Why do I use 20ga? Because Grandpa bought a damm pallet of the stuff for some reason, and he couldn't shoot it all before he passed. So now it is my turn to eat through the boxes. Thanks Opa you were a character all right.
I took my grandson goose hunting when he was 10 years old. He used a Mossberg 500 youth 20 gauge. He was good enough I set back and let him do the shooting. He harvested several geese. I used a 12 gauge. He got just as many as I did. Very good shooting. He is older now, I still let him shoot. I do the calling
Born and raised on 20ga. 12 years old I got a Remington 870 express with 28" barrel. Used it for 30 years before the slide unlock spring broke. Will fix it one day. For now, my late father's 870 wingmaster from 1960s works just fine for grouse and so light to carry. Only have one modified choked barrel and the short slug barrel and only takes 2 & 3/4in but it does the job. As long as I do mine!
@@tommyt8998man that sucks for yall, where i live i find 16ga all the time, for cheap, box of 25 runs me around 17 for a box of dove shells and a little over 20 for steel shot
12 gauge can do everything a 20 gauge can do ,And more ,But 12 gauge has more ammo choices available,, Really any shot gun is very versatile,Just change the load you shoot,The 12 or 20 gauge both can take large game using a slug,home defense using Buck shot or small game or birds using different shot loads ,Best SHTF firearm you can have
This, I’m a big 12 ga person shot it since I was 12 always been a bigger person though. I really prefer the lighter 2 3/4 loadings for 99% of applications though usually you will get a more consistent pattern and faster follow up shots. Don’t really have issues with 20ga though it’s all about getting out there
Ya know In a SHtf type deal,You need something for small game ,Large Game,and hone defense,22lr = bird shot self defense = 00 buck or any buckshot ,large game = Slug and self defense = can be slug also really a heart shot or Head shot with 12 gauge slug,can take down any thing that ever live in the planet,1 fire arm ,and just st 3 difference between Ammo
@@stevebillieroberts9582good luck using it for self defense. We all have AKs and ARs these days. You’ll get absolutely destroyed unless you’re hunkered down in your basement.
been hunting for 52yrs. using mostly 20ga, and have never felt underguned using shot, or slug. not having to lug the extra weight of a 12ga around all day was a bonus. i think my browning bps weights 5 1/2lbs.
I turned 50 a few years back and bought an O/U 20 guage w/26" barrel and 5 chokes. The butt stock cants about an inch to the right and your eye lines up without even thinking. I shot 12's for 35 years but I'm never going back. 3" 20's are plenty. Thanks Ron.👍
I mostly carry 20 gauge shotguns, not because of the recoil but because of the weight of the gun. So yeah, I may be wimp, but not in the shoulder department, lol. My brother favors the 16 gauge because they’re typically built on the same receiver as a 20 and he’s right, but I just can’t find the deal I like on a 16, yet.
I like both but asserting that the 12 is not more powerful or superior in capability is not acknowledging reality. If you have a pistol that shoots a 100 gr projectile at 1250 and another pistol that shoots a 200 gr at 1250, the latter is unquestionably twice as powerful. In shotguns, that may not play in energy per bb, but it sure does in pattern width and density which translates to much more game in the bag for most people. If you want to sell the 20ga i would focus on the small trim, lightweight guns that are made for it. That is it's only advantage...and because of that, they generally do not have noticebly less felt recoil with similar style loads. You should also note that the 12ga can be loaded to 20ga specs but not the other way around. That all said, a nice trim and lightweight 20 ga makes a very nice upland game gun...because of that, it's not going away anytime soon.
You basically just repeated exactly what he said. In terms of power, they throw BBS at the exact same feet per second. In terms of choke pattern, they are roughly the same exact size at the same exact distances. Yes, the 12 has more pellets per square inch in that pattern with a decently patterned gun. If you can hit with a 12 you can hit with a 20. He was talking about upland game and even stated if you're going to talk about duck hunting go with the 12. Because your shots have the possibility of being longer. At distance more shot in the pattern "string" increases your odds. Not to mention the "alternative shot" requirements for waterfowl change pattern density and have more options in 12ga.
@@hghtkrdnk1well if what you say is right then why not hunt with a 410? Because of the lack of payload? So his above comment is spot on. 20 gauges are great guns for the field but they don’t hit as hard as a 12ga. when comparing apples to apples. It’s simple math.
I go with the 20 vs. anything. I suggested a 20 gauge to a friend vs. A .410 for his daughter. He came back and bought 3 more for him and his two sons!! He didn't get fancy. He ended up with four Reminton 870s in 20 gauge. 😂
@@Richardjohnson6969 yep. Just got back from a woodcock and grouse hunt in northern Wisconsin and took several birds for the 28. Didn't lose any that I hit. Also love it for quail and have used it for pheasant. And, I'll look around but I don't think I own any clown shoes. 🤷♂️
28 gauge was a great shotgun for the small animals and the 16 ga was also a great gun. Today you have these two and that is all if you spend astronomical money to get the others because everyone has been brainwashed that these 2 will do everything. To each their own opinion. I still have and use the 12 & 16 ga shotguns.
Always was happy with my 20g. The thing is remarkable for how versatile it is despite the size decrease. All it requires is just a bit more fore thought on shot placement then you are largely going to get the same game as a 12g with a smaller and lighter gun and ammo.
