Grouse guns are shaped by their environment, including the cover they dwell in.
Heavy bush necessitates a small, light rifle that may be carried in one hand while the other is used to defend against branches. Open chokes are required due to limited vision.
Small-bores predominate because, while grouse are challenging to target, they are simple to kill.
However, grouse guns are more than just hunting gear. In addition, they are totems. Grouse hunters are more immersed in the trappings and rituals of the hunt than nearly any other uplanders.
This year’s list of outstanding grouse rifles includes a wide variety of styles, and they are as follows.
Best Guns For Grouse Hunting – Reviews & Recommendations for 2023
- Rizzini BR110 Light Luxe Over/Under Shotgun
- Franchi Instinct SL Over/Under Shotgun
- CZ Teal Over/Under Shotgun
- Winchester SX4 Waterfowl Hunter Semi-Auto Shotgun
- Winchester SXP Black Shadow Pump-Action Shotgun
- Savage 301 Turkey Single-Shot Shotgun
- Stevens Model 555 Silver Over/Under Shotgun
- Weatherby SA-08 Compact Shotgun
- Benelli SuperNova Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun
- Stoeger Condor Field Over/Under Shotgun
Best Overall: Rizzini BR110 Light Luxe Over/Under Shotgun
The Rizzini BR110 Light Luxe Over/Under Shotgun will let you break clays confidently. This 12-gauge gun is made and manufactured in Italy. A low-profile grey anodized alloy receiver with elaborate engravings and a blued steel barrel with a chrome-lined bore are featured on this Shotgun.
The elegant Turkish walnut pistol grip stock has a checkering pattern of 26 lines per inch for a secure grip and greater control. Heavy-duty automated ejectors and large ejector cams assure reliable ejection, and a single selected adjustable trigger ensures a constant, light pull for improved performance.
The manual safety may be used ambidextrously with either thumb. There are five choke tubes, C, IC, M, IM, F, that can be swapped out.
Pros
- It is light in weight.
- The Shotgun comes with a case.
- It is true to a field gun design.
Cons
- It has rubber recoil pads.
Runner-Up: Franchi Instinct SL Over/Under Shotgun
The Franchi Instinct SL Over/Under Shotgun is well-balanced, has rapid handling, and quickly locks on aim. The color case hardened receiver adds style to function while improving strength and corrosion resistance.
It is available in satin walnut color and two gauges, 28 and .410 bore. Auto ejectors clean spent rounds from the breech for unrestricted reloading, and the auto safety acts as a barrel selector. A fiber-optic sight is mounted on the vent rib, and the stock and for-end are made of A-grade Turkish walnut with beautiful checkering for a firm, non-slip grip and a classic look.
A well-cushioned recoil pad glides over the shoulder easily and remains in place for fast follow-up shots. A custom-fitted hard case is included, along with three choke tubes, IC, M, and F, and a choke wrench.
Pros
- The fit provides an elegant look.
- It is a top-quality gun at a moderate price.
- The gun is well-balanced and easy to handle.
Cons
- The styling is very plain.
Best Value for Money: CZ Teal Over/Under Shotgun
The CZ Teal Over/Under Shotgun has excellent gripping and balance, allowing you to shoulder swiftly and swing freely while shooting at birds or clay targets.
A vent rib with a front bead sight will enable you to easily lock on to fast-moving targets, while a solid mid rib provides classic flair. For simple operation, the ambidextrous tang safety serves as a barrel selector, and a mechanical trigger ensures that the second barrel fires even if the first fails.
It is available in multiple gauges, 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 bore. The checkered Turkish walnut stock and fore-end are highlighted by gloss black chrome barrels and receivers.
Pros
- The design is excellent and worth the money.
- It stays true to its functions.
- It is user-friendly and safe.
Cons
- The refund or return process takes a long time.
Alternative: Winchester SX4 Waterfowl Hunter Semi-Auto Shotgun
The Winchester SX4 Waterfowl Hunter Semi-Auto Shotgun is slimmer and lighter than its earlier model, with a front balance point that gives you smooth swinging and follow-through. Its revised operational controls and wider trigger guard make it easier to get on target fast while maintaining safety.
It is available in a full-coverage pattern with a contrast of brown and grey. A recoil pad with inflex technology uses directional deflection, resulting in increased comfort and faster follow-up shots. It employs an active valve system that self-adjusts to provide gas pressure.
