Types of shotguns:
Modern shotguns come in several different types. From inexpensive break open single shots to ultra pricey doubles and everything in between. The average sportsman or person using a shotgun for personal security will likely be seen with either a pump action or auto loading design. We will be discussing the types of shotguns and their uses in more detail in future articles.
Gauges of modern shotguns:
The 10 gauge has a nominal bore diameter of .770 inch. It is the largest bore shotgun currently manufactured and for which factory ammunition is available. Its history goes back to before the turn of the 20th century. Although the 12 gauge is much more popular than the 10 gauge the 10 has increased in popularity in recent years due to the mandating of non lead shot for waterfowl hunting. Since the non lead shot is less effective the larger 3 ½ inch magnum loads of the 10 gauge makes up for the difference.The 12 gauge has a nominal bore diameter of .729 inch. It is the most popular gauge shotgun outselling all the other gauges combined. The 12 gauge is the jack of all trades of shotguns. Whether being used to shoot sporting clays, waterfowl or hunting deer it is the all around choice for shotgunners. Being the most popular gun it also has the most offering of ammunition. Every ammunition manufacturer makes several loading of the 12 gauge.
The 16 gauge is becoming more and more obsolete as every year passes. With a nominal bore diameter of .662 inch it is not a light and handy as the 20 gauge but can’t compete with the 12 gauge on the high end especially when non lead shot is required.
The 20 gauge is the second most popular gauge after the 12 gauge. With a nominal bore diameter of .615 inch it is widely used for sporting clays and skeet shooting. 20 gauge ammunition is very plentiful and each manufacturer ha several offerings. The popularity of this gauge is derived form it’s being a low recoil shotgun that works well at shotgun games. In the field especially with non lead shot it is not the best choice for actual hunting.
The smallest shotgun bore currently available is the .410. Unlike other shotguns which are designated by gauge, an old world measurement indicating how many lead balls of bore diameter equal a pound of weight, the .410 directly refers to the bore diameter. The .410 is really too light for any meaningful role as a hunting weapon. It is also not a good choice to break sporting clays as the shot pattern is thin and weak. About the only purpose for this size is as a training weapon for introducing people to shotgunning due to its very light recoil. Not that birds or clays can’t be dispatched with the .410, but it is a short range weapon requiring very good shooting skills to be used effectively. This of course contradicts its best use as a training weapon for the inexperienced. | |
