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View Full Version : Grouse gun of choice



Nalidixic
07-06-2008, 07:01 PM
So, lets start another hunting poll to pass the time ;P. What is your grouse gun of choice? I'm assuming most will be either .22 or a .410. I prefer the .22 but haven't tried the .410. How do you keep the bird clean of pelets with the .410?

Nalid

moosinaround
07-06-2008, 07:05 PM
22 LR, if you miss it doesn't wound the bird, if you hit it it kills it. Ammo is cheap, and it is a little quieter than the BOOM of a 410. Moosin

Nalidixic
07-06-2008, 07:08 PM
/agreed

nalid


22 LR, if you miss it doesn't wound the bird, if you hit it it kills it. Ammo is cheap, and it is a little quieter than the BOOM of a 410. Moosin

TIKA 300
07-06-2008, 07:19 PM
.22 (shhhh dont tell anyone,i just put money down on a BROWNING T bolt):razz::razz::razz::-o

dumprat
07-06-2008, 07:29 PM
870 with 20" barrel. #8 trap loads. Very few pellets in bird (unless you are 4 feet away) and you never miss. Try wing shooting a bird with a .22.

outdoorsman812
07-06-2008, 07:37 PM
12 gauge with no. 5's or 6's is what i use. In the thick brush i hunt i dont have time to wait for an oportunity to pop em with a .22.

Barracuda
07-06-2008, 07:59 PM
12 g with no 6. why screw around? and anyone that says a 12 g will wreck them should ask a duck hunter how many birds they throw away because they are full of shot:roll:

Bow Walker
07-06-2008, 08:24 PM
Whatever's at hand when you spot the lil' buggers. I've nailed 'em with .22's, with a shotgun, and with my various hunting rifles. Depends on how much noise you're willin' to make to get a small meal.

.308win
07-06-2008, 08:31 PM
I used to us my Dads 410, then I got myself a 22lr. The 22 is more fun!!

Perry

newhunterette
07-06-2008, 09:15 PM
we have a .22 for grouse but I would love a 410/.22 combination :)

wolverine
07-06-2008, 09:30 PM
I'll use what I've got in my hand at the time but my choice is a .410 with No. 5 shot in a 3 inch shell. Hold high and the breasts take very few pellets. Knocks 'em over real good. I usually have my .410 broken open sitting wedged between the seat and consol of the truck when I'm heading down and FSR. Easier and faster to load up than my .22 as well.

Shooter
07-06-2008, 09:52 PM
doesnt matter as long as its a magnum :P

1/2 slam
07-06-2008, 10:06 PM
Winchester 101 O/U in 20 ga with 7 1/2 shot.

blackford
07-06-2008, 11:50 PM
Man... This question haunts me....

So i started off with a 12 guage with a full choke... I would aim for the head and hope for the best... The risk with this is if you didnt calculate correctly.... you blow the crap out of the breasts...

so then i got a 410. short barrel... I would shoot the buggers and they wouldnt die.. I would hit them but they would just flap around or run down the side of the montain....

so then this past year I got my 22. I was so excited as i became a sharp shooter. I took it on my last trip and shot at 4 different grouse... I bagged one....The other ones were nowhere to be found...


so .. its a tough one. i would say a 20 guage

The Dawg
07-07-2008, 01:05 AM
I usually throw my .410 or 20 gauge into the truck with me when I head out.

kgs
07-07-2008, 02:21 AM
12 gauge 7.5 to 8 shot or my 410 3 inch 7.5 to 8

riflebuilder
07-07-2008, 06:04 AM
16ga SxS Tobin, Canadian made sidelock shot gun from the early 30's. Just because its fun and I like it.

sealevel
07-07-2008, 06:30 AM
Hunting for me is having fun . So i use an 1865 springfield 20 ga muzzle loader.

