Before you buy a 12 ga you should have someone take you out and let you shoot it. Unless you’re a strong woman, a 12 ga might knock you off your feet. It’s got a big kick to it. I got a 20 ga instead of a 12 because it was too much for me. I know a 12 ga is more powerful but a 20 will get the job done if someone tries to break into your house.
there ya’ go- probably I would get knocked on my a$$ with a 12ga & if a 20ga would do the same job I could probably handle it. I know you have to be steady on your feet and good shoulder control, kinda’ like playing a men’s 1 iron and getting shanked in comparison i see your point - we never kept guns at home and truthfully i’ve never handled one and if things go any further with this regime i’ll be getting “handy” as they say, gotta’ learn some day, don’t you?
Trying out before buying is often a good idea, including when buying a gun.
“Unless you’re a strong woman, a 12 ga might knock you off your feet. It’s got a big kick to it.”
I’ve run both rifle/pistol and skeet ranges, and never, ever, seen even the smallest shooter knocked off their feet. My wife is 5’3”, and has no problem at all. There is also a wide range of ammo you can use, which will effect how much it ‘kicks.’ Have someone who really knows what they are doing show you how to shoot, it really helps.
You have to get in touch with your inner 8 year old boy, that's what I think. Make noise and break stuff. Wow! That's FUN!
It’s not as simple as that. My fiance has a very light weight 20 ga. with an incredible kick bc it is so light.....it even hurts my shoulders and I only shoot a 12 ga. (and my 12 ga. has nowhere the kick of that 20 ga)
I have a funny story on that issue, When I was 19, I went down to a farm with some friends who were there to shoot. I was 97 pounds at the time.
Back then it was popular for girls to have a few different color wigs, or falls, they called them. That day I wore a fall and had it pinned in my hair. I didn’t figure I would do any shooting.
I wanted to try shooting this gun for the first time. They let me. When I shot it, I flew over backward and that wig thing flew off my head. Some guy that was with us started screaming, Geesh, I think she got a squirrel! He really did think it was a squirrel.
I have never forgotten that moment, and I laugh everytime I think about it. I was so embarrassed. LOL
With me, it's just what I grew up with. Perfect in-between size. Good for pheasant, rabbit, or deer.
With 3" magnum shells and # 2 shot or deer slugs, it is more than capable in putting down two-legged critters.