410 Gauge

[Gabriel S.]

I have been hunting upland with my 22 now and its been great. Wife wants to join me hunting i know right? but shes not very good at head shooting upland with a 22.
I'm looking into a 410 for her but i have some questions as i never own a shotgun.
With the 22 i just head shoot to preserve the breast, using a 410 wouldn't destroy it? How do you preserve the breast?
What would you recommend for shoot size? i'm thinking 6 or 7 1/2 for grouse? 2.5" or 3"? Does it make a difference?
Could you share some negative/positive thoughts about the below SG if you own one?

Mossberg Arms Silver Reserve II Field O/u Shotgun
Stoeger Uplander Side-by-Side Shotgun
Mossberg® 500 All Purpose Shotgun - Walnut


Thanks,
Gabe.

[CanuckShooter]

If you want some range with the 410 use 3" and #4 shot, the others work but not as good. If you aim at the head, or just above you can minimize shot in the breast but not eliminate it. I have a single shot, full choke that does the job. Good luck in your search.

[fenceline]

I have a 870 pump 23/4 3" full choke at 30 yds I aim at head 71/2 3" takes the head clean off . Put up a target and check pattern , good thing is you can also wing shoot love my 410. Down side shells same cost as 12 ga.

[densa44]

My single weighs 3.3 lbs and folds, I love it. The factory shells are way too expensive, save your empty cases and reload your own.

Use the over shot wad technique, that way you won't need to make crimps.

Practice and pattern the gun, then decide on shot size.

[3blade]

I use a savage 24, top barel is a 22, bottom barrel is a 410 fixed full choke, 3" #6 or 7.5. I am very good with the 22 but the 410 still gets used more for head shots, you can shoot through bush when the bird is walking away, or wing shoot. Very rarely do I have any pellets in the meat.

Yes, it will make grouse jelly if she was to center the bird. I'd suggest a h&r single shot, pattern some loads, cut out some cardboard grouse to teach her to shoot at the head.

[score]

Full choke with long barrel. A short barreled .410 is pretty useless IMO.

[Rockyman41]

I use an old c.i.l. Single shot 410 for grouse. 28" barrel full choke.

3" #4 shot would be my first choice as it holds a tighter pattern than 6 or 7 but I've used all 3 kinds with success. I hold the bead just above the grouses head and I'm good out to 25 yards.

[airbornedeerhunter]

I have a Winny Model 37A, full choke hinge action. My Grandfather bought it in the early 70's and gave it tp me when I was about 12 or 13. I use it all the time for chickens. You won't beat them up with a .410 so don't worry about it. Try # 4 shot. Only downside is .410 shells aren't cheap like the run of the mill 12 gauge shells are. If you ever see them on sale snatch 'em up.

There's lots of nice .410 shotty's out there now, theres a few that are smaller and designed for kids, shorter stock, might be a better fit for her than a full length one. My wife is an elf and if she shoots my 12 gauge it rattles her fillings and the gun is almost as long as she is!

[elkhunter11]

A full choke, use #7-1/2, and shoot high to hit the head and neck, regardless of the gauge. I would avoid the 410 altogether, and go for a 20 gauge, as it is much for versatile, especially if she eventually wants to shoot waterfowl. I would avoid the Silver Reserve.

[Rosenke01]

As a kid i was taught to shoot upland birds with a bolt action 410, and have since upgraded to a mossberg 500 pump 410 they work great and have never had an issue. I prefer 3inch mag with 6 shot, ya cant go wrong, and as for saving the breast if you aim for the head you might have a pellet or 2 end up in the meat but nothing too major

[kritz]

I agree with the like of this little gun. I have a single shot that has been around my family for 15+ years , I shoot 3" # 4 on ruffies and never have a problem with not taking heads off or wrecking the meat. My daughters also have taken a lot of Ruffies with it.
It is a nice little light gun and a lot of fun.

[Ray Ray]

I got a little Belgian made 410 side by side hammer gun when I was 8 and as it was my Dads and brothers gun before mine it shot hundreds of grouse without shredding many birds using #6s . Having the 2 different choke sizes I believe will help. I use a Savage model 24 now for grouse 22 up and 20 gauge down. It is important that your wife hits what she's beading so the 410 option may be your best go.

[Richard B.]

I would use my 410 for grouse but my son has decided that it is his favourite gun so I don't get to hunt with it very often but when I do I use 2 1/2" shells with #6 shot.

[Gabriel S.]

Thank you guys. I appreciate your input. Made me re-evaluate my ideas.

Gabe.

[.280]

I use an old Mossberg bolt action 410 3" for grouse works great

[Gabriel S.]

Thank you all for your input, I finally got a SA-08 in 20ga, 28in barrel. Research indicate that it shoots heavy and light loads very well due to the available pistons.

[saskbooknut]

I think you made a good choice. A much more versatile gun.