12 GA vs 20 GA for hunting/self-defense

[Cgrutt]

Read something interesting last night about 20 GA being preferred in some ways to 12 GA for hunting. And I'm talking big game, deer, bear, etc. Hadn't really thought about it before but I guess it makes sense. With newer slug technology and rifled barrel, 20 GA packs essentially a 45 caliber punch with substantially similar ballistics to a slightly larger 50 caliber punch from the 12 GA. All the while being smaller, lighter and with less recoil than from a 12 GA. I realize energy is slightly lower than 12 GA due to lower projectile weight but velocity, wind drop, etc are pretty much the same. Check this article out...

http://randywakeman.com/Slug_Guns_Tw...elve_Gauge.htm

Thoughts?

[Cgrutt]

Here's an interesting article by Massad Ayoob on 20 GA http://www.backwoodshome.com/conside...gauge-shotgun/

Bottom line

The 20-gauge shotgun, particularly in the gas-operated semiautomatic version, seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in the firearms world. About the only thing it’s not very good for anymore, since heavy lead shot was legally forbidden for waterfowl hunting, is the harvesting of high-flying ducks and geese. In big bear country, I might also prefer the bigger slugs of a 12-gauge.
The 20-gauge will always “kick” less than the 12, and it will handle better and faster on quick-moving upland birds. With a buckshot load, the standard 20-gauge shell will fire 20 pellets of #3 buckshot (approximately .25 caliber), which will penetrate to about the same depth at about the same pattern width as the standard 12-gauge “urban load” of #4 buckshot, which comprises 27 pellets (about .23 caliber). The wound paths will be about the same depth and width, and the only difference will be how finely the macerated tissue has been chopped by the projectile paths. “Only the Medical Examiner will know for sure,” and then only when he counts the little lead balls recovered from the body, or the white dots on the X-ray of the corpse.
The 20-gauge shotgun. It is offered here for your consideration for the simple reason that it has compelling logic and a strong field history going for it.

[usmcveteran]

Very interesting, a 20 gauge can be shot by nearly everyone . I know in boy scouts that's what I used to get my shotgun merit badge.

Thanks for sharing that great info I never knew.

[FinalWinchester]

Interesting, I've never owned a 20 gauge, just 12 gauge. Although the kick of my 12 never bothered me much so why not go with the bigger gauge.

[Cgrutt]

Interesting, I've never owned a 20 gauge, just 12 gauge. Although the kick of my 12 never bothered me much so why not go with the bigger gauge.

Pretty much sums up the way I felt about it but the data suggests the bigger gauge doesn't necessarily provide a significantly bigger benefit esp. with smaller/younger or older shooters (i.e., older shooters, kids and women) where the kick might be a problem as well as generally being lighter overall which chalks up points for carrying in woods and faster pointing on target. Never really gave it any thought but I'm going to look into this some more.

[FinalWinchester]

True, makes me think about adding a 20 gauge to the cabinet just for the sake of owning a lighter 12 gauge. Less weight would be nice when traveling in the woods. The true bonus of shotguns is price. You could buy two for the price of one rifle.

[masterswimmer]

I like the thought of a 20g. My body can't do 12g no way no how. Now I just need to hear a report that a 410g is as efficient as the 20g and I'll be all set.

[FinalWinchester]

Makes me wonder how a 16 gauge fairs compared to the others.

[FinalWinchester]

Good article on the 16 and 10 gauge, it seems the 16 got the shaft so to speak.

http://www.firearmsnews.com/ammo/dec...auge-shotguns/

[big flash]

Pretty much sums up the way I felt about it but the data suggests the bigger gauge doesn't necessarily provide a significantly bigger benefit esp. with smaller/younger or older shooters (i.e., older shooters, kids and women) where the kick might be a problem as well as generally being lighter overall which chalks up points for carrying in woods and faster pointing on target. Never really gave it any thought but I'm going to look into this some more.

Yeah, i've been wanting to build a 20ga HD gun for my wife and it would probably let me daughter get into shotguns sooner when that time comes too.
i do have a pump .410, and though it is a handy gun (and fun to shoot) i never thought it enough for home defense

[GooseGun]

I currently and have for about 20 years hunted with an Ithaca Model 37 Deer slayer in 20 gauge. It was a gift when I first started hunting from my step dad, he has hunted with the same shotgun for many years before that and they have killed a ton of deer. I see no draw back with the 20 gauge since most of where I hunt will never get more that a 50 yard shot.


I must say though, I currently sits in the safe behind my Ruger American in 308 Winchester

[harleyhutch]

Never had a dead deer tell me if I shot it with my 12 or 20, put the slug where it belongs, dead deer. That being said, you may not always be at home should the need arise, I know my wife or daughter would feel more confident with a 20 than a 12 but probably wouldn't know the difference if the trigger was pulled under those circumstances. Confidence is the key based on a very bad situation.

[Calculon]

Been thinking about picking up an SA20 for a long time now for home defense. I know my better half will not pick up a 12 gauge due to recoil but if the 20 shoots as "light" as it seems may be a great option. Anyone have an SA20 or ever used one?

[nortatoga]

I picked up a Rem 870 20 gauge magnum express from a guy I know a few years back at my local watering hole. He got it for his kid a few years earlier, never fired for $200.00. The more I read about the 20 gauge the more I knew I did alright on this deal!!

[speedogg138]

The bolt action Savage 220 makes an awesome deer gun.