28 Gauge vs. Chukar

[roy reali]

I have several shotguns to chose from when I go bird hunting. I usually take one of two, a 20 gauge or a 28 gauge. They are both self-loaders. I take the smaller one for quail and the larger one for bigger birds. While I am by no means a good wing shooter, I have become fairly good with my 28. I have been doing pretty well hitting quail with it. I do better with it on small birds then with my 20 gauge.

I now want to try my 28 gauge on chukar.

Has anyone here used a 28 gauge on chukar? What were your results? Can it handle the task?

 

[VaFisher]

Sure it will, the 28 ga. has the same power but uses less shot so it would have a smaller shot cloud over all but just as deadly.

 

[hogdogs]

It only takes one pellet of proper size for the game animal at hand to execute a clean kill I am also aware that it is often easier said than done thus a "LOAD" of shot rather than a .08cal. rifle I guess...
Brent

 

[PT111]

The only problem with a 28 gauge is the same problem that I have with my 16 gauge guns. Finding shells to shoot! Both are almost impossible to find and then only in a limited load range. If you don't reload it's even worse. The 28 is fine for almost anything that the 20 will handle but since it is a smaller number of pellets you may have to be more accurate with your aiming. Try it and see if you like it. Note: This advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

 

[Waterengineer]

+1 everything PT said. Plus, 28 guage shells are outrageously expensive. We do a group buy once or twice a year at the club to make the price reasonable.

 

[VaFisher]

I do reload myself and use my 28ga exclusively when game bird hunting to include birds up to phesant.

 

[Murdock]

My bird hunting in the West has been limited, essentially using it to fill the time between putting a deer down and waiting for the plane home from Cody.

IIRC chukars are a kind of grouse that frequent western hillsides, yes? I've seen 'em but not shot any, as I usually have a rifle in my hands when I run across them. I do hunt ruffed grouse extensively, however, a very similar bird in terms of size and speed.

At home (Maine) I've been using a 28 gauge O/U exclusively on ruffed grouse for the past 5 years, with excellent results. Many of the shots I get are close, but I've had excellent performance from the gun out to 35 long paces.

I concur that the 28 will do just about anything the 20 will do, usually in a lighter package.

 

[Scorch]

The 28 will work just fine. Besides, it's easier to carry than a heavier gun. And when you go after chukar, you will be climbing hills. Guaranteed.

 

[.300 Weatherby Mag]

"And when you go after chukar, you will be climbing hills. Guaranteed."

Yes hills and more hills... The chukar seem to select only the best hills to climb... By best I mean, steep, rocky and downright nasty... Then you get in gun range and then they run up another hill, better than the last... Chukar make you earn it....