All rights reserved. - #4 steel 4/8oz 31.6 yds, 95 pellets. Both have 26-inch barrels and weigh precisely 51 2 pounds. The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory, Aldo Gucci. Matthew Every That includes plenty of experts, lots of writers (experts and writers arent always the same thing), hunters, shooters, and the random member of Congress. All Rights Reserved. Fiocchi lists no fewer than 22 loadings in 28 gauge, ranging from a high-velocity ounce and one-ounce hunting loads to 11/16 ounce and 7/8-ounce Golden Pheasant loads in shot sizes No. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. In fact, I wouldnt be scared to use the 28 paired with a modified choke and good ammo on any duck that flies anywhere in the world.. The clear winner at 40 yards is the 28 gauge. No doubt about it, the 12 gauge with its heavier shot charge enjoys a performance advantage beyond 30 yards but inside that distance the 28 gauge will hold its own with anything you'd want to shoot from your shoulder. There is no magic to it. (Of course, the fact that its gorgeous wood came from Remington's custom shop had no influence on her choice.). 9 TSS shot is roughly equivalent to No. Brister points out that the first person to study shot string was H. A. Ivatt in 1890. The Benelli Ethos 28-gauge semi-auto weighs just 5.4 pounds, while Benellis Ultra Light semi-auto takes weight all the way down to five pounds. Smaller shot translates into a shorter effective range. Still, Apexs TSS 9-shot shells are about as good a turkey load as you can buy. Size 8 and 9 shot are offered by Remington and Winchester; Federal offers 8 1/2 and 9. If taking long shots at gobblers is your thing, the 28 gauge will likely deliver. 28 Likes, TikTok video from naturesav (@naturesav.crochet): "Let's make a gauge swatch! Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. But with the advancement of bismuth and tungsten shotshells, more duck hunters are turning to sub-gauges, like the 28. John Gordon The maximum effective range of the 28-gauge shotshell has long been debated and I don't expect to end the argument here and now. 28-Gauge: The Exception of the Sub-Gauge Shotgun, The Difference Between a Deutsch-Drahthaar and a German Wirehaired Pointer, Understanding Shotgun Chokes How to Choose a Choke Size for Hunting, Pheasant Hunting Ammo and Chokes A Pheasant Hunters Guide, German Shorthaired Pointer The Most Popular Versatile Dog in the World, Pudelpointer Dog Breed Form, Function, History, and More, Gordon Setter Breed History, Standards and Origins, Development and History of the Irish Red Setter, Irish Water Spaniel: A Versatile Dog Breed Indeed, Defining a Grouse Gun A Shotgun of Specialist Function, Difference Between the Original Fox A Grade and the Savage Fox A Grade, The Upland Shooting Life, by George Bird Evans, New England Grouse Shooting, by William Harnden Foster. Grassroots conversations regarding the 28-gauge feel more like the passing on of old fantasy stories rather than true, hard facts of ballistics. Tungsten is 56 percent denser than lead, and though it cannot be safely shot through the older guns, it is a most effective duck killer. I found the article interesting. More game in the bag was just a bonus considering all the other factors that make this such a wonderful gauge. Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. Loading a 28-gauge load up to 1 ounce will offend puristsbut it will put more pellets on your target. He was devoted when it came to the 28-gauge. Add to quote; Share Only show this user. A 2014 study conducted by Moser and his team showed a direct correlation between the efficiency of a load and this square load ratio. I shot a 7/8-ounce 2-inch load of No. | Sign In or Start your online account. 2014-2023 Project Upland Media Group, LLC. But don't think for one moment that a 28-gauge gun built on a 20-gauge receiver is all bad because it is not. My two favorite 28s are side-by-side doubles, a Parker with a Miller trigger and a No 1 grade AyA. Like the .410, the 28 is probably at its best with #7 1/2, 8, and 9 size shot. The .410 lagged behind by a large gap at 0.37 percent and the 16-gauge just ahead at 14.57 percent. 