When you’re burning the boot leather and hitting the field in search of some upland game birds, your most important piece of equipment is your shotgun. A reliable, well-balanced shotgun is the key to getting on birds fast and making quick, clean shots. There are a few key aspects to look for in a good upland hunting shotgun, and in this blog, we’ll go over what you need to look for.

Let’s dive in to what ingredients make for a good upland hunting shotgun, from the weight and balance, to its durability and reliability, and which Savage shotgun is right for your next upland hunt.

What Makes a Good Upland Shotgun?

When you’re looking for a good upland hunting shotgun, there are a few important factors to consider. How does it shoot? How does it swing? Is it balanced well? How heavy is it? All of these are questions to ask yourself when you’re taking a look at a shotgun.

Soft shooting

When we refer to a “soft shooting” firearm, we’re typically referring to one that has a milder recoil impulse. When you’re going through a box or two of shot shells on a hunt, having a shotgun that shoots soft and smooth is key to staying comfortable and confident in your shots.

Balanced

A balanced shotgun is one that feels good in the hand and helps you swing through the target for a good shot. If your shotgun is too front or rear-heavy, it can affect how easily you can mount it, track your target, and swing through the target as you squeeze the trigger. A well-balanced shotgun should shoulder naturally and be easy to swing onto and through your target.

Reliability

The last thing you want to deal with in the field is a jammed up or broken down shotgun. Having a reliable shotgun action is important to maximize your time hunting and filling your bag limit. Manual action shotguns like break actions and pump actions have a reputation for reliability, no matter what shells you’re using. However, the right semi-auto shotgun can be just as reliable, especially our Renegauge shotgun! 

Different Shotgun Options

Today’s upland hunting shotguns come in a variety of actions and gauges, with choices out there for nearly any hunter. Here a couple of considerations to think about in each area.

Action Types

There are three common shotgun actions, and each can have a place in the upland field for a successful hunt.

• Pump action: Pump actions are typically the least used shotgun for upland hunting. The manual cycling of the action is viewed by some as costing extra time, especially if you have a shot at multiple birds. However, they are great multi-purpose shotguns, and can certainly be used for upland hunting with enough practice. 
• Semi-auto: There are a few benefits to using a semi-auto as an upland hunting shotgun. They provide faster follow-up shots for engaging multiple birds, only require a simple trigger pull, and are easy for new shooters to learn. However, some semi-auto shotguns can have issues cycling ammunition or performing reliably in frigid weather.
• Break action: Break action shotguns are the most popular shotguns for upland bird hunting, specifically over/under shotguns. They are renowned for their reliability, their ease of use, and their natural ability to mount and swing easily. Their ammunition capacity is smaller than other shotguns, but it is typically enough to help get the job done in the field.

Gauges

Most of today’s common shotgun gauges can be used effectively for upland bird hunting. Each of them has different advantages and drawbacks.

• 12-gauge: The most commonly used shotgun gauge today, 12-gauge shotguns will have the largest number of pellets in each shell. They are also the shell that carries the most recoil; however, shells for upland game birds typically carry a lower level of recoil than waterfowl or turkey shotgun shells.
• 16-gauge: Today, the 16-gauge is a less common cartridge, but it is still very capable of taking birds in the field. It’s slightly smaller than a 12-gauge, but it packs plenty of punch and still has readily available ammo that can be found.
• 20-gauge: 20-gauge shotguns are popular choices among both youth and adult hunters. They often come with compact stocks and are lighter weight for less fatigue in the field. 
• 28-gauge: An option that has been gaining popularity among hunters in recent years is the 28-gauge shotgun. A little larger than a .410, 28-gauge shotguns have become more popular with more innovations in ammunition that allow them to be more effective at extended ranges. They are typically lightweight, low-recoiling, and great for youth and adult hunters to use. 
• 410 bore: The 410 is often reserved for younger hunters who are just starting out. They are light, easy to shoot, and often come in safer single-shot, break-action shotguns that are great for beginners. If you’re hunting upland birds at close range, a 410 can be an effective choice for younger hunters who are learning the ropes. 

Considerations for Shotgun Selection

What and Where You’re Hunting

The species of game bird you’re hunting and where you’re hunting them will have an impact on the choice of shotgun you’ll want to use. If you’re hunting pheasants across grasslands and prairies, you’ll likely want to select a larger-bore shotgun like a 12-gauge or 16-gauge. If you’re hunting quail down south in a pine forest, a sub-gauge shotgun like a 20 or 28-gauge will still be plenty effective on smaller birds at closer ranges. 

Also consider the size of the area you’re hunting when selecting your shotgun. If you plan to walk miles on public land, carrying a lighter-weight shotgun in a smaller gauge may be a good way to reduce fatigue and help you hunt longer. If you’re hunting on a smaller property, carrying a larger, heavier shotgun may not be as much of an issue for you. 

Time of Season

The time of season when you're hunting can have a major impact on the upland hunting shotgun you choose. If you’re hunting early in the season, you will often be able to get much closer to birds before they flush from cover. This makes using a smaller gauge shotgun easier, as their lower pellet counts and less dense patterns are more forgiving at closer ranges. 

For late-season hunts, consider moving to a larger gauge shotgun. At this point, birds that have been hunted hard may flush from cover farther away, presenting longer range shots that will require a more dense pattern. You can also change up your chokes, moving from a cylinder or modified choke in the early season to a full choke in the late season. 

Savage Upland Shotguns

Savage has long been a name associated with big game hunting rifles. What you may not know is that we have plenty of shotgun offerings that are great for upland bird hunting! Let’s dive into a few and see how they may fit into your lineup.

• Model 320: The Model 320 Field Grade is a great choice for those who need an all-around shotgun that can be used for multiple types of hunting. They’re affordable, reliable, and can work well in the upland field for those who are well-practiced with a pump-action shotgun. They are chambered in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. 
• Model 560: For those looking for an affordable, classic look in a semi-auto shotgun, the Model 560 is an excellent choice. Built for upland and waterfowl hunting, the Model 560 features a Turkish walnut wood stock and is well-balanced for an easy swing on target. It is chambered in 12 gauge.
• Model 555: The Model 555 lineup is purpose-built for the clays range and the upland field. The 555 series of shotguns are over/under break-action shotguns that are lightweight, easy to shoot, and are available in a variety of different models and gauges. If you’re looking for a classic break-action as an upland hunting shotgun, the Model 555 series is your best bet.
• Renegauge: The Renegauge offers premium performance that’s perfect for upland bird hunting. The D.R.I.V. gas system makes it one of the most reliable and smoothest shooting shotguns on the market. It’s paired with an AccuFit stock system to allow nearly any shooter to achieve their perfect fit, and its oversized controls are easy to use with mitts and gloves in cold, late-season conditions. 

Whether you’re hunting for grouse in the Northwoods or pheasants on the prairie, there’s a Savage shotgun that fits the bill for your upland bird hunting needs. Where you’re hunting, what you’re hunting, and the time of the season you plan to hunt in all play a role in the shotgun you should choose to have the best success in the field. From smaller sub-gauge shotguns to full-size 12-gauge offerings, you’ll find your perfect fit with Savage. So take a look, find your next upland hunting shotgun, and get out in the field for a fun day with a full limit of birds to take home!