Best Dove Hunting Shotguns

Tired of missing birds during your dove hunting trips?

If you're a serious dove hunter, you know that there's no substitute for the thrill of tracking and shooting a fast-moving bird. The right shotgun can be the difference between success and disappointment in these situations, offering precision and power to help bring down even the quickest prey.

But finding the perfect shotgun for dove hunting can be daunting with all the choices. Let us show you how to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting your ideal dove-hunting shotgun.

With our guide, it will be easy to narrow down all options into one that gives you consistent accuracy, superior craftsmanship, and reliability - giving you peace of mind when hitting the field on your next hunt.

Read this comprehensive guide now and discover which Dove Hunting Shotgun is perfect for YOU!

Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Shotguns

When it comes to selecting a shotgun for a successful dove hunt, there are several factors that hunters take into consideration. Some of the most important factors include :

• Gauge: The gauge of a shotgun refers to the diameter of its bore. For dove hunting, 12-gauge shotguns are the most popular choice, followed by 20-gauge shotguns.
• Barrel length: The length of a shotgun’s barrel affects its accuracy and maneuverability. For dove hunting, shotguns with barrel lengths ranging from 24 to 28 inches are preferred.
• Choke: A choke is a tapered constriction at the muzzle end of a shotgun barrel that controls the spread of shot pellets. For dove hunting, improved cylinder or modified chokes are recommended.

• Weight: The weight of a shotgun affects its recoil and handling. For dove hunting, shotguns weighing between 6 and 8 pounds are ideal.
• Action type: Shotguns can have different action types such as pump-action, semi-automatic, or over-under. For dove hunting, pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns are popular choices due to their fast follow-up shots.
• Price: Shotguns can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. For dove hunting, hunters can find good quality shotguns for less than $1000.

The choice of shotgun action is a crucial consideration for dove hunting. Semi-automatic shotguns are ideal for this purpose as they offer the advantage of firing three rapid shots with each pull of the trigger.

Additionally, semi-auto shotguns are known for their reduced recoil compared to other shotgun types, ensuring that your shoulder remains comfortable even after firing multiple rounds in the dove field.

Shotgun Shell Gauges for Dove Hunting

Shotgun shells come in various gauges, and the choice of gauge can significantly impact your dove hunting experience. Here's a breakdown of the most common shotgun gauges used for dove hunting:

Best 12 Gauge Shotguns

Browning BPS

The Browning BPS is a pump-action shotgun that is popular among dove hunters. It has a 12-gauge bore, 26-inch barrel, and 3 1/2-inch chamber. The shotgun weighs 8 pounds and has a woodland camo finish.

The Browning BPS features a bottom shell ejector, making it a good fit for left-handed shooters during the dove hunting season. It comes with three flush choke tubes to choose from - full, modified, and improved cylinder.

Pros

• Bottom shell ejector makes it ideal for left-handed shooters.
• Comes with three flush choke tubes to choose from.
• Woodland camo finish.

Cons

• Heavy weight may cause fatigue during long hunting trips.
• Expensive compared to other shotguns.

Weatherby PA-08

The Weatherby PA-08 is a pump-action shotgun that has a long, 28-inch barrel that makes it more accurate than most shorter-barreled shotguns. It has a 12-gauge bore, weighs 7.25 pounds, and has a black synthetic stock. The Weatherby PA-08 is also reasonably priced.

Pros

• Long barrel makes it more accurate than most shorter-barreled shotguns.
• Reasonably priced.
• Lightweight design.

Cons

• Synthetic stock may not be as durable as wooden stocks.
• Limited choke options.

Best 20 Gauge Shotguns

Beretta A400 Lite

The Beretta A400 Lite is a semi-automatic shotgun that is a popular choice for dove hunting. It has a 20-gauge bore, 28-inch barrel, and 3-inch chamber. The shotgun weighs only 6.6 pounds and has a black synthetic stock.

The Beretta A400 Lite features a Blink gas-operating system that reduces recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots. It comes with three Optima HP choke tubes to choose from - full, modified, and improved cylinder .

Pros

• Lightweight design.
• Blink gas-operating system reduces recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots.
• Comes with three Optima HP choke tubes to choose from.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other shotguns.
• Synthetic stock may not be as durable as wooden stocks.

Benelli Montefeltro

I would have picked the Benelli super black eagle even a few years ago, but once I kcame to know about the Montefeltro, there's no going back! The Benelli Montefeltro is a semi-automatic shotgun that has a 20-gauge bore, weighs only 5.3 pounds, and has a satin walnut stock.

The Benelli Montefeltro has a 26-inch barrel and a 2 3/4-inch chamber. It features the Inertia Driven system that reduces recoil and ensures reliable cycling of shells. The shotgun comes with three choke tubes - full, modified, and improved cylinder .

Pros

• Lightweight design.
• Inertia Driven system reduces recoil and ensures reliable cycling of shells.
• Comes with three choke tubes to choose from.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other shotguns.
• Limited choke options.

