Inexpensive 410 O/U Shotgun

[Marine24]

In the market for an inexpensive .410 O/U shotgun to provide a little challenge on the skeet range or upland hunting. Actually getting it for my wife, but I know who will be using it most.

I know I should be looking at Browning or Berettas, but already have a Weatherby Athena and don't need to drop another $2K plus just so I can look good missing.

Anyone have or seen ATIs Calvary SX shotguns? Curious on getting my hands on one. Comments/reviews are pretty scarce but generally they are positive given the price point.

These can be had around the $400 mark.

[crays]

You can buy Stoeger o/u or sxs almost anytime at SW in 359-399 range. Until the day you go to buy it, then they will be out of stock. Or maybe that's just MY luck.

Any specific reason for .410 over 28ga?

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[Marine24]

You can buy Stoeger o/u or sxs almost anytime at SW in 359-399 range. Until the day you go to buy it, then they will be out of stock. Or maybe that's just MY luck.

Any specific reason for .410 over 28ga?

Sent via Mobile Work Avoidance Device

I've actually handled a Stoeger before, but balance was not right and didn't mount as well. Typically like a scaled down shotgun when shooting the smaller bore but the Stoeger felt like their 12 gauge version with a 410 bore. Probably not fair to Stoeger given the price point. Can't expect a Silver Pigeon for less the $400.

No particular preference one way or another. Looking for reduced recoil, but pretty much a wash between 410 and 28 gauge to me and ammo prices for the two are about the same. If I can across a nice 28 gauge at a similar price point, wouldn't blink twice. Seems to be a caliber that that many manufacturers skip.

[Hoser]

I own a couple 28s and a 410. The 28 gauge is the best gauge for birds and rabbits that I own.

410 is fun for skeet and kids, but thats about it.

When I was shooting a lot of skeet I had a better average with my 28 than I did a 12 gauge.

[Marine24]

Never done much with 28 gauge, but 410 has always been a humbling experience doing a walk at the skeet range. You end up missing the trash can diameter pattern a 12 gauge give you.

See that ATI has a combo 410/28 gauge setup but need to get my hands on some first.

Tristar is another interesting option. Picked up a semo-auto Tristar a few years back. Pretty decent auto loader and reminded me of the Beretta A390.

[crays]

Looked up the ATI Cav. Does look a bit nicer than the Stoeger.
I only stick with .410 because I already had a couple, and lots of shells.

That, and they're fun.

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[Hoser]

You end up missing the trash can diameter pattern a 12 gauge give you.

Pattern diameter is the same. You just dont have the amount of pellets and fudge factor that the other gauges give you.

[ray1970]

In the market for an inexpensive .410 O/U shotgun

I've actually handled a Stoeger before, but balance was not right and didn't mount as well.

I think you'll find most of the inexpensive 410 shotguns will feel a bit awkward or clumsy. If you find one that isn't then let me know which one it is. I'm a bit of a 410 fan myself.

[Colorado Osprey]

When introducing my kids to shooting, I used chamber reducers like Brownings Little Skeeter Tubes.
It allows you to shoot smaller gauge shells in a larger bore shotgun. The work great and don't really effect the patten much in the smaller gauge guns.

After starting with the 410, stepping up to 28 and ending at a factory 20ga; using reduced recoil 3/4oz loads they actually had less recoil than factory AA 28 gauge loads.
I duplicated the loads easily with my MEC but can't find and Hodgdon International Clays to make more.

[Marine24]

Pattern diameter is the same. You just dont have the amount of pellets and fudge factor that the other gauges give you.

Okay, now I really feel humbled.