4, although BOSS offers a 3/5 blend. When she informed me several years ago that her 16-gauge double was no longer fun to shoot, I suggested that before shopping for a new gun she shoot sporting clays with several of mine in order to get some idea of what she was looking for. While we had to use binoculars to spot our 410 patterns from the bench, we could see our 28 gauge patterns with the naked eye. To find out, we put both shells head-to-head in a shoot-off. All 28 gauge shells are 2 3/4 inches in length. All were developed for clay target shooting but due to the extremely hard No. Shoot a one-ounce load at 1,220 fps out of a 6-1/2 pound 20 gauge and youll experience a bit more than 17 foot pounds of recoil energy. Thanks again, Fellow Griff fanatic. The ban on lead shot had just come to pass and shotshell makers hadnt yet determined that speed was the key to making steel deadly. Bismuth Cartridge offers a nontoxic option for the 28 gauge and several companies offer excellent loads with lead shot. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. Hunting an exotic antelope in South Texas? A square load is an equal amount of powder and shot by volume. The 2-bore, 4-bore, 14-bore, 24-bore, and the .360 (smaller than the .410) also existed in the mix. The gun sports a distinctive bronze receiver and is available in both 28-inch and 26-inch barrel lengths. Phyllis eventually settled on a Remington Model 1100 in 28 gauge for two reasons--she shot it extremely well and of all the guns she tried, it was the most comfortable to shoot. Get everything Gun Dog has to offer. AJ's love for all things wild has caused him to advocate on the federal and state levels to promote and expand conservation policy, habitat funding, and upland game bird awareness. This year, though, a new sub-gauge is getting its moment in the turkey woods. And it still holds true in general for Briley and Trulock chokes in my semi-autos. Modern pellet alternatives have brought the 28 back into the waterfowl hunting picture. 30-yard pattern shot through the cylinder choke of the Yildiz .410 using the Gamebore ".410 Target" 14g/#9 shell. In my experience, 28ga guns in general tend to throw tighter patterns than expected given the known constriction of the choke. No such load is available on the market. 20-yard pattern shot through the choke of the Yildiz .410 using the Gamebore ".410 Target" 14g/#9 shell. Even after patterning the guns and seeing good results on paper at longer distances, that often did not translate into dead ducks afield. I started shooting the 28 after a rotator cuff surgery and havent put it down. Patterns were wider, with the centers of some impacting off the target. New for 2020 is the Kent Elite Target load with a ounce payload of No. Both shells would be devastating to turkeys at 30 yards. This is a high brass Express Extra Long Range load with 3/4 ounce of #6 or #7 1/2 shot at a MV of 1295 fps. The first 28 gauge pattern was from the Improved Cylinder choked barrel. But modern shotshell construction adds in the factor of shotcups. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Smaller birds, it goes without saying, fall dead, too. But the idea that a 28-gauge is square is nothing but a myth. Just $1 per month , This little gun packs a big punch on upland birds and even waterfowland its a dream to shoot, By To compare the 28-gauge to the 12-gauge, I patterned both on paper. There was virtually no stringing of shot evident; the pattern was almost as perfectly round as if it had been fired with the target sitting still. Both the8-gauge and 10-gauge were common and popular. After a comparison using identical speed, lead size, and chokes, the 20-gauge pattern appeared to open much faster than the 28. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Ive never experienced a failure in the four years Ive owned this gun, shooting target and duck loads through it. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. To way over-simplify their findings: The bigger the bore, the better it patterned, and we could discern no magic .55 inch, ounce payload relationship. | Curious? All rights reserved. Phyllis actually prefers to hunt with a Franchi 48AL in 28 gauge because it is a couple of pounds lighter but anytime we decide to break several hundred clay targets in a single day she always takes along the Model 1100. If none of this convinces you that the 28 gauge shotshell is as effective as the 12 gauge at close to medium ranges, perhaps a look at the scores fired by skeet shooters will change your mind. Also developed a crack in the stock . The 28 gauge makes a much better choice for a small-gauge hunting or . Since then, several manufacturers have offered 410 turkey guns and loads. Target loads have the singular virtue of reduced recoil compared to the higher velocity hunting loads. Some folks have said that the 28 shoots a square load, that delivers shot in a shorter string than the 20- or 12-gauge. I enjoy early-season pheasant hunting