Shotguns

[Macgregor]

I was wondering if you guys can help me out with a question I have. I have had very limited experience with shotguns and am wondering how much louder a 12 gauge is than a 410. I assume the 12 gauge is much louder by the difference in casings but is the difference big or minimal. Thanks.

[marcus44]

Yea there is a substantial difference in sounds between a 410 and a 12 gauge. The 410 has more of a pop while the 12 gauge has a bang.

[CanAm500]

No matter what firearm you are shooting, always wear ear protection.

Thats the general rule :)

[Marc]

When out hunting on the marsh or in the woods you realy don't notice the noise very much because you're concentrating on your designated target. When around the range ear plugs or ear defenders are a good idea but how many guys do you know who go hunting with them on?

The 12 gauge is louder but like I said when hunting you'd barely notice the difference. The felt recoil is where most people feel different.

[mrdoog]

As Marc has stated, when you're shooting at game you won't notice the difference in sound.
Rest assured that after a day of shooting your shoulder will notice the difference.
Keep that stock tight to your shoulder, or you will wake up feeling like a kid playing punch buggy for a week.
So the answer is, yes, a 12ga is considerably louder than a .410.

[Macgregor]

Thanks for the feedback. What would you guys recommend between a 12 gauge and a 410 for grouse. The reason I was asking what the noise difference was between the two was that when I see grouse I'm usually looking for moose and if I shoot them with a 12 not only does it scare the hell out of the other grouse around I'm sure moose here it for miles. I know some guys are going to say use a 22 and not to sound to unsportsmanlike but the grouse around here cane be pretty spooky and impossible to get a shot at with a 22. Maybe you guys could give me some pros & cons between the 12 and the 410. Whats the difference in bullet price, and the difference in range. Thanks.

[Foxer]

What would you guys recommend between a 12 gauge and a 410 for grouse.

A 20 guage :)

[twoSevenO]

i remember shooting a 16 gauge for the first time when i was 11 or 12. My dad kept repeating to hold it tight to the shoulder and aim steady (shooting a sign on an old telephone pole :) ). Once i pulled the trigger the recoil wasn't nearly as strong as i expected ... sure felt the adrenaline though :)

i hear the 16s are pretty tough to find here though :(

[marcus44]

The 410 has a shorter range max 30 yrds or so, with the cheaper shells box of 40 for about 12-15 dollars. 12 gauge would have a longer range and shells costing a bit more (not sure how much though). Either way if you are worried about spooking other game by shooting grouse, your best bet would be either not to shoot or using a 22/pellet gun. But if you dont want to use that then 2nd best would be the 410.

[Foxer]

I think the noise difference between a 410 and a 12 as far as spooking game goes is pretty small ... Sure one is louder, but they're both a big bang and game is either going to spook or not.

22 subsonics barely make more noise than a pellet gun. And if you can't get close enough to shoot with a 22, you're NEVER going to get close enough to shoot with a shotgun.

get a nice little bolt action 22 .. maybe a little single shot or something, and put a decent low power scope on it, like a 1-4 or 2-7. You aught to be able to bean the buggers out to 60 yards no sweat with just a little practice.

[Schmaus]

I always use my 20 gauge for hunting grouse, I have a .410 as well but when I use it shells are about $15 bucks (I won't shoot anything but #4 shot in 3 inch magnums for the .410) As for my 20 gauge the shells are $6.99 from canadian tire or wal mart, or if your feeling really rowdy you can buy a case of 5 boxes for $25. The 20 and 12 gauge are way cheaper to shoot than the .410. My choice would be the 20 gauge.