Selecting the right shotgun for upland bird hunting is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a hunter. The right firearm can mean the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating day in the field.
Understanding Gauge Selection
The gauge of your shotgun determines the diameter of the barrel and the size of the shells it fires. For upland bird hunting, the most popular choices are 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge shotguns.
12-Gauge: The most versatile and widely available option. Perfect for larger birds like pheasant and turkey. Offers the widest selection of ammunition and can handle everything from light target loads to heavy hunting loads.
20-Gauge: An excellent choice for quail and smaller upland birds. Lighter to carry during long days in the field, with less recoil than a 12-gauge. Modern ammunition has closed the performance gap significantly.
28-Gauge: A favorite among experienced hunters for quail. Extremely light and a pleasure to shoot, though ammunition can be harder to find and more expensive.
