I am going on a high volume dove hunt in Argentina. I have been told 20 gauges are preferred guns rather than 12's because of less felt recoil. According to a recoil table by Chuck Hawks there isn't much difference in recoil between a 1 oz load with either gauge. I am thinking a 12 gauge auto will have less kick than a 20 gauge because it has more mass. I realize that the 12 will be heavier to lift over a thousand times per day, but I am in pretty good shape. Does anyone have any recommendations?
dove hunt gun recommendation
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Ridgerunner665
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I'd find a 20 or even a 28 gauge...your shoulder will thank you when its over.
The light loads used for dove won't be all that bad with a 12...but sometimes less is more.
The light loads used for dove won't be all that bad with a 12...but sometimes less is more.
20 and 28 gauges aren't preferred because they have less felt recoil. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.
They're preferred because their handling characteristics are better suited to dove shooting.
Shotguns are not rifles. Think of them more like golf clubs.
A lot of people shoot doves with 12 Gauge shotguns. A lot of people out on opening day also are dangerous to be around, can't hit the broad side of a barn, and provide easy revenue for the state if there's a warden around writing tickets.
They're preferred because their handling characteristics are better suited to dove shooting.
Shotguns are not rifles. Think of them more like golf clubs.
A lot of people shoot doves with 12 Gauge shotguns. A lot of people out on opening day also are dangerous to be around, can't hit the broad side of a barn, and provide easy revenue for the state if there's a warden around writing tickets.
jhco
Member
id go 12 but thats just cause i love browning double autos for dove
Rampant_Colt
Member
Ugh, Chuck Hawks...
A 12ga autoloader shooting 1oz trap/skeet/promo loads are about as light recoiling as a 12 gauge can get. Trap, skeet and sporting clays shooters shoot hundreds of those shells in a single day without discomfort.
I prefer full-choke with 1oz or 1-1/8 shot weight with 2-3/4 "dram" [low recoil] and #8 shot for my 12ga 870 when shooting doves. Usually trap, skeet and SC loads are ideal for this. 7-1/2 and #6 shot works better for those longer shots, so keep a few handy. Keep the modified choke handy just in case, too
One of those slip-on recoil pads might not be a bad idea if you plan on an extended shooting session, or plan on using 3" magnums for whatever reason
ps - hard lead patterns better. 'Promo' loads usually have very soft lead, not condicive to tight patterns. Avoid cheap promo loads from X-Mart, and get trap or skeet loads instead--they generally use harder lead and pattern better.
A 12ga autoloader shooting 1oz trap/skeet/promo loads are about as light recoiling as a 12 gauge can get. Trap, skeet and sporting clays shooters shoot hundreds of those shells in a single day without discomfort.
I prefer full-choke with 1oz or 1-1/8 shot weight with 2-3/4 "dram" [low recoil] and #8 shot for my 12ga 870 when shooting doves. Usually trap, skeet and SC loads are ideal for this. 7-1/2 and #6 shot works better for those longer shots, so keep a few handy. Keep the modified choke handy just in case, too
One of those slip-on recoil pads might not be a bad idea if you plan on an extended shooting session, or plan on using 3" magnums for whatever reason
ps - hard lead patterns better. 'Promo' loads usually have very soft lead, not condicive to tight patterns. Avoid cheap promo loads from X-Mart, and get trap or skeet loads instead--they generally use harder lead and pattern better.
MCgunner
Member
There's quite a bit of difference in felt recoil in my 20 gauge from 7/8 ounce 12 gauge loads, lighter even though the gun is quite a bit lighter and is quicker handling on those little farts. I don't know why, just is. That said, my 12 gauge gas gun would be fine except I'd have to take a cleaning kit and scrub it every hour, just judging by the round count I've heard about down there. It's pretty amazing, guess it's real. LOL I'd take two guns just in case, too, if I were so fortunate as to win the lotto and get to go. Man, whadda dream hunt! Good luck and have fun.
Man, whadda dream hunt! Good luck and have fun. 
Milkmaster
Member
My vote is for a 12ga autoloading gas gun be it an 1100 or a Beretta. You get the most shots for the least amount of punishment. That's just my 2 cents worth.
oneounceload
member
With 3,000 plus shots in three days, a 20 auto or a 28 O/U will be your best bet - shells there are on the heavy side. Most places will rent you their 20 Berettas for $50/day versus paying $100 to bring your own in.
