12 vs 20 gauge

[dross]

While I have no fear of recoil, why bother? What are the pros and cons of 12 vs 20? Please believe, I have no dog in this fight, just looking for cold, hard analysis of why to choose one over the other.

 

[Jack Ryan]

You can load down a 12 to 20 gauge levels but you can't load up a 20 to 12 gauge levels.

 

[Dryden]

12ga. has a bigger hole at the end of the barrel. It makes bad guys run away.

 

[IndyGunworks]

if shtf there will be more 12 guage available

 

[public servant]

While I have no fear of recoil, why bother? What are the pros and cons of 12 vs 20? Please believe, I have no dog in this fight, just looking for cold, hard analysis of why to choose one over the other.

I think it would depend on what the gun was being used for.

I don't have cold, hard facts...but for close quarter home defense...I would think a 20 ga. with 00 buckshot would do it's job well enough. Of course the 12 ga. would do it better. But if I found a 20 ga. for a good price I wouldn't be worried about the step-down.

Hunting...I'd stick with the 12 ga. Although I like hunting squirrel and rabbit with a .410. And .410 slugs are a blast to shoot.

 

[public servant]

12ga. has a bigger hole at the end of the barrel. It makes bad guys run away.

If you have a barrel shoved in my face...I'm not taking the time to measure the hole.

if shtf there will be more 12 guage available

True.

 

[redneckmedic]

For hunting the 20g is a flatter round, but I only have 12g

 

[Lock n Load]

I started my son out when he was just a lil' tot with a .410 bolt shotgun thats a family handdown, Grandpa bought 'em for his sons/ sons in-laws....

Then I bought him a Rem 870 20 ga. combo when he passed the Hunter Safety Course at age 10.... he has since moved on to a 12ga, but the 20s do have a place. Lighter recoil, sometimes a smaller length of pull and they come in very handy for rabbit and squirrel hunting.

But if you are comfortable with a 12ga, then thats the one to go with, longer range and harder hitting on deer, shells priced about the same or sometimes cheaper than 20s......

My ,

 

[Dryden]

If you have a barrel shoved in my face...I'm not taking the time to measure the hole.

True.

Then you'd be forced to ask.... is that a 20 or 12 ga.???
Granted, the answer wouldn't matter. (Hmmm, what's going thru my mind, a 20ga. slug or 12ga. OO buck?)

 

[clt46910]

Larger choice of ammo with the 12 ga.

Lighter faster handling gun with 20 ga.

 

[x10]

you gave no action preference or purpose, Here's how I answered your question,

I have a 12ga Over under and then I bought a set of Briley 20ga tubes, now for everything but a combat course I have the gauge I need,

I shoot 20 ga for trap/skeet and then pull the tubes to go to 12 ga and I can put a set of camo covers and go turkey and deer hunting,

Not the cheapest way but a very flexible setup

 

[eatsnopaste]

12ga. has a bigger hole at the end of the barrel. It makes bad guys run away.

Had a 9mm pointed at me once...from the business side it is as big as a 12 gauge also!

 

[pudly]

I don't have cold, hard facts...but for close quarter home defense...I would think a 20 ga. with 00 buckshot would do it's job well enough.

FYI- From what I've seen, 20 ga. only goes up to 2 buckshot and that only in 3" shells. 2.75" shells are limited to 3 buckshot. This is actually a very good compromise load for minimizing wall penetration.

 

[public servant]

FYI- From what I've seen, 20 ga. only goes up to 2 buckshot and that only in 3" shells. 2.75" shells are limited to 3 buckshot. This is actually a very good compromise load for minimizing wall penetration.

Thanks for setting me straight. I've never purchased any so I didn't really know. Makes sense though...a little less diameter means more shot in a smaller shell.

 

[243rem700]

For hunting small game and upland birds I prefer the 20ga for its manuverability, light weight, and less damage to the game. For waterfowl, turkey, HD and just about everything else I like the 12ga for its power and versatility.

 

[venenoindy]

12ga can be found very easy and to this day still cheap comparing to anything else out there.

 

[friedmarlin5]

I agree with all the comments about knowing what you're going to use it for.

I have an old Rem 870 20 ga that is the sweetest rabbit gun I have ever carried. It is light, accurate, and doesn't turn n itty bitty rabbit into just a puff of fur and guts.

I won't deer hunt with anything but my 12 ga. I want knockdown power !!!! Yes a 20 ga. may be enough at very close range but remember that having too little is the same as not having any at all. I have hunted with many people using 20 ga's that got good shoots on a deer but they couldn't find them because them because the deer didn't drop soon enough, etc. Bigger holes = bigger blood droplets.

I prefer a handgun for self-defense in close areas like a home.

Good luck.