by Royce Jordan
I was up to my knees in sunflowers and pasture grasses looking for the dove that fell amongst this intertwined wad of rainforest-like vegetation. The bird flew over with blazing speed about 20 yards out, and fluttered downward after my shot. Freakin Frackin! This was the very last place I wanted a bird to go down.
I knew about the general location, and began my onerous task of finding what I’d just hit. Birds were flying around me but I had to pass ‘em up while I was looking for mine. Several minutes had passed before I located feathers, and finally the harvest.
One of my partners walked past while I was searching for the bird, and asked what shotgun I was using on this hunt? I responded, I was using a 20-Gauge, an old 870 Remington. He asked me why I was using a 20-gauge when a 12 was so much better? I may be laid back, but I can lean forward real quick. I held that bird in my hand and asked him “Just how dead did you want me to kill it?”
The Texas Dove Season for 2024 was about as typical for me as just about any other year. The weather was nuts. It tarted off hot, then rained like a monsoon visit. The temperatures became hot again, and you would sweat to fully drenched clothing, but only pee about a tablespoon full all day. The birds kept their flights up though, and helped out on the discomfort of the conditions (along with boo-coo bottles of water). I’m to the point in my life where not finding a good parking spot for my interest is enough to make me want to go head back to the house. Having equipment that doesn’t bog you down helps keep that interest piqued.
I gave a bit more thought to my last sentence, and pondered on the conversation I had in the field with my Buddy. His opinion centered on the 12 vs. 20-gauge rounds, and the shotguns performance in the moment. I’ve spent decades in the field and I can tell you with some “purty good” authority, your quarry “don’t give a hoot” what you shoot ‘em with. There is however, notible differences in shotgun gauges that make one or more better than the others. I’ve had experience using all the common gauges with the exception of one, and that bore is receiving good media for its purpose.
The common use shotgun gauges found in most stores, gun shops, gun shows and articles are the 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410. You do not have to look very far to find an abundance of shotgun bore technical writing, explanation of dimensions, historical data, and everything necessary to keep you as informed and/or confused as first year Quantum Physics. The most simple explanation on gauge size, or why the bore is that big around, stems from our multi-Great Grand Pappy’s determination of how many lead balls the size of the bore make one pound. Simple…10 balls, 10-gauge…12 balls, 12-gauge, and so on until you reach the .410. That is the actual diameter of the bore, or caliber. Why the difference you ask? I do not know. I reckon folks didnt want a 67-gauge, and still call the .410 a gauge. I know several fellars that have experience complete hair loss and still own a comb… they just can’t part with it!
Now, for the folks who are fortunate enough to possess multiple shotguns and gauges for your needs, I won’t risk being pontified in my suggestions. I always hated it when someone demanded, “Are you Listening to Me?!” Such a random way to begin a conversation… I contemplate my past experiences with individual shotguns hoping someone who has not had the privilege may figure out what is usefull for them. Keep in mind that individual shotguns have different performance levels, and are a topic in and of itself. Modern shotguns and choke tubes have come a long way in mitigating shooter error due to size, stock adjustments, recoil reduction and sighting alignment are just a few examples. More shooting is more “gooder” and helps in your decision on which gauge scattergun you want to line out with…so…
Let’s start with the Big 10…
Back in the day, commercial waterfowl hunters used deck shotguns of unbelievable size…8’s, 4’s…one pull of a trigger would lay out scores of waterfowl. That was then…The largest permitted shotgun for use now is the 10 gauge. This is almost always considered a goose or large waterfowl tool using a 3 1/2 inch shell. I had the opportunity to use an Ithaca Mag10 that had tolerable recoil, but was not pleasant for continuous shooting or much affordable per shotshell fired. The second 10 gauge that I touched off was an H&R single barrel… I will never forget it. Ever watched the “Guns Of Navarone?” I swear … after I pulled that trigger, and that bell going off in my head eased up, I had to wipe a snot bubble off my face that I nearly didnt have enough shirt sleeves for. All that to sayn… the 10 gauge will reach out there if you need it.
The Venerable 12…
This is an American Standard, fulfilling the needs of Hunters, Military, Law Enforcement, Home Protection … you name it and the 12-gauge provides a round to suit your needs. The loads in the field go from upland small birds, thin skinned and medium-sized game, to all waterfowl needs, depending on the delivery system. Shell sizes of mini-shell, 2 ¾ inch, 3 inch and the boomin’ 3 1/2 inch are readily available. Recoil can smart after a bit, but the 12 is the go-to bore.
The Gentleman’s 16…
This is the gauge that was the favorite of the Grandaddies. It has less recoil than the 12, and more payload than the smaller bores. I’ve used 2 1/2 inch shells (watch your gun magazine plug length if hunting doves), but I have not seen this length in quite some time. Standard 2 3/4 inch rounds handle all upland birds and small migratory birds, and are hell on rabbits and squirrels. There was a slow down on 16 gauge shell availability for a bit, but they are plentiful at many outlets now.
The Versatile 20…
The 20-gauge is one of my personal favorite shotgunning systems, from the firearms to the ammunition. Shell sizes 2 3/4 and 3-inch in all available shot size and slug configurations, this mighty mite performs its duty with much less weight and overall length than its big brothers. Many women and smaller framed individuals take to the twenty due to it’s size and performance. The yellow cased 20 shoots hard, and is indeed one of our better small game and bird guns. Toting a couple of boxes of 20 -gauge shells on a dove hunt is a noticable weight difference over the 12 and 16, and your shoulder is much happier.
The Resurging 28…
This is a shotgun gauge I have not had the privilege of popping a cap with. The 28 is referred to as one the “sub-gauges” that was thought of highly during quail hunts due to its light recoil and handy size of the shotguns. The 28’s maintain a good following at these events, and shell sizes 2 3/4 and 3 inch are appearing more frequently at the stores. I like a 20, but I’m not surprised if a good well balanced, nicely choked 28 configuration of your choice ain’t the best all around quail and woodcock piece ever configured.
and…The Caliber .410
This little scattergun has hung in there like a well rope. There were, and still are several shotgun configurations that load the .410, from snake charmers to high end semi-autos. There are even a few handguns that chamber a 2 1/2 inch shell and make a great defensive round. My late father always told stories about his hunting in the younger years with his old bolt-action .410, and how he fed many a squirrel and rabbit to the family. A properly choked .410 gets the job done when you close the gap with your prey. The 2 1/2 and 3 inch shells are getting a wee bit pricey, go figure… latch a hold of a neat 410 double barrel and hang on to your butt. Entertainment will now begin!
I would like to sum up this opinion piece regarding our shotgun bore or gauge suggestions by adding that your needs will dictate the necessity. You will have to decide which is best for your needs, and pull that trigger. Right or wrong, the roads in life we travel are covered with flat critters that couldnt make a decision. Make it easy on yourself.
