Many shooters shot squirrels or rabbits with a .410 when they were a kid. He shoots 3 inch shells #4 shot. I have a 12 gauge getting heavy to carry. “I like a long brass 7 ½ shot for cottontail rabbits and 6 shot for the larger swamp rabbits,” says Montague. Its light to carry, light on recoil, easy on game meat, and always impresses a new hunting partner when they see how deadly it is. On this episode of Whitetail Collective we are sighting in our Mossberg rifles. Our group was hunting pheasant and bobwhite quail on Kansas public lands in the mid-2000s. The .410 shotguns could be the most misunderstood of all guns, and certainly all shotgun gauges. Rabbits are adaptable creatures that tend to live along field edges as well as timber. Cloudy days seem to find rabbits holed up more often.”. Several popular shotgun options from Mossberg include the Mossberg 500 or 835 pump shotguns, Mossberg International Silver Reserve II Over/Under break action shotgun, and the Mossberg 930 autoloading shotgun. I vividly recall walking through a spruce thicket on public land following the sound of dog bells after shooting my first snowshoe hare. We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience. Rabbit hunting roots run deep, and if you dig deep enough, you’ll find rabbit hunting was the norm long before deer and waterfowl hunting stole the show in more modern times. At 35 yards and in he is deadly with it and rarely misses. My dad hunts with a mossberg 410 pump. !...it is REAL handy and light to carry...and the challenge is AWESOME!! Briar-proof pants or bibs are worth their weight in gold when it comes to busting brush for rabbits. The rich tradition of rabbit hunting promises a good time with great friends. (2) A person shall not use the following to take small game: (a) A shotgun shell containing a shot size larger than number two (2); or (b) Single projectile shotgun ammunition. It has a 24 inch full choke barrel on it. Make sure everyone in your hunting party is wearing orange so they are easily seen. Squirrel. !...im sure there will be more misses and the rabbit will live to be ran another day...but that will be good for the hounds!!!...LOL. The double-barrel break-action is hard to beat for still-hunting rabbits, allowing you to take longer pokes at stationary rabbits with the.22LR … This Educational video discusses Rabbit Hunting Shotgun Tips, and what is best .410 .20 or .12 Gauge? The .410 is not ideal for beginning wingshooters, but it does have other qualities. What load to use in a 410 also for rabbits ? He hits em better with it than he did with the 20 gauge he used to carry. The modified choke spreads out the shot pattern in a moderately wide spread. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 3290 W. Big Beaver Rd. the shots were alot closer than expected, and these guns ended up destroying almost all of the rabbit. And with so few rabbit hunters still in the sport these days, competition from other hunters is often slim to none. A 410 shotgun is widely used for pest control, clay shooting and hunting small game like rabbits. So when is the best time to go rabbit hunting? Come January, there isn’t much else to do … If it cripple it my dogs will track it down and catch it. I like the 410 because its more of a challenge than blasting them with a 12. makes for longer runs which i'm all about. For me, it’s just a matter of priorities; you see, deer season and the holidays take up most of my spare time as the year winds down. Helping make the choices in proper shotgun setups for snowshoe hare hunting including shot size and choke selection. -Rabbit Hunting with a Single-Shot!Hunting rabbits without either an automatic or a pump. At the age of 14, shortly before hunting season started, I was given my first shotgun for snowshoe hare hunting. Contact Us. © Copyright 2021O.F. “Either gun works just fine on both cottontail or swamp rabbits when choked with a modified, 26” or 28” barrel.”  When it comes to guns, everyone seems to have their favorite. “But the best days seem to be when the temperature is 45-55 degrees and the sun is shining. These guns are tough, dependable and priced just right. But I also use a Mossberg .410 pump shotgun to decent effect. I have seen him hit em out there at 40 yards and the dogs run em down, but if they are inside of 35 yards they are usually dead as he dont miss many. Look for heavy cover in and around fields, or in broken up timber. It's my training shotgun, so it's always handy. I have used a Thompson Contender with the 45/410 barrel for 2 seasons now and i dont see going back to a shotgun. Each of these are well balanced, easy-to-carry guns, making