Many hunters love quail hunting. Were you aware that the Remington 11-48 in 28-gauge is a preferred pick for quail hunters? This shotgun is not heavy and has less recoil. It’s among the many excellent choices for quail hunters.
This guide will assist you in choosing the ideal shotgun and enhance your quail hunting. We will discuss shotguns from the 20-gauge to the 28-gauge. and these are well suited options. We will also look at key attributes that are beneficial in the field.
At the end, you’ll identify the best of them for quail hunting. You’ll be equipped and prepared for enjoyment and triumph in every hunt.
The Best Shotguns for Quail Hunting
Upland game is a favorite of mine, and I’ve tested numerous shotguns, especially for chasing quail. Let me introduce my chosen top 9. They can enhance your quail hunting experience and direct you towards the perfect one.
Swift and agile, that’s the type of shotgun required. I’ll breakdown everything, starting from the conventional 12-gauge up to the lightweight 28-gauge. I’ll detail what features make them excellent for the purpose.
Remington 870 Express
The Remington 870 Express is a beloved tool among open-country hunters. It boasts dependability and sturdiness at a reasonable cost. Ideal for many is its 20-gauge variant, packing enough power minus the hefty feel.
Mossberg 500
Mossberg 500, on the other hand, is one of the most favored one. It’s available in various gauges, including 12 and 20. It’s stable, straightforward to operate, and performs excellently outdoors.
CZ-USA Upland Ultralight
Considering a lightweight shotgun? The CZ-USA Upland Ultralight might appeal. As a powerful yet featherweight, 20-gauge over-under shotgun, it’s perfect for taking shots in thick bushes or tracking speedster quails.
Beretta A300 Outlander
We can’t forget the Beretta A300 Outlander. This semi-automatic model is smooth-running, adaptable, and a 12-gauge shotgun. Notably, it features a system to customize your shot pattern catering for different scenarios.
Browning Citori CX
Consider the Browning Citori CX if you’re into high-quality shotguns. It’s an elegant and sturdy over-under style, and the 20-gauge version fits well for pursuing in restricted areas.
Savage Arms Stevens 320
Scouting for an economical yet efficient option? Try the Savage Arms Stevens 320, a pump-action 12-gauge shotgun that’s versatile for diverse hunting needs- an excellent pick for newbies or budget-conscious individuals.
Benelli Montefeltro
Next up, we have Benelli Montefeltro, a semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun known for its manageability and recoil handling- a popular choice among farmland hunters.
Winchester SXP Defender
To mention the Winchester SXP Defender, ideal for hunting and home protection. With its 12-gauge specification and adjustable shot pattern, it assures unrivalled versatility and dependability.
Weatherby Element Waterfowl
Designed for waterfowl, the Weatherby Element Waterfowl is also a great choice for quail hunting. This 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun boasts a trustworthy action and choke tubes, making it versatile for various hunting grounds.
Picking the ideal shotgun depends on your requirements, shooting style, and financial means. Explore these options to pinpoint your perfect match. Equipped with the apt shotgun, you’re set for a successful game season.
| Shotgun Model | Gauge | Barrel Length | Choke | Action | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remington 870 Express | 20 | 26 inches | Skeet | Pump | $399 |
| Mossberg 500 | 12, 20 | 26 inches | Improved Cylinder | Pump | $349 |
| CZ-USA Upland Ultralight | 20 | 26 inches | Modified | Over-Under | $899 |
| Beretta A300 Outlander | 12 | 26 inches | Improved Cylinder | Semi-Auto | $649 |
| Browning Citori CX | 20 | 26 inches | Modified | Over-Under | $1,799 |
| Savage Arms Stevens 320 | 12 | 26 inches | Improved Cylinder | Pump | $269 |
| Benelli Montefeltro | 20 | 26 inches | Skeet | Semi-Auto | $999 |
| Winchester SXP Defender | 12 | 18 inches | Improved Cylinder | Pump | $349 |
| Weatherby Element Waterfowl | 12 | 28 inches | Improved Cylinder | Semi-Auto | $699 |
Choosing the Right Shotgun Gauge
Picking the correct shotgun for quail pursuit is critical. While the 12-gauge often dominates due to its adaptability and abundant loading options, the 20-gauge also has strong merits for those seeking a lighter, more agile option.
20-Gauge: The Versatile Choice
A Smart, Adaptable Option The 20-gauge shotgun is an asset in hunting various upland wildlife, especially nimble bobwhite quail. It offers an ideal middle ground in terms of shot volume and kickback, making it appealing to amateur and seasoned hunters alike. Weighing less and generating less impact than the 12-gauge, this shotgun aids movement in dense grounds.
Additionally, its broad selection of loading options allows for perfect customization for each specific hunt.
Regardless of your experience, the 20-gauge shotgun is a wise pick. It provides a unique blend of power, kickback, and usability suitable for a range of hunting scenarios.
Shotgun Specifications and Features
Look at stuff like how long the shotgun barrel is, the choke setup, how the gun works, and the gun’s actual weight. All these factors impact how you can use your shotgun. Then, also look out for things such as vent ribs, changeable stocks, and hard-wearing finishes. Handy bits that can make your shotgun even better.
These details help in nailing the best shotgun for your quail hunting. Remember to think about bits like shot size and choke setup. It’s one method to improve your game.
Shotgun Barrels and Chokes
The size of your shotgun’s barrel makes a big difference. Hunters normally prefer barrels between 20 to 28 inches. Easy to move, aim, and hit. About the choke setup, it alters the way your shotgun fires. When hunting quail, skeet and modified chokes are ideal. They create compact patterns and reach farther.
| Shotgun Barrel Length | Recommended Choke | Effective Range |
|---|---|---|
| 20-24 inches | Skeet, Improved Cylinder | 20-35 yards |
| 24-26 inches | Improved Cylinder, Modified | 25-40 yards |
| 26-28 inches | Modified, Full | 30-45 yards |
Shotgun Actions and Ergonomics
Your shotgun’s action type is important. Both pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns are excellent for hunting quail. They allow for speedy, dependable shooting. It’s also important to consider the weight and feel of your shotgun, since it can influence its ease of use, particularly while navigating difficult environments or in pursuit of birds.
- Pump-action shotguns offer a dependable performance and quick follow-up shots.
- Semi-automatic shotguns allow for fast, versatile shooting.
- Shotguns that are lightweight and balanced help the user move easily and lessen fatigue.
- Features like adjustable stocks and vent ribs enhance comfort and increase accuracy.
All these elements are key considerations in the shotgun specifications and features.
Conclusion
This is your go-to guide for picking the ideal shotgun for quail hunting. We’ve covered options like the Remington 870 Express, Mossberg 500, CZ-USA Upland Ultralight, Beretta A300 Outlander, Browning Citori CX, Savage Arms Stevens 320, Benelli Montefeltro, Winchester SXP Defender, and Weatherby Element Waterfowl. When you’re deciding, think about the gauge, barrel length, choke, action, weight, and how it feels to hold it. 20-gauge shotguns are recommended because they can do it all. The right choke choice (like skeet or modified) matters a lot for quail hunting. Furthermore, it helps if you know how quails behave, the correct hunting behaviors, how to use calls, and strategies for hunting.
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