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What's your favorite bird gun? #8145400 01/27/21 03:50 PM
Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 46 Rio Grande Valley, Texas R RGVshooter OP Light Foot
OP RGVshooter Light Foot R Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 46 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	I wanted to throw that question out there and get a idea of what's popular. Pumps? Autoloaders? Over under's or side by sides? For me, it's hard to not reach for my 1975 Ithaca model 37 featherlight 12g with a 28" mod choked barrel. It's a natural pointer for me and with Remington heavy dove shot it has the knockdown power for high flying early season dove and chachalacas and using lighter loads it easily knocks down quail at longer ranges than my 20 gauge Remington wingmaster. (Either that or I'm just a better shot with it)

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145419 01/27/21 03:59 PM
Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 7,759 Graham S snake oil THF Trophy Hunter
snake oil THF Trophy Hunter S Joined: Jan 2016 Posts: 7,759 Graham	That was my first 12 gauge. 14th Birthday and Christmas present. Same day for me. "You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145515 01/27/21 05:02 PM
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 13,358 CEDAR CREEK LAKE C CCBIRDDOGMAN Bird Herder
CCBIRDDOGMAN Bird Herder C Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 13,358 CEDAR CREEK LAKE	I use an old H & R over under 12 ga. That Mom bought for dad in 1970 at Kmart for $275 (I have receipt) I/C & MOD CHOKES. I've used it on Quail since 2002. I bought a Tristar Magnum hunter a couple years ago and have carried it some but if I was going somewhere that I wanted to make sure I hit what I shoot, I will have that h&r. I have a 20 ga Ithaca model 37 Ultrafeatherlight that dad bought me in 80 or 81 but it has always been terrible about jamming. Has been back to Ithaca at least twice and to two gun shops in the Dallas area, Last time to Mcllelands and I think it may be fixed now but it has failed me so many times in the field I'll probably never hunt with it again. And please don't take that as me bashing your gun choice because I'm not, I just got a bad one somehow. Originally Posted by bill oxner Haven't had it in years but never spit any out. Originally Posted by bill oxner I am a sucker for happy endings and strapped cowboys.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145563 01/27/21 05:24 PM
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 91,416 Katy-Fulshear bill oxner THF Celebrity
bill oxner THF Celebrity Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 91,416 Katy-Fulshear	Great photo. Beretta BL3 , 20 gauge, O/U with 26 inch barrels bored skeet and skeet. One ounce ounce of number 8 shells. Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145582 01/27/21 05:41 PM
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 243 Fairview, TX R Reata Woodsman
Reata Woodsman R Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 243 Fairview, TX	Parker DHE 16. 108 years old and going strong.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145617 01/27/21 06:06 PM
Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 91,416 Katy-Fulshear bill oxner THF Celebrity
bill oxner THF Celebrity Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 91,416 Katy-Fulshear	Another great picture. Are shells difficult to find for the 16? Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145651 01/27/21 06:25 PM
Joined: May 2017 Posts: 5,523 Texas S Smokey Bear THF Trophy Hunter
Smokey Bear THF Trophy Hunter S Joined: May 2017 Posts: 5,523 Texas	I don’t have a true favorite but it is between these four. I change it up a lot depending on mood. I really like the 687 SP ll. I get off it at times but always go back to it. This pic was triple on the covey rise on wild quail in 2016 when wild birds were everywhere. Shooting a double on wild pheasant with it after being off it for a while The one I shoot best is a little citori lightning. This is a rare double on woodcock with it. The one that is the most fun is a 410 Yildiz that weighs about 5 pounds. This is a double on sharp tail grouse with it. The one I’ve shot the most birds with is probably a beat up 12 guage citori Last edited by Smokey Bear; 01/27/21 06:27 PM. Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: bill oxner] #8145663 01/27/21 06:30 PM
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 243 Fairview, TX R Reata Woodsman
Reata Woodsman R Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 243 Fairview, TX	They are available on the Internet, I get them from RST Shotshells. Mainly because they are the proper length and lower pressure. Don’t see them much in the local hardware store though. I grabbed the wrong bag of shells when leaving for a hunt one time and didn’t realize it until I got to the hunting spot. Instead of a hunt it turned into a training session for my Brittany. ;-)

