School me on shotguns...

[fyver]

So I'm looking at an entry-level shotgun, primarily for home defense but possibly for hunting later on. I'm relatively small frame so I was considering 20 gauge over a 12 gauge. Anyone have any suggestions?

Currently own a 10/22, Glock 19, and Colt 6290, but nothing in shotguns right now. Thanks for everyone's thoughts!

 

[Hotdoger]

Remington 870 in 12ga.
Lots of options to modify it after purchase.

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500... The End!

 

[wsenefeld]

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500... The End!

This ^^^ and in 12ga. The kick isn't near as bad as you think. Then get some low recoil 00 buck and you're good to go.

 

[sloughfoot]

I have four. A side by side, a semi auto Beretta, and two 870's. They are all usefull for home defence or hunting.

 

[Bapak2ja]

Maverick 88 is a good one, too.

 

[Joq867]

Whatever you choose if the recoil is uncomfortable or the stock is too long, look into one of the recoil reducing stocks that are also adjustable. The kick lite system seems to have the fewest negative reviews.

 

[Manatee]

Felt recoil is a product of many factors, the most important are: Projectile weight and velocity, gun weight, shooter posture.

A 20 gauge with a 1 oz load at 1250 fps will recoil MORE than a 12 ga with a 1 oz load at 1250 fps because of gun weight.

I'd get a 12. They make more of them so the volume/cost/price is in your favor. It will probably recoil less, given standard defensive loads. It is more versatile from the standpoint of availability of cartridges.

 

[GarandTeed]

Have to agree with Adam. Go with the 12 gauge 00 Buckshot for home defense, you'll get used to the recoil when you take it to the range and practice. There are enough of these guns around that I'm sure someone on this site would let you try theirs out, including me if you are anywhere near South Bend. My 8 year old has shot my Citori Trap O/U so I don't think it'll beat you up too bad. Good Luck.

 

[CitiusFortius]

Also be aware: slugs (big hunks of metal) will have more recoil than birdshot (small BBs) fired from the SAME gun. You should get a field barrel (smooth) and not a rifled (grooves to make slugs fly straight)

Hope that helps a little bit!

 

[edeekeos]

I'm going to go against the grain here, I would recommend a 20ga over a 12ga IMO. Small frame or not, a 20ga is far more versatile. It's lighter weight, less recoil(depending on ammo choice), and just overall, easier to handle.

I currently own 4 scatter guns:
Rem870 Wingmaster 20ga, Rem870 Express Magnum 20ga, Rem870 Tactical 12ga, and a H&R Pardner Protector 12ga(870 knockoff) Out of all of these, my favorite is the Magnum 20ga. Its built on the small receiver 870 design, its very light weight, even with the 26'' barrel, and it will fire 2 3/4'', and 3'' rounds. The only downfall with this particular model is the lack of aftermarket accessories. Being that it's built on the small receiver design, it's VERY limited in terms of acc's/upgrades. There are only few stocks and forearms made for it, as opposed to the larger frames, the 12's, and the 20 Wingmasters.

The 12ga's are awesome though, don't get me wrong. They pack SERIOUS firepower. A
601.5-grain (1 3/8oz) slug traveling ~1500 fps at muzzle delivers roughly 3200ftlbs of energy. That's exceeding the muzzle energy of a .30-06 round, but in a far larger package, meaning more energy into the target. Those numbers are just ridiculous, but they don't come without their side effects. A 12ga magnum kicks like a mule, bottom line. Ammo is cheaper for 12ga however.

To each their own really, but I honestly prefer versatility, over sheer power. I LOOOOVE my 20's.

 

[erictorp]

If you are worried about the kick, get an autoloader. The action takes out alot of the recoil. Remington 11-87 or an old 1100 can't be beat. Don't get a home defense gun, get something you can go shoot trap with, you'll enjoy it more.

 

[Hookeye]

Also be aware: slugs (big hunks of metal) will have more recoil than birdshot (small BBs) fired from the SAME gun. You should get a field barrel (smooth) and not a rifled (grooves to make slugs fly straight)

Hope that helps a little bit!

You need to try some turkey loads

 

[Tombs]

Grab a mossberg 590. Everything else right now aside from benelli has had some concerning quality control IMO. Or course if you're going used that is unlikely to be an issue.

If 12 gauge is beating you up, you haven't learned how to handle a high recoiling firearm. There's quite a bit of documentation around, just remember to pull the gun away from you with your left hand, and pull it towards you with your right. You can't fight the recoil on every gun, sometimes you need to let it push you otherwise it'll kick your butt.

Only time I'd recommend a smaller gun is for someone who can't managed the weight of a 12 gauge. 12 gauge is much too common and affordable to be overlooked, and the birdshot loads are typically a fair deal friendlier to the shoulder than the same offering in a 20 gauge.

 

[Westside]

Remington 870 or Mossberg 500... The End!

^^^^ This +++

This ^^^ and in 12ga. The kick isn't near as bad as you think. Then get some low recoil 00 buck and you're good to go.

^^^^^ This


both guns have lots of accessories and options that you can use to customize and make work for you.

 

[balboa]

I love my Mossberg 500 plenty of options to make it the way you want it!

 

[TheDude]

12 gauge
Rem 870 or Moss 500/590
18 to 20 inch barrel.
Keep it simple. A ton of useless junk you can buy that will make it look good in the corner or the mirror but just make it heavy when needed.

 

[fyver]

Thanks for all the good suggestions everyone. Leaning towards the Mossberg. Anyone have any experience with the Flex?

 

[Kirk Freeman]

Have you considered a 20 gauge single shot?

You can get a used one under $100.

 

[Bang-bang]

Keep looking into the options you have, Do not rush.

As example: stoeger m2000 mercury recoil reducer

I have both, and it does make it better. You may test/try this set up.
And get what you test /try. Know the feel! Be One with the.......

My