[TrapperReady]

I've never been grouse hunting before, but will probably get out a few times this fall. I've decided to get a jump-start on the hemming and hawing over which shotgun to use, and thought I'd ask here.

Provided I don't buy anything new, I've got a few options:

12ga autoloader (28" barrel)
12ga pump (28" barrel)
12ga O/U (30" barrel)
20ga autoloader (26" barrel)
20ga pump (28" barrel)

I can shoot all of them equally well (within reason).

I'm inclined to use the 20ga autoloader (Benelli M-1), since it is very light and I understand that grouse hunting calls for a "constant ready" condition.

A couple people I know and trust vote for the O/U, since it is the same overall length as the M-1, but throws more shot. They argue that the additional shot helps to get a few more pellets through the trees and hopefully into the bird. Of course, it is at least 1.5 lbs heavier and by the end of the day can be a bit tiring.

I figure with the autoloaders or the O/U, I can get extremely fast follow-up shots if necessary, and I'm just a little slower with the pumps.

So, what works for you, and what would you recommend? Also, any comments on grouse loads would be appreciated. If I use the 20ga, I'd likely be using 7 1/2s (Winchester Super X), or some handloads I've yet to test.

[HSMITH]

Grouse hunting is a really different kind of hunting. If they don't scare you too bad to even get a shot off at the flush you will have only a second or two max to shoot the bird. A fast shotgun you shoot well is mandatory. Light and fast, that is a pretty good description of the Benelli 20ga, and out of what you have to pick from it is what I would pick.

Load an ounce of #6's, IC or light modified chokes. More pellets are not gonna help, you have to hit them.

[Dave McCracken]

Not a grouse hunter, but...

It's testing time here. Take them all to the trap range. Using your hunting load and from low gun, see which shotgun busts the birds closest to the trap house. IOW, whichever one is fastest.

If the weight's OK, you're set. If not, use the lightest one you have that's close to the fastest...

HTH....

[Dr.Rob]

Dave is right. (imagine that?) Your fastest and most accurate shotgun will be the best.

I always preffered the 12 over the 20, and I like a 26 inch tube for upland game. Sometimes I'll leave the 22" deer barrel on my 870 and switch out the rifled tube for a IMP Cyl. and call it good. You have to sight it a little differently but it works. And it's fast! I had a buddy with a Stevens short barreled 12 ga double that he only used for grouse and other woodsy gamebirds. Ugly but effective.

Other things you need: A good jacket with a game bag in it. And a good dog to share the experience with.

[PJR]

Grouse or partridge as their known in some areas are not difficult birds to put down. Shooting is often close so the gun should have open chokes. Any load that put's up 3/4's to 1 ounce of shot is adequate so the 28 gauge through to the light 12 will get the job done. My favorite grouse load is a fast stepping 7/8s ounce international skeet load in 7-1/2 shot. I don't think you need #6 for grouse and save those for pheasant.

Which gun? Any of the guns listed would do but the thing about grouse hunting is to pick the gun you shoot best instinctively and/or reactively.

If there is a five stand set up at a nearby clay range I'd spend some time there. The gun you shoot best at five stand is the one you will be most effective with in the field in my experience.

Paul

[Johnpl]

I find my Remington 870 Special Field just right. It has a 21" rem-choke barrel, straight grip English style stock, weighs about 7 lbs in 12 gauge. I can carry it all day with one hand, while pushing brush out of the way with the other. Seen several for sale on GunsAmerica.com.

[Clemson]

The link here gives an interesting perspective on Grouse guns. These folks suggest that the absolute ideal grouse gun is a 1930's era Winchester Model 12 in either 16 or 20 gauge. It makes an interesting read whether you agree or not!

http://www.winrest.com/five%20for%20five.html

Clemson

[TrapperReady]

Clemson - Thanks for the link. My 12ga pump is an early nickel steel Winchester Model 12, with a 28" full-choked barrel. My mom's father bought it new, and he gave it to my dad sometime in the early '50s.

I shoot that gun very well, and it does shoulder more naturally than pretty much anything I've got. I'd written it off for grouse hunting, due to the length and the full choke, but I think I may have to try it.

Actually, that makes me pretty happy, since I didn't have another good use for it, and it deserves to be shot. It's always cool to bag birds with the same gun used by family members long since gone.

[ACP230]

I started hunting grouse with my grandfather's old single-barrel break-open ACME 12 gauge. Did poorly with it.

I progressed to a Winchester Model 12, 16 gauge with Poly Choke. I used that gun for grouse, woodcock, geese and on one buck deer. It worked well and I still use it now and then.

