What should i get for deer hunting/birds/squirrels/everything else? The main reason i'm posting this is because i'm only 16, and i'm not too sure if i can handle the recoil of a 1 oz 12 gauge slug.
I'd go for the 12GA. Read my reply to your other post about the Remington 870. My daughters (twins, age 17) have shot my 12GA a few times, when we were out skeet shooting. I let them take a whack at an old gallon milk jug with 3" magnum #00 buckshot and said, "Now you wanna feel some power?" They handled it better then I thought. The 870 does have a pretty think recoil pad. I've shot 1oz slugs out of it and #00 buckshot many times and it's okay. I mean, you will know you shot a slug or #00 buck, but it won't be absolutely brutal on the shoulder.
I've gone all day skeet shooting with my brother with 12 gauge 870, an old 16 side-by-side, and i didn't have a problem with that, kinda blue shoulder at the end of the day, but it was all in fun. I think i'll go with the 12, and if i can't tolerate the recoil with the big slugs i'll get a limbsaver or something.
I would say go with the 12 gauge. I think you would be happier in the long run. Learn how to handle it, and that way you don't have to buy another gun in a year of so when you realize the 20 wasn't enough. The recoil isn't that bad especially when shooting regular 2 3/4 inch shells. nothing to worry about. Just get a gun with a good stock pad and you don't have to worry. I started shooting a 12 at 14.
I'd say use whatever you're comfortable with. I've owned many 12 gauge shotguns, and several 20 gauge. I've done everything with the 20 that I could have done with the 12, including duck/geese hunting. If I'm looking at shooting alot (like skeet or sporting clays or dove hunting), I opt for the 20 gauge. It's also usually much lighter to carry in the field. That makes a difference after a long day of chasing rabbits.
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Danny
Life Member, North American Hunting Club
Life Member, National Rifle Association
Life Member, Buckmasters
Oklahoma Hunter Education Instructor
If you intend to use the one gun for everything including deer, and waterfowl, I would suggest the 12 gauge for the first shotgun. You can become accustomed to the recoil by starting with light target or field loads and shoot standing up. By standing your body is able to "roll" with the recoil, instead of absorbing it all. When you want to hunt deer you will need to sit down and sight the gun in with slugs. But you can work your way up to those loads. I shot my first 12 gauge when I was ten or eleven and even though I felt the recoil.....it did not do me any harm.
The 20 gauge is a great gun, especially for upland game, and it will work for deer and waterfowl. But it leaves less latitude in its use. And that's not the same as saying you can "be careless" using the 12.....it only provides the capacity to effectively throw a heavier charge.
When someone asks what gauge to start a really young, (or extraordinarily small) person....or a person with a physical disability...then I would suggest the 20 gauge. Because it does recoil less. But the price for that reduced recoil is in the fact that it utilizes a "lighter" charge. And I know it seems a paradox...but the 20 gauge is also a really good gun for someone with a little experience. (Just like the .410 should only be recommended for experts...NOT beginners....in my opinion.) The same reason they have less recoil.....speaks to their "lesser" abilities.
If you are 16, of normal size, and of normal health....you'll have no difficulty adjusting to the 12 gauge. Assuming you are serious about wanting to hunt.
Best of luck to you!
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12 gauge or 20?
They handled it better then I thought. The 870 does have a pretty think recoil pad. I've shot 1oz slugs out of it and #00 buckshot many times and it's okay. I mean, you will know you shot a slug or #00 buck, but it won't be absolutely brutal on the shoulder.
