[Eightball]

Recently, in one of my trips to the range, I started thinking about the issue of the plugs that limit shotguns to 3 shells. This phenomena hit me shortly after I saw some people with semis going nuts with 8 rounds, and then some other people loading their slide-actions up to their "full potential". Then, a few days later, I went shooting with a buddy on his property (skeet), and for all the slide-actions he owns, he had the aforementioned plug to where 1 is in the chamber, 2 in the tube. So, I've been wondering since--when is a plug appropriate, when is it not, and does the death of the AWB change anything as far as either is concerned? :confused: I should probably know this, but reading legal-ese has never come easy for me :banghead:

[foghornl]

In a nutshell, although Your Mileage Will Vary according to your states "Game & Fish" laws. . .

Shotguns must be plugged to 3 rounds max capacity (Federal law) for Migratory Birds and Waterfowl..i.e Doves, Ducks, Geese. Some states also have mag capacity limits on small game, including turkey.

F'rinstance, Ohio is shotguns with slugs ONLY for deer 3 rounds max, unless handgun hunting, minimum 5" barrel and .357 bore diameter.

Subtle hint here:

For shotgun hunting, get the Rules/Regs/Laws published by your states "Game & Fish" department. For trap/skeet/sporting clays, etc, it is whatever the club says the plug rules are.

[TrapperReady]

In short, when hunting migratory game birds (ducks, geese, dove, etc...), you will need a plug. In most places, you do not need a plug when hunting upland game.

To be safe, I keep the plugs in my shotguns I use for hunting. I've made a few third-shot kills, but most birds drop by the first or second shot. Usually, if I've missed with two, then the third is a waste of time.

When shooting clay targets, it's unusual to load more than two shells at a time.

If you are planning on hunting with a "full capacity" shotugn, make sure to check with your state's DNR and find out if the game you are hunting has any magazine limits.

[EghtySx]

In Texas you gotta have it plugged to a total of three rounds including one in the chamber for hunting only. Any other time you can have as many as you can get in there, especially for defense.

[tuna]

To be safe, I keep the plugs in my shotguns I use for hunting. I've made a few third-shot kills, but most birds drop by the first or second shot. Usually, if I've missed with two, then the third is a waste of time.


I've found when bird hunting, firing more than 2 shots will have everyone within earshot easing their way over to find the bird you missed. If I have shells, I will usually try to connect until I'm empty, even though I know that the chances are slim. If you only have 2 or 3 rounds, those that don't see you will assume that you hit, giving you another chance for the "one that got away". On another note, if you know you only have a couple shots, you usually subconsciously make that first shot count more than you do with a full magazine - or at least these are my findings.

[Eightball]

So, if I'm not taking a particular shotgun out to hunt, then said shotgun would be legal without the plug? Like, if I was taking it to the range, and someone looked it over, noticed the lack of a plug--there'd be no issue?

[TrapperReady]

tuna - A while back I referenced (IIRC) my first pheasant hunt with an old Browning A5. The gun was filled to capacity and my dog kicked up a bird a ways behind me. Much to my embarassment, I emptied the gun using the "wall of lead" approach. Fortunately, I found the bird quite dead, but a good distance away from where I'd last seen him.

Last Fall, I took up waterfowling for the first time. As I've stated here before, those ducks truly handed me my [ahem] butt. There were at least a couple of days where I'd be watching my spread and calling, only to blow shots (usually in multiples of 3) when the occasional birds did come in. The most painful part was hearing someone hunting a little ways off... I'd hear a little calling, followed by a single shot. Something tells me that they weren't nearly as frustrated as I was. :banghead:

[toivo]

So, if I'm not taking a particular shotgun out to hunt, then said shotgun would be legal without the plug? Like, if I was taking it to the range, and someone looked it over, noticed the lack of a plug--there'd be no issue?Yes. It's a hunting reg. IIRC, the AWB specified ten rounds max, and I don't know of any shotguns that hold that many. (Except those drum mag things, but if you had one of those you wouldn't be talking about plugs.)

[Smoke]

In Texas you gotta have it plugged to a total of three rounds including one in the chamber for hunting only.

That would depend on what you're hunting. Plugs are only necessary for migratory birds. No plug needed for other game. I use a plugless pump for Blue Quail.

Smoke

[Larry Ashcraft]

Also depends on which state you are hunting in, Smoke. In Colorado, the three round max applies to all game.

[Smoke]

I understand that Larry....the other poster specifically mentioned Texas so I was addressing that.

I usually hunt Dove with a double gun anyway. I started throwing that third shot out of spite. A double saves me money. :D

Smoke

[Larry Ashcraft]

I usually hunt Dove with a double gun anyway. I started throwing that third shot out of spite. A double saves me money.
Agreed. My dad taught me many years ago that the third shot is usually a prayer. I have used a O/U for hunting for over 20 years.

(side note to Smoke): Have you been sending those "collared doves" up here? They are showing up in droves, and my son told me they are exempt from limits this year.

[TrapperReady]

"Did someone mention doves?"

36 days and counting... :D :D

I just picked up a couple cases of .410 shells. That Model 42 is going to get a workout the first couple weeks of September... at least until grouse season starts.

On top of that, I spent a good chunk of today planning a pheasant-hunting trip to North Dakota.

Life is very, very good! :)

[Drav]

So, if I'm not taking a particular shotgun out to hunt, then said shotgun would be legal without the plug? Like, if I was taking it to the range, and someone looked it over, noticed the lack of a plug--there'd be no issue?

Right, plugs are only for hunting. If you're going to the range or using the shotgun for home defense, I'd strongly advise you not to plug!

[JNewell]

I'd strongly advise you not to plug!

Drav's more confident than I am that I'll remember to put it back in so it's there when the F&G officer asks to check the magazine! :D :what: