hey guys, lookin to get into some pheasant hunting and just wonderin what you prefer, 12 or 20 ga? I'm lookin into maybe gettin a new gun and i also wanted to know if i should go for a side by side, over under, or stick with my 12 ga 870...the gun wouldnt be just for pheasant hunting, i'd shoot trap and skeet with it too so its not like im buyin a new gun just to try pheasants. thanks

-livn

thats the same gun i use i love it put does get heavy after awhile. Me and my buddies all use 12gage

As my long time hunting buddies say, "Stick with what you know". Unless you are going to practice alot with your new gun. Stay with a pump if you are used to a pump and so on.

As far as gauge, I think it depends on your preference. I have shot more pheasants with my 20 gauges than with my 12's. I personally prefer a 20. They are light, quick on birds, and provide enough knockdown power. I shoot an auto or an OU, but again its preference. Whatever you choose, shooting clays and getting a feel for your gun is crucial.

It dosen't really matter on gauge. My brother and me went on our first pheasant hunt this last Jan. and we used our 12 gauge Benelli Super Black eagle II's. And they worked great. But my buddie brought his trusty over and under 20 and killed more birds than I did.

If you think you are going to have to shoot long shots then I would go with a 12 but if you are comforable with a 20 they will do the job to. Both are great gauges with the right shells on pheasants.