Is a 20guage adequate for skeet

T

tipper

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
1   0   0
Location
BC
Want to start skeet shooting and was wondering if a 20 guage would do the trick or is a 12 the only way to go?
 
I hit WAYYYY more with a 20 than my 12's. The 20 is more "controllable" and most of the shotties in 20 guage that I have held, just fit and swung better. I wouldn't be without a 20 guage now if you paid me to.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I might have to go out and buy one this wknd.
Any suggestions on certain brands?
 
20ga is plenty for someone who has a bit of clay shooting experience, but I prefer the 12ga frame over a 20ga frame. My preference is 20ga tubes in a 12ga gun.
 
bmcrae said:
20ga is plenty for someone who has a bit of clay shooting experience, but I prefer the 12ga frame over a 20ga frame. My preference is 20ga tubes in a 12ga gun.
Click to expand...

This is all new to me. For someone like myself with no experience a 12 would be alot easier?
 
tipper said:
This is all new to me. For someone like myself with no experience a 12 would be alot easier?
Click to expand...

If both guns fit you, the difference between 12 and 20, gauge will make very little difference in your ability to break targets. If you are going to miss with a 20, you will likely miss with a 12.
 
I think you will break more birds with the 12ga (kind of a mathematical no brainer really). As you be more proficient with your 20ga, the difference between it and a 12ga would start to get much smaller.

Skeet is my game, and I have not shot 12ga in years. For me 20ga is plenty. If I move to a game that isn't my specialty (doubles fricking trap comes to mind) then I would like to have that extra lead to put down range. Experience has show me that in these situations I score better with a 12ga (longer shots, and other target presentations that I don't often see).

Which ever gun you buy, just make sure you can get ammo. Generally 12 and 20ga ammo is priced similarly, but not always. 12ga ammo is usually much more available than 20. From there I'd see if I got a better deal on the 12ga gun I wanted or the 20ga gun. I don't personally worry about gun fit off the shelf as I full well expect to go see a gun fitter (or suitably modify the gun for fit myself).

YMMV
 
Not only can you shoot skeet with a 20 or 28, you can hunt with one! Mind you, you need a good dog and it is bigger than clays!
IMG_1954.jpg


That is a bespoken 30 inch Chapuis. It works well on the 28 gauge side events in Sporting as well as upland bird hunting! BTW, I used Winchester AA 8.5 target loads on those birds!
Henry
 
I shoot 90% of my practice with 3/4 ounce 20 gauge reloads, here's the recipe from the Alliant website (2014-05)

I shoot with Improved Cylinder to tighten up the pattern for skeet.

Shot Wt. 3/4 (ounces)
Velocity 1200 (fps)
Primer Win 209
Powder Alliant Unique
Wad "CB 1075-20" (this is the 20 gauge Claybuster green wad)
Grains 15.4 (MEC #24 for me)
Approx. 8200 psi
 
20 is more than adequate. I actually shoot better scores with my 28 gauge, than I do with 12. The difference is less recoil and less fatigue over the long run; hence, better shots.
 
I've seen guys with o/u 12g that have the shock absorbing cylinders for a buttstock. Felt weird the first time I shot it but I could see the benifits. The rig he's running cost about 3000 and I know there are guys at the club with shotguns that cost up to 20k.

I'm using an 870 12g. I've had too many skeet shooters tell me O/U's are better so I've made it a personal vendetta to prove that a perfect score can be shot with a pump. I've already hit a couple doubles with it. I'm using out of the box #9 target load.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom