Just wondering is 12 ga. enough......

[mrnyman]

JUst Wondering is 12 ga enough gun for Goose hunting, i see Goose hunters use a lot of 10ga.

I cut my teeth on Duck hunting with my Dad when i was 5 yo, now i want to try Goose, because i'm scared of the water mocs in the Duck areas.

I want to add one more shotty to my collection but i really wanted a 12ga.
What sayeth ye?

Nyman

[Karl/PA]

12 ga. will do just fine. Most folks use a full choke tho. If you're getting a new gun, I would look at the Rem 870 with an extra barrel that way you can use the other barrel for upland game or deer.

[mrnyman]

Thanks ,karl, I have a dedicated deer shotgun already, its a Mossy 500 with a 24 inch rifled barrel , scoped. When i lived on Long Island , new york only shotgun hunting is allowed, no rifles for large game.

The new Gun will be a dedicated bird Gun and clays, Turkey, goose , Doves and maybe Ducks.

I',m looking at maybe a 28 inch bbl. with chokes and nice wood stock.

Glad to hear the 12 will work on Goose.

Thanks, Nyman

[schr8er2000]

Like the others said, a 2 gauge IS enough for geese as long as you dont try SKY BLASTING.... Now the guns limitations and get a gun with at least a 28 inch barrel with interchangeable chokes... again using the FULL or even buy an EXTRA FULL choke will be helpful. Try the chokes on paper at various ranges, and also try different brands of shells to see which one holds the best pattern at the various ranges...

GOOD LUCK and enjoy, goose hunting is enjoyable and IF you get too many geese, let me know... I LOVE to marinate the breasts and eat them....LOL

[hiflyf22]

Like the others said, a 2 gauge IS enough for geese ...

Oh my. A 2 gauge. That'd be a 1.325" diameter.

Mr. Nyman. A 2 gauge would be sufficient.

[knight0334]

12ga's have taken everything from mice to elephants(foster slugs).. I'd say a goose is closer in size to a mouse than it is to a elephant. 10ga isn't needed, 12ga isn't needed, nor the 3 and 3.5" magnums either. 3.5" 12ga's have the same load as 10ga's.

Like the other guys said, you'll want a full choke, or even tighter to get a denser pattern a bit further out. The magnum shells will give you a bit more range, but they aren't necessary if you can draw them in closer.

Keep in mind the need to use non-toxic shot.

Water moccasin's aren't in PA, with the exception of rare event of one making it up from the south along the PA/MD boarder.

[Jay2125]

I would try and get a Mossberg I have an 870 super mag and it doest pattern 3.5 inch shells to save its life. But my Mossberg loves them. I only use 3.5 for late season cause the down feathers are so big. I wouldn't use a full choke because steel doesn't act the same as lead when it is shot there a full choke. Lead will mold itself into a tight pattern steel wont it will bounce off each other as soon as it exits the barrel on a full choke gun. I use IM or M most the time.

[shooter357]

I don't understand the need to use the 3 or 3.5 inch shells. I did start using the 3inch for a little more range but I have been using 2.75inch in my 12ga for years with no problem. I always came home with supper.

I third the motion to use a full choke.

[Sandcut]

12 guage will do just fine.

FWIW. If you do get the 870 (great all around shotgun BTW) I found that WalMart does carry (or did, I got mine a couple years ago) a set of 3 Remchokes that has a Full choke for steel shot. The other two are Improved and Modified, I believe.

If you happen to gain access to any farms down your way (Henryville) and you're looking to increase your decoy spread while getting started, send me a PM. I use about a dozen and it works OK around here. I'm always looking to explore new areas.

[mrnyman]

Thanks a lot guys, good info, cant wait to getr going with goose hunting, i plan on going with the Mossy 935 loaded with steel waterfowl shot in 3 inch with a full choke to start out, of course range will didctate final choke/shot etc.''

Thanks , nyman.

obtw, glad to hear water moccs arent around, i'd hate for one to grab onto my foot etc.