Personally, unless I had a wonderful 28 to bring, I would skip the hassle and rent their 20 Beretta semi
Don't compare a 1 oz 12 with the a 1oz 20.......you'll be shooting 7/8 oz. in a 20
Personally, unless I had a wonderful 28 to bring, I would skip the hassle and rent their 20 Beretta semi
Don't compare a 1 oz 12 with the a 1oz 20.......you'll be shooting 7/8 oz. in a 20
I read an article years ago in a gun magazine comparing guns for high-volume dove shooting. IIRC, the failure rate was fairly high for most guns, even the Purdeys and other tight-fitted high dollar guns.
The two guns that passed the test were the Remington 870 and the Browning Citori.
Personally, I would take the gun that fits me best (which just happens to be a Citori), and install a Pachmayr Decelerator on it.
And I would also take along a spare gun or two.
The two guns that passed the test were the Remington 870 and the Browning Citori.
Personally, I would take the gun that fits me best (which just happens to be a Citori), and install a Pachmayr Decelerator on it.
And I would also take along a spare gun or two.
kentucky_smith
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A 20 gauge Beretta 390 would be my recommendation.
MCgunner
Member
Well, if you can rent there, might take some of the worry and hassle out of bringing your own, too. I don't trust airline baggage handlers and taking a shotgun into a foreign country would make me a little nervous.
AFAIK all the dove hunting venues south of the US/Mexico border provide guns if you want them.
There's a lot to be said for using your own gun. It's intangible, but it does matter. But does it matter enough to deal with bringing a gun to South America?
There's a lot to be said for using your own gun. It's intangible, but it does matter. But does it matter enough to deal with bringing a gun to South America?
MCgunner
Member
Argentina might be okay, but I KNOW I ain't goin' to Mexico with a shotgun. Nope, no way, no how. They lock people up for having .30-06 ammo down there. Ain't gonna be me. Besides, I wouldn't cross the border in anything less than a armored humvee with a ma deuce mounted and plenty of ammo. Ain't kidnappin' THIS white boy gringo! The hunting's better in Argentina, anyway. Mexico ain't got squat for me, as soon stay on this side of the border. Going down there is akin to entering Columbia's coca fields, maybe worse.
Virginian
Member
If I liked and could shoot well with a Benelli or Beretta 20, I would ask my outfitter if he had those, and if so I would use his guns.
Personally, I would take my Remington. I would probably not shoot more than 75, maybe 100 doves a day. I know they are pests, eat the grain, yada, yada, but after reading about the Passenger Pigeon I could not do it. Unreal that we wiped out what was probably the most numerous bird the planet has ever seen, because "there were so many, we could not hurt them."
Personally, I would take my Remington. I would probably not shoot more than 75, maybe 100 doves a day. I know they are pests, eat the grain, yada, yada, but after reading about the Passenger Pigeon I could not do it. Unreal that we wiped out what was probably the most numerous bird the planet has ever seen, because "there were so many, we could not hurt them."
Ever talk with anyone who has taken an 1100 to high-volume dove hunting?
I have.
He had to borrow another gun the first day, and for the remainder of the trip.
He now owns a couple of Cordobas.
1100s do not fare well when used for high-volume shooting like that.
I have.
He had to borrow another gun the first day, and for the remainder of the trip.
He now owns a couple of Cordobas.
1100s do not fare well when used for high-volume shooting like that.
earlthegoat2
Member
High Volume shooting is the only reason anyone should use a Benelli. I might use an A5 though.
I would definately rent I took my shotgun on an Argentina hunt and had to clean it every day for almost a week to finally get it back to normal. South American shells are so much dirtier than here in the US. Plus you simplify your travel arrangements.
Rampant_Colt
Member
I've personally witnessed MANY 1100s and 11/87s shoot scores of hundreds of rounds without a hiccup or fanfare on the trap and skeet range. Lots of shooters still use 'em every weekend i've been to the range.
