RE: Best all-around shotgun guage
 

Since you say that you may want to hunt deer or turkeys with it, I would have to say get a 12 gauge.

However, for upland bird hunting a 20 gauge is a great gun and as others have pointed out, a lot lighter to lug around all day.

RE: Best all-around shotgun guage
 

12 gauge, no doubt about it. The 20 gauge definately has its place in the world, but "most versatile" it is not. There are hundreds of different factory ammo options available suitable for every game animal from doves to moose.

If you don't mind a touch more weight and in some cases a bit more recoil (people seem to think that 12 gauge field loads are shoulder killers compared to their 20 gauge counterparts, but they aren't), the 12 is definately the way to go.

Mike

RE: Best all-around shotgun guage
 

Per parameters given....

3.5" 12 gauge

RE: Best all-around shotgun guage
 

The one they don't make an awful lot of-16 guage.
Polack

RE: Best all-around shotgun guage
 

I'd say 12. But the 20 isnt too far behind.

RE: Best all-around shotgun guage
 

well, I guess you guys have nailed it already, the 12