Above&Under vs single shot

[Arnak]

Hi,
Im shopping for a 20 gauge shotgun for grouse hunting (all I have is a 12 gauge and I find it a bit overkill).
First I was looking for an above and under model. While shopping, I found a lot of 1 shot single barrel options out there. At first I thought «*why in the world would I want 1 shot when I can get 2*» but now im not sure.

The price is lower, its lighter…

Anyone here uses a single shot? How do you like it? I guess my worry is to miss birds and wish I had that 2nd shot but is that really an issue? I have never used a shotgun at short range for grouse. I have always used a 22.

Any comments, advices, ideas will be appreciated

[Dewey Cox]

The option to have 2 types of shell loaded is my favorite part of hunting with a double barrel.
I would go for the over and beneath.
Or a beside by side.

[Pioneer2]

Make some 1oz 12ga loads same as a 20ga

[Smokinyotes]

I’m not sure if any one is manufacturing above/under shotguns these days. But good news most are offering over/under in 20 gauge. My wife has a cheap little Tristar 20 ga that works well on geese, clays and grouse. Won’t break the bank buying one either.

[270person]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

The option to have 2 types of shell loaded is my favorite part of hunting with a double barrel.
I would go for the over and beneath.
Or a beside by side.

Today's odd makers say to take the above and beneath. Unless you're looking at off road transportation then always go for the left and right option.

[Arnak]

Originally Posted by Pioneer2

Make some 1oz 12ga loads same as a 20ga

To make them? Aye… im not that cool

[jungleboy]

I use a single shot for grouse every year . Love it have a couple in 410 and a couple in 20 ga as well as a 12 ga

Had a couple 28 ga that I regrettably sold. They were my favourite.

If you end up using the 12 ga just get some cheap 1oz target loads

[W921]

My first shotgun when I was a little kid was a single shot Remington 16 gauge.
When I got money I had everything since. 1st was pumps,semi ,doubles and I had expensive ones.
I miss my old single shot and would buy another if I found one in great condition.
Light, handy and honesty multiple shot capability really doesn't matter for what I was doing with it.

[elkhunter11]

When ground swatting grouse, just shoot above them, so the bottom of the pattern hits the head/neck. Then it doesn't matter if you shoot a 12 or a 20 gauge.

[Pioneer2]

in a 28ga for pheasants and grouse. Well balanced round.

[Arnak]

Thanks for all the ideas.

If I get a 20, I think I’ll go with the browning citori hunter. I’ll take a few days to think. There’s always the more economical option of trying the 12 and then decide if yes or no I want a 20.

[elkhunter11]

By the way, if you go to a gun store, asking to see above and under shotguns will probably get you some strange looks.

[FishOutOfWater]

Originally Posted by Arnak

Thanks for all the ideas.

If I get a 20, I think I’ll go with the browning citori hunter. I’ll take a few days to think. There’s always the more economical option of trying the 12 and then decide if yes or no I want a 20.

https://www.canadiangunnutz.com/foru...-Bobwhite-20ga

There's a CZ Bobtail 20ga (horizontal twin-barrel) on CGN for $850... I have no affiliation, just remember seeing it.

EDIT - He's a 13 yr member with a 100% (27) trader rating.


And Cabela's has the Stevens 555 20ga on sale (in stock online), it's an above/below model for $900. And there's a $50 USD rebate on top of the $100 off.

https://www.cabelas.ca/product/10231...runder-shotgun

[Pioneer2]

I avoid Turkish,Chinese and Brazilian made guns.Your mileage may vary.A combination of low quality,inferior steel and politics I don't agree with.