them perfect for hunting upland birds It is much better for rabbit sized game than 7.5 would be in the .410. Whistle like a hawk to make a rabbit stop and stand up for the shot. those that hunt with me will attest at times I might need more than one shot. If knocking down birds with your 20 or 28 has become just too easy, this is a classy and classic option; it's also a fun choice for rabbits, squirrels, and clays. Some view the .410 as a gun for kids, an inconsistent crippler, and difficult to use on flying … He is 66 years old and switched over to the 410 about 5 years ago. I use both 2 1/2 and 3 inch shells but both in the #4 shot. If you’re in the Tennessee, Mississippi or Arkansas area, give Mr. Billy a call. Rabbit populations tend to vary by region and can be largely dependent on predator populations in an area as well as the development of suitable habitat. I shoot 3" #6 shot and can take rabbits regularly at 40 yards. Book a rabbit hunt with Billy! I still have my old rem 1100 410,shoots 3" shells in excellent condition. i got a 410 model 500 pump with the barrell cut down to imp cyl.i can actually shoot better and hit more with the 410 vs 20ga.its light and i have made some pretty long shots with the little gun,and like the other fella said it dont tare your rabbits up as bad!! went a few days ago with 410s. Shots on rabbits can be fast and furious. #RabbitGunGauge #ShotgunPattern #MichiganRabbitHunt As for the best loads for rabbits, Mr. Billy has his favorites on that as well. Rabbit hunting roots run deep, and if you dig deep enough, you’ll find rabbit hunting was the norm long before deer and waterfowl hunting stole the show in more modern times. I started using Remington 3" #4's. You are not going to hit very many running rabbits with a 22. H&R Pardner in .410, a perfect first rabbit gun. “Most hunters typically carry a 12 gauge or 20 gauge,” says Montague. There's really no need to use the 3" rounds if you can hit what you're aiming at. 1. They live for the opportunity to sniff out and chase a rabbit. By John Taylor. Are All .410 Shotguns The Same.410 shotguns … The .410 (and 28) fight an up-hill battle of misunderstanding, misuse, real, and perceived disadvantages. in brush I like #6 or 7.5's in a 12 mod..Along Railroads I like #6's full choked for those long shots out to 55 yrds. Gear. The two best methods of rabbit hunting are with dogs, and to walk through the brush and kick one out. I carry a single shot that has a full choke. !...I LOVE IT!! The only downfall is the cost of ammo. Its light to carry, light on recoil, easy on game meat, and always impresses a new hunting partner when they see how deadly it is. Privacy Policy | The .410 is my favorite rabbit gun. Maybe the shells would go down then. Rabbits are a real nuisance around here. Rabbit hunting is something I never give much thought to, until after the first of the year. The Best Shotgun for Hunting Rabbits The perfect rabbit gun, like a good grouse gun, should be light enough to carry one-handed as you fend off brush with the other hand. The key is to have the one that allows you to smoothly swing on a fast-moving target, regardless of whether it’s a pump gun, break action, or auto-loader. The Henry .410 Lever Action really shines when it's rabbits you're after. Some might say that a 12-gauge destroys the rabbit and if one intends to have their hunt on their dinner table, it … I went rabbit hunting a few weeks ago with my brother and friend. Rabbits will hide out in some of the thickest terrain imaginable. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. Safety and Safe Firearms Handling is Everyone’s Responsibility, Privacy Center | The .410 Shotgun: Everything You Need to Know About Hunting and Shooting with this Sub-Gauge. While the 12 gauge is the most popular, there are those among us who derive great pleasure from hunting them with 20 gauges, 16 gauges and even the little .410. Modified choke is most often used. : Fellows, is there a .410 Pistol that is dependable to kill rabbits with ?????? A box of .410 costs twice as much as a box of 20 guage. While the 12-gauge or 20 would be a first choice, I have known rabbit hunters looking for a real challenge that will use a.410 gauge shotgun. Been there done that. Still, there are those, like rabbit hunting guide, Billy Montague, who would prefer rabbit hunting with a shotgun over sleep and supper. But the variety of guns to choose from is even more extensive than the animals there are to hunt There’s little point being dogmatic about guns and cartridges when bolting rabbits: use what you feel is best for yourself at a distance you’re confident of making a clean