help in picking shotgun for the task ?

[jamie]

what shotgun for knocking of the rabbits when ferreting ?

my old man has just got his ticket and has a 12 bore semi auto coming soon. but we need a shotgun for the rabbits when ferreting. dont really want to use the 12 as it makes a mess

so would a 20 or 28 bore be the one to go for ? not worried if its semi auto or over and under.
the 12 bore has 28 inch barrel but need something compacted for this so would a 26 inch barrel be better ?

do most 20 and 28 bore shotguns have differnet chokes with them or are most full choke ? because we need something with a bit of spread really

thanks for any advise guys atb jamie

[David]

A difficult question Jamie . You can of course get any choke combination you want with a multi-choke 20 bore semi or o/u. I have not seen a multi-choke 28bore although I am sure they must be available.
In my experience the smaller bore needs that much more accuracy, irrespective of choke, and I think that would take the 28b out of the equation. There is also the cost factor is that interests you - 28b will be generally more expensive than the 20. Although I have a 20b o/u and knocked over a couple of rabbits last night with it (1/4 fixed choke) I still have the feeling that I am more confident with a 12.
For bolting rabbits I would stick with a 12, any configuration that you are happy with, choke as open as possible (imp cylinder maybe) and a lightly loaded felt wad #6 cartridge 25 or 28 gram max). Certainly the 26" barrel might be a bit faster handling but for everyday use I doubt if you will see much difference from 28"
Thats only an old duffer's slant on it and I am sure some of these younger bunny bashers will be along later to shoot holes in my ideas

[jamie]

A difficult question Jamie . You can of course get any choke combination you want with a multi-choke 20 bore semi or o/u. I have not seen a multi-choke 28bore although I am sure they must be available.
In my experience the smaller bore needs that much more accuracy, irrespective of choke, and I think that would take the 28b out of the equation. There is also the cost factor is that interests you - 28b will be generally more expensive than the 20. Although I have a 20b o/u and knocked over a couple of rabbits last night with it (1/4 fixed choke) I still have the feeling that I am more confident with a 12.
For bolting rabbits I would stick with a 12, any configuration that you are happy with, choke as open as possible (imp cylinder maybe) and a lightly loaded felt wad #6 cartridge 25 or 28 gram max). Certainly the 26" barrel might be a bit faster handling but for everyday use I doubt if you will see much difference from 28"
Thats only an old duffer's slant on it and I am sure some of these younger bunny bashers will be along later to shoot holes in my ideas

thanks for the reply david i was just talking ot a guy at a gunshop and he said use the choke with most spread and use a light load so we will give that a try.

[Bluelungbutter]

Can i ask why the lighter load? Is this to cause less damage to the meat?

DunK

[jamie]

Can i ask why the lighter load? Is this to cause less damage to the meat?

DunK

yes mate i dont want to damage the meat. i want to get awaqy with the least damage possble because i eat my rabbits and seel them to the people round the old folks home they love them

[Foxy]

Can i ask why the lighter load? Is this to cause less damage to the meat?

DunK

yes mate i dont want to damage the meat. i want to get awaqy with the least damage possble because i eat my rabbits and seel them to the people round the old folks home they love them

I take it you have a meat hygene cretificate then.

[jamie]

Can i ask why the lighter load? Is this to cause less damage to the meat?

DunK

yes mate i dont want to damage the meat. i want to get awaqy with the least damage possble because i eat my rabbits and seel them to the people round the old folks home they love them

I take it you have a meat hygene cretificate then.

no

[Foxy]

Can i ask why the lighter load? Is this to cause less damage to the meat?

DunK

yes mate i dont want to damage the meat. i want to get awaqy with the least damage possble because i eat my rabbits and seel them to the people round the old folks home they love them

I take it you have a meat hygene cretificate then.

no

Ok but just thought i mention it as by law if you sell any game includung rabbits you need a meat hygean certificate

[hungryrob]

i want to get awaqy with the least damage possble because i eat my rabbits and seel them to the people round the old folks home they love them

Then don't use a shotgun Jamie; you will blat them every time. Unless you like spitting out pellets whist you eat pulped rabbit

[Beer Hunter]

Ok but just thought i mention it as by law if you sell any game includung rabbits you need a meat hygean certificate

I thought there was an exception for rabbit. Live and learn.

Kev.

[Foxy]

Ok but just thought i mention it as by law if you sell any game includung rabbits you need a meat hygean certificate

I thought there was an exception for rabbit. Live and learn.

Kev.

It may diffrent in Scotland but in England it is a requirement to have the certificate according to my pal who is a DMQ internal varifyer.
Foxy

[jamie]

its not like im selling them to the oap home and there cooking them up for the oap's
these people who live at the home i no they are friends of my family. so its just like you giving
rabbits to a friend of yours

[jamie]

i want to get awaqy with the least damage possble because i eat my rabbits and seel them to the people round the old folks home they love them

Then don't use a shotgun Jamie; you will blat them every time. Unless you like spitting out pellets whist you eat pulped rabbit

i dont mate its just for ferreting work really. the rabbits i shoot otherwise are head shots with 22lr or hmr