20ga. 3" #2 buck vs 12ga. 2-3/4" 00 buck

[madmag]

I have both 20ga. and 12ga. with short barrels. I normally load my 12ga. with 00 2-3/4" reduce recoil. But I like the handling of my 20ga., so I just purchased some Federal 3" #2 buck.

This is not about recoil. I have shot 3" (non-buck) in my 20ga. and it recoils as much as my 12ga. with reduced recoil ammo. Like I said, I just like the handling of my 20ga.

Any opinions or experience with effectiveness of the the 20ga. 3" compared to the 12ga. 2-3/4"??

[publius]

12ga.

[Incognito]

Personally, I wouldn't want to get shot with either :D

[madmag]

12ga.

Actually, I was looking for some data or opinions on the comparison. I already assume the 12ga. has an edge, but that doesn't' mean the 20ga. is not effective. I just recently saw a video of 20ga. 2-3/4" #3 buck that did pretty good damage to the target. So I would think that 20ga. 3" #2 buck closes the gap even more??

[Austinite]

I'm assuming you're talking about home defense.

IMO, once a great load is chosen (#2 buck in 20 or 00 in 12), handling is WAY more important than small differences between in effectiveness at up close and personal distances.

I swapped out an 870 12 gauge with a seven shot capacity for an 870 20 gauge youth because the 20 handles so much better. I don't feel undergunned at all. I might start to feel a bit undergunned with the 20 (I use the 2 3/4 buck #3 buck load) if I was shooting a deer at 30+ yards.

[madmag]

I'm assuming you're talking about home defense.

Yes, I forgot to mention it was for HD.

I have both the 12 and 20 ready to go, but like you said I just like the handling on my 20ga. I have seen some hard target testing using the 20 2-3/4 #3 buck, but I would like to see some tests using the 20 3" #2.

I can do some of my own testing when I get enough of a supply, but the store I purchased from only had the one box left. They will order more. Anyway, not a good time of year for me getting to the range..lots of family trips and visits.:)