kill. If there were such a thing as the perfect firearm for rabbit hunting it would have to be the shotgun. The.410 is named after its caliber measurement; the diameter of the bore is.410 of an inch, … I have a contender in 45/410 with 10" barrel its legal to own in Missouri but not to hunt with. 10 Great Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns for Hunting Rabbits. Better yet, you can find rabbits just about everywhere. More Guns. JavaScript is disabled. Terms of Use | For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Wear comfortable clothes and boots that can handle the terrain you’re hunting. He hosts hunts on his own land as well bringing his dogs to your land. by Leon Wright Hunter 4. Just like ever thing else there's good loads a.d bad loads. :banghead: John, the Rev is correct, the barrel is 18.25 long, and is legal in NY as long as longer than 18", and has to have a stock !! A forum community dedicated to rabbit hunting beagle owners and enthusiasts. I too hunt with a .410 over and under. i use #4 high brass and will shoot no further than 20 yards on a sitting rabbit and less on a running one. April 26, 2019. Round up some friends, hounds, your favorite shotgun and a pocket full of shells, and hit the woods for what will no doubt be one of the most exciting hunts of the season. And its almost that time of year again I pistolize most of them I shoot. My friend’s son carried the small toy-like shotgun proudly as if it were a Holland-and-Holland 12-bore side-by-side. And listening to the sounds of dogs on the trail of a rabbit is music to a rabbit hunter’s ears. Read our Privacy Policy to learn more about how we use cookies. Early on, the .410 was considered a "taxidermist's shotgun," as the pellet count was so low the possibility of severely damaging a mount was decreased. Small game can give you challenges and memories as special as any giant buck. For many years I followed the time honored tradition among American hunters of slinging two rounds of lead down-range the day before rifle hunting, thinking this was an adequate tune-up…, Maverick Hunter™ Over/Under Recall Notice », Sighting in our Mossberg Rifles | The Whitetail Collective. Wear a hunting vest with a game bag for easily toting your rabbits throughout the hunt. My buddies ragged me when i first got it calling it my PEA shooter!! i bought mine right at the end of this past hunting season!...i have ONE miss...and ONE kill with it!! we all used either 20 or 12 gauges. The last time I encountered a single-shot shotgun was during a hunt with a good friend and his son. This spread is good for running rabbits that offer a challenging shot to begin with. Not the end of the world. I shoot 3" #6 shot and can take rabbits regularly at 40 yards. From looking at the regs, it looks like you can use a .410 just so you are not using slugs or shot larger than #2. Having said that, my .410 shells are a lot lighter but, being sixes they still kill with ease out to 35 yards. I would guess maybe 5lbs at the most. a 410 is great for rabbits. Billy Montague with the hounds he affectionately refers to as his kids. As for the shell size, I wouldn't hesitate to use 2.5" shells. There is nothing—and I mean nothing—more difficult in all of bird hunting than killing an educated eastern tom. It’s not just a myth! Absolutely love my .410 I wish everybody would buy one. The 10 Best Upland Shotguns Ever Made. The .410 makes limited sense in certain states where rabbit and squirrel cannot be hunted with rimfire rifles and handguns, but with its dismal pattern and high cost per shot it is neither practical nor particularly effective. “Every day of the season is a good day to go rabbit hunting,” says Montague. Suite 500, Troy, Michigan 48084 USA. I've had my .410 O/U for around six years, wouldn't have anything else, and have made some remarkable shots !!!!!! The only problem would be finding #6 shot in a 2.5" loading. I recently caught up with Mr. Billy to talk hounds and the rabbits they pursue, for some insight on the great tradition of rabbit hunting with a shotgun. The .410 is my favorite rabbit gun. It actually works – if you can whistle like a hawk. The light loads not so good. Do your part to keep the old tradition of rabbit hunting alive this year. The smallest shotgun used for hunting purposes is the.410 for rabbits and squirrels, typically, while the largest is the 10 gauge for geese and swans. If you actually want a weapon that will increase your success when rabbit hunting, go with a shotgun. at the same ranges, not nearly as much overkill, and still a plenty dead rabbit. I don't mind wasting a shell, so if I can see it well enough