Stresd
07-07-2008, 06:39 AM
A .22 gun is my main grouser but my rockgun, stickgun, knifegun etc. Whatever is at hand. Heck, even used my Bootgun once.:wink:

308Lover
07-07-2008, 08:17 AM
I try desperately to stop/wean people from using .22's for grouse because of a near-death experience near my cabin, where some jackass shot at grouse on the road above me, and the lead ricocheted through our group. It also travels over hills and into oncoming traffic.
I use number 5's in a 12 gauge. I aim just over the heads and have shot as many as 10 without a single pellet in the breast meat. Also, should a bird land in a spruce some distance away, the shot will find its way through the foliage too! Naturally, my 12 gauge fires slugs too, which can be very convenient

brotherjack
07-07-2008, 08:21 AM
The gun I have in my hand when I spy a grouse. 22LR, 17HMR, 308win, 303 British - tried em all, they all worked great. Just have to be careful to shoot the grouse in the head so you don't mess up those luscious breasts. :)

Only thing I never tried was a shotgun - didn't sound like fun to be picking pellets out of the meat while I ate.

Barracuda
07-07-2008, 08:33 AM
I find that useing 6 and larger shot gives more of a punch when you hit them and leave you with less crippled birds to find then say 7.5 or 8 . Also the number 6 seems to pass through and when you breast the grouse any that that is in the breast is very easily seen and removed right away . I see far too many folks perpetuate the mularky that you only shoot the head , or dont want to destry meat with a shotgun etc. Nobody says only shoot the head on a pheasant? or a rabbit. If you havnt used a 12g on grouse with either a impcyl or mod then i urge you to give it a try.

johnes50
07-07-2008, 09:05 AM
I've been using a 410 with No. 7.5 shot, but it didn't have the killing power. Any larger pellets and I didn't think there would be enough pellets. I recently bought a single shot Lakefield to carry for grouse and was thinking of bringing the S/S 12gauge along to compare. Question is, would trap loads be good enough for standing grouse or should I go to field loads?

Mr. Dean
07-07-2008, 09:20 AM
I tend to favour the .22 - I believe it gives the bird more of a chance for escape. Lets face it, head shootin' grouse from 50 yards takes a little time to get set-up and there's no wing shooting.

I have a friend thats hunted with me on a few occasions. He takes his Grouse Hunting very seriously and uses a 12 gauge. He definitely brings more back than I at the end of the day and ribs me for my weapon of choice, because of this.

My rebuttal is that my hunting is seldom 'done' my way. It usually takes me the full course of the trip before I limit out and I still get to dine on fresh birds on a near daily basis. And a .22 shell is how much cheaper than a 12 gauge round?

Birds can flutter down the bank no matter what you use. That's why God invented canines. :wink: :wink:

Mr. Dean
07-07-2008, 09:23 AM
I've been using a 410 with No. 7.5 shot, but it didn't have the killing power. Any larger pellets and I didn't think there would be enough pellets. I recently bought a single shot Lakefield to carry for grouse and was thinking of bringing the S/S 12gauge along to compare. Question is, would trap loads be good enough for standing grouse or should I go to field loads?

That's all that is needed....

johnes50
07-07-2008, 09:38 AM
OK, Thanks Mr. Dean.

riflebuilder
07-07-2008, 03:35 PM
ILMAO Stresd, my wife gives me heck everytime I stop the truck and throw rocks at grouse. I am going to have to show her your reply.

Grantmac
07-07-2008, 04:49 PM
I opt for the bow if I've got it and brass .38 blunts
Cheers,
Grant

4 point
07-07-2008, 07:25 PM
My Savage .410/22 does a great job either way. Don't make that model any more and it took me years to find a nice one.

Kechika
07-07-2008, 07:28 PM
Anything from a 22-250 to a 458 Win Mag with a Hammond Game Getter

Wildcowgrl
07-07-2008, 07:42 PM
I use either my 12 gauge or my 28 gauge. Don't have to worry about pellets cause 9 out of 10 times I am lucky enough to get them in the head lol.

moosinaround
07-07-2008, 08:20 PM
doesnt matter as long as its a magnum :P
HELL YAH!!! 300wm all the way baby!!!