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: CCBIRDDOGMAN] #8145751 01/27/21 07:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 46 Rio Grande Valley, Texas R RGVshooter OP Light Foot
OP RGVshooter Light Foot R Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 46 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	Originally Posted by CCBIRDDOGMAN I use an old H & R over under 12 ga. That Mom bought for dad in 1970 at Kmart for $275 (I have receipt) I/C & MOD CHOKES. I've used it on Quail since 2002. I bought a Tristar Magnum hunter a couple years ago and have carried it some but if I was going somewhere that I wanted to make sure I hit what I shoot, I will have that h&r. I have a 20 ga Ithaca model 37 Ultrafeatherlight that dad bought me in 80 or 81 but it has always been terrible about jamming. Has been back to Ithaca at least twice and to two gun shops in the Dallas area, Last time to McClellan's and I think it may be fixed now but it has failed me so many times in the field I'll probably never hunt with it again. And please don't take that as me bashing your gun choice because I'm not, I just got a bad one somehow. When I first got my model 37, I had a problem with every spent shell getting stuck. I would have to use some persuasion to get the empties to eject. Turned out it just doesn't like cheap bulk ammo. Runs beautifully on Remington Game Loads, Federal Prairie storm and Winchester AA's and that's what I stick with. In addition to my 37 featherlight 12 gauge I also use a 1971 Remington 870 wingmaster 20 gauge with the full choke barrel and a Remington 1187 in 20 with the Rem choke system. Of these 3 shotguns the Ithaca is my go to field gun... Last edited by RGVshooter; 01/27/21 07:40 PM.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145763 01/27/21 08:00 PM
Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 318 R rowdydog1 Bird Dog
rowdydog1 Bird Dog R Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 318	I prefer my beretta 28ga o/u, but the quail are down so I find myself carrying my benelli 20ga because it has a shoulder strap. easier to carry for long periods. I don't hesitate to shoot my 28ga as far as I'd shoot any gun.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145843 01/27/21 08:59 PM
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27,091 Corsicana N Nogalus Prairie THF Celebrity
Nogalus Prairie THF Celebrity N Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27,091 Corsicana	Ruger Red Label 28 gauge O/U. I have a beautiful little Parker VHE 20 gauge on a 0 frame I bought years ago, but I can’t hit the broadside of a barn with it. Go figure. Originally Posted by Russ79 I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145851 01/27/21 09:04 PM
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 61,974 Metroplex BOBO the Clown kind of a big deal
BOBO the Clown kind of a big deal Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 61,974 Metroplex	Citiori featherweight straight stock 20ga with 24” barrel. Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #8145872 01/27/21 09:14 PM
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 18,019 San Marcos, TX 6 68rustbucket THF Celebrity
68rustbucket THF Celebrity 6 Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 18,019 San Marcos, TX	Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie Ruger Red Label 28 gauge O/U. I have a beautiful little Parker VHE 20 gauge on a 0 frame I bought years ago, but I can’t hit the broadside of a barn with it. Go figure. I have an indentical 28 ga. It’s too nice to carry around in the brush. I have a 20 that’s my brush gun. Last edited by 68rustbucket; 01/27/21 09:14 PM.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8145910 01/27/21 09:36 PM
Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 491 M Mundo Bird Dog
Mundo Bird Dog M Joined: Feb 2015 Posts: 491	My goto gun is a cheapo Steven's Savage 28 with good baileys. I have severe bahinck problems and carrying anything above 5-6 lbs. takes a toll. Not sure of the weight of the Steven's but it is the lightest gun I have ever owned. I used to shoot SKB .28s. Heavier than the average .28. but it swung well. Last edited by Mundo; 01/27/21 09:38 PM.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #8146023 01/27/21 10:38 PM
Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 318 R rowdydog1 Bird Dog
rowdydog1 Bird Dog R Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 318	Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie Ruger Red Label 28 gauge O/U. I have a beautiful little Parker VHE 20 gauge on a 0 frame I bought years ago, but I can’t hit the broadside of a barn with it. Go figure. There is a gunsmith in Southlake named Andrew MacFarlane that will bend the stock of your gun under a hot oil machine and make it fit you. he's done several for me.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8146049 01/27/21 10:49 PM
Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,919 Clairette T texasdude28 Extreme Tracker
texasdude28 Extreme Tracker T Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 3,919 Clairette	I have an Ithaca 37 in 16 gauge that I love for pheasants. I have a 20 gauge wingmaster I shoot doves with. For quail my Browning BPS in 28 gauge is a joy to shoot.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8146159 01/28/21 12:28 AM
Joined: May 2013 Posts: 326 Sachse, TX L Longhorn74 Bird Dog
Longhorn74 Bird Dog L Joined: May 2013 Posts: 326 Sachse, TX	I have three. An citori lighting 16 gauge, citori lighting 20 gauge and a new one I just picked up a Yildze 28 gauge. The yildze really shot well in a hunt last week. 😀

