20 vs 12 for home defense

nkielborn · November 15, 2006, 02:20 PM

i dont understand why people would use a 20 over a 12 guage in a home defense situation can anybody explain why?

AAshooter · November 15, 2006, 04:24 PM

You want to use the largest gun you can control well. For some, a 12 gauge is just too much gun. They feel uncomfortable shooting it and can't get good solid hits with fast follow-up. So moving to a 20 gauge is reasonable--just like 9mm instead of a .40 or .45 handgun.

Some move to a 20 gauge for "overpenetration issues". I find that reasoning a little more suspect.

Double Naught Spy · November 16, 2006, 09:43 AM

Except for those who have some real physical problem handling a 12 ga. I don't know why anyone would choose a 20 ga.

The 12 offers more power, more gun options, more shell options, etc.

mete · November 16, 2006, 09:57 AM

Just use reduced recoil 12 ga 00 buck .it works well and easy to handle.

Maui19 · November 16, 2006, 12:22 PM

I have a 12 ga Mossberg for HD. One of the reasons I got it was so that my wife could use it if necessary when I am away. The problem is that the 12 ga beat the crap out of her, and she refused to practice with it. That was a BIG problem IMO. I solved the problem with a Knoxx SpecOps and some reduced recoil ammo. If it wasn't for those two things, I would have completely wasted my money on the 12 ga. If I had to do it again, I'd probably choose a 20 ga.

BTW, my Mossy is now a dream to shoot.

shotguna · November 16, 2006, 07:59 PM

I am concidered a well built guy, and I can definatly take a 12 gauge out for a whole day and not feel too much. However, I use a 20 gauge for pretty much everything. I find them way more versatile for some reason.

skeeter1 · November 16, 2006, 08:13 PM

See if you can find a range that rents them and try them out. I'm not a very big guy, but my 12's work fine. OTOH, I would imagine a 20 would work equally well. 12-gauge ammo is a bit more diverse and a bit cheaper last I looked. To each his own.

Daves-got-guns · November 17, 2006, 01:18 PM

some fellars who can handle a 12 just fine will shoot a 20 for fast follow up shots, less muzzle blast which is a big deal at nite since thats when most home defense sitiations are likely to be. I personally dont mind my 835 for double duty, but if it was a home defense only gun i was interested in id buy a mossberg 500 in 20.

bobhwry · November 17, 2006, 05:48 PM

Used 20's always seem to sell for more than 12's, all things being equal.That might be a consideration.

November 15, 2006, 02:20 PM	#1
nkielborn Member Join Date: November 15, 2006 Posts: 83	20 vs 12 for home defense i dont understand why people would use a 20 over a 12 guage in a home defense situation can anybody explain why?

November 15, 2006, 04:24 PM	#2
AAshooter Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2001 Posts: 379	You want to use the largest gun you can control well. For some, a 12 gauge is just too much gun. They feel uncomfortable shooting it and can't get good solid hits with fast follow-up. So moving to a 20 gauge is reasonable--just like 9mm instead of a .40 or .45 handgun. Some move to a 20 gauge for "overpenetration issues". I find that reasoning a little more suspect. __________________ Play hard, shoot often, leave well worn guns!

November 16, 2006, 09:43 AM	#3
Double Naught Spy Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2001 Location: Forestburg, Montague Cnty, TX Posts: 12,717	Except for those who have some real physical problem handling a 12 ga. I don't know why anyone would choose a 20 ga. The 12 offers more power, more gun options, more shell options, etc.

November 16, 2006, 09:57 AM	#4
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	Just use reduced recoil 12 ga 00 buck .it works well and easy to handle.

November 16, 2006, 12:22 PM	#5
Maui19 Member Join Date: March 8, 2006 Posts: 41	I have a 12 ga Mossberg for HD. One of the reasons I got it was so that my wife could use it if necessary when I am away. The problem is that the 12 ga beat the crap out of her, and she refused to practice with it. That was a BIG problem IMO. I solved the problem with a Knoxx SpecOps and some reduced recoil ammo. If it wasn't for those two things, I would have completely wasted my money on the 12 ga. If I had to do it again, I'd probably choose a 20 ga. BTW, my Mossy is now a dream to shoot.

November 16, 2006, 07:59 PM	#6
shotguna Member Join Date: October 19, 2005 Posts: 41	I am concidered a well built guy, and I can definatly take a 12 gauge out for a whole day and not feel too much. However, I use a 20 gauge for pretty much everything. I find them way more versatile for some reason.

November 16, 2006, 08:13 PM	#7
skeeter1 Senior Member Join Date: April 11, 2006 Location: Northeast Ohio Posts: 3,403	See if you can find a range that rents them and try them out. I'm not a very big guy, but my 12's work fine. OTOH, I would imagine a 20 would work equally well. 12-gauge ammo is a bit more diverse and a bit cheaper last I looked. To each his own.

November 17, 2006, 01:18 PM	#8
Daves-got-guns Senior Member Join Date: November 14, 2006 Location: Marysville Washington Posts: 291	some fellars who can handle a 12 just fine will shoot a 20 for fast follow up shots, less muzzle blast which is a big deal at nite since thats when most home defense sitiations are likely to be. I personally dont mind my 835 for double duty, but if it was a home defense only gun i was interested in id buy a mossberg 500 in 20.

November 17, 2006, 05:48 PM	#9
bobhwry Junior member Join Date: April 5, 2006 Posts: 530	Used 20's always seem to sell for more than 12's, all things being equal.That might be a consideration.