Why I need a 28 gauge

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igotta40

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Would someone explain to me why I need a 28 gauge? And if I do, would I prefer a O/U or a SxS?

Seriously, I’ve always wanted one, and I like the classic look of a straight stock, but a o/u seems more practical.

I’m between the FAIR 600, the FAIR Iside, Dickinson, and Beretta Silver Pigeon.

Any opinions?
Thks
 
i have been looking for a 28, in a sxs or auto, don't think i can find a pump in 28. 12 and 20 ga seem over powered for most hunting i do, so i think a 28 would be nice. if dove hunting was legal in ny id have one by now.
 
For the most part, I only use shotguns to kill things with feathers. For me, that means doves, turkeys, and the occasional duck, so that means 12 gauge auto, 3" mag for the turkeys and ducks, 2 3/4 7 1/2 for doves. IF I were a serious quail/pheasant hunter, I could see the use of a 20 or 28 OU. But since I am not a serious hunter of those critters (I don't even have a dog) I don't have such a shotgun.
 
There is utterly and absolutely no need for a 28 ga. Whatsoever.

There is no need for a Bugatti. No need for the Louvre. One could do one's whole life without truffles. No need for a naughty red head in one's life. Ever.

There is no need for a 28 ga. I prefer SxS, straight stock, splinter forend, swamped rib.
 
I have one in a Rem 870 Wingmaster, a Rem 1100 auto, and the tube set in my target shotgun. Had a Ruger Red Label also but traded it for something that I thought that I had to have. I love shooting the 1100, but it flings shells 15-20 feet away and it is a real pain to find them for reloading. The pump 870 is a wonderful gun to play with and hunt with. The 28 gauge tubes are most times what I shoot with in my target gun.
 
I went the .28 ga route with a rem 1100-rem 870- h&r single shot and sold two of them and kept the rem 870(express), shooting win one oz # 6,s for rabbits and moved on to 20 ga shotguns. rem 1100, rem 1187, two browning o/u,s, a browning bss sporter double and my most recent 20 ga a 60,s bretta silve hawk double. the 20 may weight a little more but they are cheaper to feed, 7/8 oz loads a little more than 5 dollars a box.
 
Beretta SP only if it is the 28 sized frame (they also put them on the 20 frame). While the others are good, the Beretta is, IMO, better,more reliable, and will have a better resale value down the road if you decide to sell.
 
I would like one for rabbit hunting because most are lighter than a 20ga. and it would be my excuse for buying one . It would be a semi auto .
 
I have a SA-08 20 now , that is why it is hard to justify getting a 28ga. . I would probably get a TriStar if I got one , I like the way they load over the Weatherby .
 
You may not see a difference between 20 and 28. Their roles overlap.
20 gauge guns and ammo are available and affordable.
The 28 really shines on upland game.
The 28 is a reloaders pet, therefore I prefer a SXS or o/u. Mine is an o/u but a little 28sxs would be delightful.
 
If you want a 28, you need a 28 to scratch that itch. I have owned/shot quite a few.. The most loveable was a little V. Bernardelli SxS imported by Stoeger back in the '60s. Fabulous quail killing machine and ran several straights in skeet. A little scaled frame Beretta O/U was the only O/U that even tempted me in 50+ years. The most expensive was a Winchester 23; a really nice well built gun with excellent manners. The last to go was a Remington 1100 SA with Briley chokes and a 25" barrel; just delightful and fantastic on doves.
I love good 28 gauges. The 28 seems to perform better than it should.
 
Beretta SP only if it is the 28 sized frame (they also put them on the 20 frame). While the others are good, the Beretta is, IMO, better,more reliable, and will have a better resale value down the road if you decide to sell.


The currently manufactured Silver Pigeon I is on the "baby" frame, as is the SPV. I have Berettas on both frames, and don't find any compelling reason for either. Actually, the difference between the two is quite small. But, that's just me! LOL. My vote is also for the OP to go for a Silver Pigeon I. I would consider a Sporting version, as it has a manual safety and a mid bead. Just something to consider.
 
I have the Beretta SP1 Sporting in 12 gauge, it’s a great shotgun. I like the look of the Dickinson Plantation, but I learned they’re from Turkey. I won’t knock a Turkish firearm, I have a few and they get the work done, but don’t appeal to me like an Italian gun.

I recently read about the F.A.I.R. Series. They’re from Rizzini, distributed from a new facility in Amarillo, Texas, and some models are priced a bit lower than Beretta. I like the coined receivers on Berettas but I have a bigger liking for a color case hardened shotgun.
 
The Dickinson is made by AKUS and is the descendant, if you will, of the discontinued S&W Elite Gold SxS. I have one of those, bought on close out for $1200 and have used it on sporting clays, skeet and quail hunts. It is based on the Scottish Dickson triggerplate action and is much better made than the CZ from Huglu.
The Turks are where the Spanish were some decades ago and getting better every year. The Dickinson does have US support for repairs and service and is worth a good look.
 
The Dickinson is made by AKUS and is the descendant, if you will, of the discontinued S&W Elite Gold SxS. I have one of those, bought on close out for $1200 and have used it on sporting clays, skeet and quail hunts. It is based on the Scottish Dickson triggerplate action and is much better made than the CZ from Huglu.
The Turks are where the Spanish were some decades ago and getting better every year. The Dickinson does have US support for repairs and service and is worth a good look.


Excellent advice. The Dickinson H&H 7 pin sidelock, descendent of the Kimber Valier, NOS models of which are retailing for $4300 - $4500, are as fine a gun as comparable grade Spanish guns. I have an "S&W Elite Gold" 20 ga (Made by AKUS) and a Dickinson BLE 12 ga (AKUS). If you can scare one of these up, they are still excellent value for money.
 
I got a deal on a Red Label 28 years ago. It’s a real fun gun to shoot and a dream to carry.

I also have a BPS 28 that I picked up used but unfired from a LGS that is also a lot of fun to shoot.

Something about the 28 just fits with quail hunting...or close flushing pheasants.

Stay safe!
 
Cabela’s has a selection of Dickinson SxS, that’s what caught my interest. I really like the look of them, and the prices aren’t outrageous.
 
Aren't they still only available at Cabela's?

I think they are now offered elsewhere. The BLE is marketed as the “Plantation” model or some such by another outfit.

In retrospect, that’s not very helpful... Sorry.
 
i have been looking for a 28, in a sxs or auto, don't think i can find a pump in 28. 12 and 20 ga seem over powered for most hunting i do, so i think a 28 would be nice. if dove hunting was legal in ny id have one by now.
In 28 ga Pump guns you can get a Remington 870 (Express and Wingmaster) , Browning BPS, and a CZ model 682 Buds guns has them in stock
 
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