and get a shot off I shoot. Rabbits typically circle back to their home area after being jumped by the dogs. These shotguns have very low recoil and are more controllable, which makes them great for young shooters. The only downfall is the cost of ammo. Come join the discussion about breeding, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, supplies, classifieds, and more! it seems like i bought my 410 2 1/2 inch #6 shells for around $10.50 a box!! dependig on where you hunt. I had too many run-offs with 6's and 7.5's Don't use skeet loads! Still, there are those, like rabbit hunting guide, Billy Montague, who would prefer rabbit hunting with a shotgun over sleep and supper. I bought my hushpower pedretti 410 for fox dispatch in live catch traps, but its a great little gun for rough shooting too, I have one permission that has noise issues and he wont give anyone shotgun permission, barring me, once he'd seen/heard how quite they are with subs in them, although I now just use standard 3" carts, not alot of difference, Overgrown fields and timber edges make a great place to find rabbits hiding out. These rabbits are always running and a shotgun would be a much better choice. That is the lightest gun I have ever picked up. Rabbits; or 2. Move in and set up on the spot the dogs first strike a rabbit, with hunters spread out 50-70 yards apart. The .410 shotgun is a hunting weapon that’s loved by some hunters and disliked by others. Nowadays, most of the shotguns manufactured for hunting are 12-gauge. The secret, of course, is to place the gun and shot pattern in the right direction. These guns can also be used for larger game like coyote or deer, but with heavy loads and good accuracy-skills. I carry a single shot that has a full choke. Either i kill it or miss it. Open fields and brush or railroad tracks. The 12-gauge firearm is definitely powerful and can be used for any type of hunting. Because rabbits inhabit some of the thickest vegetation on the farm, rabbit dogs (Beagles) are typically put to work to get them out of the “hole” and ran past the hunters. The guys are trying multiple types of ammo brands to see which one shoots best! Recently, I noticed several … If you haven’t turkey hunted for more than a decade, they’re smarter…. Provided you wait until after deer season, some landowners are more than willing to allow you to access their property for rabbits. Latest. Buy the heavy loads in the 2 1/2 " and they're awesome. Rich in tradition, rabbit hunting will cause you to step back in time and chase after one of hunting’s forgotten treasures. Depending on who you ask, rabbit hunting can provide one of the most fun and exciting hunting adventures you’ll experience all season long. It's light, comfortable and attractive , I love it----- Shoot #6 Mags. Best Neck Gaiter: Protection from the Neck Up in Every Season. How far of a shot can you shoot with a 410 shotgun at rabbits ? Call 901-626-5822 or check out Beagle Chase Hunting Service on Facebook. But for pure fun it's a 410 with 5's behind a couple basset hounds. The sights and sounds of Beagle hounds in hot pursuit of fleeting rabbits will bring a smile to any hunter’s face. Like most sporting dogs, the Beagles work is a pursuit of passion. !...it shoots real good at 20 yards and the pattern isnt real pretty at 30 yards with the #6 shot i was using!! By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. (Photo: David Higginbotham) I cut my teeth growing up with the old single shot, break-action H&R Pardner in a .410 … Rugged and reliable, the lineup of shotguns from Mossberg are hard to beat when it comes to the perfect gun for rabbit hunting. I have hit rabbits crossing a rail road track at 40 yards and missed them alot closer lol. Proponents say that it’s lightweight and minimal kick make it an excellent gun for various types of game and for beginners, while critics claim the weapon lacks the power needed to get the job done, especially when it comes to larger game like deer.. #5's from a pump 410 are a blast. My favorite shotgun for rabbit hunting is this original, pre-war Winchester Model 42, in 410 gauge/bore. !i shoot #5 and 6 in 3in..love my little gun:clap: This my favorite gun, shoot #6 3" high brass, I have shot rabbit to 30yds!! But that attitude may be changing, as Gun Digest reports that, while using a Savage M-24 combination gun (featuring a .22 rifle barrel over a .410 shotgun barrel) it was possible to hit rabbit-size targets at 80 yards and claim clean kills on bobcats and coyotes using the .410 barrel (a trap field is only 50 yard, by comparison). Barrel less than 18" need handgun pemit, and no stock is illegal here.