with the 28 gauge and the Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes of the AyA make it a better choice for that. The nominal bore diameter of the 28 gauge is .550 inch; not much compared to the .729 bore of a 12 gauge. That, along with my personal experiences, have made me quite partial to the 28, a wonderful sub-gauge with ever-growing popularity. The rarity, demand, and modern manufacturing of the 28-gauge is making this rising star even more accessible. Developed for high-volume dove shooting, the Cordoba is duck hunter friendly thanks to the ComforTech stock, which includes a gel cheekpiece and recoil pad. The 28-gauge now represents an often-coveted selection in vintage-built shotguns that can drive prices to nauseating levels. Envision getting hit by a tennis ball versus a baseball at 20 yards. You can also now order 28-gauge loads with Federals dense tungsten super shot (TSS) directly from the Federal Custom Shop. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. To hear some people tell it, the 28-gauge shotgun is imbued with magical powers, and if you listen to these fans long enough, you might come away convinced that you could use a 28 to down a crossing pterodactyl with a snap shot at 50 yards using a -ounce load of No. It scored an average of 210 pellets in a 10-inch circle. Bismuth is more than 20 percent denser than steel, but not as dense as lead. Listen to more articles onApple|Google|Spotify|Audible. With the 410 thinning out at 40, we didnt want to push it to 50. A quick survey of current offerings from major ammo makers reveals no shortage of options. There are two types of 28 gauge guns, those built on the 20-gauge receiver and those built on the smaller 28-gauge receiver. The 28-gauge is more than enough gun to take pheasants with authority within reasonable range, as the author demonstrates on this pheasant drive. As an owner of several 28-gauge shotguns, I could not agree more with the author. Theyll take less of a pounding in the process, and possibly shoot better. Go Premium to recieve the follwing benefits: Already a subscriber? The 20 is also much more versatile as a hunting gun. While the 20-gauge generates less recoil than a 12 gauge, its still more than youll get with a 28. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. With 1/8 oz #9.5 TSS 54 pellets, total is 149 pellets. Shot sizes are 6, 7 1/2, and 8. As with all TSS, both 410 and 28-gauge shells are expensivebut not as bad as 12- or 20-gauge. If your heart beats to the rhythm of a pump-action gun, currently produced 28-gauge pump guns include the six-pound Remington 870 Wingmaster priced at $962, the stylish Ithaca Model 37, starting at $1,145, and the CZ 628 Field Select with a MSRP of $429. Ive tried several steel loads over the years and have had mixed results. This all builds a story that the 28-gauge is slowly, steadily gaining popularity as a gauge of choice for upland hunting. Unique editorial written exclusively for premium members. Its even less square and therefore not as efficient as a -ounce load, but it still will put more pellets on target than a -ounce load will. This applies to lead shot as well as nontoxic shot with about the same density as lead. We took two shots (these shells are hard to get, and we only had 10 of them) and connected with the target with each. There is, he said, no magic in the 28 gauge.. of recoil according to my Shotgun Recoil Table. People smarter than me have pointed out that all shotgun ballistics apply except when talking the 28-gauge. I still have TSS and Tungsten Poly to play with and I will post those patterns up as I get to those shot types. This is a viewer funded channel.. Built on the 20 gauge receiver, that gun weighs 714 pounds and when its weight along with its gas-operated action are combined with the light recoil of the 28-gauge shotshell is it easy to see why she enjoys shooting "her" Model 1100. This. Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts. We shot each gun three times at turkey-patterning targets at two different distancesonce at 30 yards and again at 40 yards. Imagine someone driving a station wagon pulling a boat trailer rigged up with a 16x4 target for you to shoot at. Under certain circumstances I too am inclined to ignore tradition and pick 28- gauge guns that are heavier than my Parker and AyA doubles. What's Included, Already a subscriber? Subscribe and Save over 60% ($39.99 normally $107) Simply put, others and I have found the 28-gauge to not just be a delightful gauge, but superior to other gauges in unexpected ways. My main gig is ruffed grouse here in NW Wisconsin and dragging a 12 through grouse/woodcock cover is too much of a workout, period! For youth hunters, new shooters, or anybody who needs an extra turkey gun, the 410 loaded with TSS is still a great choice. We made some special runs in 16, 28, and .410 and only sold a handful. Love my AYA 28 but it let me down on no miss grouse shots last fall . The 28 gauge will never become as popular among American hunters as the 12 gauge but it does have its share of fans. I very much doubt it. Receive (6) 120-page magazines filled with the best dog training advice from expert trainers. Sign In or start your online account. Its also a major reason why sub-gauges like the 28 are viable duck guns now. Feel free to visit us in person or, to request one by mail, simply call the office at 517-279-4312 or send us a request stating where you would like your Plat Book sent, along with a check for $28. Federal brought more choices to 28 gauge fans in the last couple of years, and offers more than a dozen 28-gauge loads, including specialized target and sporting clays loads as well as high-velocity upland and high-brass hunting loads. Such guns, they proclaim, are too light and dont swing smoothly enough for serious shooting, whatever they deem that to be. The short answer? Mar 31, 2021. We noticed a difference in consistency with the 410. The 12-gauge was not part of the study. A square load is defined by the bore diameter and shot column being a perfect 1 to 1 ratio. What a pleasure this gun is to shoot and hunt with, said Ramsey Russel, who owns getducks.com and shoots a 28. The light weight and easy swinging ability appear to make me a better and even quicker shot. More than 40 years ago, a Texan named Bob Brister published a book revealing results of extensive testing on crossing targets towed behind an automobile. 25 results for "my 18 inch doll inc doll bike fits" $28. For some reason, the big shots went home shortly after I arrived, leaving me alone and all dressed up in the new brush pants I had splurged on for the occasion. In my first book, I wrote that whitetail deer do exactly what they are supposed to except when they dont. Just $1 per month , Is the 28 gauge really that much better than a 410? Here's a look at how the 28 (left) patterned versus the 12. !" some of you might ask.. watch the video for more info! Price can also be a problem, as 28 gauge shells are not widely distributed and are seldom found in discount stores. We started our test shooting the 410, and when we switched over to the 28 gauge, we noticed an uncomfortable jump in recoil. Some of them flushed a little wild, yet I dont remember any of them hitting the ground alive. Non-toxic pellet requirements for waterfowl have been in existence for more than 30 years. Shot sizes 6, 7 1/2, and 8 are the choices. I have not seen it listed in recent Federal catalogs, but it has been picked-up by Winchester in the form of a Super-X High Brass load with a muzzle velocity (MV) of 1205 fps. These are skeet or sporting clays loads containing 3/4 ounce of #8, 8 1/2, or 9 shot. A 3 20 can handle 1-1/4 oz of shot if you absolutely have to. Kent Cartridge offerings include the Bismuth Upland shotshell with a 7/8-ounce payload of high-density No. "What exactly is a gauge swatch? Best TSS Pattern Percentage: Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 3-inch, 1 5/8 . If you shoot steel from a 28, I will caution you to keep your shots inside 25 yards. Turkey loads for the 28 gauge were scarce during our test, and we could only come up with ammo from Apex. Winchester currently lists 13 28-gauge loads, including four one-ounce high-brass game loads, two high-brass ounce game loads, two steel shot loads, four ounce target loads and a new Super Sport sporting clays ounce load. This is the advantage of the 12 gauge over the smaller 20 and 28 gauges. A spokesman for one of the worlds largest shotshell makers told me that he wishes the company had more compelling data to prove some of those common beliefs, because he dearly loves to hunt with his 28-gauge gun, but the company doesnt have any evidence to support those claims. According to the 1888 book Modern Shot Guns, A 28-gauge double gun with 26-inch barrels should weigh under 4 lbs. That is much lighter than its more popular cousins. This produced the pattern I had expected. Speaking of premium shot, the firm of Hevi-Shot, which famously produced the first shotshells using heavier-than-lead shot, offers a variety of potent 28-gauge loads. 