Everyone loves shotguns whether its for hunting or home defense, shotgun usually comes up first as the most preferred to have. Then, theres the talk of either having a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge, which is the better? Posted on 04/30/2019 5:40:51 AM PDT by w1n1
Everyone loves shotguns whether its for hunting or home defense, shotgun usually comes up first as the most preferred to have. Then, theres the talk of either having a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge, which is the better?
Probably the best answer will always be that "depends". The 12 gauge will have more kick than the 20 gauge. To some folks they don’t mind or like the harder recoil.
12 Gauge
For hunters that prefer the larger shot size (4 shot) and heavier loads, go with the Mossberg 500 12 gauge. Good for the gobblers and turkeys that don’t move as fast as ducks. There are some hunters that shoot with buckshot loads for the longer ranges.
20 Gauge
The 20 gauge is becoming more popular of the two, due to its versatility. The younger generation and new hunters seems to take to the 20 gauge because its a lighter gun. The shotgun shells are a little smaller, lighter and shoots higher density which is good for the quicker birds. Read the complete comparisons of 12 gauge vs 20 gauge.
Any comments on what a beginner trap shooter might find useful to begin with if the choices are 12, 16 or 20?
Which is better apples or oranges?
I know doves are not very big, but that's a lot of doves.
Thats JC Higgins I believe. From Sears. I've got a model 36 in .22 passed on from my Father. It is the most valuable in my gun safe for that reason. It also shoots poker chips at 50 yds consistently. The 3X9 scope helps with that.
Several manufactures made firearms for Sears. Your shotgun was made by one of those.
“10 gauge”.
For when you need to make absolutely sure heh.
I have a single barrel 10ga, that my grandfather and father used to put food on the table daily, during the 20s, 30s and early 40s, before Dad went off to WWII. Never fired it, but it’s in excellent condition and looks awesome.
“Ugly thing, with a big nob on the end of the barrel called a poly choke.. :)“
Yep. That’s the one. Grandma had the 20 gauge version sans the choke. I’ve got them both now. Have no idea what to do with them. Granddad bought them at Sears sometime in the 1950s I believe.
Pretty sure Hi Standard was the actual manufacturer. Big, clunky, and heavy. But granddad put more than a few rabbits in the pot with it back in the day.
L
12 gauge has always been our our go-to for ducks - stationary river blind hunting. We use 20 gauge for upland birds - much easier to carry when spending a day walking in the fields
Ammo Availability is to
Be Considered.
I like your thinking. Why do you have to choose.
Get both.
I grew up in western NY state. Many people had Ithaca 12 gauge shotguns with buck barrels for deer hunting. They were more accurate for shooting deer slugs. They were also lighter and shorter in length.
My father had(now my younger brother has it)a Belgium Browning semi automatic 12 gauge with a long barrel. It was a big heavy gun. Fine for sitting in a blind waiting for ducks or geese but not for walking around in a field.
I have my dads Winchester model 12 pump 16 gauge. It is considerably lighter than the Browning. It is a good upland game hunting gun. It is a good compromise.
So, previous posters are correct in stating or asking. What are you going to do with the gun?
JC Higgins????
A Sears Roebuck shotgun....
My Mossberg 590s (both of them) kick MUCH harder than a 30.06. Probably 2x.
Especially with 3in loads of buckshot.
I can handle the pain, but I don’t like it. And I would never encourage my girlfriend to try it.
It would be the last time she would fire a shotgun and I wouldn’t have back-up. Not to mention she’d be mad at me for a week.
It’s truly painful.
“A Sears Roebuck shotgun....”
Yep. My granddad would weep at what’s become of Sears.
L
The standard 16ga Browning semi-auto can rip off it's 3 rounds in less than 2 seconds, which is useful at times quail hunting and follow up shots at dove are more accurate and faster than my 12ga Winchester 1200 pump. The 16 ga Browning is also plenty accurate enough at skeet and trap although not at the level of the high end over-under shotguns that experts can make sing.
Get a 12. There is a much greater variety of loads available. From very low recoil 7/8th ounce of shot at 980 feet per second, to real thumpers. For the clay games, look for 1 ounce at 1200 or less, that will break anything out there.
Also in my war chest is an L. C. Smith 20 gage double.
It’s an old timer—1948 I think, based on serial number.
Bought from the estate of a late pal 30 years ago.
#4 buck for smaller critters and #1 buck for the larger ones and Brenneke slugs for the largest.
Thx, I have all options available and have yet to meet with the trap chairman for advice at the new club.
I have the 18.5” Benelli Nova H2O Tactical 12 ga., nice little gun.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.