Quail gun?

[Noxx]

I've always used an 870 for upland game in the past, however I'm going out for quail with some friends in the near future, and I'm thinking of picking up a lightweight SxS in 20 or 28 for a change of pace.

I don't own any break actions atm, can anyone reccommend a decent brand / model that will do the job without hitting me too hard in the pocket? Muchn obliged for any feedback.

[dm1333]

Check Remington for their SxS, it was being marketed as the Stevens 411 and sold by Savage. It is a Russian made gun but I don't remember the maker.

[Acheron]

Shouldn't this be in the shotgun forum?

[Noxx]

probably, they all looked the same at 4am.

[skinewmexico]

Quail gun? I'm using a Benelli M2 with and extended magazing (8 rounds). If you were shooting with the guys I shoot with, you'd get a lot of your birds shot while reloading.

[jerkface11]

Kahn makes nice shotguns as does Stoeger.

[JWarren]

I still use my Grandfather's Fox/Stevens single trigger 16 gauge for quail hunting. The way that thing swings and balances is not for words to describe. It has to be felt in the soul.


I have no idea about the patterning, but the only gun I've felt that leveled and swinged like it was the 12 gauge Stoeger Coach gun. It's a pretty inexpensive little thing, and it doesn't have the "old world" craftsmanship of the one I use, but few do under $1,500 these days. I think I am going to pick one of those up in the future. They have one model with screw-in chokes.


-- John

[ArmedBear]

SKB 505 O/U in 20, 26" barrels. Plain-jane version, no gold pheasants on the side; a real good field gun for about a grand NIB.

http://www.skbshotguns.com/

http://www.skbshotguns.com/images/rendered-images/505_field.jpg

If you hunt quail in country like I do, I think you'll like it.:) Not dirt cheap, but worth every penny and built every bit as well as a Citori, without the bulk and for about $500 less. (I've got a 500 that's 30 years old and it locks up like new. Greener system works well and is durable. Old ones are branded Ithaca SKB; new ones are available as SKB or Weatherby). Assuming it fits you, you won't wish you had the money back to spend on something better.

We have a 3-shot limit here, and just about any nearby state, so no 8-round magazines for quail. A pump gun is a good choice because it's cheap so you can afford to trash it, but it's usually not fast enough to give you an accurate 2nd shot in the boulders and brush where you have a split second to hit your quail before it's gone. A semiauto gives you 1 extra shot over a 2-barrel, but 1 fewer choke, so you lose what you gain, and both pumps and semis are a lot longer than break-actions -- not great when you go through the nasty brush that's everywhere. Most of the time, I get don't get to use the 3rd shot anyway; the bird is either shot, or it's gone, by 2.

I'd skip the SxS, unless you're really looking for an excuse to buy a cheap one or something, or unless you really want to use a coach gun. Coach gun may be good for quail popping up, but not much else.

The little O/U I mentioned above is a helluva dove killer, too, and can be used for skeet, pheasant, chukar, etc., so it's good for more than a coach gun. I'm not the only one who thinks so; I hunt with a guy who's a couple decades older, is a crack shot, and has an ample gun budget and rooms full of mounts and guns, including a LOT of SxS shotguns. He could shoot whatever he wants. He has 4 of the SKB's, one with an extra set of 28 Gauge barrels, and one a high-grade Weatherby version in 12, and if he goes upland hunting, he takes one of the SKB's, usually in 20. Quick to the shoulder, but also swings well.

Note that we're in your general area and probably hunt in similar conditions.

[Dave McCracken]

First, a short barreled 870 does one great imitation of a quail gun. But you want/need another shotgun and far be it from me to dissuade you.

As I'm a bit of a traditionalist, I suggest looking for a 16 or 20 gauge Savage or Stevens 311. Fine working class doubles. You may need to open the chokes a mite.

If any of your so called friends sneer at your choice, out shoot them and then find better hunting buds.

[MCgunner]

The Remington Spartan is built by Baikal and imported by Remington, excellent gun. Mines solid as a rock, fits well after I added a recoil bad to lengthen it, and points natural and quick. It'd a fantastic quail gun, though I don't hunt quail, no dog.

Don't guess you have Academy sports stores in So. Cal. or I'd suggest the Yildiz. Rather nice, affordable over/under.

Pumps and autos aren't as quick to the shoulder to me as a nice double. I'm sorta spoiled for upland stuff having owned at least one double most of my life. The Spartan is a new addition. Not to say it can't be done with anything else, I just like how quick a nice double shoulders and points.

[ArmedBear]

First, a short barreled 870 does one great imitation of a quail gun

Around here, a single-shot quail gun...

Quail here don't flush and fly, they flush, fly just over the next obstacle, inches above it, and drop behind it immediately. And where the quail are, there are many obstacles. It's really rough high-desert hill and canyon country, generally, or overgrown mountain areas.

There's a lot to be said for 2 very quick shots, and a light, fast-shouldering gun. I used an 870 for a season and quickly acquired an 1100. Used that for a season, had some luck with it, but still went and found a used 20 Gauge O/U. 1100s are heavy in 12 Gauge, and long one way or another.

He's on the right track, wanting a 20 or 28 Gauge break-action.

I don't hunt quail, no dog.


You don't need a dog here, either. Many, perhaps most, people don't use them. Too much jumping cholla cactus in between the boulders, the stuff with barbed spines that require pliers to remove, and sections that break off and stay stuck in your body.

You just climb around the boulder-covered hills, through the cactus and brush, and when a quail pops out, you have a split second to hit it. Yeah, it's a bitch. But it feels like a real accomplishment to go home with something in your bag.

What you don't need are further complications, like a pump gun, or a gun that's any longer than it needs to be for its barrel length.

This year I might take a dog, but he'll be wearing kevlar.

WRT the Spartan, has it loosened up?

I've grown to like kicking out shells and reloading as fast as I can; just bought a shell slide so they're all upright when I grab 'em. Spartans I've messed with seem rather averse to unloading/loading real fast, but they've been relatively new.

[Bailey Boat]

I know it's not in the "budget" line of some of the others but a Browning Superlight in 28 ga is THE ticket. I have all four guages and they are the stuff for any upland hunting. The 12 ga will lwake you up when it goes off, but the 20, 28 and .410 are a pleasure to shoot.......

[ArmedBear]

I'd be reluctant to take that gun where the quail are here. If you don't want to scratch it, don't take it.

Otherwise, hell, if money's no object, I just saw this gorgeous old unfired Superposed with incredibly beautiful figured walnut and delicate engraving, and it fit me like a glove. I'd get that. If money were no object...:)

And there's always a Parker. Those are all right.

[Bailey Boat]

AB.... I see that your in Ca and I'm sure there are conditions there which I have yet to encounter (hinting for an invitation) and your warning is taken in good faith.

BUT.... I bought this set of guns to HUNT with, and hunt with them I have done. I'm fortunate in that I travel various parts of the country doing my consultant duties and often have the chance to lay over somewhere for a few days and enjoy some out of state game. I've had them (I usually only travel with 2 at a time) in numerous states in search of a multitude of game. If one gets a little scratch, it only adds character......... The collectables are at home in the safe, NOT being used......

[Steve C]

Here's one I've looked at. The shop price is usually less then the MSRP that
Davidsons list.

http://www.galleryofguns.com/gungallery/PowerSearch/showimage.asp?img=cdge6006.jpg

http://www.galleryofguns.com/gungallery/PowerSearch/Product.asp?item_num=CDGE6006&index=0&max=20&start=20&instock=None&manufact_combo=Charles+Daly&mod_ser_combo=None&category_combo=None&model=None&g_type=Shotgun&act_type=None&finish_type=None&calib_combo=None&sight_class_combo=None&price_range=None&qPromoID=&EZ=&left_handed=&youth=&item_only=0&oldsql=WHERE+manuf+like+%27%25Charles+Daly%25%27++AND++gun%5Ftype+like+%27%25Shotgun%25%27+ORDER+by+manuf%2C+unk2%2C+unk3

[ArmedBear]

Where was that CD made? Turkey?

