Medium Gauge Giant: The Handy 20 Gauge

AmSJ ^ | E Nestor

[w1n1]

While smaller than it’s big brother the 12 gauge, this game hammer shell is ready to hunt. Let’s take a look at why the 20 gauge is only number two in comparison to the larger 12 gauge shotshell.

When you hear “20 gauge shotgun” what comes to your mind? For me it means a well balanced shotgun that is also quite a bit lighter than it’s big brother the 12 gauge shotgun. What also comes to mind is small game hunting. From squirrels to pheasants the 20 gauge works great and allows even less kick for recoil sensitive shooters.

The iconic 20 gauge shotshells were historically solid brass or the more common and cheaper priced cardboard hull version. Have you ever wondered why on some 20 gauge shotshells it is written “20 GA ONLY”? It is because if the shells are loaded into a larger bore 12 gauge they will lodge in the barrel. This is forward of the actual chamber and then this would allow a 12 gauge shotshell to be chambered. Guess what happens next when that trigger is pulled? Oh yes a catastrophic kaboom!

So what payload weights are available? On average a one ounce load is what you find in lead shot. There has been heavier loads but that is where the larger 3″ magnum shell reigns supreme. How about a two ounce load? Well shotshells marketed to turkey hunters sure pack some payload! Read the rest of the 20 gauges here.

[glorgau]

The key question is how far out can it take down a drone?

[TexasGator]

I worked my way up but skipped the 20.

.410 break open single shot
28 Guage double barrel
16 Guage Remington Model 11 Browning
12 Guage Remington Model 11 Browning

[struggle]

I have a 20 gauge for my wife that I unfortunately lost in a boating accident

[TexasGator]

“I have a 20 gauge for my wife that I unfortunately lost in a boating accident”

Do you miss your wife?

[sjmjax]

If you’re interested in 20 gauge, just be aware that not all manufacturers use a dedicated 20 gauge receiver.

They modify and rebarrel a 12 gauge.

That negates much of compactness and weight savings potential of the 20 gauge.

[marktwain]

Some makers also make a specially light 12 guage which gives all the advantages of a 20 gauge in a 12 gauge.

I have a Browning Double Auto like that. Marvelous shotgun.

[kawhill]

I’ve got an old Hercules single-shot in 20 gauge. My Dad gave it to me when I was about ten. Good gun.

[FreedomNotSafety]

My first. 20 ga Ted Williams from the Sears catalogue. Had some Brazilian hardwood that is so dense it sinks.

[Big Red Badger]

I’m more a collector having two Savage Model 24’s. One is .410 and .22 LR. the other is .22 LR over 20 ga. both are Beautiful little shooting pieces.
Hunting isn’t in my sights as Long as McDonald’s is Open!

[ragamuffin]

Winchester 37, 20 Ga here. First weapon from father after he returned from Korea, 1953. Still in constant use today doing duty keeping birds at bay in the small orchard. Couldn’t be a simpler more well made weapon on the planet!

[marktwain]

I grew up with 20 gauge shotguns, a Remington model 870 and a Winchester model 12. Both were wonderful shotguns.

I now have a 20 gauge Remington 870 I picked up at a gunshow. Someone had started to “refinish” it by taking off all the blueing. It shoots great. The stock model 870 simply seems to fit me perfectly.

There are advantages to being of average size.

I advise most people to get a 12 gauge, because they are wonderfully versatile, with many more loads available at some of the lowest prices around.

I still love 20 gauge shotguns. Smaller gauges are making a comeback with Tungsten Super Shot. If the price of TSS breaks below a dollar a round, .410 shotguns become the equivalent of a 12 gauge with lead projectiles.

(they already are, but when TSS costs $3-$10 a round... hard for most people to take advantage of it.)

[lurk]

Does it come with belt feed or drum magazine?

[antidemoncrat]

I like the 410 pistols and shot guns. They can handle all the shotgun ammo plus the 45 Colt round.

[GaryCrow]

A 20 gauge single shot from Kmart was my first squirrel gun when I was 12 years old. It’s still the gun I would pick up for squirrels today.

[BenLurkin]

Okay, that right there was funny.

[TexasGator]

“Some makers also make a specially light 12 guage which gives all the advantages of a 20 gauge in a 12 gauge.”

Not all considering the heavier kick.

[Lurker]

Well played, sir.

L

[ETCM]

I have an old inherited Baretta Silver Snipe in 20 gauge. Was entry level when sold some 60+ years ago, but now feels like a work of art.

[Scrambler Bob]

Did you miss your wife = = =

It’s hard to miss with a shotgun.