20 Gauge-to scope or not to scope

Hoss4x4 · October 15, 2007, 07:39 PM

Ok..........I have the rifle question answered, but how about using a 20 gauge for rabbit, if the answer is yes would you recommend a scope?

Flame disclaimer....I am a shooter but not a hunter, I am learning so I can take my son hunting........he and I both want to learn so thank you all for your patients.

hunter33 · October 15, 2007, 07:47 PM

I have only been hunting for the last 3 years but have been hunting with my father for the last 5 or 6 years.I have hunted many rabbits and say no scope seems like most the rabbits i shoot are running shots.

lockedcj7 · October 15, 2007, 08:22 PM

20 ga is perfect for rabbit. I use #6 shot heavy field loads and they work great.

I can't imagine why anyone would need a scope on a shotgun. Okay, maybe for deer-hunting with slugs but that's it. I prefer the K.I.S.S. principle. A scope is just something that will get in the way.

I've been hunting for 26 years and I've always shot a shotgun with both eyes open, no scope. Squirrels, rabbits, doves, ducks, quail, turkeys, geese and deer (with buckshot), doesn't matter. Your shots will all be under 35 yds and the rabbits might be running. Being able to lead them like a bird is required, and that means both eyes open and no scope.

tyrajam · October 15, 2007, 09:26 PM

no scope! Scoped shotguns are only for deer ot turkey hunting. Have fun!

Art Eatman · October 16, 2007, 11:06 AM

Another no-scoper weighing in.

I like these screw-in chokes, having started out when ugly hang-ons were the only way to change chokes aside from changing barrels.

Rabbits are generally gonna be fairly close, so a more open choke is reliable. No need for full choke. I'd say maybe a modified choke, but there shouldn't be any problem with the more open improved-cylinder. I-C kills doves and quail just fine at 30 to 40 yards...

Art Eatman · October 16, 2007, 11:12 AM

And now for ADVICE: Go to the Shotgun forum and start a thread, asking about the fit of the shotgun to the shooter, and about patterning one's shotgun.

Art

FrontSight · October 16, 2007, 12:38 PM

no way, man, you want to keep the field of vision as wide as possible and be able to get on target as fast as possible...hence, a bead is all you want. just TRY try to hit a running target like a rabbit with a scope...at most i'd say get a holosight on it if you MUST have some kind of glass, but even that is way too much equipment. just my opinion...

Pahoo · October 16, 2007, 12:59 PM

Scrap5000, Could not have put it better myself. On certain game, especially running or flying, you absolutely need the field of view. I might also add that I have always started my kids shooting with open sights. This developes their instinctive shooting skills. Rarely do I introduce the scope for kids starting out and that includes rifles on small game and muzzleloaders. My eyes have seen too many birthdays but I still hunt rabbits with my .20 and no scope. Normally you don't even see the bead but the instinctive shooting kicks in and I get them. The scope has it's place and time for all hunters and this is not it.

Scorch · October 16, 2007, 01:29 PM

Scopes for shotguns?? Maybe for slugs, but not for shot. You're only shooting 30-45 yds, and at 45 yds your pattern is 3' across. No scope.

Hoss4x4 · October 16, 2007, 02:33 PM

Thank you all for the info!! I have my grandfathers 20 gauge bolt action I will try this Friday. You all have been a great help!!!

October 15, 2007, 07:39 PM	#1
Hoss4x4 Member Join Date: September 11, 2007 Posts: 57	20 Gauge-to scope or not to scope Ok..........I have the rifle question answered, but how about using a 20 gauge for rabbit, if the answer is yes would you recommend a scope? Flame disclaimer....I am a shooter but not a hunter, I am learning so I can take my son hunting........he and I both want to learn so thank you all for your patients.

October 15, 2007, 08:22 PM	#3
lockedcj7 Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2007 Posts: 1,215	20 ga is perfect for rabbit. I use #6 shot heavy field loads and they work great. I can't imagine why anyone would need a scope on a shotgun. Okay, maybe for deer-hunting with slugs but that's it. I prefer the K.I.S.S. principle. A scope is just something that will get in the way. I've been hunting for 26 years and I've always shot a shotgun with both eyes open, no scope. Squirrels, rabbits, doves, ducks, quail, turkeys, geese and deer (with buckshot), doesn't matter. Your shots will all be under 35 yds and the rabbits might be running. Being able to lead them like a bird is required, and that means both eyes open and no scope. __________________ To a much greater extent than most mechanical devices, firearms are terribly unforgiving of any overconfidence, complacency or negligence.

October 16, 2007, 12:38 PM	#7
FrontSight Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2005 Posts: 1,712	no way, man, you want to keep the field of vision as wide as possible and be able to get on target as fast as possible...hence, a bead is all you want. just TRY try to hit a running target like a rabbit with a scope...at most i'd say get a holosight on it if you MUST have some kind of glass, but even that is way too much equipment. just my opinion... __________________ To kill something as great as a duck just to smell the gunpowder is a crime against nature. - Alan Liere Democracy is a device that ensures we shall be governed no better than we deserve. - George Bernard Shaw

October 16, 2007, 01:29 PM	#9
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	Scopes for shotguns?? Maybe for slugs, but not for shot. You're only shooting 30-45 yds, and at 45 yds your pattern is 3' across. No scope. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 15, 2007, 07:47 PM	#2
hunter33 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 289	I have only been hunting for the last 3 years but have been hunting with my father for the last 5 or 6 years.I have hunted many rabbits and say no scope seems like most the rabbits i shoot are running shots.

October 15, 2007, 09:26 PM	#4
tyrajam Senior Member Join Date: July 24, 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 467	no scope! Scoped shotguns are only for deer ot turkey hunting. Have fun!

October 16, 2007, 11:06 AM	#5
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Another no-scoper weighing in. I like these screw-in chokes, having started out when ugly hang-ons were the only way to change chokes aside from changing barrels. Rabbits are generally gonna be fairly close, so a more open choke is reliable. No need for full choke. I'd say maybe a modified choke, but there shouldn't be any problem with the more open improved-cylinder. I-C kills doves and quail just fine at 30 to 40 yards...

October 16, 2007, 11:12 AM	#6
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	And now for ADVICE: Go to the Shotgun forum and start a thread, asking about the fit of the shotgun to the shooter, and about patterning one's shotgun. Art

October 16, 2007, 12:59 PM	#8
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Scrap5000, Could not have put it better myself. On certain game, especially running or flying, you absolutely need the field of view. I might also add that I have always started my kids shooting with open sights. This developes their instinctive shooting skills. Rarely do I introduce the scope for kids starting out and that includes rifles on small game and muzzleloaders. My eyes have seen too many birthdays but I still hunt rabbits with my .20 and no scope. Normally you don't even see the bead but the instinctive shooting kicks in and I get them. The scope has it's place and time for all hunters and this is not it.

October 16, 2007, 02:33 PM	#10
Hoss4x4 Member Join Date: September 11, 2007 Posts: 57	Thank you all for the info!! I have my grandfathers 20 gauge bolt action I will try this Friday. You all have been a great help!!!