I dunno where this issue of their questionable reliability came from...? Keep it clean and use clean-shooting ammo, and yer GTG
Rio immediately comes to mind - it's good stuff
Now i'm jonsin' to get some dove shootin in, but we're all frozen and snowed-in!
I dunno where this issue of their questionable reliability came from...? Keep it clean and use clean-shooting ammo, and yer GTG
Rio immediately comes to mind - it's good stuff
Now i'm jonsin' to get some dove shootin in, but we're all frozen and snowed-in!
tango2echo
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I have done that hunt several times with a 12ga. 3000 rds a day is not uncommon. Some 20ga's kick more than 12ga's due to weight. I have used Benelli M1's, SBE2's, and most recently a Stoeger S2000. No problems with any of them. I really like the 7/8oz "light trap" AA load in #8's for that hunt, but most likely your ammo will be provided by the guide/lodge. This is not a hunt for a pump or O/U. I've seen guys get cramps in their forearms from the pump gun and not be able to continue the hunt. Bring lots of sunglasses/sunscreen/hats/ear and eye protection. Tip well.
T2E
T2E
whatnickname
Member
1100 for a high volume Argentine dove hunt?
I have several friends that go down there every year. You can easily shoot two cases of shells a day down there...maybe more to hear them tell it. The folks that take 1100s and other shotguns frequently experience problems. The outfitters down there consistently report less problems with the Benelli. That said if you are determined to take an 1100 I would make sure I took plenty of "O" rings, spare gas rings and gas pistons. The "O" rings and pistons will break or require replacement frequently at this rate of fire. A good 870 make be a better choice but with this volume of shooting your shoulder is going to get pretty sore...take plenty of Tylenol or Ibuprophen.
I have several friends that go down there every year. You can easily shoot two cases of shells a day down there...maybe more to hear them tell it. The folks that take 1100s and other shotguns frequently experience problems. The outfitters down there consistently report less problems with the Benelli. That said if you are determined to take an 1100 I would make sure I took plenty of "O" rings, spare gas rings and gas pistons. The "O" rings and pistons will break or require replacement frequently at this rate of fire. A good 870 make be a better choice but with this volume of shooting your shoulder is going to get pretty sore...take plenty of Tylenol or Ibuprophen.
Gordon
Member
Another vote for Bennelli M1 (what I took) or an M2 in Argentina, definitely in 12ga. Their ammo is dirty on gas guns. You won't need a magazine plug!,
As I remember they had plenty of 12ga ammo pretty cheap, less 20ga.
,As I remember they had plenty of 12ga ammo pretty cheap, less 20ga.
WardenWolf
member
I have a Winchester 1300 XTS 20 gauge pump. Very nice gun. With 7 1/2 bird shot, it will definitely down a dove. Don't ask me how I know. I'd recommend heavier shot, though. #7 should be ideal.
CaptMac
Member
Benelli
Benelli Cordoba in .20GA its like shooting a .28GA hands down is the best choice in my opinion.
Benelli Cordoba in .20GA its like shooting a .28GA hands down is the best choice in my opinion.
That strange dimension called "reality."
Exactly: people can take them to the trap and skeet range, keep them clean, and they shoot fine.
If you don't go out in really bad weather, load one or two rounds at a time of American target ammo, stand around a lot and shoot a little, they work great. For most applications, including most hunting here, they perform as desired.
That's why people have taken them to Argentina, Southern Mexico, and the like. They have an 1100 that has never failed them here in the states at the range, or dove hunting where the limit is 10 birds and you have to plug your magazine.
Now stuff the unplugged magazine full of dirty field ammo, go somewhere with literally millions of doves and NO LIMITS, shoot as fast as you can reload, in a dirty real-world environment where you're paying a lot of money to be there and you shoot your gun instead of cleaning it, and the things have a lot of trouble.
The same thing has been observed with the M9 pistol: they work flawlessly at the target range. In Iraq? Not so much. ...not that anyone's paying a lot of money to be in Iraq, of course.
I don't thnk people realize what Argentinian dove hunting means, in terms of rate and volume of fire. Also note that there are plenty of people around, down there, who need meat. You might think that you don't need to shoot that many doves, but as many as you can shoot will get eaten, by people much hungrier than you.
AFAIK the only Remingtons you'll see in service there are 870s.
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