Barracuda
07-07-2008, 08:48 PM
dont forget a tennis racket also makes a good backup weapon for grouse in rut :smile:

porcupine
07-07-2008, 08:48 PM
16 ga Parker
________
SS 90 (http://www.ford-wiki.com/wiki/SS_90)

sfire436
07-07-2008, 09:07 PM
I'm with the cudda. I use my benelli nova 12g (my goose and dick gun) and I just put the bead right on the head and squeeze er off. I am left with a headless body with NO shot in the breast. Lets be honest, gouse hunting is just that..... grouse hunting.

steelheadSABO
07-07-2008, 09:40 PM
stresd i used tire gun once:)

Chuck
07-07-2008, 11:19 PM
Ever since I was a little kid I've loved eating grouse. I think the flavor is super the way Mom cooked them up. I've used my Cooey single shot .410 ever since I got it for my tenth birthday. Usually behind a spaniel, so he'll tree 'em. Three inch magnum with #5 shot and clip their heads right off.
Never favored .22, as one couldn't waste time at "drawing a bead" if you understand what I mean, especially in heavy leaf trees. Also road hunting for ditch sitters, the clover and gravel pickers. Afraid of rickocheting .22 slugs going astray. Too bad, can't find #5 shot any more - 6 & 7 too lite imo esp. 7's. No knock down power. Well the old 12 guage is a bit overkill, but a heck of a lot cheaper to run than a .410, since I never reloaded. Really, anything may work in a jiffy - rock, stick, slingshot, judo point, 30-06, or even a paint ball gun. Good thread!

Nalidixic
07-08-2008, 06:10 PM
Awesome replies guys. I guess this year I will have to finally try my .410 and see what its like.

Nalid

martyonthewater
07-08-2008, 10:54 PM
usually use my stevens 20 ga. bolt but am going too try a cooey 410. this fall. #6 shot seems to be the ticket

wjh131
07-09-2008, 05:38 AM
22lr or 20 gauge.

rishu_pepper
07-09-2008, 09:50 AM
Headshooting a grouse with a 22 requires more skill and gives birdies a fairer chance, but when you're hungry, gotta go with the good ol' 12ga. :biggrin:

Or just punt it, like Lloyd is apt to do. :lol:

Sharkey
07-09-2008, 10:30 AM
If I can't get close enough to stare them down, my .410 works like a charm. As mentioned, aim just over the head and you won't ruin any breast meat. I'm not accurate enough yet to try the 22 so I don't bother. All this grouse talk is making me hungry!

Phoneguy
07-09-2008, 01:21 PM
I'm with the cudda. I use my benelli nova 12g (my goose and dick gun) and I just put the bead right on the head and squeeze er off. .:eek::eek::eek:

Youch!

Or should I say this is a family site? :-P

Grantmac
07-09-2008, 03:45 PM
The most original thing I ever saw used was an 8 foot fiberglass whip antenna, it was very effective!

rishu_pepper
07-09-2008, 06:13 PM
:eek::eek::eek:

Youch!

Or should I say this is a family site? :-P

I noticed that too, and I couldn't figure out what he meant for the life of me. Good ol' Phoneguy to the rescue.

sfire436
07-09-2008, 07:14 PM
Okay, okay! Big F'in Typo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So sorry. DUCK GUN DUCK GUN DUCK GUN DUCK GUN!!

sfire436
07-09-2008, 07:16 PM
Sounds pretty lude when you read the whole thing, wow! Perhaps I should start writing some scipts for hard core porn!

Bow Walker
07-09-2008, 08:22 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by sfire436 http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=300226#post300226)
I'm with the cudda. I use my benelli nova 12g (my goose and dick gun) and I just put the bead right on the head and squeeze er off. .

:eek::eek::eek:

Problem is.......it's only a single shot! :oops:

Sharkey
07-09-2008, 09:02 PM
Quote:

Problem is.......it's only a single shot! :oops:

Plus the fact that you usually have to wait a while before you can use it again.... :shock:

sfire436
07-09-2008, 10:04 PM
Thats why you get the pump action and not the auto loader! Oh yeah!

threedhunter
07-09-2008, 10:27 PM
well, an given trip could use a 22/.410 or 22/20 ga or my bow or 12 ga 37 ithica.whatever is closest to hand when needed.

rishu_pepper
07-09-2008, 11:06 PM
Thats why you get the pump action and not the auto loader! Oh yeah!

