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bamaranger · August 30, 2012, 03:37 AM

Sure, I started with a .410 and my Dad hunted with one also on bunnies ahead of beagles. A few squirrels, (Dad didn't hunt squirrels) ....I even killed a pheasant with it and grouse that flushed into the open. But none of it was demanding wing shooting. Most of it a good shot could have done with a .22. But as a kid...I was not a good shot, I was tyro. The .410 and a load of 7-1/2 shot let me take small game that was stopped or relativley slow moving, consistently to 20-25 yds. A big mistake is to use to large of shot. The 3" shell is the game load, and 6 shot or smaller is the rule (Dad and I killed a LOT of rabbits with 7-1/2).

I jumped to a 16 ga pretty quick, and then to a 12 ( no 20 in the house).

Limited to such use, a .410 can suffice as a starter, but as noted, its a handicap on doves, passing pheasants, true wing shooting and most clay birds as well.

A .410 sets at the back door these days as a pest gun, .....and I remember.

August 30, 2012, 03:37 AM	#26
bamaranger Senior Member Join Date: October 9, 2009 Location: North Alabama Posts: 8,312	.410 Sure, I started with a .410 and my Dad hunted with one also on bunnies ahead of beagles. A few squirrels, (Dad didn't hunt squirrels) ....I even killed a pheasant with it and grouse that flushed into the open. But none of it was demanding wing shooting. Most of it a good shot could have done with a .22. But as a kid...I was not a good shot, I was tyro. The .410 and a load of 7-1/2 shot let me take small game that was stopped or relativley slow moving, consistently to 20-25 yds. A big mistake is to use to large of shot. The 3" shell is the game load, and 6 shot or smaller is the rule (Dad and I killed a LOT of rabbits with 7-1/2). I jumped to a 16 ga pretty quick, and then to a 12 ( no 20 in the house). Limited to such use, a .410 can suffice as a starter, but as noted, its a handicap on doves, passing pheasants, true wing shooting and most clay birds as well. A .410 sets at the back door these days as a pest gun, .....and I remember.