[redneck2]

Not a SxS, but I had a Ruger Red Label in 28. Deadly on doves and super light to carry. I can't imagine a more perfect quail gun.

[ArmedBear]

The weight of the SKB 20 is in between the Ruger 20 and the Ruger 28. Those all would work.

Anything over 7 lb. starts to weigh a lot when you hunt quail in places that look like this:
http://www.bestsyndication.net/images_com/2007/09_september/14/091407_devils_punchbowl_rattlesnakes_scorpions-2.jpg

[tkendrick]

I have a CZ Ringneck in 28. It is the closest thing to perfection for quail and dove I have ever owned. I also shoot skeet with it, with lesser success.

[kentucky_smith]

I like al48s, usually in 20, but I know where there is one in 28...

[elkhuntingfool]

honestly - any decent shotgun at most gauges will be fine for quail hunting. Your 870 will do just fine. No need to buy a new shotgun - maybe try a different choke and different shot. Up to you. I have one shotgun that I shoot all upland game with and I only change the chokes and the shot size.

[ArmedBear]

A lot of people don't get the difference between upland hunting as seen in posters, and quail hunting as practiced here.

My 870 Express 12 Gauge 28" barrel gun truly sucks for quail here. It's sluggish to the shoulder. Sure, you might hit some. But not as many as with an appropriate gun. For some reason my 1100 works better. It's an old one with a light barrel. That's probably why.

[Noxx]

As much as I appreciate all the feedback, I have to confess that having burned over $3k on a pistol today, it looks like I'll be punting those quail with my old Mossy 500 whether it's suitable or not.

[elkhuntingfool]

A lot of people don't get the difference between upland hunting as seen in posters, and quail hunting as practiced here.

Quail are no different than chuckars - small and fast. A shotgun needs to be pulled up quickly and the hunter needs to get on the bead as quick as possible.

I've hunted with a 28" barrel and have had no issues with ANY upland species. It is NOT the shotgun - it is the person in possession of it and shooting it. Practice, practice, practice.

[MCgunner]

WRT the Spartan, has it loosened up?

I've only got 6 or 7 boxes through it, don't shoot clays and what not, but you still kinda have to hold the barrels down to get it loaded. But, I sorta have it down now with the off hand. I could have gotten the gun with selective ejectors, but would have had a single selective trigger instead of the double triggers I like. And, I police my brass when dove hunting. I hunt a lot with my buddy on his dad's place and there, in particular, he doesn't want the brass on the ground cause the cows would eat 'em. Says they like the taste of the burnt powder. On public areas, I prefer to leave as I found it, too. Not a big deal, can hold your hand over the back of the gun when you break it. But, I still like double triggers. :D That's probably a LOT less necessary for quail, though, the double triggers. Hunting waterfowl or dove, you never know which barrel you'll want til it comes time to shoot.

Scaled quail, cotton tops, they have out in west Texas will run a dog to death. I've hunted them. You need more reach on those things, they'll get up out there a ways, but you really gotta push 'em to get 'em up. They'll run YOU to death. LOL Best to hunt 'em in a group so you can kind of corner 'em and make 'em flush. I've hunted 'em some when I had leases out there. Always used my old SxS, but it's choked a little tight, 28" mod/full. With scaled quail, though, some times you need that full choke. Bob white around here, though, you ain't huntin' 'em without a dog. You ain't findin' 'em without a dog.

[Dave McCracken]

There are 870s and there are 870s. With a light barrel and some use behind us, an 870 is responsive and quick.

The standard weight barrels of recent years run 4-8 oz more than they should. Add an old barrel or a new LC and the 870 becomes much quicker.

I recall a blue quail hunt near Tucson long ago. Best togs would have included brush chaps and running shoes. Shot opps were long in distance and short in time. IIRC, I used a borrowed Ithaca 37 in 20 gauge. Full choke and darn good for that game.