My current grouse gun is an Italian 20 gauge over and under. It weighs a bit more than a pound less than the Model 12, so carries better on long grouse chasing trips. It has 26 inch barrels and the best feel of any shotgun I own. The Model 12 is close, but the light OU is a bit better.

Both guns kill about as well on grouse and I use six shot in both for grouse and rabbits. Seven and a half shot disappointed me early on.

I could go back to the Model 12 without much of a problem, if I had to.

[Dave McCracken]

I see little advantage to any action style of shotgun for up close brush hunting. It's more balance, weight and pointability.

To a Model 12 fan, the 12 makes sense. Later ones were a bit heavier.

Tha 870 Special Field seems ideal to me, but I freely admit bias towards 870s.You may have noticed(G)...

And while grouse have been for me only the occasional windfall bird while pursuing other species, here's my take on the ideal grouse gun.

It should balance within say 3" of the trigger.

Except for NFL linemen, Neanderthal throwbacks or pro wrestlers, it should weigh no more than 7 lbs at most,6 1/2's better.

It should fit like a glove and point like a finger.

It should shoot at least 3/4 oz of shot, and I'd use an oz for a 12 gauge. 6 to 7 1/2s, depending on cover and what works best for that shooter. Les Greevy wrote an article recently on an oz of 7s (The same as British 6s) being nigh perfect. I may research this later, will advise. And I'd want those pellets fitting into 30" at 25 yards, which means a bit more choke than a little. Call it IC to Light Modified, about 10-15 POC.

I'd want the thing to be on the short side, say 26" barrels on a double to 20" on a repeater, and be responsive but not whippy.

And I'd want it shot in so much it feels like a body part. Only practice and repetition will do that.

I just noted I've described a good all around upland gun, suitable for everything smaller than wild ringnecks at reasonable ranges. Oughta do a job on quail for sure, if we hold up our end.

[TrapperReady]

It looks like I'm just going to have to get out and grouse hunt a bunch this fall. Darn!

The real answer is that I can probably hit with any of them, and I can certainly miss with any of them.

I'm fortunate in that I can shoot a variety of shotguns well, and all of the ones I own fit very nicely. Those that didn't to begin with have been tinkered with until they did.

From a purely objective standpoint, the 20ga M-1 makes the most sense to me. It's light, fairly short, has changeable chokes and a safety which I disengage without thought.

However, I think that's going to be the backup gun. Unless I change my mind, my first trip out will be the Model 12. The weight is good, the fit is perfect and I shoot it very well. It also has a good nostaligic feel. I can miss with it, and still enjoy having taken the shot.

Then again, maybe I can squeeze things over in the safe and make room for a 26" barrel 20ga SxS, choked IC and Mod. Hmmm.... always wanted a Model 21.

"Honey, where's the checkbook? You haven't hidden it again, have you?"

[12-34hom]

All the guns listed by the author would seem to have barrels to long.

Ruffed Grouse hunting is usually done in hilly type woods and thickets [around here anyway] and the shortest and lightest gun is best.

Any guage from 410 thru 12 would suffice. 7-1/2 to # 8 shot would be best shot thru a IC choke. I would use factory trap loads for this type of hunting.

These birds are quite tasty and well worth the hunt.

12-34hom.

[Dave McCracken]

"It looks like I'm just going to have to get out and grouse hunt a bunch this fall. Darn!"....

It's a tough job, TR, but somebody has to do it, heh,heh,heh....

12-34, my brush guns have tended towards the short side. While there is an advantage to short barrels for this sort of hunting, the fact remains that the primary criteria for any hunting shotgun is one has to be able to HIT with the thing.

I've known some outstanding quail/grouse/woodcock hunters who use light shotguns, but the barrels run 28" or longer. Short barreled shotguns require much experience and great fit for best results.

And any place I can get my oversized frame into will have some room for a swing.

[12-34hom]

Dave, i have friend who has an older model 11-87 with a 22 inch barrel, i've seen him kill ducks with this gun at 45 yards with no problem.

I am a light guage fan from wayback. 410 - 28 -20 always seemed enough gun when it came to everything except waterfowl. I've killed more small game with the 410's i've owned then all other guages combined.

If i ever can find a model 42 Winchester pump that isn't overpriced i will be taking it home...:)

The fit and feel of any firearm is paramount to it's owner. I've owned alot of cheap shotguns over the years, {One Savage bolt action 410 comes to mind} I took many a rabbit and pheasant with that gun, its handling and balance was superb.

Each to his own - good hunting.

12-34hom.

[Dave McCracken]

Since I set up Frankenstein,12-34, it's gotten maybe 25 snow geese with its nominal 21" barrel.

Feel, fit and confidence are paramount.Regardless of action, make or appointments, a shotgun that fits, feels good and that you're sure will work for you will work for you.

Good luck on the 42....