Trying to decide between a 20 or 12 gauge

I am trying to decide which shotgun I should get, a 20 gauge or 12 gauge. I have owned both guns. A 20 gauge pump and a 12 gauge single-shot. I have decided to get a single shot again, but can't seem to make up my mind which one. Here is my issues list. Please help me out. 1. I like the lower recoil of the 20, but the 20 I had before was a heavy pump compared to the light single shot 12 I recently had, so this could be skewing my view or it could be my memory. However, I am much heavier now than when I had my 20 gauge. I weigh 265 lbs. The 12 gauge I recently had was very light and kicked like a mule when I used any heavier loads. It didn't have a recoil pad, so this added to the problem. 2. I have heard that you can get more of a variety of loads for a 12 gauge and that the ammo is cheaper or at least cheaper by weight. 3. My brother says, 'Be a man. Get the 12 gauge.' BTW, he bought my 12 gauge and shoots it without a recoil pad. 4. They cost the same, so that isn't an issue.

Your help is appreciated.

What are you planning to hunt? If ducks or geese, you will find that the heavy loads of steel you will be using will be a little painful with a single shot. But maybe you're a glutton for punishment. I've never shot a single shot in any gauge (other than 410) that didn't kick like crazy. I use a 12 ga. pump. I think the extra weight over a single shot is worth it.

it.

I am into lighter and 'simpler' things. That may sound crazy, but I like the lighter gun. I canoe a lot and have gotten used to trying to get by with the lightest equipment I can find. I also like the simple workings of a single shot. Easier to fix in the field, etc. I wouldn't shoot it a lot, and the low price is good for me. I mainly hunt with a rifle. Thanks for your input

I think that you should get the 12 gage because they are better for hitting what ever you are hunting. I' ve own both and the 12 gage hit what I shooting at better than the 20.

1. Recoil is a subjective thing for the most part. However, there are several factors that affect it. The configuration and weight of the shotgun can have a tremendous effect on felt recoil. The other factor is ammo. You can shoot light 12s that recoil less than heavy 20s. My advice: spend as much money as you can afford on a gun that can be tailored for your size and measurements, then shop around for ammo. If you shoot small game, birds, and clay pigeons, there are a number of light target loads that will serve you well without bruising your shoulder.

2. This is probably true. Twelve gauge ammo can run from 2-1/2 inch to 3-1/2 inch, and from 5/8 dram equivalents to 1-1/2 dram equivalents, with a variety of projectile weights as well. The market for 20s is much smaller than that of 12s, so you probably won't find as many choices.

3. Machismo is for shooters that don't know what they are doing. I know a 105 pound woman that can shoot rings around most of the men I know and she uses a 12. I've got an English .410 with a small, straight stock that is cast on that kicks me like a 30-06.

4. Go for the one you like the best - that way you'll be the happiest and be more prone to shoot it more often.

Thanks for everybody's help and input. I have decided on the 12 gauge, but now I may consider the pump to help with the recoil.

Thanks again

One final note - In all of the game that I have taken over the last 30 or so years, I have NEVER noticed the recoil when shooting at dinner.

I don't usually notice it either until the next day when I have a bruise.

Uh, Barry, the pump does not help with the recoil. An auto-loader does, esp. a gas-operated auto.

Actually you are right and wrong. The 'pump' doesn't help the recoil, but the extra weight of a pump shotgun helps with recoil compared to the very light single shots. Just like my M91/30 has a lot less recoil than my brothers M44 with the exact same load. I have more weight plus a longer

Big John in SC wrote > compared to the very

I stand corrected. I forgot that he was considering a single shot, probably because I didn't want to think about it. A single shot is almost always a bad idea for precisely the reason you are talking about