12 vs 20 gauge - Recoil comparison & recommendations for a woman?

cdnchick

cdnchick

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So, I'm likely getting a shotgun for my birthday (yippee!) and I had a question about recoil between 12 and 20 gauges.

I have a .22lr (which I know has close to zilch recoil) and I have shot my bf's Mini-14 and M14s so I've experienced some stronger rifle recoil. Can anyone give me a relative comparison of what the recoil of a 12 gauge or 20 gauge shot gun would feel like and what your general recommendation would be?

I've read that some women have no issues with the recoil of a 12 gauge (though, I've also read that fit has a lot to do with that) and others that say that they just like the 20 gauge overall because of its lighter weight.

I just wanted to know what the ladies on the forum had to say or any experience that the men have had with their spouses/gfs/partners.

Thanks!
 
Get a beretta 391, 12 gauge add some weight with a recoil compensator. Get some Winchester extra light loads. Ta Da, you are now setting yourself up to be the second best shooter in the family and thousands of dollars poorer.
If no 391 available, try a Browning gold hunter. add weight, teach proper fit. easy as pie.
 
I have shot skeet with several ladies that had no problems at all with target loads in semi auto and o/u 12 gauge guns.Realize that less weight means more recoil,so if you don't like recoil,a heavier gun will help in that regard.A semi auto will also result in less recoil than other action types.Lighter loads also produce much less recoil than the heavier magnum loads.
 
+2 on you trying a semi-auto. My 15 year old son that only weight 110 lbs soaking wet can shoot my Remington 1100 all day long with 12 GA 2.75" skeet loads & loves it! Much easier on him than a .303 Brit :D The semi auto action soaks up much of the recoil. A good spongey butt pad should also help!
 
If you have shot an M-14 and been OK with the recoil, a 12ga. semi with light loads will be no worse and maybe even better. A good recoil pad helps a lot as well.

A 20ga will not recoil significantly less than a 12ga with light loads and the 12ga will most likely pattern bettter with the light loads as well, along with the 12ga having many more options for ammo and accessories. IMO, the only place 20ga is better than 12ga is for upland birds where you can get a very light, handy double in 20ga that is much nicer to carry all day while hunting.

Mark
 
Thanks for all the suggestions... much appreciated.

I think I also need to clarify that I'll likely be getting a pump action (it's looking like a toss up between the Rem 870 and the Mossberg 500) rather than a semi-auto (the semi-auto is a bit out of the price range), so... does that change anything said above? Or can I still get away with a 12ga with light loads?

I guess I should also specify that, while I'm thinking about eventually getting into skeet shooting, I'd like to do a bit of grouse/partridge/turkey hunting first.

One more note: physique-wise, I'm about 5'5" with a fairly athletic build.
 
Whether you acquire a 20 or a 12 gauge, there are some recoil 'helping' devices out there, other than a semi-auto design.
Number 1, get yourself a really good recoilpad. Limbsaver brand name comes to mind immediately. These can be hard mounted to the butt-stock, or you can purchase a slip on pad as well.
Keep in mind, either way, any recoil pad will change the length of pull drastically.
The best option is getting a pad installed fitted to you personally.
Last time I supervised my niece while shooting, she had a big problem with length of pull because of this.
Number 2, is a heavier gun with light loads, (Do-able with upland game and skeet, maybe not so with migratory birds or turkeys) and a stock design you find yourself comfortable with.
Number 3, a mercury recoil reducer, say a Benelli product, but these are extra cash outlay, and some persons do not appreciate the different centre of gravity on thier shotgun.(Butt heavy, & weight may not be between the hands anymore)
Number 4, there are really good recoil absorbing pads, built into shooting vests as well. Often with handy big pockets for extra shells and differing camo/blaze orange options, game pouch too.
Number 5, 'Past' recoil shield, fits almost like a shoulder holster.

Good luck miss, whatever you choose to do.
And welcome!
 
12 ga guns are physically large, and your five and a half foot frame suggests to me that a 20 ga might be more appropriate, depending on what you intend to use the gun for. "What is it for?" is the key question. If you intend to use the gun for big game hunting, I'd steer you towards a 12 ga, but for just about everything else the 20 is appropriate. For upland hunting a 20 is the best tool there is regardless of who you are. If you are looking for a trap gun, the 20 doesn't present much of a handicap, and the lower recoil, lighter more nimble gun, will probably improve your scores. As a home defense gun, I wouldn't want to be the bad guy confronted by a pissed off lady pointing a 20 ga at his gut. If you are planning to hunt migratory birds, a 20 doesn't throw as large a column of shot skyward as a 12 ga, but a 20 ga can still put meat on the table.