So, do you load your own ammo or what..? :lol:

Also, get the longest barrel available, 34" should be good. Don't want no 12.5", barrel envy is not for the faint-hearted :biggrin:

tikkat3
07-09-2008, 11:18 PM
30-06 baby!

Sasquatch
07-09-2008, 11:55 PM
20 ga or sometimes a 12, with 7 shot is the usual.
It's mostly for the dog work, so I take them on the wing. The older I get, the faster they seem to fly though.
The dog doesn't leave many dead birds in the field. So what I do hit comes home with us.

steelheadSABO
07-10-2008, 06:36 PM
i just got a single shot 12 gauge takedown for 100 bucks so i will test it out this year and soon to come is a mossberg plinkster semi auto 22 for the chickens that dont fly

Phreddy
07-10-2008, 09:49 PM
Have a .410, but found it didn't do a clean kill on the big blues, so am back to my Cooey 20 gauge. Back in the late '50's and the 60's I shot more ducks, geese, pheasants, and grouse with a single shot 20 than with all the other shotguns I've owned together (12, 16, 410) and verrrry seldom had a cripple to chase. It was either a clean kill or a miss, and there were very few misses. Too bad they eliminated lead shot for ducks and geese. I now use a 12 gauge for them.

FLHTCUI
07-11-2008, 08:27 AM
I have tossed a few rocks at them grouse and was able to recover about 50% , not bad odds for being unprepared. Not to mention adds some flavour to the camp meals too.
Last time I used my 300winmag for ahead shot, the grouse was about 25yrds away and lightly raining, had perfect shot placement( headshot) very confident in where the bullet would go (backstop) squeezing trigget lightly BOOM , flash from muzzle, recoil clipped bridge of nose in recoil, blodd running down my beak and grouse rolling over azz backwards, doing what I thought was the head shot death dance. Put gun in cab and go to pick up dinner and then, the dam bird rolls back on two feet and shakes head and then Flies off. For the next time I swore it would be a shot gun 12 gauge or larger with feild loads 4 or 5 shot...
Anyways, it doesnt matter what gun you use as long as it is safe beyond your target when the shot becomes available , unless of course you are going out Grouse Hunting specifically and then agood 12gauge repeater and some good feild loads are highly recommended.
Just my.02 worth on this tastey topic.
Rob

BEARSLAYER
07-13-2008, 06:40 PM
i have to say a nice 20 over and under with #8 shot is the best over my springer spanial

jakerazer
07-13-2008, 07:57 PM
Tried 12 gauges 20 gauges a 300 win and of course the .22 but the .410 is by far the best. I have never not killed a grouse cleanly with the .410. i don't know about this .410 not having enough knockdown? That crazy the pellets are travelling the same velocity as the bigger shotguns. It's just like anything else shot placement is king and if it's to far away don't shoot.

bsa30-06
07-13-2008, 08:04 PM
i use my NEF .410 single shot, works good.

Avalanche123
07-19-2008, 09:41 AM
My Savage .410/22 does a great job either way. Don't make that model any more and it took me years to find a nice one.

I grew up shooting that same gun. I inherited it when my Dad passed away and I have since gave it to my very young nephews for their first grouse gun. There are lots of fine memories within that gun.

I now use my bow for grouse and its silent and doesn't disturb whatever else I am hunting.

huntwriter
07-19-2008, 10:58 AM
Grouse are great fun to hunt. So far these birds have been incidental game for the camp kitchen. I have taken them with a .22 rifle, 12 gauge shotgun and compound bow.

This year I will dedicate a few weekends just to grouse hunting, the gun of choice will be my 12 gauge shotgun loaded with # 7 ½ or # 8 shot.

okanagan
07-19-2008, 11:47 AM
16 ga Parker


16 ga as wel for me

FlyingHigh
07-19-2008, 01:39 PM
.50 cal. :D

actually, i like my 10/22. gonna try the 12 gauge later this year though.

ianwuzhere
07-19-2008, 07:38 PM
12g 4 shot

sakohunter
08-04-2008, 10:03 PM
Well since we are talking grouse guns. I use a AYA #2 20 gauge english stock and a couple of pointers. I gave up filling the soup pot by shooting them on the ground, but that is a personal choice. A 22 is a great way to go and avoid the pellet issue. What ever your choice is, be fair to the Birds. Their just trying to get through the winter.

