Who is shooting 24 ga / 58 cal smoothie?

[AZ-Robert]

Over on another thread, Mike Brooks wrote:

I've always found the 28 ga. and 20 ga. if properly loaded to be a very effective shotgun.

These two gauges get a lot of press, but what about the one in between them - the 24 gauge? I don't hear that one mentioned. Anybody using that one? Likes? Dislikes? How does it stack up in the "historically accurate" category (1750-1800)?

 

[Davecoughlin]

I shoot a 24 guage Caywood Wilson. Shoots roundball real well and patterns 7 1/2 shot well enough to be a fair shotgun. Nice and light to carry in the woods and more than enough muzzle energy to make it an effective hunting weapon.

I understand that the 24 guage is more PC than either 20 or 28!

Jester

 

[Mike Brooks]

They are fine, and I have a few friends who have shot them over the yeras. They are no more or no less historically accurate than any other caliber.
I'm probably just such a big fan of the 28ga. I never mention the 24ga.

 

[robinghewitt]

I shoot a lot of clays, I tried a 24 gauge and didn't get on with it. For clays I find 16 gauge is the smallest that works for me :m2c:

 

[Mike Brooks]

I have an 18 bore I shoot skeet with, but any of the other clay games (trap or sporting clays)and I want a 14 or 12 bore. I've had a 16 bore Getz fowling barrel for around 15 years that I've been wanting to stock up for myself. Always thought the 16 bore may be the ideal fowling choice! :thumbsup:

 

[Davecoughlin]

I have an 18 bore I shoot skeet with, but any of the other clay games (trap or sporting clays)and I want a 14 or 12 bore. I've had a 16 bore Getz fowling barrel for around 15 years that I've been wanting to stock up for myself. Always thought the 16 bore may be the ideal fowling choice! :thumbsup:

In another world I shoot 16 gauge almost exclusively, that and a 20 gauge have dropped many partridge, pheasant and deer. These cartridge guns have stood me well for 40 years now!

Clays, skeet, trap all have their "preferred" gauge and it is hard to compete unless you show up with a something similiar. Shooting trap with my 16 is satisfying but I can not compete with the 12 gauges on a consistant basis.

In the flintlock world I shoot a Tulle in 20 gauge and the Wilson on 24. The 24 is lighter, quicker and comes up on target faster every time.

I guess each to his own!

Jester

 

I've shot clay birds twice with my 24 - did about 50% both times ( about my average). I do a little better with my 20 trade gun and better yet with my 11ga sxs. Practice, practice, practice !!!!! Bill in Oregon

 

[dodgecity]

Jester, from your experience, do you find the 28 gauge to be reliable on grouse and pheasants, and at what ranges? How much shot are you putting down thr barrel? How does it do on turkey.

 

[big bore 75]

I love my type c in 24 ga and it love .535 round balls have tried 570's and 575's the 575's will not go down the bore, ny bore diam. is 577 and the 570 will work with a real light patch, and bolws the patches, but have found 535 work great untill I get my 560 mouldand see what happens , could use wads and souch , but don't want to carry all that extra stuff when hunting, with shot I just use #5's and grass and paper wads homemade not perfect but fun on tree rats. bb75

 

[Davecoughlin]

never tried the 28 gauge! I would think that with the right loads, you would be able to do well in the woods.

Jester