The small gauge par excellence: the 28 represents in fact the preferred one by many enthusiasts, in particular by shed hunters, but used in its different forms in the general hunting. In fact, we are talking about a medium-small, slender bullet cartridge with golden proportions, neither small nor large but very versatile!
Long used in old Europe and the United States, the 28 gauge has seen an ever-widening assortment of ammunition and refill materials in recent years, so many enthusiasts have chosen it as their first shotgun.
THE BALISTIC RANGE OF THE 28 GAUGE
Born mainly for hunting with shed decoys, the 28 gauge was then also adopted for excellent weapons used in valuable, sedentary and migratory game.
Its range varies according to the type of cartridge adopted, with a range ranging from 16 to 30 grams for standard cartridges up to 32/34 grams in Magnum cartridges. The former reach 27 meters away, while the larger weights go beyond 30 meters.
GO HUNTING WITH THE 28 GAUGE
Between the two quarrels the third enjoys. Yes, because the 28 gauge is the third (winning) hitch in the dispute between the supporters of the twelve and the twenty. So much that, in fact, many hunters resort to this and many gun manufacturers have tried to produce real jewels. There are several advantages for those who use it, such as:
- causes a small recoil that allows the aim to be held firmly;
- lightness of the weapon and ammunition, especially in the tracking hunt with the dog, which does not weigh on the ballistic yield;
- huge potential for any animal thanks to the right proportions of lead.
However, it must be assumed that, being a smaller gauge, it provides a smaller number of shots. Therefore, cold blood is required at a short distance, especially in the first meters.
Finally, those who decide to resort to this gauge must also be skilled at trying to predict every movement of the prey they are hunting, read the terrain well and look for the best shooting positions, otherwise the wild is at risk of being wasted. Experts also recommend selecting the choke and the best barrel length, mainly using internal or in/out chokes despite the fact that these require hard work in terms of shooting settings and finding the right ammunition.
THE 28 GAUGE IN SPORT
As with the 20 and 16, this gauge is not particularly used in competitions either. However, having noted a great interest, several provincial clubs decided to enlarge the family by placing it next to the .410. Considered in fact the spearhead of small gauges, the 28 is now the subject of numerous minor races. A challenge that appeals to every type of hunter prone to a change of mentality, especially for those who prefer or agree to shoot small charges and not the "classic bombs" of the 12 gauge.
The 28 gauge is thus an effectively lucky, widespread and appreciated gauge, thanks also to the modern sustained-weight cartridges that have led it to replace the now outdated 24 gauge. Eye-catching and light allows you to experience the thrill of hunting or sports shooting... without spreading ounces of lead!