28 Gauge vs. Chukar

roy reali · November 1, 2008, 07:27 AM

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 · November 1, 2008, 08:40 AM

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 · November 1, 2008, 10:09 AM

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 · November 1, 2008, 10:45 AM

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 · November 1, 2008, 11:16 AM

+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 · November 1, 2008, 06:30 PM

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

Murdock · November 2, 2008, 07:37 AM

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 · November 3, 2008, 01:38 AM

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 · November 3, 2008, 02:19 AM

"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....

November 1, 2008, 07:27 AM	#1
roy reali Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2005 Posts: 3,248	28 Gauge vs. Chukar 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?

November 2, 2008, 07:37 AM	#7
Murdock Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2008 Location: Down East Maine Posts: 431	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. __________________ The United States Marine Corps: Providing the enemies of America the opportunity to die for their countries since 1775. Semper fi.

November 3, 2008, 01:38 AM	#8
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	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. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

November 1, 2008, 08:40 AM	#2
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	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.

November 1, 2008, 10:09 AM	#3
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	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

November 1, 2008, 10:45 AM	#4
PT111 Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2007 Posts: 1,041	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.

November 1, 2008, 11:16 AM	#5
Waterengineer Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Aurora, CO and Palm Beach, FL Posts: 863	+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.

November 1, 2008, 06:30 PM	#6
VaFisher Senior Member Join Date: January 24, 2006 Posts: 596	I do reload myself and use my 28ga exclusively when game bird hunting to include birds up to phesant.

November 3, 2008, 02:19 AM	#9
.300 Weatherby Mag Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2008 Posts: 1,777	"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....