Let’s talk about the real shit: guns, baby. Specifically, shotguns. If you read the “Dove Hunting 101” post, you’ll see that I recommended purchasing a shotgun. It’s a great starting gun that’s pretty versatile for people just starting out.
Terminology:
.410
The .410 shotgun is the smallest caliber shotgun. It has minimal recoil (kick) and fires the smallest number of pellets in a spread, making it ideal for beginners, smaller shooters, or situations where less power and recoil are desired, such as small game hunting or target shooting.
20 Gauge
The 20 gauge shotgun is a mid-sized shotgun, smaller than the more common 12 gauge. It offers a balance between manageable recoil and effective power. It provides a lighter kick compared to a 12 gauge but still offers a sufficient shot spread and power. ( Iuse an 20 gauge)
12 Gauge
The 12 gauge shotgun is the most common and versatile shotgun size. It offers considerable power and a wider shot spread. The recoil is more significant compared to smaller shotguns like the 20 gauge or .410, but it wont knock you on your butt.
Over Under
An over-under shotgun features two barrels stacked one on top of the other. This type of shotgun is commonly used in sport shooting and hunting. The barrels fire one shot each, meaning you can shoot twice before reloading. It is known for its accuracy and balance, making it a favorite for trap, skeet, and clay shooting.
Side by Side
A side-by-side shotgun has two barrels positioned horizontally next to each other. The barrels fire one shot each, meaning you can shoot twice before reloading.
Pump Action
A pump-action shotgun uses a manual sliding mechanism (or pump) to cycle a new shell into the chamber after each shot. After firing, the shooter pulls the fore-end back to eject the spent shell and pushes it forward to load a fresh one. (This gun holds 3 shells) – I use a pump action.
Semi-Automatic
A semi-automatic shotgun automatically reloads after each shot, using the energy from the fired shell to eject the spent shell and chamber a new one. This allows for faster follow-up shots compared to pump-action shotguns, as the shooter doesn’t need to manually cycle the action. (Semi-automatic shotguns also hold 3 shells).
What can you hunt with shotguns… almost everything.
Shotguns are primarily used for birds, the most common being:
- Dove
- Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, Sandhill Cranes)
- Turkey
- Quail
- Pheasants
However, you can also use shotguns to shoot small varmints and larger game such as:
- Deer
- Wild boar
- Bobcats (If you can get close enough to a bobcat to shoot it with a shotgun, I will be thoroughly impressed)
- Coyote
- Rabbit
- Raccoons
- Opossums, etc.
It is not my first choice for larger game, but many people utilize shotguns for all hunting cause it is a affordable option.
Switching your gun from species to species only requires you to change the type of shell you’re using.
For larger animals like deer, boar, etc., you will use buckshot.d
Dove, clays, and small varmints will use lead shot.
Some areas allow quail and pheasant to be shot with lead, but sometimes steel is required, so check your area’s laws.
Waterfowl are steel shot only.
For turkey, you will use turkey shot shells.
For larger animals like deer, boar, etc., you will use buckshot.
Stay tuned for the next post. I will be doing some research and linking to some of the shotguns I recommend at different price points.
OTSDE Outdoors 