28 gauge vs 20 gauge!

[Wrangler95]

For those who have 28 gauge turkey guns,what is effective range on these vs 20 gauge guns and also the recoil on the 20 gauge?I have always shot 12 gauge 3.5 inch mag shells and those hurt.Last year I shot a gobbler and I was kinda in a twist and it knocked my hat off my head!

[ScottTaulbee]

20 gauge recoil isn't bad, not as bad as a 12. 28 gauge recoil is non existent. They'll both have the same lethal range given that you're using the same shot and I'm assuming TSS.


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[PalmettoRon]

My 28 is wonderful to carry and deadly at 40-45 yds. Last year I miscalculated and killed a gobbler stone dead at 53 yds. I would not have shot that far had I known. I hunt a lot and in multiple states. The 28 was 100% deadly.There is virtually no recoil and the sound is far less than that put out by a 12.  There really is no need to carry the extra weight or put up with the recoil of a 3 1/2' shell if you have a subgauge gun.

[Roost 1]

28ga but the recoil can be sharp.

[g8rvet]

Range is same as 20 or 12 provided it maintains an adequate pattern.  The sub gauges are all every bit as lethal as a 10 (#6 pellet at 1200 fps -just an example)-makes no difference the gauge, there is just a lot less shot, so you need to ensure the pattern and that is where the bigger shells are more forgiving.  Modern loads make it so the subs are quite lethal, but they really need to be shot on the target board to know what that gun does.

My grandson's 410 would be lethal at 40 yards, but the pattern has me wanting to keep it around 30 yards to be sure I have enough pellets on target.  My 20 has killed at 12 gauge distance with Heavyweight (15g/cc) #7 with no issues.  170 in the 10 is lethal at 40 yards.

I shot my own new 28 at sporting clays and the recoil was 410 quality - did not even notice it.  They tend to be smaller guns and as Roost said they can feel sharp, but properly mounted to your shoulder, they just don't kick much. 100 rounds and I was neither tired, nor sore.  The 12 gauges were sore.

[jhoward11]

Shooting 3.5 will give you dain bramage...I bought a 20g for my wife to shoot, and she has no complaints. Very lethal at 40yrd. Not sure on the 28, but as was said. Should have no issues if patterned properly. I would go with 20g. My 2 cents.

[Dtrkyman]

If I hadn't found a really good deal on a 20ga I would have went 28, just simply for the fact I wanted the lightest gun I could get my hands on without spending 2k on a turkey gun.

I would also only go with a 28 if you plan to load your own shells.

A gas operated 20ga with have minimal recoil compared to a 12 most times, however if you loaded a 1 5/8th shell in a 12 it would be very manageable and in less recoil with the heavier gun.

I remember when Hevi came out with those white/clear hulled 1 5/8th oz 3 inch shells, I bought a box and the first one I fired I though was a dud, the recoil was nothing, went to the target and it was quite a pattern and on par with the heavier loads I had been using, those shells were only 1090 fps as well, so a bit less powder.

If you are buying shells check with Foxtrot and get some 1 5/8th oz loads and keep shooting your 12, unless you just want a new gun, which who wouldn't?

[ChesterCopperpot]

I would also only go with a 28 if you plan to load your own shells.

This would be the deciding factor for me: load availability. TSS has made all sub gauges viable turkeys guns within ethical ranges, but load availability in a pinch is still limited to 12s and 20s. You can always find 12s and 20s. 


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[runngun]

I shoot a 28 gauge and I get my shells from Brice Hensley at Foxtrot ammo. He makes a 1.5 ounce load of 9s or 9.5s he calls "Cherry Bombs". They shoot great out of my gun!!! 340 in the 10 at 40 yards.

Have a good one, Bo

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[reflexl]

I have used 28 and 20. With TSS no difference in how far I would shoot one.

[Dtrkyman]

Would definitely buy Foxtrot if you buy ammo, just have to pre order and stock up I would guess, never anything in stock!

[Sungrazer]

I SO lust for a 28ga., but Illinois does not allow anything smaller than 20ga.
AND that's probably why I NEVER see 28ga. Turkey loads... 20ga. 3" loads are hard enough to find as it is, and I'm always looking in different locales.
One of these years maybe they will bring the reg's up to todays TSS standards and I will be all over a 28ga., but ammo will be another hurdle I'll have to clear.

[slicksbeagles1]

reflexl what brand and model 28ga do you shoot?

[kwild835]

The felt recoil doesn't really matter what gauge you are shooting.  The payload weight, velocity, action,(gas, inertia, pump, etc.) and the weight of the gun determine felt recoil.  My boat anchor Browning Gold 12 ga has less felt recoil with a 2oz load of tss going 1200 fps than my Benelli M2 20 gauge with a 1 5/8 oz going 1200fps+.

I would definitely go with the 20ga all day.  If you hand load you can load down to 3/4oz all the way up to 2 1/8 oz with tss and if you don't hand load you can find 20ga turkey loads much easier than 28 ga.

[PalmettoRon]

It's not a problem to get 28 ammo unless you're looking for factory ammo. Foxtrot will make some available if the web page shows sold out. Just give Brice a call. Apex usually has it available as does Rogue or Nitro Company and also Verdict.

I've patterned them all. In my particular 28, Foxtrot and Rogue have patterned best. I have not been impressed with the patterns from the big ammo manufacturers like Federal, but seriously getting 28 ammo on line is not an issue.