Move from 20 gauge to 12 gauge?

LBC · March 1, 2002, 05:21 PM

A few years ago I bought a used Mossberg 500C in 20 gauge for $155 out the door at a local gun shop. Now they're having another sale, and I can pick up a used Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge: wood furniture, 18.5" barrel, gold bead front sight, 6-shot magazine. Condition looks to be very good. Price? $135 plus tax. I would likely add an AO front nightsight, and perhaps replace the hard plastic recoil pad with a rubber one. It would be used for HD and, if I ever bird hunt, I'd throw another barrel on it. So, is it worth it? Or am I just wasting my money considering I already have the 20-gauge set-up the way I like it?

Dave R · March 1, 2002, 07:04 PM

IMHO, you would be wise to get the 12ga. It would give you more versatility.

You can get lite loads for 12ga. that take you down to 20ga performance.

Or you can get hot 3" loads with significantly more power, in case you ever want to shoot waterfowl, turkey or pheasant.

Dave McC · March 2, 2002, 08:01 AM

Not a must have, but a nice addition at a nice price.

Big advantage to the 12, a near infinite choice of ammo.

armabill · March 2, 2002, 05:19 PM

At that price, go for it!

LBC · March 2, 2002, 09:27 PM

Thanks, all. It's being held in my name until Monday afternoon.

March 1, 2002, 05:21 PM	#1
LBC Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2001 Posts: 385	Move from 20 gauge to 12 gauge? A few years ago I bought a used Mossberg 500C in 20 gauge for $155 out the door at a local gun shop. Now they're having another sale, and I can pick up a used Mossberg 500 in 12 gauge: wood furniture, 18.5" barrel, gold bead front sight, 6-shot magazine. Condition looks to be very good. Price? $135 plus tax. I would likely add an AO front nightsight, and perhaps replace the hard plastic recoil pad with a rubber one. It would be used for HD and, if I ever bird hunt, I'd throw another barrel on it. So, is it worth it? Or am I just wasting my money considering I already have the 20-gauge set-up the way I like it?

March 1, 2002, 07:04 PM	#2
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2000 Location: Idaho Posts: 6,073	IMHO, you would be wise to get the 12ga. It would give you more versatility. You can get lite loads for 12ga. that take you down to 20ga performance. Or you can get hot 3" loads with significantly more power, in case you ever want to shoot waterfowl, turkey or pheasant. __________________ I am Pro-Rights (on gun issues).

March 2, 2002, 08:01 AM	#3
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	Not a must have, but a nice addition at a nice price. Big advantage to the 12, a near infinite choice of ammo.

March 2, 2002, 05:19 PM	#4
armabill Senior Member Join Date: August 16, 2001 Location: Glenolden, Pa. USA Posts: 250	At that price, go for it!

March 2, 2002, 09:27 PM	#5
LBC Senior Member Join Date: January 6, 2001 Posts: 385	Thanks, all. It's being held in my name until Monday afternoon.