Any reason not to buy a 20 guage?

[Silvercreek Farmer]

I've got a 12 gauge, but it is an antique so I don't want to bang it around. I was thinking about a cheap 20 gauge pump for a farm gun. Also thought it could double for some skeet if the wife or kids want to shoot. Biggest downside I see seems to be fewer ammo selections. Anything else? I don't bird hunt, but if I did, would I really be giving up much killing power?

[Hickok]

Some thing I found when my boy was young and starting out hunting, I bought him a H&R single barrel 20 gauge with a 3 inch chamber. That thing kicked like a elephant rifle with 3 in shells! It actually hurt to shoot it with the mag loads.

Just me, but I have always been a fan of the Remington 870 shotgun.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

nothing wrong with a 20ga but like you said ammo selection

[str8shot426]

No reason whatsoever. For what you are looking for a 20ga. Would be perfect. I use a 20 exclusively. I only break out the twelve for goose hunting.
As far as killing power, gauge does not matter. It's a payload and velocity factor. A 1 oz load kills the same in either gauge. The limiting factor is the shot load weight.

[GRUMPA]

The way I am I just down charge the 12ga that has the same felt recoil of a 28ga round. To me there's much more versatility in a 12ga than a 20ga ever did. If you don't reload shot shells than I guess your stuck with what they offer as far as shot shells go.

[white eagle]

I never had an issue finding the ammo I need for a 20 ga.
personally for the hunting I do with a shotgun the 20 ga. fits perfect
mostly hunt ruffed grouse,rabbit,and small ducks (teal mostly) anything
bigger like high flying late season mallards,geese and in spring turkey
I use a 10 ga.

[SteveS]

20 ga. will do pretty much anything you've mentioned.

I've taken grouse, pheasants, ducks and geese with it. Works great on squirrel and rabbit. I have no doubt it will take turkey. Plenty of deer have fallen to a 20 ga. slug.

I've had a Remington 870 express 20 ga. for the past several years. It's nothing fancy buy does all I ask it to. If I had it to do over, I'd go back to the Mossberg 500. Better gun imo.

[historicfirearms]

12 gauge ammo is cheaper, recoil difference is negligible with comparable loads, reloading components are easier to find for 12 gauge. Nothing wrong with 20 gauge though if that's what you want. 20 does have an advantage with slug loads.

[Ole Joe Clarke]

I bought a Model 12, 20 gauge, back in 63, it still works.

[GhostHawk]

I started with a .410 shotgun, had major issues killing anything tougher than a pidgon.

Then I bought a Rem 870 in 20 ga, and had it fitted to me. And within days ducks started to fall.
By the time I put it away in favor for a 12 it had shot and killed everything I aimed it at. Hungarian partridge, ruffed and sharptail grouse, big northern mallards, Snow and Canada Geese, and several deer with slugs. 3 in one year including the big 10 point buck hanging on my wall. The little 20 did it all and did it with style. 2 3/4 is all you need unless your hunting geese.

Hard to go wrong with a Rem 870 in any gauge, but the 20 is by far my favorite to carry. 12 ga good in the goose blind, but the 20 is lighter, flexible.

[kens]

The 20 is lighter to carry and faster on the close quick shot, ammo is a non issue. What might you think if a rifle guy was to say "any ammo other than 30-06 is hard to find"? Same with 20ga , ammo is out there. Consider this: a heavy load for 12ga is 1 1/4oz shot and it ain't cheap, 20ga 3'' is also 1 1/4oz. If you reload a heavy 12ga see that it runs approx 35gr powder and 20ga 16gr unique under 1oz is a very reliable load

[Vann]

Nope, 20 ga will work just fine for most anything. I do think that when you try to shoot 12 ga equivalent loads out of a 20 that the felt recoil will be a lot harder out of a 20 due to the fact that you're pushing a 12 ga load out of a 20 ga bore. Meaning that I feel that a 7/8 oz WW super speed out of a 12 ga kicks less than a 7/8 oz load thats running the same velocity out of a 20 ga. That's just my opinion but I believe that the lighter weight of the 20 and the smaller bore are the reason. My daughter shoots her 870 with me during the summer, after about 20 rounds she starts getting pretty sore whereas she can only shoot her Rossi single shot about twice before she's ready to put it up.

[MrWolf]

The way I am I just down charge the 12ga that has the same felt recoil of a 28ga round. To me there's much more versatility in a 12ga than a 20ga ever did. If you don't reload shot shells than I guess your stuck with what they offer as far as shot shells go.

