12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge shotgun
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location:
Posts: 2

This is my first season hunting w/ my son and husband. Quick question...
Is a 20 Gauge ok to hunt deer with? I can't quite handle the recoil on my 12 gauge. Some of the reading I've done indicates I probably won't have much luck with the 20 Gauge. Any thoughts on this??? Always appreciated!!
Is a 20 Gauge ok to hunt deer with? I can't quite handle the recoil on my 12 gauge. Some of the reading I've done indicates I probably won't have much luck with the 20 Gauge. Any thoughts on this??? Always appreciated!!

#2

The 20 will be fine. You may not have the range but don't worry it will have plenty of range no matter what you are hunting(birds small game or deer).
Many of the guys on here have a bigger is better philosophy and think the 20 is a sissy gun. I hunt with a 12 but my first was a 20 and Ikeep it closestill.
Many of the guys on here have a bigger is better philosophy and think the 20 is a sissy gun. I hunt with a 12 but my first was a 20 and Ikeep it closestill.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Norwalk, Ohio
Posts: 4,443

20 Will be good for just about everything. Guys do look at the 20 gauge as a sissy gun but i'd almost prefer my slug gun to be a 20 instead of a 12. Its not like the 20 gauge is a completely different firearm, its the same gun, just smaller shells.
#5

20 will do the trick fine! best to stick with what you are more comftoble shooting! if your thinking bout the recoil before you ever fire you might be more apt to flinch and not hit the animal where you intended!
#7

Shot placement is much more important than the difference between a 12 and 20. I use a Ultra Slug 20 gauge with Lightfields slugs that will shoot 1 hole groups at 50 yards. A 20 gauge hole thru the heart and lungs will do just as good a job as anything.
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Iowa/Nebraska
Posts: 262

ORIGINAL: RugerM77.270
The 20 will be fine. You may not have the range but don't worry it will have plenty of range no matter what you are hunting(birds small game or deer).
Many of the guys on here have a bigger is better philosophy and think the 20 is a sissy gun. I hunt with a 12 but my first was a 20 and Ikeep it closestill.
The 20 will be fine. You may not have the range but don't worry it will have plenty of range no matter what you are hunting(birds small game or deer).
Many of the guys on here have a bigger is better philosophy and think the 20 is a sissy gun. I hunt with a 12 but my first was a 20 and Ikeep it closestill.