Colorado is an excellent place for upland bird hunting, hosting various types of bird game. Popular birds include Dusky Grouse, Sage Grouse, Prairie Chicken, White-Tailed Ptarmigan, Pheasants, and more! The hunting season for most of these birds is also quite long, typically lasting from September to around February. But before you head out for the hunt, it’s essential to pick the right shotgun for upland bird hunting. PE Shows, Colorado’s premier gun show, is here to help you narrow down your choices!
How to Pick the Best Shotguns for Bird Hunting
How to Pick the Best Shotguns for Bird Hunting
What’s Your Budget?
Selecting the best shotgun for bird hunting often begins with how much you’re willing to spend. Setting a budget is a great place to start, and you’ll find that there are great options for just about any price point. With most hunting gear and firearms, you’ll typically get what you pay for — but sticking within a set budget will help you narrow your search and find the best option that works for you.
Consider Your Preferred Hunting Style
To help narrow your search even further, much depends on the type of birds you’re hoping to hunt and the way in which you prefer to hunt. When you’re hunting grouse or pheasant, for example, a shotgun that is configured in an over-and-under or a side-by-side is ideal, allowing you to easily target a single or flushing pair. Other birds, like chukar, may require features like pump-action or semi-auto that allow you to fire multiple rounds in succession.
Choosing the Right Gauge
The gauge of a shotgun refers to the size of the shells that are used in that particular firearm. When it comes to gauges, the lower the number, the bigger the shell. For example, a 10-gauge has a diameter of about .775”, while a 28-gauge is .545” in diameter. 12-gauge shotguns are very common but might be a bit overkill for most birds. Most upland bird hunters will stick with a trusty 20 or 28-gauge for most hunting scenarios.
Shotgun Recommendations
When all of these factors we’ve discussed are considered, you should be able to narrow down your choice to a select few shotguns. Some great overall choices include the Browning Citori Gran Lighting or the Weatherby Orion I. For the budget-conscious, Winchester’s SX4 Field or the Tristar Bristol SxS are also excellent choices.
If you’re ready to take your bird hunting to the next level in Colorado, come to the next PE Shows gun show in your area! You’ll be able to speak to several vendors and other hunters to find the perfect hunting firearm for you.