I'm looking to expand my shooting and hunting experiences and I'm thinking of picking up a shotgun. I'm looking to hear what gauges people prefer when it comes to hunting francolins, turkeys, and pheasant. I'd also like to be able to hone my skills via trap shooting so I'm hoping I could also get some recommendations for actual guns that I might be interested in purchasing ($200-400 budget for used or new).

What kind of barrel lengths should I be looking at?
Would I be using different chokes for birding and trap?
What are your favorite birding shotguns?

Mahalo for reading!

Longer barrels like 27-30" with interchangeable choke.mossberg 500 or Remington 870

I'm looking to expand my shooting and hunting experiences and I'm thinking of picking up a shotgun. I'm looking to hear what gauges people prefer when it comes to hunting francolins, turkeys, and pheasant. I'd also like to be able to hone my skills via trap shooting so I'm hoping I could also get some recommendations for actual guns that I might be interested in purchasing ($200-400 budget for used or new).

What kind of barrel lengths should I be looking at?
Would I be using different chokes for birding and trap?
What are your favorite birding shotguns?

Mahalo for reading!

To best honest I had to idea what a francolin was so I had to look it up.  For turkeys and pheasant hunting you're going to want a 12 gauge, 2 3/4' or  3' it's up to you, both are equally effective.  As far as platform in the price range you're looking at, I'd recommend the good old Rem 870 pump.  An 870 with a 26" to 28" barrel with a full choke should be sufficient enough to bag those guys and be light enough if you have to lug it around for a long time.   The reason why I'm recommending a 12 is that ammo for the particular game you're planning on is plentiful, you could use a 20 ga, but ammo isn't as plentiful on store shelves in some game loads.

As far as chokes go, mod to full would be my two choices.  Mod will give you a slightly larger pattern, but less energy at distance.  Full will be a smaller pattern at the same distances, but retain more energy.  Whichever way you decide to go, just practice trap with your hunting set up so you get used to it.  Skeet might be more realistic hunting birds than trap, more frustrating in the beginning, but better for hunting practice.  When KHSC opens again, you might want to go and pattern your new purchase at the 40 yd. line to give you an idea of where it shoots.

My favorite birding shotgun was a Browning Citori.  I never hunted turkey or pheasant with it, but it was light, you could carry it all day, and it was quick to get on target for the smaller game.  I don't have it anymore,but it was a good reliable gun. 

Good hunting and I hope this helps! 

In your price range, you are looking at a 12 ga. Mossberg 500 with a 28" bbl w/ modified choke.
Change your ammo according to the game you expect to encounter.
I have taken many francolin, dove and clay birds with a similar setup.

Awesome advice, thanks guys!

As for the gauges, I was worried that 12 gauge would be too much for the smaller game birds (francolins, quail) especially since, from what I know, you're shooting at them under 10 yards. Is that where the different loads come into play? Do they make 12 gauge game bird loads that won't tear my bird up too much? I'm planning on eating all my animals.

Awesome advice, thanks guys!

As for the gauges, I was worried that 12 gauge would be too much for the smaller game birds (francolins, quail) especially since, from what I know, you're shooting at them under 10 yards. Is that where the different loads come into play? Do they make 12 gauge game bird loads that won't tear my bird up too much? I'm planning on eating all my animals.

Oldfart would probably have more current info for you, but best as I can remember I used to use #6 or #7 size shot - ti's been over 10 years since I've been bird hunting.  Try and see how you do without a choke?  If the ranges are close like you say, under 10, then you should stand a fair chance and bagging the bird.  If the results aren't to your liking you can try the larger shot sizes #7 1/2 to  #9  until you find a load you like. 

Awesome advice, thanks guys!

As for the gauges, I was worried that 12 gauge would be too much for the smaller game birds (francolins, quail) especially since, from what I know, you're shooting at them under 10 yards. Is that where the different loads come into play? Do they make 12 gauge game bird loads that won't tear my bird up too much? I'm planning on eating all my animals.

===========================
I say 12 ga. because that is the easiest ammo to get.
Francolin-If you are hunting in an orchard with limited sight distance, then you should get "dove and quail" small size bird shot eg. 8 or 9. For open field, go with 7-1/2.
Larger birds, go with #6.
Good Luck.