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Feb 12th, 2024
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 What's your favorite bird gun?
#8145400
01/27/21 03:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
RGVshooter
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46 |
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) ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-68642-277738-ithaca.jpg)
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145419
01/27/21 03:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
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".
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145515
01/27/21 05:02 PM
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,361
CCBIRDDOGMAN
Bird Herder
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Bird Herder
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 13,361 |
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.
Haven't had it in years but never spit any out. I am a sucker for happy endings and strapped cowboys.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145563
01/27/21 05:24 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
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 ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2017/07/full-3669-105539-full_16668_105507_image.jpg)
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145582
01/27/21 05:41 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 251
Reata
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 251 |
Parker DHE 16. 108 years old and going strong. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-9789-277763-img_1999.jpg)
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145617
01/27/21 06:06 PM
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416
bill oxner
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 91,416 |
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
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145651
01/27/21 06:25 PM
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,536
Smokey Bear
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,536 |
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. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-62286-277776-5e7f8a81_26f3_4bf2_a812_6dde33a07662.jpeg) Shooting a double on wild pheasant with it after being off it for a while ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-62286-277761-7b548c72_71c3_448a_bcc2_e989af76956f.jpeg) The one I shoot best is a little citori lightning. This is a rare double on woodcock with it. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-62286-277775-dc825542_e11f_419c_ad1d_0d4a8502ef47.png) 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. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-62286-277769-bccc991c_bfbe_442e_9bd3_e795c732a343.jpeg) The one I’ve shot the most birds with is probably a beat up 12 guage citori ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-62286-277772-73ed41a4_e43e_4912_85f5_bccd1cc8c63e.jpeg)
Last edited by Smokey Bear; 01/27/21 06:27 PM.
Smokey Bear---Lone Star State.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: bill oxner]
#8145663
01/27/21 06:30 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 251
Reata
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 251 |
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. ;-)
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: CCBIRDDOGMAN]
#8145751
01/27/21 07:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
RGVshooter
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145763
01/27/21 08:00 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 318
rowdydog1
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145843
01/27/21 08:59 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
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. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-24111-277799-8fc74297_fb66_4232_a29c_58ccfc659183.jpeg)
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145851
01/27/21 09:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 62,026
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 62,026 |
Citiori featherweight straight stock 20ga with 24” barrel.
Bottom line, never trust a man whose uncle was eaten by cannibals.-Sen Joni Ernst
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#8145872
01/27/21 09:14 PM
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,058
68rustbucket
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,058 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8145910
01/27/21 09:36 PM
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 492
Mundo
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 492 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#8146023
01/27/21 10:38 PM
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 318
rowdydog1
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 318 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8146049
01/27/21 10:49 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,920
texasdude28
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,920 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8146159
01/28/21 12:28 AM
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 327
Longhorn74
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 327 |
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. 😀
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8146278
01/28/21 02:20 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,840
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,840 |
20 gauge single shot Stevens.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back.
_____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/usergals/2018/09/full-3152-162968-charge_air_assault.jpg)
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#8147723
01/29/21 04:24 AM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,553
bobcat1
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8,553 |
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. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-5792-278143-full_24111_277799_8fc74297_fb66_4232_a29c_58ccfc659183.jpeg) Who's that guy looking at you from the tailgate? 
Bobby Barnett
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8148393
01/29/21 08:16 PM
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,868
Chet
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,868 |
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. ![[Linked Image]](https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/userpics/2021/01/full-1720-278242-img_1812_1.jpg)
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: Chet]
#8148494
01/29/21 10:07 PM
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
RGVshooter
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8148515
01/29/21 10:31 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,427
scalebuster
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 6,427 |
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.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8148535
01/29/21 10:57 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091 |
My little Ruger feels like a feather which is one reason I love it.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: RGVshooter]
#8151665
02/01/21 10:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 16,110
reeltexan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 16,110 |
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.
![[Linked Image]](https://i.postimg.cc/KjZZqFj8/point-with-bird.jpg) "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." Ronald Reagan
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Re: What's your favorite bird gun?
[Re: Reata]
#8152084
02/02/21 04:12 AM
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 24,876
dkershen
Rev Dave
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Rev Dave
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 24,876 |
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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