DanBettin Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Looking to get a gun for my other half to use. I've been told to avoid a 28 gauge because cartridges are far too expensive and they hard work on a sporting clay set-up. I'm looking for some second opinions on these 2 points, a 20 gauge still seems far too heavy for her so 28 is perfect but I don't want to make a bad decision and buy something people generally try and avoid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ultrastu Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Although I dont have or shot 1. I can't really see a massive problem as you can get carts up to 28 grm loads in 28b with 24 grm being average size. So not a massive disadvantage in range / pattern size . Most admit to being drawn to the cal .especially if I could have a moderated one .it could be the perfect compromise for decoying with a 24 grm cart . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Does the other half just want to shoot clay birds? If so go the 12 bore route with a light 21g load. If she happens to be of a slight build and small then you can get plenty of guns with a shorter stock and LOP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davewh100 Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 hi Dan send das a message he was showing me lovely Winchester light he got his Mrs carnt remember the model wasn't bad money either,nice and light tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 The 28b is generally not considerably lighter than the equivalent 20b. Most people will use 18-23g loads in the 28 anything more is quite punchy. 28s are fashionable right now so command a premium. Most places sell limited selection of cartridges as well My advice buy a 20 for her that fits the gun will be cheaper cartridges cheaper and you'll have more choice of both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 I have both 28 and 20 bores. Cartridges for the 28 are NOT cheap, they can be as much as £30 more for 250. Once you start thinking of using 28 grams in a 28 bore, you are upping the recoil. My 28 bore Yildiz weighs 5 3/4lbs. my 20 bore 30" Beretta weighs 6lbs 3ozs. I shoot with someone who uses a Beretta Ultralight 28" which weighs in at 6lbs 4ozs. So the 12 bore with 21 gram loads would probably be the better option. Hull Comp X are very good, as are the Cheddite range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonepark Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Looking to get a gun for my other half to use. I've been told to avoid a 28 gauge because cartridges are far too expensive and they hard work on a sporting clay set-up. I'm looking for some second opinions on these 2 points, a 20 gauge still seems far too heavy for her so 28 is perfect but I don't want to make a bad decision and buy something people generally try and avoid. A well sized 12 year old can handle a 20 or even a lightweight 12, don't underestimate your mrs as no matter which bore, she will have to build up muscle where she probably hasn't before. Look for a 6lb 20b, and start her with 21g trainer loads and build up from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnfromUK Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 28 bore is seriously expensive on cartridges. For clays it is fine (if you are prepared to accept the cost). For game, it can be a perfectly effective gun for average ranges, but you need to be a good experienced shot, or you will ***** and wound birds ...... and no one wants that. It isn't a gun for high bird shoots, and not a game gun for beginners. I have seen 28's used effectively in the right hands (who can shoot well - and know their limits), but have also seen them used in less experienced hands, and to be honest, it isn't the right way to go. For clays, light 12 with a very light recoil cartridge is a better bet (in my view). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markm Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 I have a browning cynergy in a 28. Light loads between 16 -25 restrict the range. 25 - 28gm 5 shot will handle 90% of what a 12 can do with normal game loads (say 28-32gms). Had mine out on a rough shoot today, lovely to carry and quick to the shoulder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 I have a browning cynergy in a 28. Light loads between 16 -25 restrict the range. 25 - 28gm 5 shot will handle 90% of what a 12 can do with normal game loads (say 28-32gms). Had mine out on a rough shoot today, lovely to carry and quick to the shoulder. BUT, nice a gun that it is, would you really want to feed it, IF, it was your only clay shooting gun ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanBettin Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Lads, really appreciate the replies. Thanks a lot. As always, finding PW VERY helpful. Should've explained, her problem's not really with the recoil but the weight and size of the gun. She's pretty small at just over 5ft. Valid point about her getting used to it. If we're saying there's not much difference between a 20 and 28 then I suppose it's not worth the extra price in cartridge. As someone explained to us the other day, a fair bit of weight (relative of course) is unavoidable, a gun's a big piece of metal and a big piece of wood whatever way you look at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markm Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 BUT, nice a gun that it is, would you really want to feed it, IF, it was your only clay shooting gun ? Nope. Unless I was rich! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoozer Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 (edited) Recently went through this same dilemma and found a lovely Lincoln No 2 Ultralight 20g weighing in at 5lb 4oz. for a family member, Had lop adjusted and a Kick eez pad fitted, Makes my 525 feel like a heffa Edited October 28, 2017 by Snoozer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Lads, really appreciate the replies. Thanks a lot. As always, finding PW VERY helpful. Should've explained, her problem's not really with the recoil but the weight and size of the gun. She's pretty small at just over 5ft. Valid point about her getting used to it. If we're saying there's not much difference between a 20 and 28 then I suppose it's not worth the extra price in cartridge. As someone explained to us the other day, a fair bit of weight (relative of course) is unavoidable, a gun's a big piece of metal and a big piece of wood whatever way you look at it. What part of the world are you ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger-Mouse Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 SxS tend to be lighter and of course semi-autos with just a single barrel are also lighter, especially if you go for a synthetic stock. Plenty of lightweight O&U out there too, Beretta and Winchester leap to mind, also anything with a short barrel will be lighter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanBettin Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 SxS tend to be lighter and of course semi-autos with just a single barrel are also lighter, especially if you go for a synthetic stock. Plenty of lightweight O&U out there too, Beretta and Winchester leap to mind, also anything with a short barrel will be lighter. Why haven't I thought of a semi auto?! Such an obvious one. Thanks very much! Will search now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger-Mouse Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Why haven't I thought of a semi auto?! Such an obvious one. Thanks very much! Will search now. YW Well some people aren't fans of the semi, I wasn't sure if you fell into that category. It might be worth looking at the Hatsan youth 12g semi, cheap enough, even new, and if it performs as well as my Escort, absolutely nothing wrong with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanBettin Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 YW Well some people aren't fans of the semi, I wasn't sure if you fell into that category. It might be worth looking at the Hatsan youth 12g semi, cheap enough, even new, and if it performs as well as my Escort, absolutely nothing wrong with it. https://www.guntrader.uk/guns/shotguns/hatsan-arms/semi-auto/20-gauge/escort-magnum-171023203612686 Just found that, really impressed with the look of it. Adjustable stock especially. I'll go and view it tomorrow. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted October 28, 2017 Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 https://www.guntrader.uk/guns/shotguns/hatsan-arms/semi-auto/20-gauge/escort-magnum-171023203612686 Just found that, really impressed with the look of it. Adjustable stock especially. I'll go and view it tomorrow. Thanks again Be very careful buying a second hand Hatsan with no warranty, lots have cycling and quality issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanBettin Posted October 28, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2017 Be very careful buying a second hand Hatsan with no warranty, lots have cycling and quality issues. Understood, thanks a lot for that. Quite possibly saved me a headache. I'll have a think on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanBettin Posted October 29, 2017 Author Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 Further to the last 2 posts in this thread, how can we be careful buying a gun like this? Assuming I don't have a chance to test it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red-dot Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 My 28's... little gems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoozer Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 Further to the last 2 posts in this thread, how can we be careful buying a gun like this? Assuming I don't have a chance to test it. Have a read through this post Dan. https://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/217794-hatsan-escort-cycling-issues/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
figgy Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 If it’s just for clays a nice light semi auto 12 bore would be ideal and the cheapest to buy cartridges for over a 20 or28 bore. I had s 28 bore and it was fantastic light fast handling walk up gun or if just going for s mooch round the hedgerows. To use it for clay shooting it’s expensive and cartridge choice gets limited. I can only think of gamebore who do a clay load for them. The rest are game carts. Any lightweight 12 bore with light soft recoiling carts will be the cheaper easily found choice of carts for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dellbert Posted October 29, 2017 Report Share Posted October 29, 2017 i like 28 bore used them a lot on corp days ,but cartridges are expensive try a 20 bore auto or the new Franchi 12 bore auto with a shortish barrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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