^this. Tailor your loads if you reload which I did. Varied loads based upon needs when trap shooting for my son and I.

[quilbilly]

a 20 ga double is all I use for my duck hunting anymore around here and my 12 ga double stays in the safe unless some geese are around. I just shoot better with the 20 than the 12 and more ducks fall out of the sky when I get my decoy set right.

[KCSO]

Biggest downside to buying a 20 gauge is lack of money. I bought an Ithaca SKB sxs many years ago and used it in preference to anything else. I killed everything you could kill with a shotgun no problems.

[solderboy]

I've always shot 12 ga, but my dad picked up a used winchester pump in 20 ga years ago and has never looked back to 12 ga. it has the screw-in chokes for versatility.

[Hogtamer]

Shop around and find a good condition 870 wingmaster pump gun in 20 ga, if fixed choke a modified barrel is my preference. You'll pay about the same as a new cheapola model 870. Here's the kind I look for on gunbroker. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=521141027 This is prolly a 60's gun, some cosmetic stuff but great shooters. Shop around for while and you can pick up a great deal if you're in no hurry, especially from one of the pawn shops that want to move inventory.

[jonp]

None. I used my Bennelli Super 90 Montefeltro on everything from rabbits to Turkeys to Geese. Works just fine

[Rick Hodges]

Only if you are a duck and goose hunter. I used a 20ga. for everything until the steel shot for waterfowl laws. I switched to a 12ga. for steel shot.

[Rufus Krile]

As far as killing capability... Robt Ruark's wife killed a lion with a 20ga and birdshot. It was pretty close.

[TXGunNut]

I'm new to the 20 ga but mine is pretty handy even if ammo selection may seem limited. My dad grew up on a Nebraska farm hunting pheasant, among other things. When I bought a 12 ga to hunt Texas dove and quail he thought that was silly, and he may have been right. My hunting gun is a 20 ga, I think it will serve me just fine.

[tonyjones]

The only downside to a 20 Ga. as opposed to a 12 Ga. is that the pattern diameter will be smaller with the 20 and with equal weight shot charges the shot string will be longer with the 20. With tungsten/iron shot the 20 Ga. is lethal on ducks. TJ

[Lonegun1894]

Select the ammo you need for the task at hand and it will do fine. Your ammo selection may be slightly more limited in your local shops if you have the same luck as I do, but that can be overcome with either handloading or planning ahead and making sure you have enough of the ammo you need. For example, within about 50 miles of me, there are two gun shops that realize that there is anything except birdshot and slugs available for a 20ga if their inventory is any indication. If I go to the two that have more selection, or plan ahead and just order what I need, my 20ga does just about anything that my 12ga does. The only advantage the 12ga has is a larger bore and heavier payload, which doesn't make a difference for 95%+ of my use, but pays off for geese and turkeys.

[granville_it]

1. take the wife and kids along, let them try the potential purchases

2. make sure that the shotgun "fits"

3. 12 vs 20, your choice, it doesn't matter for what you specified.

4. A rem 870 is never a bad choice

I shot skeet and game with a rem 870 express for many years until the b... took it off me

Best regards, Mark.

[Rustyleee]

I love my 20s. The only reason I even have any 12s is because I've had them a long time and don't want to get rid of them.

[NavyVet1959]

I started with a .410 shotgun, had major issues killing anything tougher than a pidgon.

Back in my youth when I duck hunted, I killed a lot more ducks with a .410 than I ever did with a 16 or 12 gauge. Don't know exactly why... Maybe because it was a single shot and I was more careful with my shots. Maybe because it had a notch and blade type sight instead of a two bead type sight. I never really like those bead type sites.

[Hogtamer]

Both of my sons were started on 20's @ age10 and they were 3 years apart - that includes deer hunting. They got a rifle @ age 13. To set an example I hunted deer with a 20 ga as long as they did, so for 6 years at least 2 of us were hunting with a 20 ga, 2 3/4" #3 buckshot. We killed over 20 deer in those 6 years and never lost one. Of course limited effective range is about 25 yds. Grandson, age 12 now has taken 4 deer with 4 shots including this one, his first...turkeys too!

153140153141

[Tackleberry41]

I think one reason 20s are not so popular is the lack of 'tactical' ammo. 12ga buckshot is everywhere, 20ga, not so much. Yes I do know its out there, but you go to the local gunshop and their likely to not have any, or just a box or 2, and its generally not cheap. The ammo selection for a 12ga is anything you want, 20 ga is usually about a 1/3. Wal mart will only have bird shot, or some turkey stuff if the right time of year.

