20 or 12 qauge
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Adirondacks
Posts: 1,305
RE: 20 or 12 qauge
I've always used 12's but all were bought in barrel combo packs for use on birds to.There's no question the 20 will put the kibosh on any deer that ever lived at any reasonable range.
#5
RE: 20 or 12 qauge
With all the advancments in ammo and barrels, the 20 ga is plenty and not far from 12 ga from power/energy level while being every bit as accurate. You'll be pleased with either so your choice should center on the phyical differences in the guns themselves and the amount of recoil you're comfortable with. I'm sure I'll be corrected but I've seen little difference on actual deer shots between 3" or 3.1/2" magnums and regular 2 3/4" slugs. The deer couldn't tell any difference either. No sense in putting up with more recoil than neccesary.
#9
RE: 20 or 12 qauge
My hunting buddy has the 20 gauge H&R - we call it "the howitzer" because of the massive, thick barrel. It's an excellent gun - he's killed deer out to 120 yards with it. It is very accurate and the recoil isn't bad at all. Personally, I'd go with the 20 - the 12 gauge is going to have a lot more recoil without extending your range much or providing a meaningful increase in power- all the deer my friend has shot with the 20 gauge were DRT.