man shooting with shotgun

Shotgun Guide for Upland Bird Hunting

Upland bird hunting is a fun and exciting sport that requires the best tools. Your shotgun is the most essential tool you'll need. If you're hunting pheasants, quail, or grouse, the right shotgun will impact your hunt's success and overall enjoyment. In this guide, we'll talk about the most common types of shotguns, the best gauges for different birds, and what to look for when buying your first shotgun.

Types of Shotguns for Upland Hunting

1. Over/Under Shotguns

Over/under shotguns have two barrels stacked on top of each other. They are popular because of their reliability, balance, accuracy, and ease of use. They can hold two shells at once and have different amounts of choke. 

  • Pros: Reliable, balanced, and easy to maintain.

  • Cons: Heavier and more expensive.


Examples of over/under shotguns

  • Browning Citori 725

  • Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I

  • Caesar Guerini Tempio

  • Franchi Instinct L

  • Rizzini BR110

2. Side-by-Side Shotguns

Side-by-side shotguns are another type of shotgun with two barrels placed next to each other. They are famous for class and style but are not as common as they used to be.

  • Pros: Classic look and great for close-range shots.

  • Cons: Harder to find and limited options.

upland hunting with gear and gun

Best example of Side-by-Side Shotguns

  • CZ Bobwhite G2

  • Beretta 486 Parallelo

  • Holland & Holland Royal Side-by-Side

  • AYA No. 2

  • Winchester Model 21


3. Pump-Action Shotguns 

Pump-action shotguns are operated manually by the shooter. They pull the sliding forend back and forth to eject spent shells. These shotguns are tough, reliable, and affordable, making them a good choice for beginners. 

  • Pros: Affordable, durable, and versatile.

  • Cons: Slower follow-up shots.

Shotgun for upland hunting

Best Pump-action Shotguns 

  • Remington 870

  • Mossberg 500

  • Winchester SXP

  • Benelli Nova

  • Browning BPS

4. Semi-Automatic Shotguns 

Semi-automatic shotguns are fast and easy to shoot, as they automatically chamber a new shell after the firing of the previous one. Their automatic cycling makes them the prime choice for quick follow-up shots.

  • Pros: Fast follow-up shots and less recoil.

  • Cons: More expensive and needs regular cleaning.

loading shotgun

Top Semi-Automatic Shotguns 

  • Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

  • Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus

  • Browning Maxus II

  • Remington V3

  • Winchester SX4

5. Single-Barrel Shotguns 

Single-barrel shotguns have one barrel and only allow one shot at a time. They are simple, lightweight, and a good option for newbies or hunters on a budget.

  • Pros: Lightweight and budget-friendly.

  • Cons: Only one shot before reloading.


Best Single Barrel Shotguns 

  • Harrington & Richardson Topper

  • Henry Single Shot Shotgun

  • Stevens 301

  • Rossi Tuffy

  • New England Firearms Pardner

Choosing the Right Gauge for Upland Birds

The gauge of your shotgun is essential. Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right one:

  • Pheasant: 12-gauge or 20-gauge

  • Pheasants are big birds, so you'll need a shotgun with power. A 12-gauge shotgun will be the best to bring into action, but a 20-gauge can also help you shoot down pheasants.

  • Quail and Woodcock: 20-gauge or 28-gauge

  • These smaller birds don't need as much power as required for pheasants. So, a 20-gauge or 28-gauge shotgun is enough for these game birds.

  • Grouse and Chukar: 20-gauge or 12-gauge

  • These birds are fast and challenging to hit. A 20-gauge shotgun is lightweight and easy to swing, while a 12-gauge gives you more power in such a hunt.

High-End Shotguns for Seasoned Hunters

If you want to invest in a top-quality shotgun, here are some great options:

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon One 20 Bore

A  beautiful and reliable 20 gauge over/under shotgun that is a matchless contender among shotguns for upland hunting. This shotgun weighs 6lb 14oz, comes with 3″ chambered steel barrels, and has a beautiful floral design.

Benelli Ultralight: 

This lightweight, easy-to-carry, and fast-handling semi-auto shotgun is perfect for day-long upland bird hunting. It mainly features a shortened mag tube and a carbon-fibre rib with 26-inch for 12-gauge and 24-inch for 20-gauge barrels.

shotgun bullets

Ruger Red Label 28-gauge

It's a classic over & under shotgun that is great for upland hunting. It has 28" barrels with screw in chokes and five choke tubes. The design and features of the Ruger Red Label have been changed several times since its launch.

Best Shotguns for Beginners

If you're new to upland hunting, here are some shotguns that are easy to use and won't break the bank:

  1. Browning 725 Field

The Browning 725 Field is a versatile over/under shotgun. It is easy to handle and comes in 12-gauge and 20-gauge variants. Highlighted features of the gun include gloss, oil finish, grade II/III checkered walnut stock, and a white steel receiver with high-relief engraving.

  1. Remington 870

The Remington 870 is a reliable and affordable pump-action shotgun. It's affordable and great for beginners. It has sleek, classical lines, ultimate strength and smooth, effortless operation. It comes with an 8-inch barrel and a seven-shot magazine capacity.

man carrying shotgun on shoulder

  1. Beretta Ultraleggero

The Beretta Ultraleggero is lightweight and provides quick maneuverability. It's perfect for long days in the field. It features a lighter steel receiver and techno-polymer receiver inserts. 

Final Thoughts

Picking the right shotgun for upland bird hunting depends on your budget, experience, and the type of birds you're hunting. Whether you choose a classic over/under like the Browning Citori Gran Lightning, a budget-friendly pump-action like the Remington 870, or something in between, the key is finding a comfortable shotgun that suits your needs.

Upland hunting is all about enjoying nature and the thrill of the hunt. With the right shotgun, you'll be ready for anything.