I went and got a 20ga as I know not many women are fond of a 12ga. But without 'tactical' ammo, its use for home defense is a bit limited. Place near me sells boxes of 1 buck in 20ga, 25 count. Not a terrible price at $15. But I went and bought a couple molds and just make it. Won't bother with making target or skeet shells. I was making 4 buck for a while, or buck and ball w a 54 cal RB and some 4 buck. And lee has their .575 minie ball mold, tho not very good as is, to much weight, I made a new base piece that shifts the weight forward, brings the weight down to an ounce. 4 buck takes a while to make alot of it, so bought a 1 buck mold from sharpshooter molds.

But a 20 does need to be a full sized gun. I have a 20ga barrel with a Rossi single shot, its worse than a 12ga due to the weight.

[lefty o]

im no fan of the 20, but if you want one thats the only reason you need. however, if your wife is going to use it occasionally, make dang sure the gun fits her so that it doesnt beat her.

[Artful]

Dangers of owning 20 ga and 12 ga
- if you accidently put a 20 ga in your 12 it will slide down into the barrel far enough that you can chamber a 12 shell behind the barrel obstruction. KaBOOM - bad day.

It will kick like a mule with 3" slugs.

Advantage the guns when build on a 20 ga frame are light and handy.

I have a 20 ga on a 12 ga frame an it's heavier than when the 12 ga barrel is on it.

Ammo is smaller and lighter so you can carry more in the same space/weight.

When shot the shot column is longer than a 12 ga of the same weight load in flight.

Components can be more expensive for 20 than 12 when reloading.

[starnbar]

I have 12s 16s 20s and 410s now that I am older and wiser I carry the 20 my rotator cuff has been put back together twice and that moss 20 gauge pump does everything I need it to from hogs to deer and alligators too.

[freebullet]

My 20's kicks as hard as the 12 cost more to shoot if your not loading for it too. Probably would have sold the 20's if they hadn't been my fathers. They do kill just as well as a 12. Shot turkey, deer, pheasant, quail, & Prarie chickens with both, they all died.

[bedbugbilly]

My Dad started us out with a .410 - that was 50 some years ago. It did pretty well on tree rats, cottontails and pheasants. Then he stepped us up to a 20 gauge - a Stevens pump. That pump took a lot of game including ducks. From there, I moved on to an old N.R.Davis double 16 gauge. I haven't shot a shotgun in years - don't even own one other than my 20 gauge flintlock Fusil de Chasse. If I was to get another one, I'd probably opt for a 20 gauge as well.

Not to steal the thread . . . but my neighbor has a 28 gauge over/under that looks like a pretty nice shotgun. Are the 28 gauges becoming more popular?

To be honest, since I don't own a shotgun anymore, I don't pay attention to what the availability of shells is but it seem like when ammo was short, there was always shotgun shells on the shelf? Some gauges more scarce as far as shell than others?

[Bazoo]

20 gauge is great to carry and shoot, very light and quick to the shoulder compared to a 12. Only thing I dont like about it is lack of ammo selection. No buckshot, not heavier shot normally. Just birds, and slugs.

[osteodoc08]

Short of geese, I use my 20 for everything. I have an 11-87 and it is very soft shooting. Looking for a Citori in 20 gauge to go along with my 12 gauge.

[popper]

Mossberg Maveric, 12 & 20 but I prefer the 20 as it is lighter. 1/2 the $ of the 870, eats anything, estate or rio - cheap stuff. Takes '500' barrels, comes with modified choke. Got an 1187 & A400 but the 20 maveric seems to find it's way to clays practice most times.

[brstevns]

The 20 will do all you need for it to do. Look at the Mossberg 500 pump.

[flyingmonkey35]

The only reason. Not to buy a 20 gauge us if you don't have the money:-)

[quilbilly]

Only if you are a duck and goose hunter. I used a 20ga. for everything until the steel shot for waterfowl laws. I switched to a 12ga. for steel shot.
I hated the steel shot requirement as well but the the 20 ga with #2 steels has worked fine even for the big bull sprigs out to 50 yards. What I have really come to enjoy in recent years is the 20 ga with #4 buckshot on coyotes out to 60 yards in out local tree farms. The lighter 20 ga. makes it nice for those quick shots at disappearing coyotes.