Thank You! I don't know how many arguments I have had over this. People think that the smaller the gauge, that there is a loss in power. All gauge shotguns shoot to the same velocity with standard loads. 1200+fps
20 gauge should really be the most popular shotgun size in America. Yes, 12 gauge just works for anything in general. .300 win mag also just works for anything too. Doesn't mean it should be the default cartridge.
@@jakefournie5930I like my 20g and my 6.5creedmoor, they do an amazing job. Also, 300blackout is becoming a favorite for me and other deer hunters I know. Some old timers at our sportsman's club are still stuck on the bigger calibers yet we are taking things left and right with smaller calibers without a issue.
@@RolandtheThompsonGunner well everyone I hunt with that uses a 20 gauge on birds don’t kill shit like I do with the 12 or 10 and IL was a shotgun only state for deer until last year now you can use straight wall rounds but I haven’t made the switch yet
I'll keep my Browning, A-5 "Light 12" 2 3/4" semi-auto, thank you. 😊 It's perfect for upland birds. My Mossy 20ga. pump is my backup, in case the wife wants to tsg along. (it's lighter). 😉
I just have it for both lol. Longbeards dollar for dollar best lead shell out there. It comes down to budget more or less. The TSS still kick pretty hard in the 20@nickheumiller5529
At 75 I’ve come to wish I’d purchased 20 GA instead of 12 all these years. Nobody told me that the ammo makers would keep adding additional recoil to my ammo as I’ve gotten older. 😂. Now a long day at the range just hurts😢. As I read somewhere, the only way to tell if something was hit by a 20 or a 12 is to count the number of pellets.
To be honest 410 can do respectable work, especially with modern loadings depending on what you are hunting and great on recoil. Too bad ammo is not cheap and can be hard to find
Im personally a fan of 20 gauge for both hunting and defense. It doesn't tear up the game and it doesn't leave your shoulder/wrist sore af after a little range time.
20 gauge. Cause that’s what I was given when I was 8 to hunt with. A fox side x side with a cut down stock for a kid. Then I graduated to the 20g Remington 870 wing master when I was 12. It had a bent site and I was the only one who could hit anything with it. I’m 53 now, still have both and still use both. The SxS is a little short, but effective.
16 gauge can be loaded to 1.5 ounces of lead if you need more payload, and it can be loaded down to 1/2 ounce to match a .410. That’s if you load your own shells though. If you can’t decide between 12 and 20, go in the middle and get a 16.
12G Amazing 20G Amazing 16G Amazing. Perfect mix of the 12 and 20 gauge. In my case owning a 1960 sweet 16, its the best of both worlds and lighter than my 20 gauge youth model Tristar! Makes a remington 1100 seem like a workout!
There are 12 gauge loads that mimic the 20 gauge loads with a shorter shot string and lower pressure. However, there are no 20 gauge loads to equal the 12 gauge at the higher ends. But shoot whatever does the best for you.
Yup , 8,10,12,16,20,24, 32,gauge and .410 . All have their exceptions but generally have the same velocities with different payload weights. Traditional " magnum" loads like the vanishing 3.5" 12 gauge shell still didn't typically "up" the velocity. Just the number of pellets or slug weight. The exceptions are actually relatively new concepts from when pressure measurements had become more precise with piezoelectric sensors replacing copper crusher tests. They could then safely offer more velocity with lighter payloads in the longer shells without the risk of destroying their relatively weak actions made for very low pressure.
I have used most gauges, and Ron is right. Most upland birds don’t need a lot to down them. My family shoots 12, 16, and 20 and they get the job done. Honestly, for upland, I like a lighter shotgun since it is carried more. Than it easier to obtain with the smaller gauges. Waterfowl: I agree the 12 probably makes more sense with less dense shot like steel. But we have taken swan with the 16 and 20 as well. I move to bismuth using smaller gauges. Most waterfowling is done stationary so the gun is not lugged around either.
Im a swede, i own 3 shotguns all in 12 guage. And the single reason for that is that 20 guage is way more uncommon, and i mean its hard to get in most stores that sell ammo here. And the price is way higher too. But yeah, 20 guage is underrated.😊
My first shitgun as a young teenager was a single shot 20 gauge. Later in life I bought a 20 gauge pump shotgun. Finally a 12 gauge when I got a couch gun for cowboy action shooting and reloaded reduced loads.
Bought an Ithica M-66, 20 gadget single shot from JC Penney Catalog Return Center when Mom worked there in the late 60s. Only drawback was it was a full choke. But I still bagged many a grouse & timberdoodle
20ga is great with TSS18. Steels a bit rough to find a load that moves fast and hits hard unless you’re decoying birds. Theres tons more options for loading or reloading steel or bismuth with a 12ga even lead anything over 1200 fps is hard to obtain with a 20ga. I personally turkey hunted the last 3 seasons with a 20ga but that’s really because of TSS18 if I was loading lead 5 or 6’s then I’d be looking at the 12ga or even a 10ga to increase velocity to maintain lethality. Hints why the 20ga has only grow in popularity in the last decade. Before that it was mainly for kids, woman, and old man. The 20ga has its place for sure but it’s definitely not waterfowl unless you’re spending 5 dollars a shell to shoot TSS or strictly hunting decoying birds 30 yards of course you need to be a shooter and this is why grampa was great with a 20ga! Pheasant squirrels, partridge, grouse no-brainer 20g but putting food on the table there still isn’t a match for a 12ga….
