Looking to buy a shotgun. Plan to shoot clay pigeons around home and probably do a little pheasant hunting. However, I would like versitility in case I ever get the chance to shoot at some dear or turkey. What are your opinions on the different guages for an all-around gun for the frugile shooter?

12 gauge by far, i have a winchester 1300 that came with to barrels one for deer and one for everything else.

12 guage with no doubt, just grab one that you like and fits you!

I have a Marocci silver snipe o/u 12g and a Benelli super 90 and a Remington 1187 too altough i dont use the Remington much after i got the super 90, but these are all great guns!

Actually for what you say you plan to shoot I would prefer a 20 gauge. Lighter package, less recoil and still does a fine job. Only thing to consider is many times 12 gauge ammo is cheaper for some reason.

yes a 20 gauge does do the job but if he wants to shoot clays a 12 gauge will give him that extra distance he may need.

Definetly a 12 gague. It is perhaps the most versatile gun in existance

Bigger pay load for longer distances and tighter patterns at those distances.

Bigger pay load for bigger birds like geese and turkeys.

Much better selection of available ammunition.

I have both but find I pick up my 20 way more than the 12. The 20 is more pleasant to shoot if you are going to shoot many clays and if you can't bust them consistant with a 20 a 12 won't help lol The 20 is lighter to carry for a long day in the field to boot.

I would say a 12 gau ,a 870 12 gau . IMO the 20 is great BUT the 12 is a little more forgiving on a poor shot , for every 20 load there is probely 10 12 loads ,12 gau ammo is cheaper and if you would ever want to waterfowel hunt the 12 is far better .
IMO the reason that 12 gau ammo is cheaper is there is so MUCH more made.

I'd say a 12. I was thought for sure I was goin to get a 20 but the 12 seemed like it would be a lot better. I'm just wondering how old are you?

I just love the 20, but there are so many more different kinds of ammo made in 12 ga. here in the U.S. that there's "NO CONTEST". In Europe, I'd say 16, but here, 12!