[EMC45]

20ga. is a good buy. I got my wife a Remington 870 Express 3in. 20ga. years ago used for a good deal and she has never even shot it, I have though and I plan to get my kids on it real soon instead of their single shot H&R .410. More payload and longer range.

[toallmy]

Everyone needs a good 20 , load your own and make em like you want. well in all honesty you can do that with a 12 as well .why not have both.but watch out for a light shotgun with a hevie load in either , taking a beating takes the joy out of shooting for most folks.

[725]

Got 10's & 12's but find I take the 20 out more and more. Good for geese with Hevi-Metal shot. A pocket full of 20's is easier to carry than a pocket full of 12's. Even gets better with 28's or .410's.

[NavyVet1959]

Back in the old days for duck hunting, it seemed like it was .410 for the young son, 20 for the wife, 16 for the older son, and 12 for the husband. And maybe a 10 if you were going goose hunting. I don't remember anyone with a 28 gauge back then.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

NOPE , I even bought myself a 20 last year , I have a few 12s but my sons Mossberg 500c 20ga was so handy that when I saw a used 500c in the LGS as a combo with a 26 inch accuchoke vent rib and rifled slug barrel for 225 with a mixed bag of shells and a case , I put down my money and walked out with it it was such an easy decision I don't think I was in the store 25 minutes with the paper work and background check

it is handy and light , I have the same gun in 12 ga as a combo but 12ga slugs in a M500 are filling rattlers and I don't even have much for fillings

[Greg S]

Alot can be done reloading the 20. 1 oz Copper plated 6s with some buffer in a Fed hull and wad with bdot and instant death to late season pheasants. Same could be said with a 7/8th oz load in a 12 or a nice tight patterning 1 oz load in a AA with gdot. If weight is an issue look at the 20s especially the old Rems old LTs. Shoulda would coulda, my last stack barrel should have been a 20. Turkey, no problem. Been looking for and 870 Special Field (straight stock) in 20 for some time. One of these days I'll just quit whining and pony up. The 3" is advantagious for the larger birds or longer reach.

[jsizemore]

Any reason not to buy a 20 gauge?

Ain't got enough money.

[smkummer]

There are light recoiling factory loads now for the 12 gauge in 1 oz. and 7/8 oz. that really negate the need for a 20. And if you are a reloader, you can make that ammo yourself. Gas operated semi auto shotguns also really turn the kick into a push. I taught a small frame gal how to shoot with a Winchester 1400 and a 1 oz load in 12 gauge, she never complained about the kick. Sure there are some small frame guns made for the 20 but in a double, these guns are not cheap. And a single barrel small 20 gauge almost kicks like a 12 gauge. I too started out with a 20 when I was young (9-10), (ducks in N. Dakota with lead shot) and was successful but around 12 years old, we went to 12 gauge. Again, you can always download a 12 gauge. So many options for ammo in 12 gauge.

[tonyjones]

Any reason not to buy a 20 gauge?

1) You don't want one.
2) You don't need one.
3) You can't afford one.

I'm in my mid 60's and have been hunting with a shot gun since I was seven. Over the decades I have shot thousands of birds
(ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, quail, pheasant, pigeon, doves, etc.) and many thousands of clay targets (skeet, trap, sporting clays, among others). At present I own 8 shot guns: 6-12 ga, 1-20 ga. and 1-28 ga. I need to add a .410 bore. To me, the main reason for a 20 ga. is that in similar guns, the 20 ga. will weigh less and is easier to carry. If I'm mostly stationary while dove hunting my 8 pound, 4 ounce sporting clays gun is great. If I'm spending the day behind pointing dogs in pursuit of quail and may walk 10, 12 or more miles, a trim light weight gun is a decided advantage, especially if you are an olde phaarrrtt!

I hand load almost exclusively because I can tailor my loads and I can make better ammo than I can buy. My 28 and .410 hand loads are also about 1/3 the cost of factory ammo. It is easy to come up with a 12 ga. load that patterns better that a comparable 20 ga. load, however, the 20 ga. has it's place. I load nickel plated lead shot for upland hunting and tungsten/iron for waterfowl. In 12 ga. I load 3/4 oz, 7/8 oz. and 1 oz. nickel plated and 3/4 oz through 1-3/8 oz. tungsten/iron, all at higher than factory velocity (1,400 to 1,800 fps mv).

If you are going to be walking a lot and shoot upland birds a 20 ga. is great to have. If I were limited to one shotgun it would be an 870 Wingmaster in 12 ga. and customized to suit ME!

TJ