Thread: New to game bird shooting - shotgun recommendations

Hi guys,

I have planned to go game bird shooting (ducks and pheasants) in a couple weekends time, but I currently only have an old farm shotgun that is no good for steel shot. I have never been bird shooting before but have done clays. So I am looking to get something newer, probably a semi, that I could use around waterways for birds. I spoke to guncity and they were talking up the Beretta A400 - but I would be happy for something older / secondhand that is bit more affordable so long as it is reliable and still does the job.

What models and considerations would those with more experience recommend?

Thanks!

Hey, I’m no expert - use and O/U and am new to waterfowl too, but all 3 of the farm guys I’ve been going out with have the Franchi Affinity and really rate it.
I had some time on the rabbits with it and the balance and feel in hand impressed me.
Worth a look - fair bit cheaper than the beretta.

https://www.guncity.com/12ga-franchi...hoke-28-364873


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A second hand U/O should do the trick just fine, if you're new to shooting and buy a semi auto some tend to get the bad habbit of just shooting until the bird drops instead of making the most of your ammo, when you've only got 2 shots you don't like to miss

Who said your farm shotgun is no good for steel???? MOST will be ok if you stick to two rules. Lighter payload,eg below 35grms...the 30-32 loadings work great. And keep shot sizing to #3 or smaller. The theory behind this is it gives enough wiggle room to exit tighter choke,smaller exit hole.

Tell us what it is and someone will be able to say for sure.... Otherwise it's good excuse to buy new shotgun. Find one that fits,end of that story,right there.loads second hand for the next eleven months,look/ask around.heck the three shot semi that takes 2 3/4" for sale on here is awesome buying amount others.

Thanks guys, the over under isn’t a bad idea to start. In terms of brands / models would there be any you would or wouldn’t recommend?

I have been having a look on trademe and guncity’s website as I am still fairly new here and don’t have access to the buy/ sell.

In terms on my current shotgun, it is one I inherited - I am not sure the model as it isn’t clearly labeled. It is single shot and I would guess is north of 50 years old

Flick up photo or two and we will suss it out. I suggest you avoid the big chain stores if wanting to buy shotgun....much inflated prices. Again that three shot Winchester forsale on here is great buying. A huge step up from what you have now but not huge price tag.

Go and have a fondle of some of the older SKB . Browning gold fusion, gold hunters, silver hunters. Beretta A390s etc.
You don't have to head and out buy a 4k shotgun for ducks etc. If you find a tidy older second hand one that -and this is the critical part here - one that fits you best. If it's Japanese, American(even remingtons) or Italian you should be right

There are pros and cons for gas vs inertia.

As others have said second hand guns are an excellent option. Steel compatibility isn't needed for upland game and as Micky duck has said the smaller lighter loads of steel are ok in non steel barrels as long as they're not full choke. Also remember chamber length most older guns are probably 70 mm chambers (2 3/4) inch for old people. It will be stamped on the gun It's fine to fire the shorter shell in a 3 or 3 1/2 inch chamber but not the other way round.
I have a 114 year old side by side that I use with both steel and lead shot. Steel shot like lead is encased in a plastic wad so it can't scratch the barrel

Another point to mention.

A great load is the gamebore super steel. No 4s.

Doesn't boot much at all and kills really well out to 40y which isn't bad going for a 32gr 2 3/4 load

Great load in #3s too.

Thanks guys, this has been super helpful.

I struggled to get a good photo of the markings given the lighting and condition, but it says:
- Stirling
- Made in Italy
- MAVI DI SALVINELLI
- GARDONE VI BRESCIA
- ACCIAO VICKERS

Googling those markings it comes up with this, which looks like it - https://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...3-c-41345fbb35

If you think that can handle steel shot then I might push on with it while looking for something second hand that isnt a single shot

If you are looking in second hand market
Miroku make a good gun, skb also.
I have an a400 upland but find i always grab mu u/o its just more familier to me.

Originally Posted by jonows

Thanks guys, this has been super helpful.

I struggled to get a good photo of the markings given the lighting and condition, but it says:
- Stirling
- Made in Italy
- MAVI DI SALVINELLI
- GARDONE VI BRESCIA
- ACCIAO VICKERS

Googling those markings it comes up with this, which looks like it - https://www.invaluable.com/auction-l...3-c-41345fbb35

If you think that can handle steel shot then I might push on with it while looking for something second hand that isnt a single shot

@gundoc .....the 3"chamber bit in link is interesting.... Be plurry sure before trying those ,but it's great if it is. Does it have fixed or removable choke??? I've tagged you on that CHEAP Winchester semi.

Well ill toss my hat in the ring -I run an escort s/a 3'chamber as my goose gun .Ive had it 2nd hand nigh on 20yrs and despite the scoffing by some its only ever let me down twice ,both times easily remedied by me. goose primarily using 34gm solway magnum 3"-aint seen one survive a full on one of those yet .NEVER HAD A VISIT TO THE GUNSMITH YET!
my other a wee baikal 17j single strigger o/u .

To my knowlege im the third owner of this wee honey .mate who ibought it off had barrels opened out to 1/2choke and stock shortened for his son(who then found girls if you please ,!!!!!!!!) ans it fits me great .the number of feral geese and ducks its taken ive lost count .2 3/4 chamber catholic in taste ..no worries .

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