The often misunderstood 28-gauge

There are some advantages inherent in shooting a larger bore shotgun. The larger gauge shotshells frequently contain a heavier shot charge, which allows the shooter to use bigger size shot and still be able to achieve acceptable shot pattern densities. Frequently, the velocities are also increased as the bore diameters become larger and that can sometimes result in adding a couple of metres to the effective killing range of the shotgun.

However, no-one should assume that a larger bore is always the best choice in all hunting situations. As the barrel diameter increases, typically the shotguns become heavier and clumsier to handle. Frequently, they become slower swinging and the felt recoil to the shoulder of the shooter increases.

On the other hand, if you choose, for example, to shoot a good-quality 20- or 28-gauge, you will likely find these shotguns swing more easily and smoother. This allows you to get on the target quicker and the milder recoil makes shooting much more pleasurable.

The 20-gauge

For many years, I have used a 2¾" 20-gauge shotgun for a significant portion of my upland bird hunting and have always been impressed and