Author Topic: 10ga general usefulness  (Read 681 times)

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Offline BattleRifleG3

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10ga general usefulness
« on: May 21, 2007, 02:57:16 AM »
Considering a 10ga shotgun, particularly a Browning BPS-10, but would like to get a little bit more familiar with people's opinions of what a 10ga is really useful for.

So far turkey, ducks, and geese come to mind.  But I know that 12ga is more commonly used at least for turkey.  So what opinions have come from experience?

I saw a 10ga set up with a cylinder choke and a scope, presumably as a deer slug gun.  That I just don't understand.
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Offline dukkillr

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Re: 10ga general usefulness
« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2007, 04:33:16 AM »
Turkey? No.  Too heavy, way too heavy.  Early in my turkey hunting career I used a BPS 10ga but it was clear that I could do much better.  A good turkey gun is light weight, camo, and has a short barrel.  My BPS 10 was none of those things. 

Ducks?  No.  Too expensive, too heavy, too slow.  A box of steel shells for a 10 are substantially more than a box of 3" 12ga.  The weight of the gun also makes it slow to swing and somewhat poorly balanced.  Plus the extra long pumping stroke makes the gun slow to shoot.  For veteran 3 1/2 12 ga guys maybe this isn't a problem, but I'm not one of them.  I don't see the need to shoot 3 1/2" 12ga shells for ducks.  Also I've never seen waterfowl loads in shot smaller than 2s.

Geese?  Yes.  This is why I still own my BPS 10.  Simply put 10ga 3 1/2 BBBs are a lethal load for canadas.  Could they be killed with a 12 instead?  Sure, but any veteran goose hunter will tell you that a Canada can take an impressive amount of shot.  The extra pattern density and knock down power are worth the work.  Plus the major downsides don't apply as much when goose hunting.  Usually you don't have to carry the gun that far and the shooting isn't as fast.

As for slugs?  No clue.  I've never seen a 10ga slug and I can't make a judgment.  Seems like something someone would do more because of novelty than usefulness. 

Offline moxgrove

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Re: 10ga general usefulness
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2007, 09:20:12 AM »
   Goose hunting is definitely where the 10 ga shines.

Offline BattleRifleG3

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Re: 10ga general usefulness
« Reply #3 on: June 14, 2007, 06:31:14 AM »
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.  Is it fair to conclude that most people would consider the 10ga mainly a dedicated goose gun?  Is there nothing else for which the 10ga is considered a decent choice?
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Offline dukkillr

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Re: 10ga general usefulness
« Reply #4 on: June 14, 2007, 10:48:30 AM »
Most people buy a 10 for goose hunting or novelty.  In my opinion it only out performs other choices for goose hunting.  Of course people buy and shoot all sorts of guns that aren't the best choice.  Some people just like to tinker with guns and have unique options available.  If you want one, buy it.