28 ga the most underrated and fun shotgun you will ever shoot

[uplander01]

Not to knock others choices and the fact others often know more than I.. I dont understand the love for the 28 guage or even the 410. I have hunted everything from white tailed deer to quail and squirrels with a 12 guage and a couple of 20s. I personally dont see the need or understand the desire for these small ghage shotguns.i have been shooting shotguns for over fifty years now.

Sub gauges are built to be incredibly light weight, imo, the biggest benefit. When a few bb’s hit a bird, it’s dead, end of story. The technology in shotgun shells and choke tubes has evolved a lot in the last 20 years in particular, the pattern and speed you can get from a 28ga is likely on par with 12ga loads from years past. I sell shotguns for a living……and that’s how I see it. When benelli released the 28gauge those, literally couldn’t build enough of them.

 

[Challer]

I have a Rizzini and Fausti in 28 and they are my current favorites. A real blast

 

[WAB]

I have a very nice 28 ga O/U and have put many thousand rounds through it. I do not understand the current drive to heavier shot charges and even 3” chambers. Pattern efficiency is optimal when the shot is roughly the same length as diameter in the shell. This is at 3/4 oz in a 28 ga. This load will kill a pheasant stone dead at 35 to 40 yards. What in the world are you accomplishing with a 3” 28 ga???

I am getting to know a new to me 2 1/2” 12 ga at the moment. This gun is absolutely lethal and has likely relegated my 28 to safe queen status. The Brits know a thing or two about shotguns.

 

[ftrovato]

here 28 ga shells at walmart are 14.00 a box, 20 ga and 12 ga shells are 34.00 for four boxes. if you reload cost for the 28,s go way down and so do the 410,s. i loaded 28,s on a mec 9000 and the 410,s on a mec 650. any one who reloads rifle or shotguns now can tell you about how high supplies have climbed over the last few years. i still have 14 bags of shot that i paid under 10.00 a bag and primers i paid 24.00 a thousand for, i think i paid 7-8 dollars for 500 wads. today shot 45-50 dollars a bag, primers 75-80 dollars a thousand. i did the math and buy my 12-20 ga loaded today

It's so expensive to by shotgun reloading supplies that I just by ammo by the case now...

 

[leslie hetrick]

It's so expensive to by shotgun reloading supplies that I just by ammo by the case now...

me too, i just buy 8 flats at between 70-80 dollars a flat. at the start of shooting clays season.

 

[ftrovato]

me too, i just buy 8 flats at between 70-80 dollars a flat. at the start of shooting clays season.

I see your in PA. Where do you shot clays? I moved to the Poconos several years ago from the Scranton area and now have no opportunity within a 90 minute drive to shoot clays of any kind.

 

[Rubberhead]

I do not understand the current drive to heavier shot charges and even 3” chambers.

I'm with you on this. If someone wants to shoot 7/8 ounce of lead then get a 20. The thing that changes my mind is the expanding rules on what shot materials are legal.

The 3" SAAMI specs for the 28 gauge allow for extra shot volume that could be useful for shooting bismuth or steel, or some other material that is less dense than lead, in areas where lead isn't allowed. I was going to get a 28 gauge O/U this past spring but decided to wait for the 3" offering just to "future proof" my new gun.

But, I will not shoot any lead load heavier than 3/4 ounce from my new gun either.

 

[Mou435]

You’re living the 28gauge dream right now, four of them in one year is pure addiction, and I’m here for it. That little gauge is absolute magic on doves, quail, and bunnies kicks like a .410 but patterns like a 20, and at 5–6 lbs those guns feel like feathers all day.

SXS 28 is the holy grail, though. Once you shoulder a good one CZ Bobwhite G2, Fausti, or even a used SKB or Ruger Red Label if you can find it, you’ll sell the semis. Nothing swings or points like a proper side by-side 28. Keep hunting the used market deals pop up all the time now that the gauge is finally catching on.

Your dad would’ve been grinning ear to ear smoking doves with those. Keep feeding the bug, man, 28 ga is the best kept secret that’s finally getting out.

 

[HankBuck]

I have a very nice 28 ga O/U and have put many thousand rounds through it. I do not understand the current drive to heavier shot charges and even 3” chambers. Pattern efficiency is optimal when the shot is roughly the same length as diameter in the shell. This is at 3/4 oz in a 28 ga. This load will kill a pheasant stone dead at 35 to 40 yards. What in the world are you accomplishing with a 3” 28 ga???

I am getting to know a new to me 2 1/2” 12 ga at the moment. This gun is absolutely lethal and has likely relegated my 28 to safe queen status. The Brits know a thing or two about shotguns.

@WAB - I agree with your post, there is nothing “magic” about 28ga shells or pattern. It’s a very nice light ga (far better then an .410) and its 3/4oz standard load is adequate for most upland birds. As soon as anyone wants to use a 3” shell in a 28 ga - I’m confused?? Just move to a 20ga and use the standard 2 3/4” shells & loads (7/8oz or 1 oz) designed for them….unless a 28ga is your only gun - then maybe a 3” shell makes sense.
I think the most versatile gauge is the 12 and if I only owned one gauge - it would be a 12…chambered for 2 3/4” shells (all thats needed) you can find 6lb guns that carry effortlessly if you want, then use 2 1/2” 7/8oz loads or 1 1/8oz for optimal performance…all the way up to 2 3/4” 1 1/2oz “shoulder bruising/cheek popping” loads ——- should be good for woodcock up to turkey & swans.