It employs an adjustable choke tube system, which works with the back-bored barrel to decrease shot deformation and encourage consistent shot patterns. A reversible cross-bolt safety button is placed at the back of the trigger guard for easy accessibility, and the trigger group may be removed easily for field cleaning.
Pros
- It is lightweight.
- It has proven reliability with anything, from trap to heavy steel loads.
- Soft shooting and has a sophisticated design.
Cons
- It does not have a warranty.
Alternative: Winchester SXP Black Shadow Pump-Action Shotgun
The Winchester SXP Black Shadow Pump-Action Shotgun has a rotating bolt and an inertia-assisted action that allows you to blast several targets quickly. The bolt’s four enormous lugs give tremendous strength and secure locking.
When cycling the action, the two steel slide bars prevent bending. The non-glare matte black finish on the barrel and receiver won’t startle wary game, and a sturdy synthetic stock with textured fore-end and pistol grip offers a non-slip grip in all conditions.
The brass front bead is visible in any light on the vent rib. The recoil pad helps direct and channel recoil impulse, while a firm heel insert keeps the Shotgun from snagging. The bore is hard chrome-plated and back-bored for enhanced patterns, and the choke tube system is replaceable.
The front of the trigger guard has a cross-bolt safety button that is simple to reach. It’s the ideal Shotgun for duck hunting, turkey hunting, or as a sturdy, reliable all-around shotgun, thanks to the weather-resistant stock and non-glare finish. F, M, and IC are the three chokes available.
Pros
- It shoots straight.
- It is long-lasting.
- Great price for a reliable and quality product.
Cons
- It is a hassle to clean it.
Alternative: Savage 301 Turkey Single-Shot Shotgun
The Savage 301 Turkey is a single-shot break-action shotgun designed exclusively for turkey hunting. It is simple and highly dependable. The Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS turkey loads are suited for the 26″ barrel’s extra-full choke.
The rifle comes with a detachable, 1-piece accessory rail for mounting an aftermarket optic or red dot sight, and the bead front sight is compatible with sight systems. The camo finish on the synthetic buttstock and for-end and sling swivel studs are included, and the buttstock has a rubber recoil pad.
The matte coating on the barrel and receiver is anti-reflective. The Savage 301 Turkey Single-Shot Shotgun is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
Pros
- The Shotgun is high-quality and very affordable.
- It is light and small.
- Outfitted perfectly for turkey hunting.
Cons
- The gun does not come along with a case.
Alternative: Stevens Model 555 Silver Over/Under Shotgun
The Stevens Model 555 Silver Over/Under Shotgun is another example of Savage’s reputation for making affordable, well-built firearms. The 555 has a lightweight aluminum-alloy receiver with a steel insert that supports the standing breech to bear any load.
The barrels are made of carbon steel, have a vented rib with one brass bead front sight, and are chrome-lined for improved pattern consistency. Instead of a full-length hinge pin, the barrels are hinged on steel trunnions, and auto ejectors clean chambers fast for easy reloading.
Model 555 features mechanical triggers that set the trigger on the second barrel when the first barrel’s trigger is pressed. If the first barrel fails to fire, the shooter pulls the trigger again to fire the second. The tang safety can be doubled as a barrel selector and is simple to operate. Model 555 Silver Over/Under Shotgun from Savage Stevens has an oil-finished checkered Turkish walnut stock with blued barrels. It has five choke tubes that are screwed in.
Pros
- It is a reasonable buy.
- It shoulders well and is very easy to hold.
- The ejectors are incredibly comfortable and shoot the shells out.
Cons
- The trigger pull is rigorously hard.
Alternative: Weatherby SA-08 Compact Shotgun
The Weatherby SA-08 Compact Shotgun has been developed for both women and kids. It includes a sturdy yet lightweight injection-molded synthetic stock with integrated sling studs and a 24″ barrel, ribbed vent barrel suited for shooters with smaller frames.
A revolutionary dual-valve design ensures consistent performance over the entire shotshell load range. It comes with screw-in chokes for IC, M, and F and a wrench and cross-bolt safety. It is chambered for 3″ shells.
Pros
- Easy to pull the trigger.
- The gun is compact and easy to operate.
- Breaking it down for cleanup is easy.