[MCgunner]

But, pumps are so boring. :D

"Blue quail" aka scaled aka "cotton top" is the quail I was referring to. They're much different to hunt than bobwhite further east. My old Sarasqueta 12 gauge side by side 28" Mod/Full worked great on cotton tops. I'd prefer my little 20 gauge spartan on bob whites, quicker to the shoulder and I'd open up the chokes, of course. I mean, you can hunt 'em with a 10 gauge if ya want and you'll kill birds, just that a light little double handles so well on quick flushing birds at close range. I can ride my SV650 to Arizona, but my GoldWing is much more comfy down I10 all day long crossing Texas. :D Get to the twisty roads, I wish I had my SV, but I've ridden the Wing on a lot of twisty roads and I've ridden the SV on a couple of long drones down the interstate. Not like I CAN'T do it and have fun and be grinnin' ear to ear anyway even if my bum's hurtin' from the SV "seat" or my arms and back are aching from horsing 800 lbs of no handling motorcycle around tight corners.

[Dave McCracken]

BORING?! Not around here.

Yup, those were Blue quail. Ran 10 miles for every inch they flew. Waterhole doves seemed easy by comparison.

Been toying with the idea of some new wood and parts to Psuedo "Special Field" an 870. Hollow, straight grip stock, corncob forend, 26" LC barrel. Easy to tote, deadly to shoot.

[sm]

Buy 'em books , send them to school, let them play out in the street...

Listen, one more time if'n you wanna be totally awesome, dude ( and dudettes) , I mean get down, tricked out and totally blow the roof of the sucker...

24 gauge and 32 gauge shotguns on a Quail hunt is something else...

"Well this here is a 28 gauge, and my fine Gentleman Brother is using a 16 gauge...blah, blah.."

Yeah well your momma wears Army Boots and I am shooting a 24 gauge and my wife/gf/daughter is shooting a 32 gauge.... <stick tongue out>

What am I going to do with this bunch around here...;)

:D

[ArmedBear]

The standard weight barrels of recent years run 4-8 oz more than they should. Add an old barrel or a new LC and the 870 becomes much quicker.

Agreed.

My recent Express is useless on the quick birds. Too much lag time; they're gone before you're pointing at them.

However, my friend's older Wingmaster with an older LC barrel on it has worked fine for him. He shoots casual competitive doubles trap with it, too. My old 1100 with the old lighter ribless barrel also works fine. It's just really heavy after a while in the field. The overall weight is a bit much for climbing around for hours, but it's quick to point.

Best togs would have included brush chaps and running shoes.

Now here's someone who gets what it's like for the OP to hunt quail.:)

However, I don't recommend running shoes. Cholla spines go right through 'em and don't come out. Very light, fast, durable boots are the best choice. Hard to find, but they exist.

[ArmedBear]

I've hunted with a 28" barrel and have had no issues with ANY upland species. It is NOT the shotgun - it is the person in possession of it and shooting it. Practice, practice, practice.

Your two shotguns are both pretty quick to point. Try it with my Express.

I'm not saying you hit none at all, just not as many. The quail population here isn't dense enough to allow a lot of misses, if you want to bring any home at the end of the day.

But be that as it may, when someone buys a shotgun for a specific purpose, why should they buy one that's not particularly good for that purpose?

People do blame to gun a bit too often, but suggesting that there's no effective difference between very different shotguns is simply BS.

[elkhuntingfool]

People do blame to gun a bit too often, but suggesting that there's no effective difference between very different shotguns is simply BS.

Not sure if I stated there was on effective difference, because there is. What I was trying to get at is what you stated - people blame the gun too often.

Could be that I'm a heck of a shot with my shotgun - hahahaha - I know that statement is simply BS

[ArmedBear]

Well, what you originally wrote was It is NOT the shotgun - it is the person in possession of it and shooting it.

It does seem that we agree, however.

Some of the best shots I know are pickiest about what guns they use for a given purpose, not because they blame the gun when they miss, but rather because they're good enough to be able to tell the difference.