28 Gauge
Also called: 28 ga, twenty-eight gauge
A small, light, mild-recoil gauge loved by upland hunters and skeet shooters for dove, quail, and grouse.
- Type
- Shotgun
- Bore
- .550 in (nominal)
- Shell length
- 2¾ in
- Typical loads
- Shot loads of about ¾ to 1 ounce
- Typical muzzle velocity
- About 1,200 to 1,300 fps
- Recoil
- Light recoil
- Quarry
- Birds & turkey
- Typical range
- Birds to about 30 yards
- Availability
- Available, but costs more than 12 and 20 gauge
Safety: A 28-gauge shell is small enough to drop into a 12-gauge or 20-gauge chamber and lodge in the barrel. Never carry 28-gauge shells in the same pocket or box as other gauges.
What it is good for
- Doves, quail, and grouse at close to moderate range.
- Hunters who want a very light gun with little recoil.
- Skeet and clays.
Where it falls short
- It carries less shot, so it demands good shooting and closer shots.
- Shells cost more and are not stocked everywhere.
- It is not suited to large game birds at distance.
Easily confused with
Field notes
The 28 gauge has a bore of about 0.550 inch. Many hunters find that a 28 gauge gives pleasant handling and good patterns for its size.
Related guides
Numbers are typical factory-load figures, not guarantees. Use only ammunition that matches the cartridge stamped on your firearm and is made by a reputable manufacturer, and follow the manual. Legal game cartridges, minimum calibers, and non-toxic shot rules differ by state and area. Check your state's current regulations; our state resources directory links to each state's official rules. Not sure which rifle to buy? Try our hunting rifle wizard.