lucky07
08-04-2008, 10:14 PM
20 gauge ... not too big and not too small

anglo-saxon
08-04-2008, 11:01 PM
20 gauge ... not too big and not too small

My boy's Stoger 20 guage s-b-s is a great little gun for grouse and pheasant. $450 at Wholesale Sports.

bsa30-06
08-04-2008, 11:15 PM
Headshooting a grouse with a 22 requires more skill and gives birdies a fairer chance, but when you're hungry, gotta go with the good ol' 12ga. :biggrin:

Or just punt it, like Lloyd is apt to do. :lol:

Hey that damn bird was going to make me go over the bank of the road to retrieve it.

BEARSLAYER
08-08-2008, 04:55 PM
Well since we are talking grouse guns. I use a AYA #2 20 gauge english stock and a couple of pointers. I gave up filling the soup pot by shooting them on the ground, but that is a personal choice. A 22 is a great way to go and avoid the pellet issue. What ever your choice is, be fair to the Birds. Their just trying to get through the winter.
It s nice to see someone give these great birds the respect they deserve.IN FLIGHT ONLY.

gaza211
08-08-2008, 05:02 PM
20 ga sxs. with #6 shot.

Crazy.kayaker
08-13-2008, 11:21 PM
I guess I hunt my grouse with a .22 Plan on trying it with a shot gun once I get one. Edited due to season not yet open. but once it is I'm gonna be out shooting them for dinner.

Sooke Hunter
09-03-2008, 06:45 PM
I use a 20 G. shotgun and aim a few inches above the head......works great!!

LeverActionJunkie
09-03-2008, 07:03 PM
20gauge Rem 870Wingmaster

spreerider
09-04-2008, 11:32 AM
410 or a 22, or headshot with .308 :O

Th0r
09-04-2008, 11:34 AM
I like the 22.

Spuddge
09-04-2008, 11:53 AM
Another vote for the .410. I've hunted grouse with both a .22 and a .410 and prefer the .410 haven't missed yet with it. I use a Stoeger sxs, excellent little shotgun.

series1000
09-04-2008, 12:26 PM
12g #4 shot open choke, or .22 works good

Big7
09-04-2008, 01:04 PM
Rocks, sticks, rolls of ribbon (when at work) or whatever else seems to be lying around!!

spreerider
09-04-2008, 04:47 PM
I have a Cooey 840 great for downing some birds, i just wish it wasnt a single shot,
i have been thinking of getting a overunder with a 410.

finish
09-05-2008, 06:30 PM
12 gauge full choke!!! Aim 1" over the head and take the head off!!! But I just bought a new 22lr semi auto!!! New favorite!!

FlyingHigh
09-05-2008, 08:30 PM
Ruger 10/22. head shots only. off a bipod at 50 - 70 yards for a challenge. :D

6 K
09-05-2008, 09:59 PM
I'm all for killing them buggers, :evil:they taunted me for too long too many times! Spooked me too often when I am trying to sneak around in the bush!
I'm with bow walker when he said use whatever is at hand when you see them. My .338 win mag has clamed some, :smile:but if I head out specificaly for them then I use 12ga. with# 5s as my prefered choise. They taste way too good to fool around and let them get away!:confused:

eaglesnester
10-27-2008, 04:04 PM
410 is just fine for grouse. When you clean your bird you just have to be careful and look for all the shot. It is no big deal to clean the shot out. My dad and I hunted rabbits and squirrel in Missouri when I was a young lad with 12-16-20 and 410. Did not matter what we used it killed them all equally dead.

JRG94
10-27-2008, 04:27 PM
best answer is a 410/.22 over-under, if u miss with the .22 get them in the air with the 410

NaStY
10-27-2008, 04:41 PM
I use this,

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb240/becauseican_2007/Picture001.jpg

bigmike
10-27-2008, 05:55 PM
nasty.....what stock is that???

I like!!!!