Cons
- The shooter may face problems with cycling.
Alternative: Benelli SuperNova Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun
The Benelli SuperNova Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun is an ultra-reliable, almost indestructible defensive weapon that may be utilized for home defense, tactical use, or backcountry bear protection. The SuperNova Tactical has either ghost ring or open rifle sights and a shielded front sight post that allows for quick sight acquisition while standing up to rough handling.
For a Weaver 423M base, the receiver is drilled and tapped. The recoil-reduction system decreases muzzle rise for quick follow-up rounds while taming hefty recoil from magnum cartridges. Adjusting the drop and cast is possible using a shim kit. A short barrel attached with a fixed cylinder choke is suitable for quick work at close range.
Benelli builds the SuperNova using corrosion-proof polymer over-molded on a skeletal structure to produce a single-piece receiver and buttstock for unmatched strength and weather resistance. All metal pieces have an anti-corrosive, non-glare coating. With dual-action bars, the polymer forearm pushes a rotary-head bolt rearward.
In every situation, aggressive ribbing on a contour-tapered forearm gives a solid grasp while cycling the motion. A magazine disconnect button on the forearm’s bottom allows the operator to swiftly unload the chamber without releasing another bullet from the magazine, allowing them to load another round through the ejection port immediately.
The Nova makes use of a magazine cap that also serves as a tool for removing the single pin that keeps the trigger mechanism in place; the Shotgun can be field stripped in under a minute. All kinds of ammunition are compatible with this Shotgun. Sling attachments are built into the pistol.
Pros
- It is reasonably priced.
- It is a well-built gun and has excellent construction and design.
- It shoots well with accuracy.
Cons
● You have to loosen the stock to remove the trigger every time.
Alternative: Stoeger Condor Field Over/Under Shotgun
The Stoeger Condor Field is an attractive and dependable Over and Under Shotgun at a reasonable price. This well-balanced Shotgun is designed to encourage rapid handling for a speedy acquisition and shot.
This versatile shooter looks as good as it shoots with a satin-finish A-grade American walnut stock, brass bead sights, and a single, non-selective trigger.
The Condor sports a blued receiver with a high-polish finish, as well as machine-turned monobloc sides, just like the previous Condor models. It features a vented rib and extractors for the shell, and Screw-in IC and M choke tubes are included.
Pros
- It is highly functional and tough.
- It is well-built and worth far more than its price.
- The trigger resets quickly for the next shot.
Cons
- It is prone to scratch marks.
Best Gun for Grouse Hunting FAQ
What makes a good grouse gun?
It is essential to have an appropriate firearm while hunting because it makes all the difference. One of the first factors to look for in a grouse gun is its weight. An ideal grouse gun should be lightweight as it will be easier to carry uphill.
Most hunting sites for grouse are mountainous and dense in foliage, and it would be difficult for one to trek the distance with a heavy firearm. The gun should also be easy to shoulder swiftly.
Additionally, the gun should be short-barrelled because it would be easier to maneuver. A long-barrelled gun would get engulfed in the foliage and cause distraction and discomfort. Single-shot must be avoided in grouse hunting.
The grouse may getaway in the first shot but is still within reach for a second attempt. One may also go for a semi-autoloader or pump.
Is 12ga too much for grouse?
Gauge refers to the measurement of the bore of a shotgun, and its selection is mainly based on preference. The gauge and bore measurements are inversely related. The smaller the gauge, the larger the bore.
Many people find that 12 ga is apt for grouse hunting. 12 ga will not cause any issue in grouse hunting if it is easy to shoulder and swiftly maneuver and has a short barrel. Most people prefer a gauge between 12ga and 28ga. They are lightweight and offer a quick swing. A short barrel can give an additional advantage.
The gauge preference may also vary with one’s height and physical build-up. Smaller framed people may be comfortable with higher gauges and vice versa. It is more important to shoot with accuracy than focus on the specifications of a gun.
One may choose whichever gauge helps them to shoot straight. 12ga may not be too much for grouse. It solely depends upon one’s ability to swing it swiftly and shoot precisely.
Final Thoughts
We hope that by keeping in mind the pros and cons of the products mentioned above, you can find the Shotgun that fits you and your needs perfectly.
The products mentioned above have been finalized based on extensive research and surveys, and thus, you can easily rely on our guide for your purchasing decision.
