I have always been a 20 guage lover and own a couple nice ones ( Win 101 & CZ Bobwhite ). My dilemma is I have come across a Bernadelli SxS which is really messing with my brain. It fits like a glove but is a 12 guage. The reality though is that wether you shoot 1 0z. of # 7 1/2 shot at 1200 fps out of a 12 or 20 guage you are getting the exact same payload even if the pattern will likely be a little different. Am I overthinking the usefullness of a 20 guage? Really it's not the payload but rather the lighter weight of the gun that sells the 20 to grouse hunters right? This 12 is as light as most 20 guage doubles. HHhhhmmmm......
12 vs. 20
- Thread starter linderhof
- Start date
mudgunner49
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
"As light as...", which means recoil may be more problematic. I find that unless you're hunting waterfowl the 12 offers little over a good 20 gauge...
the trend to the bird hunting population is leaning more on the 20 gauge now according to a recent article I read. This could be attributed possibly to the aging bird hunters out there looking for less recoil in the field and performance that is now on par with the 12 gauge. Modern shot, powders have advanced things shotgun hunting. shoot what fits, buy what you like. worst case scenario, if you don't like it, there is a forum here where you can sell it, good luck with the new gun
Fixed that for ya... BTW, ever wonder why competitive trap and sporting clays gunners opt for 12's instead of 20's if they offer little over a 20?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I don't know why anyone should ever feel the need to justify what they like in their choice of firearms. Having said that, my preference is the other way: I sold the 20's off a few decades ago and have a variety of 12's instead. I don't think I'll need anything less than a 7/8 oz load, which 12's shoot very well indeed. On the other hand, when the pheasants are flushing wild with a strong wind, 1 1/4 and sometimes even heavier is the name of the game.
I don't argue with people that they're undergunned if they choose a 20, nor do I think they made the wrong choice. But I don't buy into the claim that they're just as good balistically, either.
Not hard to find light 12 gauges if you take more than just a passing look...
Rick, I have a single barrel English game gun that weighs five pounds even. Recoil is fine with the loads I shoot, ballistics are better fir a given load with a larger bore and it's a joy to hunt with.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I have more than a few 12 gauge shotguns. But for upland game, often I find the 20 is enough gun for the task.
But keep in mind this fella sometimes takes along a 10 gauge flintlock, just for a change in pace.
But keep in mind this fella sometimes takes along a 10 gauge flintlock, just for a change in pace.
I prefer 12 over 20 but when I was using a 4 gauge set 12 20 28 and 410 I couldn't notice a difference in my scores on the skeet field until I went to the 410 and even then did well. My load for upland and small game is 7/8oz #7.5 shot for grouse and rabbits and squirrels 7/8oz #6 shot for pheasant and turkey. Even at 1325fps these loads offer little recoil and pattern great in all of my 12ga's. If that 12 fits you perfect you will shoot it better and have more confidence in your shot
lol
Took some #4 high brass shells out for some saucy groundhogs a couple of weeks ago. Didn't see the ones that popped-up 20' from me the week before and didn't move...but thought I should let a few of these things rip out of my 20ga. Wingmaster just for the hell of it. If that recoil is for girls, than I'm a 6'2", 335 lb. girl. Or maybe 2 of them.
Working on it, 26" , C / IC, single trigger Hemingway. Crazy sweet.
Rod B
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Then try Winchester Supreme Gold Partition Sabots out of a mere 2 3/4" chambered 20 gauge M37 Ithaca Featherlight. A .452 diameter 260 grain sabotted bullet at 1900 fps. This surpasses many factory 45-70 loaded cartridges in velocity and energy. I guarantee you it will get your attention.
????
I pretty much do all my shotgunning with 12's. But I have an incurable lust for an elegant little 28 gauge side by side - have ever since I saw Lee Strait's little Spanish 28 gauge - even though I have no real use for one.
So when I do see the one that causes me to rip my wallet out of my back pocket, if a 20 makes me a girl, what does a 28 make me???
- Location
- Claresholm Alberta
Secure enough in your manliness to know that shooting a lighter guage doesn't make you a girl?