Regardless of which gun you choose, fit is extremely important. You can get a youth sized gun if that works for you, or you can have a full sized gun cut down. If you intend to have the full sized gun cut down, it is probably better to choose a model with a wood stock, than to attempt cutting down a gun that has an inexpensive plastic stock. Don't skimp on the recoil pad, only the best is good enough, and that means a Decelerator or a Limb Saver.
 
I'm not a woman but I've taken a few out shooting shotguns. I've found that my 12 gauges have been to heavy and bulky for them. If you've managed to shoot a M-14 comfortably, I don't think target loads in 12 or 20 will pose a problem recoil wise. Proper gun fit will likely be the biggest issue.

I'd go with the 20, just because it can be had in a smaller gun, it'll be much better for chasing grouse, and won't be as serious of a handicap as some would believe.

A word of caution about turkey loads, most are heavy loads and hit really hard on both ends.
 
When I introduced my wife to shooting, she found the 20 guage to be too much for her, it's not that she wasn't capable of shooting it, she just didn't like shooting it. She wouldn't even try the 12. So I got her a Mossberg 500 pump in .410. Since the only shooting she does is partridge hunting, it's a good choice, and she enjoys shooting it.
 
I'd say 20 ga. That's what my wife shoots (and it's the gun I steal for myself whenever I'm chasing birds and she's not). As Boomer said, the best way to handle recoil is by shooting a gun that fits. Shotgunning is kind of a whole body thing, and so balancing a normal weight (and length) 20 ga will work out better for your height.

I'd say the only reason for you to go 12 ga would be if waterfowl are on the menu, in which case putting more steel in the air can be a good thing.

RG

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I have a 20 gauge over under that I love. My husband (already posted before me) has a 12 gauge and at first I noticed a difference in recoil but now I don't even notice. Even though the 12 gauge recoil doesn't bother me, I still prefer taking my 20 gauge out into the woods, it is lighter to carry and I love the over under break action. I have become very attached to it and have got many grouse from it.
 
if looking for a pump go to a store and ask to see a 870 youth model as well as the reg model --try them with a heavy jacket if going to use them for hunting - trying them side will tell you if they fit and if they point right--- if not try them with at least a jean jacket and it might be more money in the start but get one with 2 barrels (combo set) also saw one with 3 barrels
also look to the winchester pump the wife has one
 
An 870 in 12 ga. will kick the crap out of you especially the express model. Try a gas operated Semi Auto such as a Rem. 1100 or a Beretta 390 series. And most of all get into reloading you can tailor your loads to tame recoil. Target loads in 12 ga. 1 oz. can be hard to find usually 1 1/8oz. If you reload you can start at 7/8 oz and work your way up to what you are comfortable with. Good luck in your journey.
 
Lot's of good advice. It's best to go to a store and "try a few on for size". If it doesn't fit right felt recoil will be magnified. I would deffinitley look at a youth model 870. I got one for my son a couple years ago when he was about 9. He was only about 90lbs. and is always asking for more ammo when it's empty. I haven't introduced him to 3" loads yet but all he's used it for is clays with light loads. Also the wife doesn't seem to mind it either.

good luck
 
Having helped a couple of dozen women learn how to fire shotguns there are three issues that come up: noise, gun weight and recoil.

Noise isn't an issue because you've shot before. With new female shooters I'll have them double up on hearing protection.

Gun weight is often a bigger problem than recoil. A heavier gun has less felt recoil because of the weight but if the shooter doesn't have the strength to hold the gun properly fatigue sets in. As it does she risks stance and form errors that will increase felt recoil.

Because I can't make a woman physically stronger on the spot my preference is she have a lighter gun that isn't too large for her. It might have more actual recoil but felt recoil can be reduced with a properly fitted gun and correct shooting form and stance.

If you have the physical strength to manage a 12 gauge then use light loads, nothing heavier than 1 ounce at 1,200 fps. If a 12 gauge gun is too heavy then try a 20 gauge with 7/8 ounce target loads. Were it not for your desire to shoot pheasant and turkeys I'd be promoting a 28 gauge 870 as they have lighter recoil than the 20 gauge. There is however less variety in 28 gauge shells and they are harder to find and more expensive.