 

[Schüler Jumbo]

Agreed regarding the 28 ga. All my work with the 28 is done on the Skeet Field.

 

[dgr416]

I want a reasonable priced sxs 28 ga .I grew up with 20 ga sxs loved them .I like lighter 28 ga shotguns to tote long ways hunting .I have one ou 28 thats a 3 inch chamber .I hope this helps the 28 ga some .Everyone that shot my 28 ga shotguns loved them wish my dad vould have hunted with one .

 

[BeeMaa]

I want a reasonable priced sxs 28 ga .I grew up with 20 ga sxs loved them .I like lighter 28 ga shotguns to tote long ways hunting .I have one ou 28 thats a 3 inch chamber .I hope this helps the 28 ga some .Everyone that shot my 28 ga shotguns loved them wish my dad vould have hunted with one .

You need to define "reasonably priced" as it means something different to everyone. At the same time a 28 bore from between the wars will not be of the same metallurgy as a modern shotgun. It's all in what one is looking for. Sideplate? Boxlock? Ejectors or just extractors? Bespoke quality? Etc...

What flavor are you seeking?

 

[steve white]

Estate – Dickinson Arms

dickinsonarms.com

Ive been looking at the Dickinson Estate gun for a bit.. Im thinking that might be the direction I go..

Theyre reasonably affordable (about $1500 if you search for a bit.. you can easily find them for $1600).. turkish built, but from a factory known for turning out quality work for other well established companies (Webley and Scott and others)... and theyve gotten some really good reviews online...

Cabelas/Bass Pro are supposedly carrying them.. but Ive never seen one in my local Cabelas before... Ive thought about asking them about the Dickinson and seeing if they might consider getting one in that I could look at...

I was thinking the same thoughts.. I'd really like a 28 SxS for dove and quail.. but I dont want to spend a bloody fortune on a gun that I might take to the field twice a year..

The dickenson seems to have a good bit of the appeal of a much nicer (and much more expensive) traditional british SxS.. as long as its reliable, decently balanced, and shoots straight.. it might be an affordable option..

I WISH I had known they could make a gun for Webley & Scott! Years back, Cabela's DID have a bunch of dickensons. The "Turkish" thing put me off for the price. My ignorance.
And the case colors were spectacular.

 

[mdwest]

I WISH I had known they could make a gun for Webley & Scott! Years back, Cabela's DID have a bunch of dickensons. The "Turkish" thing put me off for the price. My ignorance.
And the case colors were spectacular.

the W&S 912 and 920 O/U guns are built in the same factory as I understand it..

Ive got both a 912 and a 920 in the gun cabinet.. they have been great shotguns... when you come by the house in January for the Bos en Dal party, handle one (or both) of them a bit.. I think you'll like them..

 

[jbirdwell]

The only time I am using the 3" shells for the most part is when I am handloading for TSS or Bismuth for waterfowl loads. I do have a few boxes of 7 1/2 lead shots in 3" that I bought when I first got my Benelli but have bought nothing 2 3/4" since then.

 

[leslie hetrick]

I see your in PA. Where do you shot clays? I moved to the Poconos several years ago from the Scranton area and now have no opportunity within a 90 minute drive to shoot clays of any kind.

we shoot the first sunday of the month at richfield sportsmans club in juniata county and on the second sunday of the month at blue rock sportsmans club in mifflin county. starting in april, some times we shoot in huntington county, but we don,t like very much. go on line and look up the first two clubs listed. you would be more than welcome. ps we shoot trap at blue rock on wednsdays and sundays stating also in april

 

[HankBuck]

I want a reasonable priced sxs 28 ga .I grew up with 20 ga sxs loved them .I like lighter 28 ga shotguns to tote long ways hunting .I have one ou 28 thats a 3 inch chamber .I hope this helps the 28 ga some .Everyone that shot my 28 ga shotguns loved them wish my dad vould have hunted with one .

@dgr416 - it is interesting that so many of those that like to hunt with a sub gauge - often try their best to make into a “larger gauge” ie: 3” chambers in a 28ga? Why? If you feel the need for that heavier shot load then use a 20 ga. If I’m hunting anything with a 20ga and feel the need for a 3” shell - then I will use my 12ga.
But, you are not the only one that does this and likely that “I’M” in the minority.

 

[mitch4570]

Agreed the 28 gauge will hammer pheasants if you know its limitations. 30 yards is my long shot with a 28. 3/4 oz. Of #6 Is good pheasant medicine over dogs.

 

[chashardy]

Next shotgun I buy will be a 28. Been looking at the Berettas. The store in Dallas has a beautiful 687 EELL--but kinda pricey. Probably will go with a Silver Pigeon.

 

[Odinsraven]

Just picked up a SXS 28ga Baikal single trigger Ejector with barrel selector -

What a fun little gun! Owned it until by best buddy spotted it - his daughter got an early Christmas present - Apparently from me as my buddy has not paid it - Hey she is a nice kid ! Cost me less than the price of a cull springbok !