What is the best shotgun to purchase for hunting partridge, and what size shot should I buy?

Answer 1

This depends on several factors. One of these factors is cost. I've owned many shotguns, both expensive and inexpensive, and all have accomplished about the same purpose. A Mossberg pump shotgun is available at most stores for under $250, and I've been happy with mine. For partridge, I like a 20-gauge with #71/2 shot. This is because I hunt in a dense area where most of my shooting is close up. If you'll be hunting open riverbanks or the edges of fields, you might consider going down to #6 shot, since you'd have some longer shots. I don't recommend a 16-gauge under any circumstances, since shells are harder to come by in various shot #s, and a 12-gauge is overkill in most cases for partridge. This is not to say that either of these gauges won't work, it's just that a 20-gauge is all you need.
If you are a young hunter, inexperienced, you might want to try a single shot gun. These are typically much safer, cheaper, and far less likely to jam or give you mechanical trouble. I still own a .410 that my dad bought some 50 years ago and have never had any trouble with it. Best of Luck!

Answer 2

WWD is right. Picking a shotgun is highly personal.

If I were looking for a new quail gun, I would not look at new shotguns at all. I'd be cruising the gun shows for one of three guns, depending on how much money I could spend.

If I could afford $1,000.00 or more, I'd look for an A.H. Fox 12 gauge side-by-side double, probably a Sterlingworth.

If I needed to keep it in the $600.00 or under range, I'd search for a 12 gauge Fox Model B, or a Stevens Model 311. Both are good workmanlike side-by-side doubles that are terriffic values for the cost. In my opinion, the Fox Model B has a better stock design than the Stevens. I had a 20 gauge Stevens M-311 and the felt recoil was heavier than that of my Fox Model B 12 gauge.

For general quail, I use #7 or #7 1/2 shot. These should be fine on your partridge, as they are very similar birds, if not the same.

Doc

Answer 3

I'm a personal fan of the remington 870 12 gauge. It can be used for all types of hunting and is very dependable and it doesn't have to be cleaned as much as the semi automatics. The cost is about $250. Make sure that what ever you chose has an improved cylinder or modified choke, and use size 6 shot for bird hunting or smaller 7 1/2,8 , or 9's.

Answer 4

One of the best all around shotguns is the Remington 870. Use 7 1/2 shot.

Answer 5

in my neck of the woods we have chucker partridge, they like to hang out in the sage brush and rock outcroppings toward the top of hills. so lots of hiking and climbing involved, lots of brush and just generally bad terrain. So I wouldn't recommend anything that you really don't want scratched, scraped, dropped or dirty. I like semi-autos as the bird will pretty much only fly down hill and it makes leading them a little odd, so quick follow up shots are sometimes what brings the birds home. I use a (H&K) benelli m1 super 90, my brother in law (who I usually hunt with) uses a charles daly semi-auto (cheap walmart special) both guns are light, have sythentic stocks, and have funtioned flawlessly, the daly is only on its 2nd season so time will tell, my benelli has well over 10 seasons on it. pretty much anything that shoots everytime will work, just make sure you can afford to fall down a hill with it.
#6 shot rated for at least 1250 fps, faster shot is nice as they get away from you fast and the larger shot helps as chucker are tough birds, I've seen them drop dead as a door nail then get up and run the dog senseless.
good luck and have fun.

Answer 6

"Best" would be a personal choice. Simply pay off your mortgage, sell your house, and take all the money to Purdey, Holland or Rigby for your gun.
Those of us who want to keep the price under six figures tend to make do. I like an old Hunter arms "Elsie" field grade that's brought down birds for four generations in my family.

Answer 7

I like a 16ga with 7.5 shot. Any caliber from .410 up will do though.

Answer 8

12g gas loder spredd shot