So as a newbie, let me ask a question. Am I reading shell boxes right, a 3" 20ga can have about the same amount of shot as a 2 3/4" 12ga -- well less 1/8 oz anyway? If this is true, why don't more upland(pheasant) hunters use 20ga? I am looking at a new gun and have a limited budget, so a 20ga would get me more in the weight range I want, and I'm not afraid of the recoil. Thanks!

20ga is not alot different than 12ga untill you get into the high loads.
Just depends on what you want
We used to shoot Pheasants with a 12ga 3 3/4 1 1/4 #6s a very effective load.
Now i only shoot preserve pheasants and i can kill them with a 410 2 1/2" shell #8 shot and a 1/2 load
Still all Pheasants now in the Dakotas are released birds no matter what anyone says

They are fairly close. However, the 12 will have a bit more range due to the powder charge. If you want an all around gun, 12 is they way to go. As for the budget, the two should be close enough not to matter.

They are fairly close. However, the 12 will have a bit more range due to the powder charge. If you want an all around gun, 12 is they way to go. As for the budget, the two should be close enough not to matter.


That says it!!

I carry a 26" 20ga O/U for Quail and Pheasants. With the 1300 fps loads that are available, I have no problem knocking down Pheasants as long as I get on them quick.

IMHO going to 3" loads with the added recoilin the twenty really defeats the purpose of the gun. Might as well carry a lighter weight 12 ga.

20 ga 3 inch shells are expensive..12 ga 2 and 3/4 inch low brass are cheap and available..

now, it comes down to this, 20ga is dream to carry in most guns, the 12 ga is NOT..

unless you can get a BERETTA,BENNILLI, FRANCHI, i would look at the 20 ga,.

my favorite gun..BERETTA URICKA FIELD,12 GA,28 INCH BARREL,2 AND 3/4 SKEET LOADS AT 1300 FT.. weights,6.5 pds.remingtons are too HEAVY in 12 ga..

weight is everything in making your hunt fun,i sold 8 guns to get that beretta..it was well worth it..