Went rabbit hunting today for the first time. I left the 1301 home because I didn’t feel making a plug for it and opted for my Dad’s old O/U skeet 12ga. We are walking through thick brambles and blackberry thorn patches that you have to hack sections with a machete at times and ruined a pair of blue jeans to give you an idea of what the area looks like in places.

He comes the issue…. The OU is just too long to maneuver in that thick of brush. I missed one simply because I couldn’t raise my muzzle fast enough from briers holding it down.

One buddy had a 870 youth in 20ga and another had a short SXS in 20ga and my son had a crack barrel single shot in 20ga.

Of those 3, I think the youth 870 in 20ga was about perfect. I have another friend that swears by his judge running .410 for rabbits.

Any of you have thoughts on the best gun for this type of hunting? The old O/U surely is not optimal.