Other Shotguns

Browning Citori Feather Lightning

28 Gauge

The Browning Citori Feather Lightning is an over-under shotgun that is a popular choice for dove hunting. It has a 28-gauge bore, weighs only 5.8 pounds, and has a satin finish walnut stock.

The Browning Citori Feather Lightning has a 26-inch barrel and a 2 3/4-inch chamber. It features the Invector-Plus choke system that allows for easy interchangeability of choke tubes. The shotgun also has a single selective trigger that allows for quick follow-up shots .

Pros

• Lightweight design and easy to carry.
• Invector-Plus choke system allows for easy interchangeability of choke tubes.
• Single selective trigger allows for quick follow-up shots.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other shotguns.
• Limited choke options.

Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I

.410 Bore

The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is an over-under shotgun that weighs only 6 pounds, and has a walnut stock with an oil finish. The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I has a 28-inch barrel and a 2 3/4-inch chamber.

It is a break-action shotgun that is known for its reliability, accuracy, and high-quality craftsmanship. The gun has a beautiful design with a scroll-engraved receiver and a schnabel fore-end. The buttstock is adjustable and available in custom lengths.

It features the Optima-Choke HP system that allows for easy interchangeability of choke tubes. The shotgun also has a single selective trigger that allows for quick follow-up shots. The shotgun is also available in 12, 20, and 28 gauges.

Pros

• Lightweight design.
• Optima-Choke HP system allows for easy interchangeability of choke tubes.
• Single selective trigger allows for quick follow-up shots.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other shotguns.
• May be too light for some shooters

Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen

16 Gauge

The Browning A5 Sweet Sixteen is a 16 gauge autoloading shotgun with a humpback receiver, recoil-operated Kinematic Drive, and Invector-DS interchangeable choke tubes

It is a lightweight and well-balanced shotgun that is ideal for skeet shooting but also popular among upland bird hunters.The gun is available in walnut and blued steel, and it has a traditional walnut stock and forend for a timeless look.The A5 Sweet Sixteen is a modern take on the original gun that won over so many sportsmen when it first debuted in the late 1930s.

The gun has a generous trigger guard, is adjustable with spacers, and has a drop at comb of 1 3/4". The gun is fast cycling, recoil-operated, and has a Kinematic Drive System. The gun is easy to maintain, and gasses exit the muzzle, so cleanup is fast and simple. The gun is adjustable to fit, but it may not shoot lighter target loads well

Pros

• Kinematic Drive System reduces felt recoil and allows for faster follow-up shots.
• Invector-DS choke system allows for easy interchangeability of choke tubes.
• Composite stock is lightweight and durable.
• Fiber optic front sight provides a bright and clear sight picture.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other shotguns.
• Heavier than some other semi-automatic shotguns.

Ammunition Guide for Dove Hunting

The right ammunition not only enhances your accuracy but also ensures ethical and humane kills.

Shot Size Selection

Shotgun shells come in various shot sizes, ranging from smaller sizes to larger ones. The choice of shot size depends on the range of your shots and personal preference. Here's a table to help you understand the shot sizes suitable for dove hunting:

Shotgun Shell Loads

Shotgun shells come in various loads, typically measured in ounces of shot. The choice of load depends on your shooting style and hunting conditions. Here's a table with different shotgun shell loads for dove hunting:

Velocity and Choke Selection

The velocity of shotgun shells can also impact your dove hunting success. Higher velocity shells provide a flatter trajectory, which can be beneficial for longer shots.

Additionally, the choke of your shotgun plays a crucial role in pattern density. Improved cylinder or modified chokes are generally preferred for dove hunting.

Remember that the ideal shotgun shell for dove hunting can vary depending on your personal preferences, the hunting environment, and your shotgun's capabilities. It's essential to practice with different ammunition types to find what works best for you.

Safety Protocols and Dove Hunting

Muzzle Awareness

Knowing where your muzzle is pointing at all times is an immutable law, non-negotiable and sacrosanct.

Wearing Eye and Ear Protection

Sensory faculties are irreplaceable. Protect your sight and hearing with the appropriate safety gear.

Safe Zones of Fire

Defining your zone of fire ensures not just your safety but also that of your hunting companions, a crucial facet often overlooked.

Preemptive Measures Against Misfires

Procedures exist for a reason. Familiarize yourself with protocols to avert potential calamities before they manifest.

Final Thoughts

No shotgun can supplant experience. The more you hunt, the more intuitive your interactions with your shotgun will become.

Attaining the pinnacle of dove hunting efficacy is a lifelong journey, one where your shotgun serves not merely as a tool but as an integral part of your evolution as a hunter.

The art of dove hunting, punctuated by the nuances of your chosen shotgun, offers a mosaic of experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Choose wisely, hunt safely, and may each outing deepen your connection with this timeless pursuit.