Duck hunting is probably the most popular type of fowl hunting in the world today and this trend is most likely to continue in the years to come mostly thanks to the continuous development in the technology of the items used for such purposes. This type of waterfowl hunting is somewhat different from the rest as calling and the weather conditions play an important role and the key to all this is how the hunter adapts to these situations. Another reason for the popularity of duck hunting is the somewhat high level of complexity this form offers.

Duck Hunting Guns

Duck hunting guns are in most cases 10, 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. The first one is the most popular among hunters but it is also the heaviest. As far as the shells are concerned, duck hunters should use non-toxic shells like steel, bismuth and tungsten models. It is advisable to use a pump or an autoloader as they have the capability to reload much faster and easier when compared to a standard break action gun. The autoloaders are known for being gentler with the shoulder of the hunter but the pumps are more affordable and in many cases, more reliable, even in difficult areas.

Duck Hunting Shotguns

Some people use a 3 ½ inch or a 3 inch 12 gauge duck hunting shotgun because these models are not as heavy as the 10 gauge models are, making them significantly more easy to use in any type of terrain or weather. Not taking into consideration those situations that require long distance shots, the 3 inch gun is the way to go. The 3 ½ inch model is comparable to the 10 gauge but it has the advantage of being more maneuverable. For a more level swing, experienced hunters recommend purchasing a gun that has a longer barrel ( over 26 inches ). The long barrel also offers the advantage of being much easier on the hunter’s ears. Here are a few examples of recommended duck shotguns: Beretta 391, Citori XT Trap, Benelli Super Black Eagle II, Browning BPS Stalker and the Remington 870.

The best shotgun for duck hunting is the one that feels the most comfortable. If you would ask ten people you would get ten different answers. The reviewers on the site started debating upon which would be the best duck hunting guns and after shortening the list for a couple of times, they came up with a single answer: the Remington 870. It was introduced back in the 1950s to compete with the Winchester Model 12 and it became the best selling shotgun in the history of United States – more than 7 million shotguns sold. The best duck gun needs to be reliable, which the Remington certainly is. The stock length of pull needs to fit the shooter and if there is a question, a short stock is easier for everyone to shoot than a long one, with youth models and their shorter stocks sometimes being helpful in this area. The shotgun has a limited ammunition capacity so this is one of the few disadvantages the gun has. The magazine extension tubes are good, but the upfront weight arguably can affect gun-handling characteristics especially inside compressed areas like the home. For those of you thinking of getting one, gun experts recommend purchasing an older model of the 870 because the new ones are not as good.

Duck hunting guns offer a wide array of variety which is why gun experts recommend spending time trying out more models, experimenting with modified and improved chokes. Full and improved modified chokes are used for pass shooting. Some manufacturers make chokes specifically for "ducks over decoys" and "pass-shooting." Buying a gun with a longer barrel of over 26 inches will offer a more level swing. These longer barrels also have the advantage of being much easier on the ears which can be very important after a few hours of hunting. Synthetic stocks clean up better and handle the abuse of waterfowling better than wood.

All things considered, it is highly advisable to be careful when choosing a shotgun for duck hunting because the list of offerings is huge, in all price ranges. This does not mean that the most expensive gun is the best. Try out as many as you can and see which fits you the best.