.410 or 20 gauge O/U for squirrel, rabbit, and dove?

HuntingDixieland · **Joined:** Wed Feb 07, 2018 8:49 pm **Posts:** 2

I’m going to get a over under for rabbit, squirrel, and dove hunting, but I don’t know if I should get a .410 or a 20 gauge. Any suggestions?

lossking · **Posted:** Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:29 am

I'd get the 20 gauge for sure. It will be far more effective than a .410 at anything past close range.

Vette Jockey · **Posted:** Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:33 am

20 gauge. It's got way more effective range.

kgwolo · **Posted:** Fri Feb 09, 2018 5:42 pm

Give some serious consideration to a 28ga

EricB · **Posted:** Fri Feb 09, 2018 5:44 pm

20ga. It’s a better choice than a .410 for almost anything.

oneounceload · **Joined:** Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:20 pm **Posts:** 22907

Split the difference and get a 28!

jcs266 · **Posted:** Mon Apr 16, 2018 12:18 pm

IMHO the 20ga is vastly more versatile and ammo is of course far easier to find and cheaper.

la angler · **Posted:** Wed Jul 18, 2018 7:10 pm

I think I would go for the 20 gauge it's a lot cheaper to shoot for sure but the 410 is more fun.

saskbooknut · **Joined:** Fri Jan 16, 2015 9:11 am **Posts:** 989

Nother vote for 20 gauge versatility and economy.

HalfStop · **Posted:** Thu Jul 19, 2018 6:21 am

20 gauge for sure. More versatile, can be sued to hunt virtually any bird or small game, ammunition easier to find and cheaper. Can shoot skeet, Sporting and 5 Stand. There's just no down side.

HenryVac · **Joined:** Sat Mar 25, 2017 4:04 pm **Posts:** 246

Twenty. Squirrels are surprisingly tough.

Yeah you could use a .410 but I like a little shotshell for little birds. I save my .410 for exterminating the aggressive grackles that push out the songbirds in the spring.

slingworks · **Joined:** Tue Sep 28, 2010 6:27 pm **Posts:** 99

I strongly suggest a 20ga like some of the others did.

It's very versatile and can be used on ANYTHING. You can also shoot slugs to great effect. (I know you said you prefer a double so it's likely not a consideraton)?

I also have a 28ga also but I would not recommend it. The shells are harder to find, almost impossible in some areas and it is somewhat less effective than the 20ga generally. 28ga shotguns always cost more and are harder to find anyway.

Slugs and slug barrels are non existent for the 28ga if you ever decide on that path...(Brenneke makes some now I think)???

I find MOST 28ga kick like a 12ga due to the light frames they are built on....

NoShorts · **Posted:** Mon Oct 08, 2018 9:30 pm

Duh... buy em both! Nah 20 gauge. Same reason as everyone else. "Versatility" that is the word. But I'd buy used and buy both.

Turkinator · **Posted:** Sat Oct 13, 2018 5:15 pm

20ga

oyeme · **Posted:** Sat Oct 13, 2018 5:32 pm

No contest, 20 gauge.

thunderkiss65 · **Joined:** Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:59 am **Posts:** 12

I have a mossberg 20 ga #4 high brass full for squirrel #6 low IC or modified for rabbit.

rdk36 · **Joined:** Mon Dec 17, 2018 3:18 pm **Posts:** 15

20ga for sure,shells are more reasonable.

thesurvivalist · **Posted:** Wed Aug 21, 2019 3:09 pm

20 gauge. More versatile and ammo is plentiful.

lossking · **Posted:** Thu Aug 22, 2019 7:32 am

Not an O/U, but just bought a 20ga Winchester SX3 Universal Hunter. Looking forward to squirrel hunting with it this fall. 1 oz. of #5 through an improved modified choke should do well. I know people who like them for squirrel hunting, but no .410 for this ol' boy.

Oldfarmer · **Posted:** Tue Sep 03, 2019 6:44 pm

Shells will be less expensive for the 20 gauge, though a .410 would be fine for squirrels and rabbits. When you throw doves into the mix a .410 would just be frustrating.

.410 or 20 gauge O/U for squirrel, rabbit, and dove?

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