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8146278 01/28/21 02:20 AM
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 110,840 Abilene or on the road... dogcatcher THF Celebrity
dogcatcher THF Celebrity Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 110,840 Abilene or on the road...	20 gauge single shot Stevens. Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: Nogalus Prairie] #8147723 01/29/21 04:24 AM
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 8,541 Sanger, Texas B bobcat1 THF Trophy Hunter
bobcat1 THF Trophy Hunter B Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 8,541 Sanger, Texas	Originally Posted by Nogalus Prairie Ruger Red Label 28 gauge O/U. I have a beautiful little Parker VHE 20 gauge on a 0 frame I bought years ago, but I can’t hit the broadside of a barn with it. Go figure. Who's that guy looking at you from the tailgate? Bobby Barnett

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8148393 01/29/21 08:16 PM
Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 2,868 Benbrook C Chet Veteran Tracker
Chet Veteran Tracker C Joined: Sep 2005 Posts: 2,868 Benbrook	I have two. Both 28ga and I've learned I can miss just as well with the 28. The Beretta 686 Onyx swings the best to me(had it trimmed from 28 to 27in and screw-in chokes) but the Franchi Fenice is so so lite and easy to carry it's the choice in my old age. [/url] [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/152538883@N07/] ,

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: Chet] #8148494 01/29/21 10:07 PM
Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 46 Rio Grande Valley, Texas R RGVshooter OP Light Foot
OP RGVshooter Light Foot R Joined: Dec 2020 Posts: 46 Rio Grande Valley, Texas	Originally Posted by Chet I have two. Both 28ga and I've learned I can miss just as well with the 28. The Beretta 686 Onyx swings the best to me(had it trimmed from 28 to 27in and screw-in chokes) but the Franchi Fenice is so so lite and easy to carry it's the choice in my old age. That's probably my #1 complaint of my Ithaca 37 featherlight is it's weight. I guess the lightest shot gun I own is a Remington 1187 20 gauge. Carrying these guns around all day while walking thru fields & woods wears me down after awhile. And I'm in my 50's.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8148515 01/29/21 10:31 PM
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 6,425 Young County S scalebuster THF Trophy Hunter
scalebuster THF Trophy Hunter S Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 6,425 Young County	My grandfather always preferred an Ithica 37 in 16ga improved and short. He carried it for years. It never had a problem and weighs nothing. All the blueing is gone and the stock is wrapped with electrical tape behind the trigger guard from a crack. It was shot every day of season and lucky to be cleaned once a year. That shotgun killed thousands of bird. When he retired from Gulf in ‘79 they gave him a new A5 sweet 16. It was still brand new when I inherited it. He didn’t like the weight. I prefer my old Superposed 20, mod/imp. It’s light, smooth, and still pretty to look at although it’s seen a lot of miles.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8148535 01/29/21 10:57 PM
Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27,091 Corsicana N Nogalus Prairie THF Celebrity
Nogalus Prairie THF Celebrity N Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 27,091 Corsicana	My little Ruger feels like a feather which is one reason I love it. Originally Posted by Russ79 I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: RGVshooter] #8151665 02/01/21 10:42 PM
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 16,093 Ovilla - TEXAS R reeltexan THF Celebrity
reeltexan THF Celebrity R Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 16,093 Ovilla - TEXAS	For quail my favorite is a CZ Woodcock in 28 gauge. It's extremely lightweight and it fits me very well. For dove I shoot a Beretta Whitewing in 20 gauge, if it's a water hole hunt I use a Beretta 686 in .410 bore. For Pheasant I like the same Beretta in 20 or my AL 390 in 12 gauge. Fit is critical with shotguns. "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan

Re: What's your favorite bird gun? [Re: Reata] #8152084 02/02/21 04:12 AM
Joined: May 2009 Posts: 24,860 Denton/Argyle D dkershen Rev Dave
dkershen Rev Dave D Joined: May 2009 Posts: 24,860 Denton/Argyle	Originally Posted by Reata Parker DHE 16. 108 years old and going strong. Man that's nice. Have always wanted one exactly like that. I imagine she shoots as sweet as she looks. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target. www.NewHopeEquine.com - Health and Healing through Horses.

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