20 replies to this topic

[pecci]

What would be your shotgun of choice for walking out in the desert for jacks? Single shot, double sxs or o/u, semi-auto or pump? Also which gauge/bore & shot would you use? Be as specific as you like.I want to hear your opinions, and then select my choice, er ... my Christmas present.I should also mention that I would actually prefer a Semi or a SxS. Since this is a gift, I don't want to take advantage of the situation. My limit would be $400 or less. I'm looking at the Stoager Uplander and the Mossberg SA-20 at this point. I've always wanted a OO but can't come close to affording a quality one. I wish the Mossy (auto) came with a wood stock, but it is only available in plastic.Please give me your thoughts and opinions.

[Thumper Dunker]

Any kind of shot gun with a full choke 7 1/2s to 4 shot low base no need for any mag stuff. 2s work for the long shots . 20,16 or 12 ga all would work fine. Have some #4 buck just incase a yote or somthing shows up. But I would not use a shot gun I would be scaring them with pointed sticks.

[Braz]

Actually, if it were me out hiking around in the desert for jacks, I'd be using a 22 magnum or 17hmr. Either would be a lot better for the bunnies.

[Thumper Dunker]

Ditto no shot to pick out of your teeth when you eat them. Head shot ,waste no meat.

[pecci]

Actually, if it were me out hiking around in the desert for jacks, I'd be using a 22 magnum or 17hmr. Either would be a lot better for the bunnies.

... And that is exactly what I normally do, however, there are now many areas that are shotgun only in SoCal. My friend and I agreed that we should be prepared for all the shotgun only areas, too.

[yote9999]

... And that is exactly what I normally do, however, there are now many areas that are shotgun only in SoCal. My friend and I agreed that we should be prepared for all the shotgun only areas, too.

Pecci, I agree with you on the shotgun only areas. I picked up a private and public land map yesterday, with a recreational shooting area for SB county and realized that there is a lot of shotgun only, but I'm only going hunt those that are not with my .22wmr until i can pick up a shotgun. A buddy of mine has a shotgun, if he would only get out and get his license we will be able to hit both angles of the jacks in my area. Happy Hunting!

[tawnoper]

Actually, if it were me out hiking around in the desert for jacks, I'd be using a 22 magnum or 17hmr. Either would be a lot better for the bunnies.

Now you're talking. Much more sporting and fun to jump shoot with a rifle IMO.I have jump shot them with a shotgun. In a 12ga, using hi-base #6 it's almost tough to miss anything in range. I'd imagine in the no lead zone you'd use some steel shot of some kind.

[jawbreaker]

Ditto no shot to pick out of your teeth when you eat them. Head shot ,waste no meat.

Thumper, he's wants it to hunt jacks so the meat is only good for dog food anyways.

[Owen]

I use a Beneli Nova Pump Shotgun. 12 gauge 7 1/2s 2 3/4 shells. The beneli is pretty versatile for its price, around 369.00. It can shoot 2 3/4", 3", 3 1/2", and since its pump, it doesnt use up gun powder to eject the shell, so your shots go even further.

[BC9696]

Here's my 2 centavos...buy a gun you can use for other things. I never trust a man with only one shotgun as a rule. I prefer a pump for home protection (remove the plug and the chambering sound alone strikes fear into all living creatures. Simple & reliable.) A SBS isn't helpful if 3 or more people invade your home. I got myself a Speed Pump which is fine for varmints, predators, turkeys, geese & bad guys. If you're gonna get a gun, it's always smart to get a versatile one you will actually use...we all have specialty guns collecting dust.

[pecci]

I have an 870 for HD and an old Browning semi. The Browning is a classic and it's retired. Both are 12's. The 870 is for short walks, but I think it is too long & cumbersome for long hikes in the desert. I want something a little shorter than the existing ones with a 28" barrel. Sling swivel studs would be useful, too.I was looking at the Stoeger Uplander, dbl. barrel, but I have heard some bad reviews, especially w/single triggers. Now it looks like I might settle for a Turkish made Semi. Mossberg makes the SA-20, then there is the Wxby SA-08. Others I'm considering are the Tristar Viper and the Escort PS20, which is available with a 24" barrel. I want a 20 Gauge, too.I'm not very knowledgeable about shotguns, and I'm trying to learn from you guys. I've hunted with shotguns a few times and once for jacks, when I made the mistake of having birdshot mixed with #6's. --- It wasn't enough! I was still a teen and because of that day, I stopped hunting for many years. That's the reason for asking what rig, shot, choke etc. that you would use for large jacks.

[Portagee_Shooter]

I have a remington 1100...great duck gun but no so much for long walks and a little long for fast swinging on rabbits. I'd go with the Rem 870 shorter barrel with full choke. Pump never fails and short barrel is good for quick swingin' and will double for yotes.I prefer rabbits with my High Standard Citation in 22lr. Much more fun that shot gun or rifle

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[sum-rifle]

[quote name='Braz' date='Dec 7 2009, 08:30 PM' post='170116']Actually, if it were me out hiking around in the desert for jacks, I'd be using a 22 magnum or 17hmr. Either would be a lot better for the bunnies./quote]But it is tough on running shots.... He said he is "jump shooting" bunnies. To me that means a lot of them are running. Shotguns are great for rabbits.12, or 20 gauge makes the most sense to me. 20" to 30" barrel (I like a 26")Modified to full choke.7 1/2 6 5 or 4 shot.Pump, or semi auto would be my choice but any action would work.

[Baxter]

Number 4 shot in a full choke pump, pick your poison.

[pumapatrick]

+ 1 on the #4 shot.......good out to about 70 yards.

[clampdaddy]

My idea of the perfect bunny gun is a double barrel, over-under or side by side (whichever you prefer) with a modified choke for the first shot and a full or extra full choke for the second. They move out so fast you don't really need a third shot and I like having two different chokes. Stoke it with a your favorite pheasant load and call it good. I like a stiff charge of #5 shot.

[pecci]

This post makes a lot of sense. I like the idea of using different chokes in the 2 barrels. One of the things I was concerned about is not having that 3rd shot, as you would in an auto loader, but in the past I never had time for a 3rd shot. I usually got them with the first 2 anyway.

[GnarlyDude]

Pecci, I agree with you on the shotgun only areas. I picked up a private and public land map yesterday, with a recreational shooting area for SB county and realized that there is a lot of shotgun only, but I'm only going hunt those that are not with my .22wmr until i can pick up a shotgun. A buddy of mine has a shotgun, if he would only get out and get his license we will be able to hit both angles of the jacks in my area. Happy Hunting!

where did you get those maps???

[ffcoyote]

really enjoy my Benelli nova with a 26" barrel for everything

[yote9999]

where did you get those maps???

I purchased the public/private land from BLM, San Bernadino BLM also has a recreational shooters map that is color coded and very easy to use.

[Bisley]

I'd imagine in the no lead zone you'd use some steel shot of some kind.

You don't need lead free for rabbits, only large game and predators. (For now!)