Mountain Shotgun?

[1KPerDay]

Franchi 48AL is a fantastic hiking gun. I use mine for mountain slogs looking for grouse and chukar. The 20 gauge is under 5.5 lbs and the 12 is not much more. New 20’s are on sale for $575 at Kentucky gun co but you can find them for about $350 on GB if you look around long enough.

 

[Cvans]

I think a 20-Gauge Stevens 311 with 26-inch barrels would be a nice choice & in very good condition can be found for $250-$300

This was my one and only shotgun for many years. Carried that gun for more miles than I care to think about and never gave it a thought. Was the only gun that I started to wear out from being shot so much. If lucky enough to stumble onto another I would buy it in a minute. Talk about a young man's memory maker.

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I use this sling for Outback 20" ov. Easy to quickly go around chest to free up both hands. The all rubber Rides very soft. Functions like a shock absorbent effect.

Stock photo

 

[Jeb Stuart]

Midland 18" and 24" with Turkey Choke
Dang they are LIGHT

 

[hq]

One thing to consider in really rough terrain is do you really want to carry a semi? I found myself loading and unloading so much to get through bad patches where falling down was a very good chance. One reason I like the OV and SS. Simple, reliable.

When the terrain gets really rough (climbing etc.) I usually just pop the shell out of the chamber and wedge it sideways between the bolt and the receiver. It takes just a couple of seconds to put it back and if it falls out, Benelli/Beretta doesn't feed another from the magazine until you push the feed button in front of the trigger guard.

OTOH, I also have a 60's vintage Valmet Leijona ("Lion") O/U with short (22"? 24"?), lightweight barrels. It's by far the most portable, easy to carry double barrel shotgun I've come across and not a bad alternative at all if you prefer a folding gun over semi auto. I really hate heavy shotguns for anything else than range work and most of my shotguns reflect that principle.

 

[d2wing]

I agree hq. I carry mine for miles sometimes. And I don't get many shots. My old back and arms don't like heavy guns of any kind. I also think that I should use hunting guns for range work or there is no point. What you do is your business.

 

[hq]

I also think that I should use hunting guns for range work or there is no point.

Hunting guns see a LOT of range duty. I have a pair of clay throwers on my yard so it's a near-zero-effort proposition. On the other hand, once in a while it's great to shoot a pure race gun like a dedicated 32-34" trap shotgun; much too heavy to comfortable carry on a grouse hunt but truly at home at the range.

This is veering a bit off the topic, though...

 

[Jeb Stuart]

I would say "range work" could be subjective. What is range work for trap/Skeet shooter vs Defense, vs Turkey, Deer. Buckshot, slugs, yardage, chokes and on and on.

 

[entropy]

Most hunters shoot clays games (Trap , Sporting, Skeet) with their hunting guns unless they want to compete in clays games seriously. Nothing wrong with that, that's what clays games were originally for. It evolved from shooting live birds (pigeons) released from a "trap", hence the terms Trap, and clay pigeon. Some shoot leagues on a formal course, or compete casually, some shoot with a Trius Trap or hand thrower in the back 40. The important thing is they are getting out and getting some practice in.
I do it backwards. I'm going pheasant hunting Monday, and I'm using my 1100 Competition Trap gun. (Readjusted to a lower POI than the 75/25 I had it set at for Trap....)

 

[d2wing]

I don't shoot clay pigeons because they don't taste good. Just kidding. I use only hunting guns because when I shoot I concentrate on the target. If I use a target gun then I have to think about it. That screws me up. I was trained to shoot that way in the Army. The USSF and NRA instructor training reinforced that for me.

 

[Blkhrt13]

I’m not a mountain person. But my favorite gun for briars and brush is a single shot youth twenty gauge. I have been around a bit on bigger more advanced guns but I can run the heck out of a good single. If the shell won’t pop out far and fast enough buff the chamber gently with a brass brush and lapping compound on fabric. In a drill. Go gently. But I carry spare shells between my fingers. I can feed it fast. It’s super light. Add a strap and you can sling it too. One hand all day carry.