Posted on 08/29/2018 5:40:37 AM PDT by w1n1
If you can give up a small perceived ballistic advantage and in exchange, get the ability shoot the gun better, that's a worthwhile trade-off.
But even so, I dont usually recommend a 20 gauge shotgun over a 12 gauge for home defense. And not because it isn't powerful enough. It has a lot more to do with the lack of industry support for the 20 gauge.
The shotguns you can buy today that are set up for self-defense are almost all based on shotguns used by law enforcement and the military. For the last century or more, almost 100% of their shotguns have been 12 gauge. So all of the firearm industrys research and new technology for fighting shotguns has been devoted to the 12 gauge, not 20 gauge.
Its not really all that popular in the general consumer market, either.
The lack of R&D, there's really not much incentive for the gun and ammo companies to support 20 gauge. Its primarily viewed as something for young hunters who need a shotgun with a little less weight and recoil than their dad's.
As a result, it's kind of an uphill struggle to put together a 20 gauge shotgun thats optimized for home defense. Read and see the video of 20 gauge shotgun here.
I refuse to read an article with a headline written in such poor English.
Is grammar still taught in seventh grade?
Lol! You owe me a new keyboard.
I can think of several reasons that shotguns of any variety are less desirable for home defense.
First of all is over-penetration. You want to avoid blasting through internal and external walls. A similar problem with high velocity or large calibers.
Second is barrel length. A long barrel can inhibit movement, make your actions obvious, and make aiming harder.
Third. In WWI, combat in the winding trenches was optimal with a pistol in one hand and a trench knife in the others, a combo that proved better than most others. And it has been noted that the narrow corridors of a residence are much like a trench with a ceiling. Over about 10 feet, the pistol works best; but if the enemy closes on you quickly to “smother” your pistol, you still are able to defend yourself with the knife (which in this case incorporated brass knuckles.)
However, once you leave the building, a shotgun is a far superior weapon, optimal for “backyard” ranges.
I got this far and that’s it...no need for me to put in another 2 cents worth...
12 ga. is more common and available.
Why aint they?
Why isn’t...?
This website is run by morons.
As a result, I have a nice Mossberg 20 gauge designed for home defense. Hope I never have to use it but confident if I do it will get the job done.
20 gauge 2-3/4” shot shell will hold 20, #3 buckshot
20 gauge 3” will hold 18, #2 buckshot.
That is probably enough.
12 gauge 2-3/4” shot shell will hold 9, 00 buckshot
There is a huge difference in size and range with 00 buck shot.
Yep, not much use for home defense. You guys can send all those old Parker, LC Smith and Fox twenty gauge double guns to me and I will dispose of them appropriately.
For home defense you’re probably not going to be shooting any further than the length of your largest room.
I don’t think 20-or-12 is going to make much difference at that range. The 12 will make more hamburger, but that’s about it.
Your biggest worry in home defense is penetrating multiple walls and killing your next door neighbor. Buckshot is probably not a good idea. Bird shot at 20 feet and all the king’s horses and all the king’s men aren’t getting your guts back in their container.
Mossberg 590 Shockwave. 12, 20 and 410.
Any thoughts on the .410 with 000 buck? 4 pellets in each round. Want my wife to not fear the recoil.
Nothing brings order to a chaotic situation faster than the sound of a 12 gauge racking.
Cuz they ain’t good at grammer
Why isn’t more people using aren’t in the plural?
Gun rag writing - what did you expect?
Because they is literate?
Mossberg says that my HS-410 will/can use Slugs and any other loads. It fits well for indoors and close range.
Am Shooting Journal is a bunch of rednecks.
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