They are far more effective than their small bore might suggest patterning more like a 20 gauge than a .410 bore. Both have mild recoil, and ammo is fairly easy to get. Originally available as a 2" shell, then 2-1/2", and later 3", it patterns so dismally that it is best left in the venue that keeps it alive: the skeet field. --John M. Taylo r In comparing the National Skeet Shooting Association scores, you might be surprised how close the top shooters do in 20 gauge class vs. 12 gauge, with 28 gauge not all that far back. Be sure to check out our gun classifieds, political, and hometown sections. JavaScript is disabled. I was recently pricing 20ga for a Christmas gift for my daughter. What started as a small dream has become a multi-million dollar international business selling ammunition, reloading supplies and accessories. Actually, the .410 does, because its pattern is spread by a much higher percentage of deformed shot diverging from the main pattern. The .410 can be a nasty prank to play on your son or daughter. For clays games, or trying to spend the most money per ounce on lead as possible, the .410 has its place. The 1/2 ounce payload is a deterrent to success. Both the 10 gauge and 16 gauge, while less commonplace, are still available in the United States. The 1/2 or 11/16 ounce shot mass of the .410 cannot possibly populate a pattern with as effective a density as a standard 1-1/8 ounce 12 gauge field load. The .410’s extremely low recoil makes it an appealing option as a starter gun. 28-Gauge Pros • Lightweight: Most 28-gauge shotguns come in at 5.5-6 pounds, nice for long hikes across pheasant prairies and up chukar canyons. Almost all of them are great shots, but have migrated to the 28's. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him on competition hunts. Historically the 3 in 410 bore and the 28 gauge shot shell were loaded with the same shot charge. Early on, the .410 was considered a "taxidermist's shotgun," as the pellet count was so low the possibility of severely damaging a mount was decreased. The .410 makes limited sense in certain states where rabbit and squirrel cannot be hunted with rimfire rifles and handguns, but with its dismal pattern and high cost per shot it is neither practical nor particularly effective. What is bad is when it is promoted as "ideal" for the new shooter or hunter. I shot a .410 shotgun before I had a BB gun, and it was bigger than I was. Yes, Academy usually has it, but if you are not near Academy, it’s hit or miss. I've been around a lot of hard core quail hunters with multi thousand dollar shotguns. There are several side by side and O/U available for <$300 and ammo is (probably) more available than for the 410 or 28. With classic styling reminiscent of old days afield with … The use of gauge indication stops with the 36-ga. shotgun. The problem with fourten is that it is an expert’s gun. Having shot several rounds of clays with both the .410 and 28-gauge 725, I can report that both are a pleasure to point. Anyway the idea is for the grandkids to shoot clays. It is true that many refer to the .410 bore as a “410 gauge,” but it is the wrong term. For clay games, if a .410 is your choice, then so be it. The original 28-gauge shell was a 2 1/2-inch proposition, loaded with a 1 3/4-dram charge of blackpowder, or its smokeless equivalent, and shooting a 5/8-ounce charge of shot. 2. Good points. I've been around a lot of hard core quail hunters with multi thousand dollar shotguns. 28 is a lot less frustrating than 410. Almost all of them are great shots, but have migrated to the 28's. However, when comparing 20 gauge vs. 28 gauge shells of the same lengths, loaded with identical amounts of powder and pellets, their effectiveness will be virtually the same. Target rounds at bass pro for 12 bucks a box. All rights reserved. My first shotgun was a .410 bore, a bolt action Mossberg given to me at the age of five years. Missing is just no fun, and there is certainly no glory--only shame--in wounding game. The .410's are light, easy to carry, but don't put much lead in the air. 28 is not all that easy to get. Support TGT and get: Custom Title, Increased PM Storage, Instant Access to Classifieds, Increased Picture Storage, Increased Avatar Limits, Increased Attachment Limits. In the 28 vs 20 gauge argument, the 28 doesn’t give up much in registered skeet if you look at the NSSA year book. In fact, the 28 gauge's.550 bore is much closer in size to the 20 gauge's.615 than it is to the.410' diameter of the--duh--.410, which would be a 67.5 gauge. Texas Gun Talk is the most active and largest Texas gun forum on the net. In the right hands (unfortunately, often not mine), it is simply awesome. On the other hand, if you have to buy the shells, the last laugh may be on you! I'd go with a 28. The 20-gauge shotgun is the next most popular size being favored by shooters uncomfortable with the weight and recoil of a 12-gauge gun, and is popular for upland game hunting. Mechanical Triggers with Three Shoe Options It is used to introduce younger shooters to the sport with its low recoil and by expert skeet shooters, but it really doesn't belong in the game fields at all. SxS shotguns come in all gauges. The .410's are light, easy to carry, but don't put much lead in the air. Breaking clays and bagging birds builds confidence, is enjoyable, and breeds enthusiasm. You must log in or register to reply here. Along the way, I added a 16 gauge, a 28 gauge, and even a .410. The typical load for the 28 gauge is 3/4 ounce lead shot and depending on manufacturer the 3 inch 410 bore is loaded slightly heavier or lighter (by 1/16 ounce lead shot). It can be a 12 gauge, 20/28 gauge, or even 410 bore. In comparing the 20 gauge vs. 28 gauge, both are aptly suited for hunting birds, small game and shooting skeet. The.410-bore is interesting. The 28- gauge shotguns typically have very light recoil, pattern well, and maneuver beautifully. I have no idea who originally developed the .410, which is a caliber, not a gauge. As a pleasant introduction to shotgunning, it fails miserably compared to 28 gauge or light 20 gauge loads.