.410 Shotgun

[vikingpreacher]

I am going to purchase a new shotgun for squirrels, rabbits, and pheasants and have settled on a .410 as the optimum gauge for me(Since rabbits and Squirrels are the main game.). Right now I am leaning towards a Mossberg 500 but am open to other models. Do any of you know of a better 1 or have a preference?

[nathangdad]

I really like my Rossi 20 gauge.

A .410 is great for smaller game at relatively close range. However, it is underpowered for pheasant due the distance at which you will shoot at a pheasant and the feather covering.

As a Rossi is not particularly expensive it might be worth it to purchase a .410 and a 20 gauge, practice with each, and take the one with you
best for the day's conditions/target of choice.

Just a thought and I wish you good shooting and good hunting

[alfred]

Originally Posted by vikingpreacher

I am going to purchase a new shotgun for squirrels, rabbits, and pheasants and have settled on a .410 as the optimum gauge for me(Since rabbits and Squirrels are the main game.). Right now I am leaning towards a Mossberg 500 but am open to other models. Do any of you know of a better 1 or have a preference?

I have several 410 single barrels that I have bought over my 62 years.I like them for many things.I do not like the price of 410 shells compared to 12 & 20 gauge.It does not take many and you could have bought another shotgun.Please check out the difference in the shell prices.16 gauge is as bad.Let us know what you buy and how you like it.
I AIN'T DEAD AND I AIN'T QUITTING.alfred

[vikingpreacher]

Originally Posted by nathangdad

I really like my Rossi 20 gauge.

A .410 is great for smaller game at relatively close range. However, it is underpowered for pheasant due the distance at which you will shoot at a pheasant and the feather covering.

As a Rossi is not particularly expensive it might be worth it to purchase a .410 and a 20 gauge, practice with each, and take the one with you
best for the day's conditions/target of choice.

Just a thought and I wish you good shooting and good hunting

It will primarily be for small game but, the man who taught me all about hunting and shooting killed more pheasants right in front of me with a 410 than you would believe. I will use it for pheasants because the field where I hunt there are so many pheasants you have to let them fly so you don't blow them up at close range with a 12 gauge, I can make those shots with a 410, I'll just use #4 shot.

[elmer fudd]

my grandpa when he used to hunt pheasent all he used was a 410 he used 3 or 3.5 shells and usualy killed um as for squirells and stuff it is great but i would honestly go with something bigger for pheasents too but you can go with better shot too and be fine and usualy you are within 30 yards when the pheasents so it would work i just use a 12 gauge becouse they have cheaper ammo and if i ever wanted to shoot a canadian goose i could

[Lng Rng]

I would really advise you to get a 20 gauge. I own a .410, and can't get shells for under 10 dollars a box, and it is limited strictly to lead. You can get Busimuth for the .410, but there is really no reason to.

With a 20 gauge, you can shoot cheaper, and shoot steel, lead, or an alternative non-toxic shot that is loaded for the 20 gauge. To me, the 20 gauge makes sense both practically and economically.

[elmer fudd]

ya it is getting expensive.

[nathangdad]

Absolutely wonderful you have a field where you get so close to pheasant.
Those of us in the Texas Panhandle don't often get that oppotunity.

Good luck and good hunting.

[ArkansasHunter]

V.P. you can't help but love a 410 shougun and my first gun was a 410
You can't go wrong buying the Mossberg either.
Take a look...A.H

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[Bravo]

I love my .410, and wouldn't hesitate to take it hunting anywhere. I'm actually rather accurate with it, and I love the light weight / high velocity. The downside is that fewer pellets get fired down range, but if shot placement is good, then it can take any small game that a 12ga can.

[elmer fudd]

Originally Posted by nathangdad

Absolutely wonderful you have a field where you get so close to pheasant.
Those of us in the Texas Panhandle don't often get that oppotunity.

Good luck and good hunting.

ya but you get other stuff like big bucks dont you?

[Lng Rng]

Another thing to think about. I live a state to the north of you VikingPreacher, and in Minnesota, I have to use steel shot for pheasants a lot of the time. This is due to state laws, and hunting in Waterfowl Production Areas, and within a certian distance of wetlands.

I am not trying to take anything away from the .410; I learned how to shoot shotguns on a mossberg .410. But, they are getting very expensive to shoot, and are limited to lead shot, which I see as dangerous due to the fact lead is seeing more and more restrictions. It is nice to have the flexibilty of the 20 gauge concerning steel shot.

But, if you are set on a .410, the Mossberg 500 is a good one. I like the Stoger O/U's, also.

[Hemmingway]

I have to say that I just recently started to shoot my granddad's .410. I love it, fun to shoot and lightweight so you can lug it around a field bustin' bunnies all day. I do have to agree with the expensive comments, but if you pick your shots and don't go blasting everything in sight...

[7mmremmag1995]

i have used a 410 for rabbits and quail but ammo prices are high

[vikingpreacher]

Originally Posted by nathangdad

Absolutely wonderful you have a field where you get so close to pheasant.
Those of us in the Texas Panhandle don't often get that oppotunity.

Good luck and good hunting.

I am fortunate. My best friend growing has a field where we flush, including hens, (and I am not joking) 100 pheasants in a 2 hour day. Most of the shots are right in your face, its more like hunting pigeons in a barn.

I'm willing to pay for the ammo but I know a guy who wants to show me how to reload shotshells, if that would help with the price.