10 Gauge pros and cons..?

[AKHunter18]

I currently have a 3.5'' 12 gauge and do alot of crane and goose hunting. My question is what am I gaining by switching (getting)to a 10 gauge?

[Chantecler111]

More recoil, heavier gun, but, I have noticed, the 10 Gauge does have a better pattern than the 3 1/2" 12 gauge. I myself own an NEF Pardner 10 Gauge, and it has an excellent pattern.

[Californiadoctor]

I have a semi-automatic 10 gauge shotgun (Remington SP-10 Magnum) and it is heavy, 11 pounds, but the recoil is milder than many12 gauge shotguns I have used. The pros are better patterns, the cons are ammunition cost and availability.

Caldoc

[Contrast]

will you have a much better range using the 10 over the 12 gauge?

[shump]

no i do not see much but then that is just me

[drgildy]

I have a 10 ga Browning Gold (semi auto)and it has much less recoil than my Benelli 3 1/2 in 12 ga. I have added a recoil tamer from Benelli and that does help but it is still more recoil than the 10.

[SwampCollie]

Pro's of going with the 10:

MUCH better patterns
Less recoil (due to hevier gun)
Don't have many cycling issues, because they are only designed to shoot one type of shell (magnums)
Did I mention MUCH better patterns?

Con's of going with the 10:

Shells are getting harder to come by, and they are $$$
All you can shoot are 3 1/2", can't take this one to the skeet field
If you forget or run out of shells, unless someone else has a 10, you are SOL (ie: not at much versitility)

Summary:

I would say get the 10. Keep your 12 just so you have some flexibility (although, I personally think that a 3.5" 12ga is nothing more than ringing ears and a sore shoulder. Gene Hill may have submitted something about self confidence, but I digress). 10ga's are great for what they are meant for, which is pretty much what you are doing. They also make great (although often FAR too heavy) turkey guns.

[blaserman]

I have a SP 10 , Grate goose Gun . Too slow for ducks . As far as ammo you can check places for close outs I just picked up Remington nitro Steel BBB a case for $12.00 box. $15.00 shipping. I also Reload Steel I bought 30 lbs of steel shot off Ebay for $ 20.00 . It can be done.

[duramaxnay6]

Pro's:
A little better pattern than 3 1/2 12 ga
Slightly less recoil that a light 3 1/2" 12ga gun (not less than a extrema)

Con's
Same amount of shot and powder as most 12 ga 3 1/2" loads
Can only use it for that purpose
Heavy as SH*T
10 guages don't point or swing very will.
$$$$$ for shells

Not worth it IMHO

Plus my brother had a Browning gold 10ga and sold it for his Benelli SBE II and wouldn't go back.

[GooseHunter Jr.]

I have a BPS 10 and love it. I do not notice any more recoil from it and my 12 gaueg. I like the heaviness from the 10 gauge. We shoot alot of decoys geese and I do not have to swing it too much!