12 ga is always going to pattern better. The larger the bore constriction, the easier the same payload of shot will travel down the bore into the choke and disperse more evenly. That being said for an upland gun my choice is a 16 ga. You can get them in a lighter frame gun that is fast handling and it will out perform any 20 ga. Gun writers killed off the 16ga when they got paid to write about the magical 20ga when it came out.
When it comes to birds I’d say use a 12, but when it comes to hunting game like rabbits, squirrels, coyotes or deer, I’d take a 20. First reason is that my 20 gauge Remington weighs less than my 12 gauge a400 which is a big plus, as well the weight difference between my fathers 12 870 and his 20 870 is HUGE second reason, less pellets is also nicer because you won’t ruin the meat on small game Third, when hunting larger game like deer, the difference between 3/4 ounce of lead and 1 ounce is noticeable but are still both devastating And my last reason, I’m way more used to hunting with my 20 gauge. Anyways great video!
20 gauge 3 inch mag. max load is 1 and 1/8 ounce of shot. The diameter of the bore limits the payload because of chambers pressures . 12 gauge 1 and 1/8 ounce of shot can be sent at a velocity of 1400 fps, instead of 1290 from the 20 gauge.
Modern powder for 20 ga is a sharper explosion. I think the peak kick is harder. For trap shooting, and smaller game--doves and pests--I use powder made for 20s in my 12 GA. There's a special wad.
No longer narrow narrower shot string. A 3 inch 20 gauge has almost as many pellets the 2 3/4 12 gauge but because of the shot Dynamics and the spread will put a higher percentage of pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yrds
2 great pros of the 12g are the availability and load variation. If you have a 3-inch chambered 12 you can throw as much as 1 7/8 oz of lead or as little as 7/8 oz, and velocities can also vary a bit. Especially If you hand load, 12 is the more versatile, you can always load less, but never more. Not to say that the 20 is useless at all, they'll stick around i'm sure.
For waterfowl, considered three and a half inch chambering on that 12 gauge, or maybe even consider a 10 gauge. If you stay with standard 12 gauge, at least considered one with bismuth over steel.
Around 10 bucks a box of shells for the 12. 20 bucks for the 20 guage. And anywhere between 30-40 bucks for a single box of 410. Where I live in Texas I’ve never seen 10,16, or 28 gauge on a shelf in a store.
Ron the 12ga has always been a 44 yard killer with a 12ga 3 3/4dr 1 1/4oz 5shot on Pheasants, 20ga with 1oz 6shot about 39 yards, and a 28ga with 3/4 shot about 34 yards effective range on Wild Iowa Pheasants all with Full Choke. Yes you can say this and that but more lead kills ! Do I hunt with all three yes but anyone who wants to put money on the line saying there just as effective as a 12ga I will take that bet every day !
12 gauge has more ammo varieties available, but for typical hunting scenarios, they’re pretty equal. My go to is the 20 gauge, as it’s lighter to carry around all day.
Personally I don’t mind the 20 gauge but a box of 20 gauge is a lot harder and more expensive to come by compared to a 12 gauge so we don’t see many here in Australia
I agree, not that my opinion is worth anything but I prefer my 12 gauge. I guess it's because that was the shotgun that I started with when I was 12. I have had 20 gauge but I would always grab my Winchester model 37 so eventually I got rid of the 20s. Still grab the model 37 😊
When we're talking power both are wonderful and handle all game in North America. The argument really comes down to cost of use and 12 gauge is far cheaper than 20.
I hunted upland birds three days a week and waterfowl three days a week. I used a 12 on all my waterfowl hunts and tried the 20 not so good! It was steel shot. The 20 was just a bit light for my upland hunting, mainly the terrain, thick brush. I ended up with a Winchester model 12 in 16 gauge. I had a new stock and forend made for it. Almost a 12 but even lighter then a 20!
I think that generally speaking the velocity of a 12 Ga is about 100 FPS more than a 20 with similar pellets although when you are talking about 1200 FPS it shouldn't make much difference but you also get more pellets with a 12.
How does your gun pattern with them? I’ve had much better luck with 3/4 oz and 5/8 oz loadings in mine. The one ounce loads seem to break up and spread out faster
My Dad used to tell my brother in law, "If you don't have at least a 12ga, you have a girl's shotgun." My sister had a 12ga, and he had a 20ga... We used to enjoy teasing him about his girly gun.
I don't really bird hunt. But the 20 is my go-to in shotguns. I feel the sluggers shoot flatter than the 12g sluggers. As for sabots, I have no idea. But those put both shotgun gauges in another class. Bird loads in the 12 wins, only because of holding more shot.
I appreciate this video, but the type and age of the gun matters as well. I have a .20 gauge thats over 80 years old based on the serial number, even has the humpback stock. Ive shot a pheasant square at 20 yards and watched the feathers pop and it kept on going, ended up losing it after it kept flying into the treeline. My 12 gauge, which is MAYBE 20 years old, is ole reliable. However, i have a full choke on my 12 and nothing on my 20 gauge due to its age, though it might have a modified choke built in the barrel, i havent looked closely enough while cleaning. Oddly enough, If i were to choose between the two for upland bird id rather have the 20 gauge. It's lighter and feels better in the hand, less bulky, and the shells are smaller which frees up space your vest or coat to hold whatever u got for your dogs, or napkins or whatever.
