The Gauge, or Size of Bore
The 10-gauge may be occasionally useful for long-range duck and goose shooting, but for ordinary duck and upland use the 12-gauge is plenty large enough. The larger the gauge the greater will be the killing zone, and up to their ranges the small bores may, for all practical purposes, be regarded as shooting quite as accurately and with as much power as the heavier gauges, that is, the small bores will shoot to kill if held correctly. The standard 12-gauge gun is fitted with 30-in. barrels, weighs 7 to 8 lb., and the standard load for the field is 3 dr. of powder and 1¹⁄₈ oz. of shot. This gives a killing range up to 40 yd. The standard 16-gauge, with 30-in. barrels, weighs from 6¹⁄₂ to 7¹⁄₄ lb., and the standard load is 2¹⁄₂ dr. of powder and 1 oz. of shot, with a killing range up to 35 yd. The standard 20-gauge, with 28-in. barrels, weighs from 5 to 6¹⁄₂ lb. and the standard load is 2¹⁄₄ dr. of powder and ⁷⁄₈ oz. of shot. Best killing range up to 30 yards.
For an all-purpose gun, suitable for wild fowling as well as upland shooting, the 12-gauge is the best choice although the 16-gauge will be found a hard-hitting weapon. For the good shot, the 20-gauge will prove a fine little arm for upland work, only the gunner must shoot well with the small bore to kill his bird clean. Contrary to the notion, the large bore, not the small gauge, will bring the most game to the novice’s bag.