What gauge shotgun is best for Argentina dove hunting?

The 20-gauge is the undisputed standard. It provides plenty of knockdown power for doves while keeping recoil manageable enough to allow you to shoot 1,000 to 2,000 rounds per day.

Can I use a 12-gauge for dove hunting?

You can, but it is highly discouraged. Firing a 12-gauge at high-volume paces will cause severe shoulder bruising and fatigue, effectively ruining the remainder of your multi-day trip.

Why do lodges prefer Beretta and Benelli shotguns?

Premium estancias use Beretta (gas-operated) and Benelli (inertia-driven) 20-gauge semi-automatics because they are the only platforms rugged enough to withstand the mechanical abuse of firing millions of rounds per season without failing.

Best Shotguns for Dove Hunting in Argentina

Senior Field Editor

Roxy Gonzalez

Published: June 8, 2026

The absolute best shotgun for high-volume dove hunting in Argentina is a 20-gauge gas-operated semi-automatic, such as the Beretta A400 or Benelli Montefeltro. This platform provides the mandatory combination of recoil mitigation, reliable cycling through heavy carbon buildup, and lightweight handling required to fire 1,500 rounds a day without destroying the shooter's shoulder.

The Supremacy of the 20-Gauge Semi-Auto

In the Argentine dove roost, 12-gauge shotguns are entirely unnecessary and actively detrimental to your endurance. The 20-gauge delivers a lethal payload for eared doves while significantly reducing felt recoil. Gas-operated actions are widely favored by lodge armories because the gas system bleeds off excess energy, making them the softest shooting guns on the market. Inertia-driven guns (like Benelli) run cleaner and require less maintenance in the dusty fields, though they transfer slightly more punch to the shoulder.

Shotgun PlatformRecoil LevelReliability in High VolumeBest Use Case20g Gas Semi-Auto (Beretta)Very LowExcellent (Requires daily cleaning)The ultimate standard for 2,000+ round days.20g Inertia Semi-Auto (Benelli)Low to ModerateOutstanding (Runs clean)Great for aggressive shooters who want zero jams.20g Over/UnderHighPerfectOnly for purists; requires two guns to manage barrel heat.12g Any ActionPunishingVariesNot recommended. Will cause severe bruising.

The Over/Under Challenge

While double-barrel shotguns are elegant, they lack a mechanical recoil absorption system. Firing 1,000 rounds through an Over/Under will transfer 100% of the kinetic energy into your collarbone. More importantly, fixed-breech guns turn scorching hot under high volume. If you insist on shooting an O/U, you must operate like the professionals: rent two identical guns so your bird boy can reload and cool one while you shoot the other.

Tactical Field Note: Do not bring a pump-action shotgun to Argentina. The physical friction of racking the slide 1,500 times a day will completely exhaust your lead arm and cause severe blistering on your palm, ruining your swing mechanics by day two.

Internal Connections

Decide whether to pack your gun in Rent Guns vs Bring Your Own Shotgun.
Protect your shoulder using our Physical Preparation for High-Volume Dove Hunting guide.
Select the right choke tubes in Best Choke Tubes for Argentina Dove and Duck Hunting.

Legal & Regulatory Note Hunting regulations in Argentina are established and enforced at the provincial level and may change by season, species, area, quota, weather conditions, land access, and administrative resolution. Any reference to hunting availability, seasons, bag limits, pest-control species, firearms, ammunition, transportation, or export of birds should be understood as general destination information only. Hunters must always confirm current provincial regulations, licenses, permits, firearm requirements, landowner authorization, outfitter compliance, and transport/export restrictions before booking or participating in any hunt.