Uses
As the smallest of traditional shotgun sizes, .410 bore guns throw the least weight of shot, but are very easy to handle. This results in a very low recoil, so the .410 is often chosen for young shooters, who might have problems with a heavier recoiling shotgun. Some shooters, however, discourage the use of the .410 as an introduction for young shooters, both because the negligible recoil does not familiarize the beginners with the heavier recoil of larger cartridges such as the 12 gauge, and because of the difficulty in hitting moving targets with the small charge of shot used by the .410. Others believe starting young/new/small shooters with large recoiling guns will cause a habit of flinching and negatively affect their accuracy.
Some competitive shooters choose the .410 bore because of the challenge it presents; .410 bore guns generally have full chokes to form a tight pattern with the small load of shot, and this makes hitting moving targets very challenging. By using sub-gauge inserts, a 12 gauge break open action can be temporarily converted down as far as a .410 bore to provide additional challenge when training, or to handicap the shooter.
The .410 bore is also commonly used for small game animals such as squirrels and rabbits, where the small diameter patterns of a full choke are less problematic than with birds.
The .410 bore is inferior to the traditional 12 gauge shotshell for defensive use, though a number of companies market defensive guns chambered in .410, such as the Mossberg 500 Home Security model. Defensive ammunition is becoming easier to find although most .410 bore shells remain loaded with birdshot. American Derringer and Winchester market .410 bore 000 buckshot with 5 pellets in 3-inch (76 mm) and 3 pellets in 2.5-inch (64 mm) shells, compared to 12 00 pellets in a 3 inch 12 gauge, 9 pellets in a 2¾ inch 12 gauge or 8 pellets in 12 gauge.
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