12 or 20 Gauge ??

[MikeBjerum]

If you read the ballistics on the ammunition you find that the power of a 20 ga is almost that of a 12 ga.  However, with shot shells you sacrifice numbers in the patter.  As was noted before, 20 ga guns are lighter, and this translates to more felt recoil.  Many parents and coaches will recommend 20 ga over 12 ga for young shooters and then beat them up so bad they never want to shoot again.

Take advantage of the wider selection of both guns and ammunition in the 12 ga, enjoy the cheaper ammunition for the 12 ga, learn to shoot it well, and never regret that you have enough gun for any game you hunt with a shotgun.  If you get excellent at your sport or hunt you can always downsize to a 20 ga or .410, but there is no reason to start out that way.

[tombogan03884]

If you're already shooting 12 ga you just introduce confusion into your ammo and range supplies.
I don't see it being worth the additional hassle.

[2HOW]

If you read the ballistics on the ammunition you find that the power of a 20 ga is almost that of a 12 ga.  However, with shot shells you sacrifice numbers in the patter.  As was noted before, 20 ga guns are lighter, and this translates to more felt recoil.  Many parents and coaches will recommend 20 ga over 12 ga for young shooters and then beat them up so bad they never want to shoot again.

Take advantage of the wider selection of both guns and ammunition in the 12 ga, enjoy the cheaper ammunition for the 12 ga, learn to shoot it well, and never regret that you have enough gun for any game you hunt with a shotgun.  If you get excellent at your sport or hunt you can always downsize to a 20 ga or .410, but there is no reason to start out that way.

+1 m58, although a 20 can put 4 .40 cal balls downrange at over 1200 FPS, its no slouch as a SD gun. The 12 is much more versatile.

[Conagher 45]

Ok ,, 11-87 in 12 ga. and next year when the wife ant looken ,,, used Remington 1100 in 20 ga.   

[Ping]

Answered the same question in another forum and some smartass fragged me.  I would stick with the 12 since it is more popular, easier to find and cheaper. Yes, recoil is slightly less on the 20, but if you have a good recoil pad, a 12 will be fine. In the time of need, recoil need not apply when it comes to life or death...

[Sponsor]

[MikeBjerum]

Answered the same question in another forum and some smartass fragged me.  I would stick with the 12 since it is more popular, easier to find and cheaper. Yes, recoil is slightly less on the 20, but if you have a good recoil pad, a 12 will be fine. In the time of need, recoil need not apply when it comes to life or death...

I agree with your statement, but I will address one thing:  Recoil - Using loads match to the task most people will report less felt recoil from a 12 ga.  When shooting a load that designed for the task in 20 ga. and 12 ga. there will be slightly less actual recoil from the 20, but the added mass of the 12 absorbs or resists (the old theory that an object at rest wants to remain at rest thing) enough recoil.

[Big Frank]

If the recoil of a 12 gauge is a problem you can get reduced recoil loads. AFAIK they don't make any in 20 gauge.

[twyacht]

If the recoil of a 12 gauge is a problem you can get reduced recoil loads. AFAIK they don't make any in 20 gauge.

The felt reduced recoil of Winchester Ranger RR OOBuck 9 pellet, is very noticeable compared to standard 12g OO. If used in an SD situation, you probably won't even notice.

Plus, should "something" happen to the gun/ammo laws, having a common more readily available caliber, like the 12g, will help, even if its bird shot.

20g will be like finding 16g today,....sure its around,....but not everywhere, and more expensive.

[Ping]

+1 on 16 gauge. My father has a single shot 16 gauge. Bought him some ammo last year and it cost a fortune. Plus it is hard to find unless you order online.

[Conagher 45]

My local walmart sells 12 or 20 gauge 4 box packs for $23.75,   cann't reload them for that cheap of price. I still think that I shoot my 20 gauge better that I do my 12 gauges. I am going to try harder this year with my 12 gauge over and under but the 11-87 is still nagging me every time I shoot one. There has to be the difference in the 7/8 oz.  vs. the 1 1/8 load. I can load 7/8 oz for the 12 gauge but lead shot has jumped in price and then buying 7/8 loads for 12 ga. is kind of pricey, $64.99 per case. Maybe 26 years as a LEO has something to do with sucking a pump gun and trying to switch to an O/U has some thing ingrained in me too. The 870's have a different hold to them as compaired to an O/U shotgun and and 11-87 or 1100 are closer to the 870 feel and hold, or is this all in my head ? (Damn the little voices.)