Go a gun store and ask to examine guns in both gauges. Find the one that feels best to you. If your heart is set on a pump gun then a Remington 870 Youth Model in 20 gauge might be the best choice. If finances are less of a concern then the Beretta 391 Youth in 20 gauge is a very good gun but is significantly more expensive.

Shotgunning is different than rifle shooting. If you are serious about learning how to shoot well I'd suggest finding a shooting instructor who can teach you the proper shooting form.
 
Win/64 said:
An 870 in 12 ga. will kick the crap out of you especially the express model.
Click to expand...

an Express kicking more than a Wingmaster? that has to be one of the dumbest things youve ever posted - and thats quite a feat. :D




cdnchick said:
I've read that some women have no issues with the recoil of a 12 gauge (though, I've also read that fit has a lot to do with that) and others that say that they just like the 20 gauge overall because of its lighter weight.

I just wanted to know what the ladies on the forum had to say or any experience that the men have had with their spouses/gfs/partners.
Click to expand...

there are a few factors that will influence felt recoil:
1. gun fit
2. action type (gas operated semis recoil the least, fixed breech guns the most)
3. gun weight (the lighter the gun, the more the felt recoil)
4. recoil pad (a quality pad can make a big difference)
5. ammunition (heavier the load, heavier the recoil regardless of the gun/gauge)

i have at least a dozen shotguns, my g/f and her friends like to shoot this one the most:
870compact.jpg


its a 20 gauge 870 Express Compact Jr (about $350 new).
it started life looking like this:
compactjr.jpg


and also comes in pink if youre into that sortof thing:
m870expresscompactpink8.jpg


^they comes from the factory with a halfway decent short length of pull stock (better fit for women) with the newer Remington Supercell recoil pad (not a bad pad). they have shorter barrels (with removable chokes) which are easier for smaller folk to wield.

Mine has a Knoxx recoil-reducing stock added to it. this stock has some springs in it and actually sucks up a lot of the recoil.
spec-ops.jpg

its one of the softest recoiling shotguns I have shot. the stock is also adjustable from approx. a 12" length of pull to an over 14" one, so if any taller people in your family want to shoot it they can easily adjust it for themselves. women who shoot my shotguns actually seem more comfortable with the pistol grip for some reason, it seems to be more intuitive and ergonomic for them. you can get Knoxx stocks for both 20 and 12 gauge.

i would recommend something like this. you could try it with the factory stock - the Remington Supercell pad is actually quite decent - and upgrade the stock to a Knoxx if want to tame recoil even more.
if you want something more 'conventional' looking you can pick up a gas-operated semi, but a good pump will last you a lifetime of service with little or no maintenance at all.

you can also get managed recoil ammunition for both 12 and 20 gauge.

good luck in the search, and welcome to CGN!


*edit:
i should add that my recommendation is for women looking for an all-purpose hunting/home defence/plinking shotgun.
if you want to do some more formal, competitive shooting like clays, skeet, etc then follow Claybuster's advice above.
 
manbearpig said:
an Express kicking more than a Wingmaster? that has to be one of the dumbest things youve ever posted - and thats quite a feat. :D
Click to expand...

Sorry but I post on actual shooting experience... Not on what I read on the internet or in magazines. But thanks for the post manbearpig.
 
go 20ga

having taking my wife and lots of her friends out shooting here are my observations:
-Endurance: being able to handle a few shots out of a 12 ga and a full round or 2 of trap is a big difference, almost everyone can handle a few shots.
-Recoil: in a semi, neither will kick that bad, but in a pump there is a significant difference. will us 200+ pound guys notice? not so much, but someone under 150 will notice it more
-Size: most definitely get a "youth" model, sure most 5'6" women can shoot a full size but youth will handle and swing better.
-Fatigue:generally 20's are lighter, so will not tire you out when shooting for extended periods.

so i would recommend an 870(mossy would work as well) youth in 20ga.

Just my observations,
cueball
 
Win/64 said:
manbearpig said:
an Express kicking more than a Wingmaster? that has to be one of the dumbest things youve ever posted - and thats quite a feat. :D
Click to expand...
Sorry but I post on actual shooting experience... Not on what I read on the internet or in magazines. But thanks for the post manbearpig.
Click to expand...

unfortunately those 'experiences' of yours were all viewed through the myopic eyes of a gun snob.

suggesting that an Express recoils more than a Wingmaster is ridiculous, but somehow not suprising coming from you.
 
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