Larger gauge allows for a shorter shot column which leads to less barrel contact and shorter shot string in flight. Of course, the ability to have a larger payload and denser pattern for a given choke. Thinking pheasants.
One weird thing about the 20 gauge, the shot string tends to be longer , taking a slightly longer lead on birds will give you statically better chance of making hits …
for a ranch gun, the 20 is lighter, has modest recoil, has a very wide range of loads from low base bird shot to 3 inch magnum slugs. My choice has always been the 20. 12 tend to be the easiest to find and maybe cheapest.. and also comes in a wide variety of loads. Finding a smaller handy 12, harder to do.. use what you can get and afford, and chose you shells well.
Both are good and have applications where they’re better. But if you can handle 12ga recoil just fine there’s not really an advantage to going to 20. 12 gauge has more pellets traveling the same speed so it hits whatever you’re shooting at with more energy as a result of the higher pellet count.
MY reason for the 20 is that I can fit more shells in my vest on long hunts. I miss a lot so an abundance of shells is never a bad idea when miles from the pick up. Talking about chukkars BTW.
12 vs 20 I'll pick the 20. Very versatile. But I'm sorry, I've shot 12 gauge buck shot and 20 buck shot. The 12 has a little more thump. But they each have their uses. But I have to say, I have 410, 20 and 12, ive shot 3 inch in all. I like 2 3/4 for when i anticipate close shots and 3 inch for a little more distances. But if I'd have to start over, I'd go for a 16 gauge
Why do I use 20ga?
Because Grandpa bought a damm pallet of the stuff for some reason, and he couldn't shoot it all before he passed.
So now it is my turn to eat through the boxes. Thanks Opa you were a character all right.
God bless your grandad !
You are the man! Best comment ever!!
That's fucking awesome, RIP Gramps. Reminds me when I bought a barrel of 5.56
Wanna share? I can help you out there bud!
20 is alot more fun imo. 12 is all business 20 is buisness but also likes to party.
It doesn't matter, you can't go wrong with either one. I love them both.
16ga! I like 16 for 1oz loads and 20 for 7/8
It matters to me buster
Double your fun 😊 have one of each in your favorite action 😊one in Remington Wingmaster and one in Browning BPS😊
@@rooster3019great choice 😊
@@slimtrvper5542😂👍
I took my grandson goose hunting when he was 10 years old. He used a Mossberg 500 youth 20 gauge. He was good enough I set back and let him do the shooting. He harvested several geese. I used a 12 gauge. He got just as many as I did. Very good shooting. He is older now, I still let him shoot. I do the calling
That’s kids for ya brother
You're a good grandpa.
Born and raised on 20ga. 12 years old I got a Remington 870 express with 28" barrel. Used it for 30 years before the slide unlock spring broke. Will fix it one day. For now, my late father's 870 wingmaster from 1960s works just fine for grouse and so light to carry. Only have one modified choked barrel and the short slug barrel and only takes 2 & 3/4in but it does the job. As long as I do mine!
16ga, just cause.
Good gauge but too expensive and hard to find.
My only problem is it's very hard for me to find ,ammo
I use 16. And 20. 12. But if I need real knockdowns I use my 10.ga
@@tommyt8998 16ga has come back big time, and ammo is the same price as 20ga ammo.
@@tommyt8998man that sucks for yall, where i live i find 16ga all the time, for cheap, box of 25 runs me around 17 for a box of dove shells and a little over 20 for steel shot
I prefer the 16 gauge. It's a good all around shotgun.
Is it hard to find that ammunition?
@@alexklein9633 No, most gun shops carry it. The big box stores usually do not.
That my dads choice.
My Dad got me hooked on them.
they can sling a slug really well also.
12 gauge can do everything a 20 gauge can do ,And more ,But 12 gauge has more ammo choices available,, Really any shot gun is very versatile,Just change the load you shoot,The 12 or 20 gauge both can take large game using a slug,home defense using Buck shot or small game or birds using different shot loads ,Best SHTF firearm you can have
I agree! The shotgun is an incredibly versatile tool 😊
I think so too. Just looking at option on paper it really does have verstility. 👍
This, I’m a big 12 ga person shot it since I was 12 always been a bigger person though. I really prefer the lighter 2 3/4 loadings for 99% of applications though usually you will get a more consistent pattern and faster follow up shots. Don’t really have issues with 20ga though it’s all about getting out there
Ya know In a SHtf type deal,You need something for small game ,Large Game,and hone defense,22lr = bird shot self defense = 00 buck or any buckshot ,large game = Slug and self defense = can be slug also really a heart shot or Head shot with 12 gauge slug,can take down any thing that ever live in the planet,1 fire arm ,and just st 3 difference between Ammo
@@stevebillieroberts9582good luck using it for self defense. We all have AKs and ARs these days. You’ll get absolutely destroyed unless you’re hunkered down in your basement.
been hunting for 52yrs. using mostly 20ga, and have never felt underguned using shot, or slug. not having to lug the extra weight of a 12ga around all day was a bonus. i think my browning bps weights 5 1/2lbs.
