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Shotguns for Sale: The Truth Behind the .410 Shotgun

.410 shotguns for sale at GrabAGun

The Reputation of the .410 Shotgun

The .410 shotgun is the smallest of the traditional shotguns for sale, but seldom receive the respect it deserves. Known best for the very low recoil, those who consider these shotguns generally think of them as guns suitable for beginning youths or “squirrel guns”. The .410 shotgun also has the reputation of being difficult to hit a moving target.

Neither of these is true. Having used a .410 for over 30 years leads me to believe that the shooter and not the gun is behind the claims of a .410 being difficult to hit moving game. The question of its ability to take down game is directly related to the distance constraint of the .410. The .410 bore is typically patterned for 25 yards. However, some .410s will indeed provide greater distance with a solid accuracy.

Accuracy and Reliability

The shot pattern of a .410 provides great patterns in its range. Being the smallest of shotguns does provides a longer shot string, and therefore the pellets retain less energy in the longer shots when compared to a 20 gauge shotgun for example. The .410 shotgun provides what it is manufactured to perform and often exceeds expectations.

Through the years and the use of two .410s, two things have become apparent. First, the .410 when used appropriately is a reliable and effective firearm that is fun to shoot and has never failed to put meat on the table. Second, 3 ½ inch shells provide significantly greater recoil but the gain in performance is minimal. Due to the increased recoil, recovery for follow up is difficult. Sticking to 3 inch shells will keep you in the game.

The .410 Chambering

The .410 bore shell has resulted in some unique applications. For example, a .410 bore shell will fit into a .45 Colt chamber. Shotguns for sale today have a minimum legal length, yet pistols are not defined as shotguns even though shotgun shells can be chambered in them. This is because a pistol has a rifled barrel, whereas a shotgun has a smooth barrel. Numerous brands of pistols are now available in both derringers and revolvers with extended cylinders.

In addition, shot slugs can increase the firepower in the .410. Brenneke provides the best performance and less deformation of the slug with a 35 yard shot (Magnum 3 inch) and a 50 yard shot (Close Encounter 2 ½ inch) available.

Shop For a .410 at GrabAGun

Overall, any .410 shotgun for sale provides a lot of fun as well as being a very reliable firearm to use. Being light weight and having low recoil allows the youth or the elderly who are intolerant to severe recoil the ability to join shooters and hunters alike. It is also great for a long session of shooting practice without the need for recovery between shots when used with 3 inch shot and has never failed this writer in bringing in geese, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit, and a wild boar down with a slug. The 410 shotgun is great for its intended uses and deserves greater respect than it generally receives.

Shop GrabAGun for quality guns for sale. You will find our extensive inventory includes shotguns, rifles, concealed carry pistols, AR-15s for sale, and AK-47s. We offer the additional service of providing any firearm available on the market even if we don’t carry it in our stock. Just let us know what you are looking for and we will locate it and provide the great GrabAGun price.

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