doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Why a 28 gauge?

"The only real reason is snob appeal!!

In many of the "classic" shotguns the 28-gauges were built on the same frames as the 20-gauge and are heavier. The Winchester Model 12s and 21s come to mind immediately. Also, in the Browning Superposed the 20-gauge was available in a Lightning model, but the 28-gauges and .410-bores were only offered in Standard weight. "

You are correct about the Superposed 28 and 410 gauges but CSMC now offers a true small or 'baby' frame Model 21 that will be less than 6#'s, mine with 28" barrels and metal heel & toe plates is 5# 13oz.
I have CSMC A10 20/28 set with 30" barrels that weighs 6# 6oz with either set.
I was at Kolar yesterday and they now have a 28 gauge set of barrels available.
A 30" set will be going on my Kolar SC gun!
There is recoil and gun weight for most shooters that is attractive and since 28 gauge models are usually along with 410 the least sold, there is collectability for some.
A 12/16/20/28 set also makes for a very attractive gun for some.
So I don;t think it's about snob appeal.-Dick

I am a little late on the subject, but here I am. I find shooting sub gauge shot guns more fun and challenging and give you a since of accomplishment when you fill your game bag. I started with a 20 gauge Ibar, bought a AYA xxvbl in 12 and used it for ever on everything then while living in Alaska I picked up a 28 gauge Rizzine and find it to be my go too gun. Then ordered a Aya#1 in 28 2 sets of barrels. Which I use for wood cock and grouse and dove.
But so that you know I am not a full blown snob as one may label one to be I just picked up a CSMC RBL in 20 and I can, wait to carry it afield.

We would sure like to see some pictures of your AYA #1. That must be some gun.

This dove season I'll take a few pics.

The science of recoil math is very simple. Recoil is controlled by weight of gun and shotload, and the velocity of the load. You cannot shoot the same shotload at the same velocity in a lighter gun without greater felt recoil.

It is possible to shoot lighter shootloads and lower velocities and still have excellent results.

I have picked and shouldered numerous 28 and 410's in gunshops and on clay courses. They are the grass that is greener on the other side of the hill.

I too dreamed of a sweet lightweight 28, but the more I searched the more I discovered it was difficult to find a 28 than was not heavier than the lightweight 20 gauge guns I was finding. Taking into account the shorter shot string of a 20 vs 28, it makes best sense to me to reduce payload to 3/4 and skip the 28 gauge altogether.

I tried hard to pick one gauge (16) and only one, but even though I use it 90% of the time, i have not been able to avoid other gauges

I believe like the 16 the 28 appeals because it is different.

Because I refuse to hunt with, IMHO, an ineffective .410

Because it comes up and swings fast on fast-flushing grouse.

Because it swings fast and stops quickly on zig-zagging woodcock.

Because felt recoil of my 28's is lighter than my 20's.

Because it carries so easily and never stretches my arm an extra inch or two by the end of the day.

I LOVE my 28 for kick'um up quail, but it is an absolute hoot to shoot skeet with a 410.

Was going to try quail this fall with the 410 but.....ain't a whole lot of shot.

The only reason I want a 28 sxs hammer is because I don't have one�!!!!!!! A d if I didn't build a lake house I could have called Holland or Purdey and ordered xxx wood Damascusand have some change left......I have fallen in love with my .410 rabbit hunting.not sure about the doves .

Monty

I wouldn't hunt with an "ineffective .410" either. Fortunately all mine ARE effective. They're plenty enough for quail and doves, within range. Their effective range is less than that of a 28, a 28's is less than that of a 20, a 20's is .................. you get the point. A place for everything, and everything in it's place. The .410 requires more patience, more restraint and more skill to use effectively. It ain't for everybody, but darned if I don't get tired of hearing those who can't use it properly say that it is ineffective.

SRH

With a .410 you have to be locked on to the rabbit...... No snap shooting !!!! Probably need a good fit for birds......................challenging!!!