The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Please help newbie choose, 11-87 12ga or 20ga?

Dave McC · August 13, 2000, 06:04 AM

20 gauges do not necessarily feel like they kick less than 12 gauges. Read the thread I started a few days back about the Rule of 96.
Light 20 ga guns with heavy loads will tear you a new one, normal 20s with normal loads, like 3/4 or 7/8 oz are quite comfortable to shoot.But if that 20 runs much more than 6 3/4 lbs, you're toting too much weight for the payload...

The only upland game I'd want more than a 20 for(properly loaded of course) would be late season, big spooky pheasants or turkey.

And whoever told you that 20s were for "intermediate" skill levels was right in a way. The smaller shot load and thinner patterns needs better placement to be effective.

August 13, 2000, 06:04 AM	#3
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	20 gauges do not necessarily feel like they kick less than 12 gauges. Read the thread I started a few days back about the Rule of 96. Light 20 ga guns with heavy loads will tear you a new one, normal 20s with normal loads, like 3/4 or 7/8 oz are quite comfortable to shoot.But if that 20 runs much more than 6 3/4 lbs, you're toting too much weight for the payload... The only upland game I'd want more than a 20 for(properly loaded of course) would be late season, big spooky pheasants or turkey. And whoever told you that 20s were for "intermediate" skill levels was right in a way. The smaller shot load and thinner patterns needs better placement to be effective.