Selecting Shotguns for Waterfowl Hunting

-- by Rob Ramsdale --

Duck hunting's popularity today has given rise to a vast assortment of new and improved shotguns designed specifically for duck hunting. The modern waterfowling shotgun now comes with a camo finish, composite stock, aftermarket choke tube, 3 1/2" chamber and even shorter barrels if you prefer.. They are a far cry from the classic side-by-side doubles many of the earliest duck hunters used.

Do you need one of these modern firearms to hunt ducks and geese? Honestly, no, since hunters have been killing waterfowl for an awful long time without them. But most firearm purchases by hunters are not based on what you need but what you want so if you can afford one, go ahead. They can give you that extra edge in the marsh this fall.

Selecting a Shotgun

What should you look for in your duck hunting shotgun? In my opinion, the most important thing is to find a shotgun you can shoot comfortably and accurately. It does not really matter if that is a pump, automatic, double or a single shot. A good fitting shotgun that you are comfortable with and have confidence in is a great place to start.

Gauge

The vast majority of duck hunters hunt with a 12 gauge. It comes in a ton of different models and makes and you can just about always find shells for a 12 gauge at any store that sells ammo. Some hunters opt for a little more firepower and move up to a 10 gauge. The 10 ga. does increase your effective range a little and gives a little more knockdown power than a 12 ga. If you are up for lugging the thing around, go for it. Speaking of weight issues, one of the more popular choices nowadays is the 20 gauge. I would especially recommend this to the women and kids who are just beginning hunting. It is lighter and has less recoil than its big brother the 12 gauge but it also comes with a reduced range. And of course, automatic shotguns have less of a kick than pumps or doubles since they utilize some of the back pressure to cycle the gun.

Barrel length

Barrel length is another important decision. If you are using your shotgun for duck and goose hunting only or maybe some upland hunting as well, a standard 28" barrel would be the best pick for all-around use. You can go with a shorter 26" or 24" barrel, especially if you plan on using the barrel for turkey hunting also. Shorter barrels make for a lighter more maneuverable gun which can be important when you are turkey hunting and doing a lot of walking around in the woods.

Most serious waterfowlers stick with 28" barrels and some still like the old 30" length as well. Just remember the longer barrel is heavier which aids the shooter in following through on his swing which is vitally important on most passing shots. They also provide a longer sight plane along the barrel which many people also like. The only way to really know which barrel length is right for you is to go out and shoot a lot until you find the most effective length.

Test Patterning

After you have selected your new shotgun, now comes the most important part of getting your gun ready to hunt - test patterning. Many people never do this assuming a new gun always shoots straight - and for the most part they do. However, if your shotgun consistently shoots off your point of aim, you need to do something about it. A gunsmith can adjust your shotgun by bending the barrel or by changing the fit of your stock.

Along with a straight shooting shotgun, you must also get your shotgun shooting good patterns. This requires more testing with a variety of shells and if you can, a variety of choke tubes to find your best pattern.

I like to test pattern shotguns at 40 yards. I usually try a variety of shells from different manufacturers with different shot sizes (2, 4, or 6 steel for ducks) and different lengths (2 3/4", 3" and if your gun can shoot them 3 1/2"). A good way to save costs while doing this is to go in with a few friends to spread the shell cost out some. Once I find the best shell / shot size combination at 40 yards, I will shoot some shots closer in to see what the pattern does there. Sometimes a gun will be throwing a great pattern at 40 yards but a terrible one at 20 - 25 yards. Again, a little time practicing before the season will tell you what to expect.

Just remember when patterning that no two barrels are alike. Even if the shotgun is the same model and year as someone else's, they will probably still pattern a little differently.

Here are some links to shotgun manufacturers to get you started shopping for a new shotgun