As a hunt/ carry gun you likely will never wear it out. It comes down to feel/fit. Doesn’t matter what it’s worth if it fits you well. Test the fit with your hunting clothes on, not a thin T-shirt. Makes a difference.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21
What if I hunt grouse shirtless with safety orange body paint? lol Oh the scratches… and no place for extra shells.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
I bought CZ mallard 5-6 years ago. Nothing special, and it wouldn't stand up to a lot of clays but for maybe a box of shells a season so far, so good.
I was considering one of the more affordable doubles when a friend of mine told me about his Stoeger at the same price point that received 2 warranty stocks due to cracking and eventual failure.
I like the look of that Mossberg. I'm feeling like taking another look. I wouldn't likely use it for clays, my shoulder is too soft, that's why I like the semis.
Way too much information.Quote:
Originally Posted by kickingfrog
Anybody a fan of the 16 gauge? What's a perfect Upland load?
1oz of 7 1/2. Handle anything in Ontario.Quote:
Originally Posted by can-man
What about for chucker and pheasants?
I'm a fan of #6 and #5'sQuote:
Originally Posted by can-man
Me too!!
Where's the cheapest place you're buying 16 gauge shells? Thanks for your help
I'm either 12 or 20g and if you plan it right basspro has sales preseason have never seem 16 on sale though.
About 20 bucks, but I buy mine at those used guns sales and get them for about 10 bucks, I prefer size 4 and 5Quote:
Originally Posted by can-man
I find it somewhat awkward, in that, if you carry it with an empty chamber and the action closed, when you go to shoot, you have to find the release switch/button OR pull the trigger/dry fire to get the action open to rack in a round. I don't like the idea of the dry fire, as in that scenario, you probably don't have the gun mounted yet, You're looking at the bird, not where your barrel is pointed, and in the heat of the moment, it could be pointed at the dog, or whereever, as you're mounting... so the release button should be the only option. Fine if that's what you've practiced, the same way every time and can do it instinctually, but if not, can result in flubs. Missed shots. Sounds like you've been doing fine for a while. Just not my preference.Quote:
Originally Posted by swampsinger
If you carry with the action already unlocked, at least with my guns, the weight of the forestock, while jostling around, will slide it open, if carried vertically, unless you don't hold it closed, which is a nuisance, and it'll eventually end up sliding open all the way, and a round will drop from the tube and be bobbling around the action until it falls out or ends up shoved in the chamber.
I love pumps and semi autos in scenarios when/where I can safely sit in a blind, or easy, heads up walking, with a loaded chamber, safety on, and gun in a safe direction. For banging through brush for grouse and woodcock, I much prefer a breach loader.
My go-to gun changes depending on when and where.
For woodcock, anywhere anytime, I use a SxS choked cyl/cyl. It also handles the grouse I encounter along the way.
For northern Ontario grouse, anytime, I use the same SxS choked cyl/cyl.
For Evil Southern Grouse after the woodcock have left and the leaves are down, I use a SxS choked IC/mod.
My go-to grouse gun is a custom Arietta sxs 28" 12 gauge choked skeet and light mod. Grouse load is a 24 gram International target load. I step up to 1-1/8 #6 for preserve pheasant.
Do you carry the breach loader closed or open. I don't mind to hear from others on this, wondering what is the general practice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Keating
I hunt with the chamber loaded, action closed and safety on.Quote:
Originally Posted by swampsinger
My go to Partridge Gun is the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight in 20 gauge with number 6 shot. At under 6 pounds with 26" barrel, it is light enough to carry all day and you can go through the rough stuff without getting tangled.