rabbits everywhere

[DH_72]

Went to the farm w/ a couple friends Sunday and had a blast. We probably jumped 20 rabbits. Unfortunately we only got 3. We tried using .22's first time through. After about 2 hrs of that we went back to the truck and got the shotguns. Shot all but one we jumped after that. Heading back Monday, this time we are taking shotguns first time through.

[hobiecat]

If ya have one, take a .410... this maybe the perfect rabbit gun IMHO. I wish the shells were cheaper tho.

[Warmouth]

.410 shells are twice what 20g and 12g are. It's freakin' rediculous.

Rabbit hunting is fun when you have a decent population to get after.

[hobiecat]

As much smaller as they are, it really don't make much sense. Heck, I can remember when .410 shells were bout like buyin .22 rounds. I really can't imagine why they've gotten so expensive.

[Warmouth]

Because there's not as much volume in .410 sales as in 12 and 20g. Also it's more of a "kids gun", and they know you'll buy shells for the kid.

I just picked up a .410 2-3 weeks ago and was really shocked at the cost of the shells, $9 for a box of 3" #4 shot as I recall .

[Tigerhaze]

I like hunting rabbits with .22 when snow is on the ground and the rabbits are sitting tight in brushpiles. They often sit perfectly still and you can shoot them in the eye and pull them out. I have a Browning Buckmark .22 pistol now so I can carry the shotgun for running rabbits and still have the pistol for sitting ones.

[DH_72]

I have a .410, but was using my grandpa's old 12ga. Reason was that .410 shells are just too expensive. I had some 12 ga. shells sitting around so I just took that with me. I might buy some shells for the .410 for monday, but will probably just stick w/ the 12 ga.

[TwoTigers]

I always thought a 20 guage was the perfect gun for a beginner. A 410 is just too small of a guage to let the kid get confidence in hitting birds. My dad bought me a double barrel side by side Stevens 20 guage when I turned 16. I still love that gun for rabbit and squirrel hunting. Too bad the rabbits are more scarce than they were when I was a kid.

[Warmouth]

I use a Stoeger Uplander 20g sxs 24"brl. Choked I/M and full with 1oz of #5. Just about perfect imo.

[bullitt]

dave-t, does that Stoeger have screw-in or fixed chokes? Sounds like a dandy little bird gun if you could open the chokes. Like maybe skeet x skeet or skeet x IC.

[Warmouth]

Yes it takes mossberg/winchester chokes. I only have #1skeet, Imp/Mod, Mod, and Full chokes. It has 3" chambers and I've thought about using it turkey hunting, but I think the after market turkey choke in one barrel would look rediculous. The full isn't as tight as I'd like for turk hunting, but I've only patterned it with #7.5 and #6, 2 3/4" shells.



Works great for small game including quail and dove. The availability of two chokes with two triggers is a definite advantage imo.



I almost always leave it choked I/M and full, even on doves, but drop down for quail.



I bought mine used for $175 from a guy who didn't know better, but new they run $400+.

[Hellbender]

I've hunted since I was a kid, trust me that was a while back, with a 20 double. perfect rabbit gun, open shot for the first shot and a tighter one for the second if needed.