16 ga is my pick. I use an old ithaca m37 from 1949 its so smooth and fast.
The biggest advantage of the 20 is a smaller, lighter, easier handling platform. Much quicker. And less fatiguing.
I turned 50 a few years back and bought an O/U 20 guage w/26" barrel and 5 chokes. The butt stock cants about an inch to the right and your eye lines up without even thinking.
I shot 12's for 35 years but I'm never going back. 3" 20's are plenty. Thanks Ron.👍
I mostly carry 20 gauge shotguns, not because of the recoil but because of the weight of the gun. So yeah, I may be wimp, but not in the shoulder department, lol. My brother favors the 16 gauge because they’re typically built on the same receiver as a 20 and he’s right, but I just can’t find the deal I like on a 16, yet.
Both of u are wimps 12 gauge is better
I like both but asserting that the 12 is not more powerful or superior in capability is not acknowledging reality. If you have a pistol that shoots a 100 gr projectile at 1250 and another pistol that shoots a 200 gr at 1250, the latter is unquestionably twice as powerful. In shotguns, that may not play in energy per bb, but it sure does in pattern width and density which translates to much more game in the bag for most people. If you want to sell the 20ga i would focus on the small trim, lightweight guns that are made for it. That is it's only advantage...and because of that, they generally do not have noticebly less felt recoil with similar style loads. You should also note that the 12ga can be loaded to 20ga specs but not the other way around. That all said, a nice trim and lightweight 20 ga makes a very nice upland game gun...because of that, it's not going away anytime soon.
You basically just repeated exactly what he said.
In terms of power, they throw BBS at the exact same feet per second.
In terms of choke pattern, they are roughly the same exact size at the same exact distances.
Yes, the 12 has more pellets per square inch in that pattern with a decently patterned gun. If you can hit with a 12 you can hit with a 20.
He was talking about upland game and even stated if you're going to talk about duck hunting go with the 12.
Because your shots have the possibility of being longer. At distance more shot in the pattern "string" increases your odds.
Not to mention the "alternative shot" requirements for waterfowl change pattern density and have more options in 12ga.
Wow great comment 👍
Are we assuming every pellet hits the bird? Not good. It's more like throwing a net. Most of it just goes past. Thankfully.
Spot on with your comment. Its like basic math and physics disappear for some when this discussion comes up
@@hghtkrdnk1well if what you say is right then why not hunt with a 410? Because of the lack of payload? So his above comment is spot on. 20 gauges are great guns for the field but they don’t hit as hard as a 12ga. when comparing apples to apples. It’s simple math.
I go with the 20 vs. anything. I suggested a 20 gauge to a friend vs. A .410 for his daughter. He came back and bought 3 more for him and his two sons!! He didn't get fancy. He ended up with four Reminton 870s in 20 gauge. 😂
The 870 is an effective tool!
Excellent choice.
16 gauge is my pick. Best of both worlds
Used 16ga when I was young, 40 years ago . Was allways hard to get ammo .
Wished the "Sweet 16" would make a comeback. 😂
@@timbaskett6299it has in my mind, I just bought my 5th 16, An A5 sweet sixteen. And two cases of ammo
@@michealbleys2212I had to buy online to get ammo for my under-over.
16ga was Elmer Keith's favorite. He preferred the "square"shot charge,the diameter and length being the same.
I like the 16 gauge
Agreed. Situation dependant. But, I usually prefer the 20 over the 12. BUT, my 28 is usually my favorite.
That is so dumb
28ga for upland ? Yeah okay clown shoes
@@alphasheep99 I don't know why it's dumb, but okay.
@@Richardjohnson6969 yep. Just got back from a woodcock and grouse hunt in northern Wisconsin and took several birds for the 28. Didn't lose any that I hit.
Also love it for quail and have used it for pheasant. And, I'll look around but I don't think I own any clown shoes. 🤷♂️
Great job. Thanks for sharing. Over the age of 55, I appreciate less recoil.
I have my Dad's 20 gauge 22 magnum over under.
That's a rare weapon
28 gauge was a great shotgun for the small animals and the 16 ga was also a great gun. Today you have these two and that is all if you spend astronomical money to get the others because everyone has been brainwashed that these 2 will do everything. To each their own opinion. I still have and use the 12 & 16 ga shotguns.
Always was happy with my 20g. The thing is remarkable for how versatile it is despite the size decrease. All it requires is just a bit more fore thought on shot placement then you are largely going to get the same game as a 12g with a smaller and lighter gun and ammo.
Thank You! I don't know how many arguments I have had over this. People think that the smaller the gauge, that there is a loss in power. All gauge shotguns shoot to the same velocity with standard loads. 1200+fps
20 gauge should really be the most popular shotgun size in America. Yes, 12 gauge just works for anything in general. .300 win mag also just works for anything too. Doesn't mean it should be the default cartridge.
12ga shotgun and 30-06 rifle should be default but I like my 10ga better
@@jakefournie5930I like my 20g and my 6.5creedmoor, they do an amazing job. Also, 300blackout is becoming a favorite for me and other deer hunters I know.