NaStY
10-27-2008, 06:20 PM
Just pick out your color.....





http://www.bitsofpieces.com/revival.html



http://www.bitsofpieces.com/images/RH-Yukon-Extreme.jpg Yukon Extreme $198.00

The Yukon "Extreme" is the ultimate gunstock for the rimfire shooting enthusiast. This gunstock is modeled after the original Yukon with many functional and cosmetic upgrades. The Yukon Extreme has machined air vents on both sides of the forearm to aid in heat dispersion and accuracy. The Extreme also comes with a skeletonized pocket for both appearance and to lighten the overall weight of your rifle. Finally, this Revolutionizing gunstock is complete with additional hard lines for an overall sleek appearance. RH Ruger 10/22 bull barrel.

DeerWhisperer
10-27-2008, 06:36 PM
I have a savage .22/.410 combo which you can not beat. But I also love the remington 870 supermag with 7 1/2's which gives you a little more insurance.:-P

phearless
10-27-2008, 09:13 PM
Hmmmmm.
Whatever I feel like using that day.
Could be the Browing 12 improved or modified
Ithaca 16 SxS
Browning auto 5 in 20
.410 bolt repeater
or lastly
cooey 22 4x bushnell.

usually the Browning for birds on the wing.
all the smoothbores are with 7 1/2 shot

goatdancer
10-28-2008, 03:54 PM
17 HMR. No nasty ricochets like the 22. Head or neck shots only.

Teal
10-29-2008, 11:45 AM
20 Gauge for road hunting and a 16 gauge for hunting over a dog

weatherby_man
10-29-2008, 11:48 AM
22 for me.

tikkat3
10-29-2008, 12:17 PM
a stick or a rock, since everytime I'm in the bush I have an '06 on me, and I wouldn't want to break the law by shooting the bird with a centerfire, I might get excommunicated by the HBC saints!

Barracuda
10-29-2008, 12:31 PM
shooting a grouse with a centerfire is allowed but i dont believe a stick or Rock is in the regs as an an approved choice.

go straight to jail do not pass go do not collect $200










ps: a sling shot with marbles works better and it is also a good way to get rid of unwanted critters when calling

rishu_pepper
10-29-2008, 01:38 PM
Shooting a grouse with a centrefire = no meat, scaring away game... unless you're real good with headshots I wouldn't bother. :)

Wolfman
10-29-2008, 02:41 PM
.22mag works pretty good too ;-)

Wolfman

Gateholio
10-29-2008, 03:10 PM
This year I have been using my family heirloom Holland & Holland single shot 20 guage. Killed a few already this year!:smile:

Here it is, picturesquely hanging in a tree:

http://photos-515.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v356/111/96/526315515/n526315515_1974324_1670.jpg

Wildfoot
10-29-2008, 03:10 PM
12ga with #5 or .22lr is what I usually take for grousin. The bow is a ton of fun too. My .410 sits at home and collects dust.. im not a fan of it.

hunter33
10-29-2008, 03:15 PM
I like my 22.

rishu_pepper
10-29-2008, 03:24 PM
This year I have been using my family heirloom Holland & Holland single shot 20 guage. Killed a few already this year!:smile:

Here it is, picturesquely hanging in a tree:

http://photos-515.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-sf2p/v356/111/96/526315515/n526315515_1974324_1670.jpg

Don't scratch up that H&H!!! :shock:

Spyder
10-29-2008, 03:24 PM
we have a .22 for grouse but I would love a 410/.22 combination :)
I have my fav combo for that its a savage 20ga with a .22 magnum on top straight barrel no choke so if need be a 3/4oz slug i use remington upland game load in the 3" magnums never miss and never found one pellet in the birds

NoLimit99
11-04-2008, 10:36 PM
I must say I very much enjoy my savage .410/.22 over for grouse. I have used a 12 guage shot gun and I still enjoy my over under for birds because if I want to go for a couple of grouse in a cluster with out making alot of noise and at a fair distance I use the .22 but if it's a lone soilder grouse I use my .410. I love to have a choice.

http://i452.photobucket.com/albums/qq243/nolimit99/100_2105.jpg

coombes
11-05-2008, 01:03 PM
i like to use 22 lr semi auto if you miss ya got 9 more