.410 bore/28 gauge combo...

[upnut]

Bought a 28 gauge barrel from the classifieds to complement the .410 slug barrel on my project gun last week. It's a 22" barrel, so it matches the "compact, sub-gauge " theme of the gun. Picked up some WinchesterAA #8 and #71/2 to try first, looking at patterning at 25 yards to see what happens. I've never owned or shot a 28 gauge, so this is another fun project to experiment with. Anyone with experience shooting a 28 gauge could probably chime in with advice, it would be most welcome! I'll post some pics as time allows... ...Scott B.
 
Here is the .410 slug gun configuration:
 

[jpshaw]

I've never fired a 28 Ga.  In fact I've only seen one but heard that they are a real blast to shoot.  Very little recoil and enough shot to get it done.  My only plans for one is some data I've gotten to load 12 Ga shells to 28 Ga levels.  Meaning 3/4 oz of shot to about 1100 - 1200 fps.  The short shot string is supposed to pattern great.  Good luck with your project.

[jedman]

  I am a big 28 ga. fan.  I have owned more than a dozen in different actions semi autos, pumps, SxS doubles , O/U's and single shots, there all Great.
I use to shoot skeet for many years and noticed that once someone becomes proficient at the game usually you can shoot your best scores with the 28 ga.   They pattern very well and for hunting they will amaze you at there ability to take game cleanly.
  Back in the 70's before Federal laws changed to steel shot only for waterfowl hunting I use to shoot a 28 ga. over decoys in the early season and never had a problem killing ducks within 35 yards with it.  I also went phesant hunting in Iowa and South Dakota several times and always took more game carrying my light weight 28's over the others in our hunting party carrying heavy 12 autos with long barrels. Because I could carry my gun in a ready position where the rest  would have there heavy guns over there shoulder or in a position where flushing birds would be gone before they got there guns up. I was ready and before a bird would could get moving I could head shoot them and it was all possible because of a efficent 5 1/2 lb. gun shooting 28 ga. 3/4 & 7/8's oz. of lead shot.
I am not saying a 28 will do anything a bigger gun will do but when used for right job it can be the best choice. and most any shotgun in 28 ga. just feels better in my hands.
 Jed
 

[upnut]

Thanks for the replies! We did some basic function test firing this afternoon, everything mechanical passed initial tests. At 25 yards it shot a bit high and ,well, it didn't look like a very good pattern with #8's. The #7 1/2 did a little better, but still didn't get me excited. Moving in to 20 yards resulted in the patterns I expected at 25 yards. This is a 22" modified choke barrel, so perhaps this is normal. The whole setup felt clunky, but workable. Cleaning up afterward I put the barrel on my 20 gauge Pardner frame with pallet wood stock and forearm, locked up nicely and just "felt right" to shoulder and swing. Sooo....I will probably be on the lookout for an inexpensive Pardner to become a dedicated 28 gauge hunting shotgun. We spent the balance of our time blowing up plastic jugs with .410 slugs, a fun end to our afternoon!
 
Son Logan taking aim on a dish soap jug...clean kill!
 

 
June weather in March...WoW!
Scott B.

[PHATINJUN]

Some one is producing Foster style slugs for them also but don't recall who the manufacturer was. They are lots of fun on doves. Kurt

[upnut]

Some one is producing Foster style slugs for them also but don't recall who the manufacturer was. They are lots of fun on doves. Kurt

Brenneke is the only one I know of:

 
Around $10.00 for a box of five is a little too pricey for me, but they are available...Scott B.

[DaveH]

We have a couple H&R 28 gauge guns, the wife loves her's for small game hunting. Mine I use as my truck gun for those hmmm think I'll go hunting moments...   Both are H&R single shot adult size 26" barrels. I had the forcing cone worked and I burnish both barrels. If your not getting good patterning out of the gun it might be worth trying to burnish it...  Its allot of work but has improve the pattern on every gun I have done it on.

[upnut]

We have a couple H&R 28 gauge guns, the wife loves her's for small game hunting. Mine I use as my truck gun for those hmmm think I'll go hunting moments...   Both are H&R single shot adult size 26" barrels. I had the forcing cone worked and I burnish both barrels. If your not getting good patterning out of the gun it might be worth trying to burnish it...  Its allot of work but has improve the pattern on every gun I have done it on.

Thanks for the advice!
 
Scott B.