There was a time when I could have gone to a meeting on a Tuesday night, stood up before a group of strangers and declared “My name is Craig and I am addicted to buying shotguns for quail.” My wife suggested if there was not a quail gun anonymous group in existence, I should start one. She finally got over the idea as I figured out what shotguns worked for me and Miss Lynn and I are still married.
If you want to become a quail hunter, the first thing you usually think about is the shotgun you need for the sport. If you are a turkey hunter or waterfowler, you should have a shotgun that will be sufficient for quail hunting. The turkey or duck gun, however, may be somewhat heavy for quail hunting and not as fast to your shoulder as a lighter shotgun. When bobwhites flush from cover, they quickly take off from the hunter so a lighter gun is quicker to mount and get on the quail for the shot.
If you don’t own a shotgun, buying your first quail gun may be intimidating. Here are some steps to help you make your decision on which gun is best for you.
Choosing The Gauge
12-Gauge
In general, the 12-gauge is the most popular gauge in the United States. Being the most popular, it has the largest selection of shotgun models available and the largest availability of shells. With field loads, it does a great job on quail, plus it can be used for turkeys, ducks or pheasants with the proper loads for those game birds. A lightweight 12-gauge in the 6 1/2 pound range is faster handling than the turkey or duck gun and a great weight for quail.
16-Gauge
The 16-gauge was in its’ heyday in the 1940’s and 50’s when almost 25% of all shotguns sold were 16-gauge and just over 50% were 12-gauge. A popular comment about the 16-gauge was that it carries like a 20 but hits like a 12. No matter, the 16-gauge has been dying a slow death since then. I surmise most people using a 16-gauge today inherited it from their father, grandfather or a favorite uncle. They pay a price to hunt with it as shells are roughly twice what 12 or 20-gauge shells cost.
20-gauge
The 20-gauge ranks behind the 12-gauge in general popularity in the United States and like the 12 has a wide range of models and shells available for it. Generally the 20-gauge shotgun has a smaller frame and lighter weight than the 12-gauge making it a popular choice for quail hunters.
While the 20-gauge ranks behind the 12-gauge in overall popularity, the 20-gauge is probably the number one quail gauge.
28-gauge
28-gauge shotguns are popular for quail hunters because of their light recoil and minimal weight which make it fast-handling when the birds flush. Keep in mind the larger loads of the 12 and 20-gauge shells make them more efficient in taking birds but an accurate shot may find the 28-gauge ideal for his needs.
.410-bore
The .410 is the only exception to the gauge designation for shotguns having an actual bore diameter of .410/1000ths of an inch which is the approximate equivalent to a 67 ½ gauge. .410 shotguns are small, lightweight and have a lot of eye appeal but should probably be left to accomplished hunters.
Choose Your Action
Pump
Pump shotguns are the most popular in the United States because they are inexpensive and dependable. Some hunters prefer the semi-auto, over/under or double gun for a faster follow-up shot when the birds flush.
Semi-automatics
Semi-autos use the energy, gas or recoil, from the fired shell to chamber the next shell and you get a two-fold advantage of lower felt recoil and increased speed for follow-up shots. The negative for semi-autos is they are more likely to malfunction if not cleaned regularly.
Double barrels
Double barrel shotguns can be side-by-side or over/under configuration. They are popular for their ease of operation in the field, traditional look and the ability to have two different chokes which is great for shooting at quail flying away from you.
Generally quail hunting shotguns, no matter the action, have either 26 or 28-inch length barrels. The 28-inch barrel weighs more and has a better swing onto a bird.
Choose The Right Quail Gun Fit
Once you have decided on gauge, action and barrel length and your budget for a quail gun, go to a gun shop in your area with a large selection of shotguns. Tell the salesman what you are looking for and you would like to shoulder some shotguns to see how they fit you. There is a difference in how they will fit your shoulder and cheek when you bring the gun up.
More Than Quail?
If your main focus is hunting quail, then a 20-gauge in the action you choose is an excellent quail or dove gun. There are also turkey and duck loads for the 20 that make it a more versatile gauge than ever before.
If ducks, geese, turkey and pheasants are birds you also want to hunt besides quail, then a 12-gauge is probably your best choice.