7.5 through five. There are myths of its origins, a collective misunderstanding of the square load, and a devout following by some of the greatest shotgun experts and writers. You want to go shoot them?. A New England native, he grew up hunting and has spent over 30 years in pursuit of big and small game species across three continents. Its chambered for 2-inch shells, and also sports the Kick-Off system, which is a series of springs in the stock that tames recoils. At the 2023 SHOT Show and the NWTF Convention, it was hard to take two steps without hearing how the 28 gauge is the next big thing for turkey hunters. Read Next: The Best Budget Turkey Loads Vs. TSS. Almost 10 percent of upland hunters preferred the 28-gauge to other gauges, making it the fourth most popular gauge overall. BOSS makes copper-plated bismuth shotshells, and its founder Brandon Cereke is not surprised that smaller gauges are increasing in popularity. Kindred Hearts Dolls 18 Bicycle and Helmet. 9s inside a 10-inch target at 40 yards through the Remington 870. . 5 shot (149 pellets) through a Mossberg SA-28. 30-yard pattern shot through the choke of the Yildiz .410 using the Gamebore ".410 Target . If anything, it swings a bit more smoothly than lighter guns. In contrast, a 7-1/2 pound 12-gauge shotgun launching 1-1/8 ounces of lead at 1,200 fps ratchets recoil up to about 23 foot pounds. With a price tag of just $675, its a real bargain. Major ammo makers report that the 28 gauge has become increasingly popular over the last decade, showing a steady increase in demand, and that has led gun makers to offer more models in 28 gauge. 28 gauge test pattern - YouTube 0:00 / 1:01 28 gauge test pattern champ68sg 13 subscribers Subscribe 5 2.4K views 9 years ago Testing a 28 gauge for pattern. | But perhaps where the 28-gauge performs best is shot string. 6 shot contains approximately 225 pellets versus 165 for a 34-ounce charge. Thanks to the rising popularity of the 28, theres something to suit everyone now in guns and ammo, and theres never been a better time to go afield with a 28 gauge. Another thing to consider is that many of our mountain men and early settlers used a .54 caliber flintlock / cap lock and often used shot for game birds. | Methinks maybe not???? Once believed to be an inferior killer of wild game, advancements in gunpowder, the shotcup, and even the introduction of new metals would catapult this gauge forward in the modern era. 20-, and 28-gauge, plus .410. . The 28 gauge kept right on truckin at 40 yards. When choosing between 28 gauge vs. 20 gauge shotguns, remember that 20 gauge shots are yellow while the 28s are red. Does the 28-gauge shotgun pattern better than any other gauge? Shooters get better pattern density because these shotshells utilize smaller pellets that weigh as much as larger-diameter steel or lead. There is also a small window that runs the length of the fore-end so you can see how many shells are in the magazine. Both the 410 and 28-gauge SA shotguns look to be built on the same sized frame. As time went on, however, customer requests increased. Only thing is, the payload isn't square at all, By We shall see.. Hoobilly The 410 is technically not a gauge, rather a measurement of the bore in hundredths of an inch. Brownings Citori 725 in 28 gauge weighs seven pounds, but Ive shot quite a few birds with that gun and never felt handicapped by its weight. Now those numbers are up to 10 percent and its growing every season.. With the right buffered load, a 28 bore is highly effective. One question that many people ask is whether they should shoot 20 or 28 gauge in tournaments. This really increases recoil. Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine. They are lightweight, easy to handle guns. Info below. In some guns, less expensive field loads such as Winchester Super-X, Federal Classic and Remington Express pattern about as well as the target loads or if there is a difference it is not enough to matter. The lions share of wild upland bird hunting happens at this distance. 28 Gauge vs 410: Ammo Price and Availability. Which perhaps helps explain why 28-gauges in general have developed such a reputation for hitting game harder and smoking targets better than they are supposed to. Apex produced the best pattern of the test, placing 270 No. Except it isnt square. Read Next: The Best New Shotguns from SHOT Show 2020. Put simply, Ive never shot another gauge better. Might have been the loads or a crooked eye but, clear let downs. It has a 3-inch chamber, a more recent 28-gauge development. For the shooter of means, most of the bespoke side by side doubles can be ordered in 28 gauge.
