Choosing a Dove Gun

[MRH]

Unless you are an exceptional shot, take Lots of ammo. 7 1/2 or 8 shot. For chokes and you have an option of chokes, start with IC, switching to Mod in a day or so when the birds wise up. I've used a variety of 12ga and 20ga. My go to guns these days are a 20 ga Beretta 391 or a 20ga O/U Citori.

The guns you have would do just fine, although you might consider a lighter gun if you are walking all day.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

I bought a Rem 1100 lightweight in 20 ga. It served me well.

 

[btg3]

...if you are walking all day.

Doves? That's not how it's done around here.

 

[oneounceload]

NO one walks after doves, but quail, chukar, grouse and pheasant are a different story

 

[MRH]

I'd prefer to set up in some trees or a blind with a MOJO in front, but in one of the areas I hunt, the doves head for a 40 acre field to feed. The only way to get them is to walk the field.

 

[TreeDoc]

Ithaca model 37 12g mod choke has brought down many a dove, tried out a Beretta 390 last season, same amount of birds in the bag. Shoulder felt better after 3rd day.

 

[cdb1]

I have a Maxus and a couple of SX3's but I'm most accurate with my Franchi's which cost a good bit less - a 720 and a 12 gauge Affinity. For me if the shotgun doesn't fit just right I can't shoot it and the Franchi's fit me the best. My two kids shoot all of our shotguns equally well.

 

[RiverDawg]

My dedicated dove gun is a Remington 1100 12 gauge with a 26" barrel. Shooting 2 3/4" bird shot. Never had a problem getting my limit. 1100 is a classic for a reason.

As a matter of fact, shooting clays and dove hunting are the only times I bust out the 1100. 11/87 and my Franchi Intensity handle the turkeys and ducks.

 

[45crittergitter]

NO one walks after doves,

Uhm, yeah, some of us do.

 

[PapaG]

State ground, 1100 20 ga. with steel. Skeet barrel. Switch to lead on my land.