Wildfowling: Modern Duck and Goose Guns

Published on May 10, 2018
Duration: 24:00

This video provides a comprehensive overview of modern shotguns suitable for wildfowling, focusing on their suitability for duck and goose hunting in various environments. Experts Nick and Alan discuss the pros and cons of different action types (inertia, gas, pump), materials (plastic, metal), and finishes (camo, black) in the context of saltwater and freshwater conditions. They also cover ammunition choices like steel and bismuth, and the importance of matching loads to gun capabilities and legal requirements.

Quick Summary

Modern wildfowling shotguns prioritize reliability and corrosion resistance, often featuring semi-automatic actions with plastic components for durability in harsh environments. Inertia-driven systems are favored for their simplicity and robustness. While camouflage is popular, practical finishes that resist rust are more critical for saltwater conditions. Ammunition choice, especially steel shot compatibility, is paramount.

Chapters

  1. 00:08Introduction to Wildfowling Guns
  2. 00:50Benelli Super Black Eagle II: Inertia Action
  3. 01:59Recoil and 3.5-inch Cartridges
  4. 02:33Camouflage vs. Black Finishes
  5. 03:50American vs. UK Wildfowling Environments
  6. 05:04Plastic Coating and Durability
  7. 05:41Older Shotguns for Wildfowling
  8. 06:00Steel Shot Regulations and Chokes
  9. 08:01Bismuth Cartridges as an Alternative
  10. 09:09Budget-Friendly First Guns
  11. 10:25Benelli M4 (Backup Gun)
  12. 10:40Sling Use for Wildfowling
  13. 11:47Pump-Action Shotguns: Pros and Cons
  14. 12:24Lincoln Wildfowler Over-Under
  15. 13:583.5-inch Cartridges in Over-Unders
  16. 14:22Browning Auto-5: The Beast
  17. 15:11Browning Auto-5 Performance Example
  18. 15:47Non-Toxic Shot Adoption
  19. 16:10Load Selection for Different Game
  20. 17:00Magazine Cutoff on Browning Auto-5
  21. 17:35Summary: Perfect Wildfowling Piece
  22. 18:14Ideal Semi-Automatic Features
  23. 18:30Mossberg Pump Action
  24. 19:11Durability in Muddy Conditions
  25. 20:08Benelli's Perfect Semi-Automatic
  26. 20:25Multi-Choke and Barrel Options
  27. 21:13Color Preferences for Guns
  28. 21:59Shotguns to Avoid: Beretta Xtreme
  29. 23:14Designer Stable: UGB 25
  30. 23:43Early French and Beretta Models to Avoid

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of a good wildfowling shotgun?

A good wildfowling shotgun should be reliable, durable, and resistant to corrosion, especially in saltwater environments. Semi-automatic actions with plastic or coated components are preferred for their low maintenance and ability to withstand harsh conditions. Ammunition compatibility, particularly with steel shot regulations, is also crucial.

What is the advantage of an inertia-driven shotgun for wildfowling?

Inertia-driven semi-automatic shotguns have fewer moving parts, which makes them exceptionally reliable and less prone to jamming or clogging in muddy or wet conditions common in wildfowling. This simplicity contributes to their robustness.

Are camouflage finishes essential for wildfowling shotguns?

While camouflage finishes are popular, they are not essential. The primary concern for wildfowling is the gun's ability to resist rust and corrosion. Durable plastic coatings or solid black finishes are often more practical for saltwater environments than specific camouflage patterns designed for freshwater.

What ammunition is recommended for wildfowling, and are there restrictions?

Steel shot is widely used due to non-toxic regulations, but it's vital to ensure your shotgun is steel-proofed. For older guns, bismuth cartridges offer a safer, albeit more expensive, alternative. Always match your ammunition load to your shotgun's capabilities and local regulations.

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