Some old timers at our sportsman's club are still stuck on the bigger calibers yet we are taking things left and right with smaller calibers without a issue.
@@RolandtheThompsonGunner well everyone I hunt with that uses a 20 gauge on birds don’t kill shit like I do with the 12 or 10 and IL was a shotgun only state for deer until last year now you can use straight wall rounds but I haven’t made the switch yet
The fact that even some LE use reduced recoil loads for their 12ga shows that its rather an overkill.
Bro you’re a G!!!!
No bs straight to the point.
I like both. I also just love my 28 ga. Thank you Ron!!
They're so sweet...
Good information, broken down nice and simple. Thank you.
I'll keep my Browning, A-5 "Light 12"
2 3/4" semi-auto, thank you. 😊
It's perfect for upland birds. My Mossy 20ga. pump is my backup, in case the wife wants to tsg along. (it's lighter). 😉
Yes, I love My A5 12 lightweight too, but You need to try the Lightweight 20! SWEET!
The Browning A-5 in Light twelve 2 3/4 inch Semi auto in a 30 Inch is a sweet special gun😊
I just love the kick the 12 has. I probably won't in 20 years but oh well, I'm still somewhat young for now.
Absolutely as much as it hurts to buy TSS when you see the pattern from a 20ga makes you think hard about setting the 12ga in the corner lol
When I look at the price of TSS it’s easy for me to just to grab my 12
I just have it for both lol. Longbeards dollar for dollar best lead shell out there. It comes down to budget more or less. The TSS still kick pretty hard in the 20@nickheumiller5529
At 75 I’ve come to wish I’d purchased 20 GA instead of 12 all these years. Nobody told me that the ammo makers would keep adding additional recoil to my ammo as I’ve gotten older. 😂. Now a long day at the range just hurts😢. As I read somewhere, the only way to tell if something was hit by a 20 or a 12 is to count the number of pellets.
switch that 12 gauge to a 7/8 ounce at 1390 fps and eliminate any recoil.
Try a 28 gauge it’s my favorite, you get the best of both worlds, light Gun light recoil, combined with excellent shot patterns.
@@aaronfarr4753 but 20 has literally no kick as it is
To be honest 410 can do respectable work, especially with modern loadings depending on what you are hunting and great on recoil. Too bad ammo is not cheap and can be hard to find
My 20 worked a treat, and a lot less recoil. Those 3inch 12 knock you around
Im personally a fan of 20 gauge for both hunting and defense. It doesn't tear up the game and it doesn't leave your shoulder/wrist sore af after a little range time.
20 gauge. Cause that’s what I was given when I was 8 to hunt with. A fox side x side with a cut down stock for a kid. Then I graduated to the 20g Remington 870 wing master when I was 12. It had a bent site and I was the only one who could hit anything with it. I’m 53 now, still have both and still use both. The SxS is a little short, but effective.
I love a nice light slim 20ga as much as anyone. But 12 ga is just more versatile. So it always gonna be 12 ga for me
Thank you so much for the information!
16 gauge can be loaded to 1.5 ounces of lead if you need more payload, and it can be loaded down to 1/2 ounce to match a .410. That’s if you load your own shells though. If you can’t decide between 12 and 20, go in the middle and get a 16.
12G Amazing
20G Amazing
16G Amazing.
Perfect mix of the 12 and 20 gauge.
In my case owning a 1960 sweet 16, its the best of both worlds and lighter than my 20 gauge youth model Tristar!
Makes a remington 1100 seem like a workout!
There are 12 gauge loads that mimic the 20 gauge loads with a shorter shot string and lower pressure. However, there are no 20 gauge loads to equal the 12 gauge at the higher ends. But shoot whatever does the best for you.
Yup , 8,10,12,16,20,24, 32,gauge and .410 . All have their exceptions but generally have the same velocities with different payload weights. Traditional " magnum" loads like the vanishing 3.5" 12 gauge shell still didn't typically "up" the velocity. Just the number of pellets or slug weight. The exceptions are actually relatively new concepts from when pressure measurements had become more precise with piezoelectric sensors replacing copper crusher tests. They could then safely offer more velocity with lighter payloads in the longer shells without the risk of destroying their relatively weak actions made for very low pressure.
Prefer the 20 gauge but prices keep going up so light loads and more open chokes for the 12 😅
Sad to say prices are going up on everything 😮for me it is more about availability of ammo. We all have our favorite gauge that we left shoot
Both. I use a 12 gauge pump for clays and pheasant farms but when i roam the game lands i bring my O/U 20 gauge.
I have used most gauges, and Ron is right. Most upland birds don’t need a lot to down them. My family shoots 12, 16, and 20 and they get the job done. Honestly, for upland, I like a lighter shotgun since it is carried more. Than it easier to obtain with the smaller gauges.
Waterfowl: I agree the 12 probably makes more sense with less dense shot like steel. But we have taken swan with the 16 and 20 as well. I move to bismuth using smaller gauges. Most waterfowling is done stationary so the gun is not lugged around either.
