Age old question... 12 ga or 20 ga?
 

I've hunted for years both shot gun and rifle with the most recent years (5-10) being mostly rifle and/or archery due to the shotgun seasons in Iowa being so goofy between the weather, goofy seasons for shotgun, and plain old Idiots Out Wandering Around.

I have finally decided to step up and spend some of my hard earned cash on a new slug gun, (instead of a cow elk hunt in NM) this year.

I've chosen the Benelli M2 after looking at just about every slug gun in my area sporting goods stores. My only remaining dilemma is 12 ga or 20 ga? I have a few opinions about both but rather than "tainting" the field I'll leave them out and let you guys give me your opinions. Thank you in advance for them and also I'm sorry should this cause a blow out among the "die hards" from each camp.

12 Gauge is the only way to go!

I'd go 12 also.......

I'd stay away from rifled barrels but would use a rifled choke tube. If you scope it definitely can double as a wild turkey taker too.

I have been looking at the M2 myself.

JW

With today's sabots and firearms, there is no need to subject yourself to the recoil of the 12ga., the 20ga. will take down what the 12ga. will without the recoil. The 20ga. is similar to a .50 caliber muzzleloader, people never question that .50 caliber. I do like the 3" shells for the 20ga., and the 2-3/4" for the 12ga. I own many slug guns in both gauges. To me the most accurate gun I own is the Savage 220f with Remington Accutips, next would be my H&R Ultra Deluxe, then my Remington 1187 (12ga & 20ga), my Mossberg 500, and my Ithaca in 12ga & 20ga.

May I ask why the M2? I think the Benellis are fine shotguns but are over priced for a slug guns, for waterfowl maybe worth the dollars. Save yourself money and buy something else, if a semi is what you want get yourself : http://www.remington.com/products/fi...etic-deer.aspx
with the money saved get yourself a quality scope, like Leupold VX-2

If you want a dedicated shotgun then look into: Savage 220f, or 212, H&R Single Shot, Browning A-Bolt

I think with today's slugs you will be happy with the results of the 20ga.

Why kill yourself with the punishing recoil of a 12 ga when the 20 gauge with either a 2 3/4" or 3" saboted slug is plenty of energy.

My wife shoots a 12ga... Would you think I'd shoot anything less???

Most hunters take shots in "shotgun only" states at 100 yards or less.

As always - Shot placement is everything.

20 gauge with 3" sabots are plenty !!!

I would go with 20 gauge over 12 for a slug gun

i absolutely LOVE my mossberg 12. you have no idea how much!!!
wouldn't trade it for a farm in goergia. well, maybe for a farm...
it doesn't kick that bad, even with heavy loads.

i think a lot of it has to do with getting used to it. most people seem to think that if they just press it into their shoulder they got it made, no problem... then when it nearly breaks their collar bone, or leaves a big bruise, they blame the gun.

they sometimes forget that they have two hands on it too. they hold it in their hands like a baby bird or something.

get a good grip, aim true, RELEASE THE KRAKEN!!!

yeah, i learned that one the hard way... unfortunately...

I'd rethink that cow elk trip to NM. Hunting big game with a shotgun? Bleh. I'm sad for you guys who have to do that.