i have charles daily 20 ga and would like to hunt all game with it (deer rabit etc..) but family say it wont shoot past 40 yards

[tylerraglin]

i have charles daily 20 ga and would like to hunt all game with it (deer rabit etc..) but family say it wont shoot past 40 yards i can run 3 in shells through it and it is a 28 in or 36 in berell are they right or are they wrong?

[Derik Lee]

As an avid shot gunner myself, I'd say that if you only plan on hunting small game you are all set with a shot gun. If it'll take 3 inch shells that definitely broadens the scope of things you can do. But I know many people that have consistently taken deer with a shotgun, the difference is you are going to be looking at alot shorter ranges tahn you would with a rifle. Depending on where you plan on hunting it may be in your best interest to get a rifle for those times you'll be hunting for larger game. Shotguns are great, but you definitely can't reach out there as far with them.

[haresear]

Your shotgun is fine for any number of game animals, large and small but you will have to learn the limitations of your weapon. First shotguns with moderate game loads are fine for 40 yards and beyond, but not too much beyond. You did not mention what choke the gun is or if it has removable chokes. Chokes tighten the constriction at the end of the barrel causing the shot to spread out at different yardages. A good rule of thumb is 40 yards means full choke. You will want less choke for closer game. You did say it had 28” and 36” barrels so that would be good for longer range shots and is usually used for waterfowl and turkeys. As far as a weapon for big game, deer, etc it will certainly have its limitations and if you are using the smooth bore barrel you will want to put in the lightest choke you have for better slug performance. You may be able to obtain a rifled slug barrel for the gun; some even have cantilevered scope mounts which could effectively increase your slug performance out to 100 yards. Shooting slugs through a smooth bore without sights you will be limited to 60 yards or less depending on how well you shoot and the gun performs.

[buckslayer09]

depending on where you are hunting the laws are different i shot tons of deer with my 20 gauge and when i am felling a little bit lazy i will still carry it rather than my 12 gauge but like he said it will not have the power to reach out very far.