Im a swede, i own 3 shotguns all in 12 guage. And the single reason for that is that 20 guage is way more uncommon, and i mean its hard to get in most stores that sell ammo here. And the price is way higher too. But yeah, 20 guage is underrated.😊
You have to shoot whatever gauge that you can find ammo for even if like a particular gauge
To all the 12 gauge people
👇
My first shitgun as a young teenager was a single shot 20 gauge. Later in life I bought a 20 gauge pump shotgun. Finally a 12 gauge when I got a couch gun for cowboy action shooting and reloaded reduced loads.
Bought an Ithica M-66, 20 gadget single shot from JC Penney Catalog Return Center when Mom worked there in the late 60s. Only drawback was it was a full choke. But I still bagged many a grouse & timberdoodle
Not hard for a gunsmith to fix a choke!
20ga is great with TSS18. Steels a bit rough to find a load that moves fast and hits hard unless you’re decoying birds. Theres tons more options for loading or reloading steel or bismuth with a 12ga even lead anything over 1200 fps is hard to obtain with a 20ga. I personally turkey hunted the last 3 seasons with a 20ga but that’s really because of TSS18 if I was loading lead 5 or 6’s then I’d be looking at the 12ga or even a 10ga to increase velocity to maintain lethality. Hints why the 20ga has only grow in popularity in the last decade. Before that it was mainly for kids, woman, and old man. The 20ga has its place for sure but it’s definitely not waterfowl unless you’re spending 5 dollars a shell to shoot TSS or strictly hunting decoying birds 30 yards of course you need to be a shooter and this is why grampa was great with a 20ga! Pheasant squirrels, partridge, grouse no-brainer 20g but putting food on the table there still isn’t a match for a 12ga….
12 ga is always going to pattern better. The larger the bore constriction, the easier the same payload of shot will travel down the bore into the choke and disperse more evenly. That being said for an upland gun my choice is a 16 ga. You can get them in a lighter frame gun that is fast handling and it will out perform any 20 ga. Gun writers killed off the 16ga when they got paid to write about the magical 20ga when it came out.
When it comes to birds I’d say use a 12, but when it comes to hunting game like rabbits, squirrels, coyotes or deer, I’d take a 20.
First reason is that my 20 gauge Remington weighs less than my 12 gauge a400 which is a big plus, as well the weight difference between my fathers 12 870 and his 20 870 is HUGE
second reason, less pellets is also nicer because you won’t ruin the meat on small game
Third, when hunting larger game like deer, the difference between 3/4 ounce of lead and 1 ounce is noticeable but are still both devastating
And my last reason, I’m way more used to hunting with my 20 gauge.
Anyways great video!
20 gauge 3 inch mag. max load is 1 and 1/8 ounce of shot. The diameter of the bore limits the payload because of chambers pressures . 12 gauge 1 and 1/8 ounce of shot can be sent at a velocity of 1400 fps, instead of 1290 from the 20 gauge.
Modern powder for 20 ga is a sharper explosion. I think the peak kick is harder. For trap shooting, and smaller game--doves and pests--I use powder made for 20s in my 12 GA. There's a special wad.
No longer narrow narrower shot string. A 3 inch 20 gauge has almost as many pellets the 2 3/4 12 gauge but because of the shot Dynamics and the spread will put a higher percentage of pellets in a 30" circle at 40 yrds
2 great pros of the 12g are the availability and load variation. If you have a 3-inch chambered 12 you can throw as much as 1 7/8 oz of lead or as little as 7/8 oz, and velocities can also vary a bit. Especially If you hand load, 12 is the more versatile, you can always load less, but never more. Not to say that the 20 is useless at all, they'll stick around i'm sure.
For waterfowl, considered three and a half inch chambering on that 12 gauge, or maybe even consider a 10 gauge. If you stay with standard 12 gauge, at least considered one with bismuth over steel.
Just as deadly with the same shaped lead, but less of it, moving at the same speed. Thats literally impossible...
16ga. is better than both, it's just hard to find.
I like them too😊
Around 10 bucks a box of shells for the 12. 20 bucks for the 20 guage. And anywhere between 30-40 bucks for a single box of 410. Where I live in Texas I’ve never seen 10,16, or 28 gauge on a shelf in a store.
I love my 20ga single break action 😊😊😊😊😊
I am a long time 20 gauge fan - little reason for 12 gauge is my reflection on the matter.
After a complete reverse shoulder replacement a year ago. I plan on becoming really good friends with my guage options available to me. Lol
I switched to a 20ga for waterfowl, loved it so much, I picked up a .28ga and prefer it over the 20. Hits just as hard as the 20 or a 12.
Ron the 12ga has always been a 44 yard killer with a 12ga 3 3/4dr 1 1/4oz 5shot on Pheasants, 20ga with 1oz 6shot about 39 yards, and a 28ga with 3/4 shot about 34 yards effective range on Wild Iowa Pheasants all with Full Choke. Yes you can say this and that but more lead kills ! Do I hunt with all three yes but anyone who wants to put money on the line saying there just as effective as a 12ga I will take that bet every day !
Thank you for the useful information
12 gauge has more ammo varieties available, but for typical hunting scenarios, they’re pretty equal. My go to is the 20 gauge, as it’s lighter to carry around all day.
