The Ideal Waterfowl Gun

by
posted on September 7, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (10)

The National Shooting Sports Foundation has released audio tips for selecting a waterfowling shotgun. The gist of NSSF's tips? You don't need a specialized duck gun. I tend to agree, but there are a few things Ilike in a waterfowl shotgun.

-3-inch chamber. Actually my point here is something you don't need: A 3 1/2-inch chamber. Non-toxic loads, including steel, have come a long way. Ammo makers have improved lethality (namely by reducing the amount of steel shot and speeding it way up) andpatterns. Want to continue spending the extra money for 3 1/2-inch shells? Fine. Maybe it'll help the economy. But a 3-inch, 12-gauge shell will kill decoying ducks and, yes, geese, just as dead.

-Semi-auto action. "But Wintersteen, pumps work after all the automatics have frozen up!" Baloney. If it's so cold outside that a decent quality, modern auto-loader won't function, I'll be inside watching football. Sure, every semi-autosuffers the occasionalcycling failure, but as long as you clean them and go light on the oil, the majorityare very reliable. They also don't require pumpingand most recoil less than pumps.

-Good recoil pad. Because duck loads kick, and I am a sissy.

-Synthetic stock.High-gloss walnutis pretty and nostalgia-evoking, but duck hunting is hard on guns. Why use a material that scratches, cracks and warps when we have more durable, less shinymaterials at our disposal?

-Matte black finish. Because shine is the enemy.

-28-inch barrel. No,I don't like a long barrelfor a"better line of sight." You shouldn't be looking at the barrel at all. My reasoning here is that shorter-barreled guns tend to be whippy and I like the handling characteristics of a heavy gun. Plus, as someone who has had his ears rung by a 24-inch gun,a long barrelisalso a little easier on yourblind mates'hearing.

Of course, choosing a shotgun isas subjective as picking a wife.Fortunately there's an option out there for any taste. What do you like in a duck gun?

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.