Small but powerful and characterised by a proper balance between weight-charge and speed performance, the 36 gauge contains the right energy in its small size casing compared to its older siblings. Those who have tried it or are lucky enough to use it in their outings or during training know well the potential of 36/410, hardly comparable to other gauges.
The 36 gauge cartridge, we specify 410 for the name adopted mainly in the United States, is a small gauge pallet cartridge, with a standard structure shell, plastic or cardboard tube, plastic base wad that acts as the bottom and seat of the trigger and a metallic case head that joins all these elements.
Born mainly for garden hunts, the 36 has then developed in shed hunting, especially for small migrants, when such a small gauge manages to create in those who use it an adequate and non-destructive ballistics. In addition, it is also ideal because the noise level generated does not frighten or remove any animals close to the stakeout.
THE RANGE OF THE 36 GAUGE
Like any gauge, the range varies according to the type of cartridge chosen and, consequently, the weight of the bullet charge. Generally speaking, this can range from 7-8 grams to 21 grams in standard speed cartridges, up to 25 grams in silenced cartridges.
The effective range is however mainly linked to the load of pallets itself: with 7-8 grams it is about 13/15 meters, a distance that grows to 17-18 meters with 10-12 grams until reaching 26-30 meters with the maximum weights.
GO HUNTING WITH A 36 GAUGE
As anticipated, the 36/410 gauge was designed for hunters who like to use these classic gauges loaded according to tradition. Strongly linked to the hunting practice of hunting huts for small migratory game, in the last decade thanks to the American and Anglo-Saxon influence, the production of weapons has moved not only for the hut but has also been made usable in different hunting environments. This has been accompanied by the appearance of ammunition of sufficient weight to increase the distance to hit the game even at greater distances, making this small gauge perfect for medium and small birds in standby position.
THE 36 GAUGE IN SPORT
For some years now, the 36/410 gauge has also been used in sport shooting competitions, created and organized exclusively for this discipline to which dedicated weapons have already been produced. Despite a useful range not particularly in favor of shooting in the Olympic pit or skeet, many shooters choose to use this small gauge to improve targeting settings. For this reason it is more suitable in skeet specialties such as Compak or itinerant Sporting.
The use of the 36 in sport and hunting is thus an excellent gym for those who are approaching this world or for those who, for some time, have been looking for a shot in which technique, aim and setting be king. All this, of course, without having to handle a heavy weapon and withstand the heavy blows that those who opt for larger gauges must suffer. Power to the little ones, we could say!