Personally I don’t mind the 20 gauge but a box of 20 gauge is a lot harder and more expensive to come by compared to a 12 gauge so we don’t see many here in Australia
I agree, not that my opinion is worth anything but I prefer my 12 gauge. I guess it's because that was the shotgun that I started with when I was 12. I have had 20 gauge but I would always grab my Winchester model 37 so eventually I got rid of the 20s. Still grab the model 37 😊
When we're talking power both are wonderful and handle all game in North America. The argument really comes down to cost of use and 12 gauge is far cheaper than 20.
Went to 20ga 30 yrs ago! A all copper sabot slug out of a 20, could take any game animal on the planet!! Within 100 yrds of course!
The improvement in ammo in my lifetime😊that I have seen😊
I've had my Remington 870 20 gauge for 50 years and I've taken many birds with it.
I base my selection off of current selection of shells in store as well as how many boxes of 20ga vs 12ga shells I have!
First video you've made that's right and make sense
I hunted upland birds three days a week and waterfowl three days a week. I used a 12 on all my waterfowl hunts and tried the 20 not so good! It was steel shot. The 20 was just a bit light for my upland hunting, mainly the terrain, thick brush. I ended up with a Winchester model 12 in 16 gauge. I had a new stock and forend made for it. Almost a 12 but even lighter then a 20!
I like the 16 ga.
I think that generally speaking the velocity of a 12 Ga is about 100 FPS more than a 20 with similar pellets although when you are talking about 1200 FPS it shouldn't make much difference but you also get more pellets with a 12.
28 gauge 1 oz #5 does everything I need for upland.
How does your gun pattern with them? I’ve had much better luck with 3/4 oz and 5/8 oz loadings in mine. The one ounce loads seem to break up and spread out faster
dont forget shotgun patterns move in 3 dimensions. you gain pattern depth with a 12, which can make a difference on moving targets
My Dad used to tell my brother in law, "If you don't have at least a 12ga, you have a girl's shotgun." My sister had a 12ga, and he had a 20ga... We used to enjoy teasing him about his girly gun.
I got both love my 20 but always go back 12 cuz if the availability of ammo
That is the real issue available of ammo😊
I don't really bird hunt. But the 20 is my go-to in shotguns. I feel the sluggers shoot flatter than the 12g sluggers. As for sabots, I have no idea. But those put both shotgun gauges in another class.
Bird loads in the 12 wins, only because of holding more shot.
Ill take my 12 gauge or my 16 gauge. I had a 20 gauge before but i prefer the 12 and 16
What ever one I got the most shells for that day 😂 I love 10ga 12,16,20,410 all the originals 10ga is hard to find any more
I appreciate this video, but the type and age of the gun matters as well. I have a .20 gauge thats over 80 years old based on the serial number, even has the humpback stock. Ive shot a pheasant square at 20 yards and watched the feathers pop and it kept on going, ended up losing it after it kept flying into the treeline. My 12 gauge, which is MAYBE 20 years old, is ole reliable. However, i have a full choke on my 12 and nothing on my 20 gauge due to its age, though it might have a modified choke built in the barrel, i havent looked closely enough while cleaning. Oddly enough, If i were to choose between the two for upland bird id rather have the 20 gauge. It's lighter and feels better in the hand, less bulky, and the shells are smaller which frees up space your vest or coat to hold whatever u got for your dogs, or napkins or whatever.
Depends on what I'm hunting where and how im hunting it. My Dad preferred the .20ga most of the time.
Both are good choices.
I love my 16gauge for upland
Larger gauge allows for a shorter shot column which leads to less barrel contact and shorter shot string in flight. Of course, the ability to have a larger payload and denser pattern for a given choke. Thinking pheasants.
I believe in 16 gauge supremacy
12 Guage for regular hunting 🎉 20 or 16 Guage just for fun 🎉
One weird thing about the 20 gauge, the shot string tends to be longer , taking a slightly longer lead on birds will give you statically better chance of making hits …
for a ranch gun, the 20 is lighter, has modest recoil, has a very wide range of loads from low base bird shot to 3 inch magnum slugs. My choice has always been the 20. 12 tend to be the easiest to find and maybe cheapest.. and also comes in a wide variety of loads. Finding a smaller handy 12, harder to do.. use what you can get and afford, and chose you shells well.
Both are good and have applications where they’re better. But if you can handle 12ga recoil just fine there’s not really an advantage to going to 20. 12 gauge has more pellets traveling the same speed so it hits whatever you’re shooting at with more energy as a result of the higher pellet count.
For me it's that a box of 12ga is only 7.99 or 8.99 a box of 20ga where I live is double the price or more in most cases.
Love my Browning A5 16 guage!!!!
MY reason for the 20 is that I can fit more shells in my vest on long hunts. I miss a lot so an abundance of shells is never a bad idea when miles from the pick up. Talking about chukkars BTW.
16 gauge gets not love when it clearly exactly what everyone wants
28 gauge , in a nice side by side
12 for me, works on anything in NC.
16 gauge. "Carries like a twenty, hits like a 12"
12 vs 20 I'll pick the 20. Very versatile. But I'm sorry, I've shot 12 gauge buck shot and 20 buck shot. The 12 has a little more thump. But they each have their uses. But I have to say, I have 410, 20 and 12, ive shot 3 inch in all. I like 2 3/4 for when i anticipate close shots and 3 inch for a little more distances. But if I'd have to start over, I'd go for a 16 gauge
This is the perfect short video.
Depends on what you're hunting!!😊