Is a 20 Gauge Sufficient for Most Hunting?

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

I'm shopping for a new semi-auto for general all around hunting. Mostly ducks, small game and gonna try to turkey hunt. I know 12 gauges will shoot farther and have more knock down. But will a 20 gauge get the job done? Less weight to carry, less recoil. Opinions please.

[DUKFVR]

All shotguns shoot just as far & hard. What separates them is pellet density. A 20 ga will handle any of the shooting you want,you just have to shoot closer sometimes. I have killed all of that game you listed & more with a 20 ga. Even a 410, just have to get them close & know the limitations. With TSS shot a 410 becomes a 35 yard turkey killer with the right choke. A 20 ga is a great all around gauge. Buy it & enjoy.

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

All shotguns shoot just as far & hard. What separates them is pellet density. A 20 ga will handle any of the shooting you want,you just have to shoot closer sometimes. I have killed all of that game you listed & more with a 20 ga. Even a 410, just have to get them close & know the limitations.

Thank you sir. PM sent.

[Javelin]

All shotguns shoot just as far & hard. What separates them is pellet density. A 20 ga will handle any of the shooting you want,you just have to shoot closer sometimes. I have killed all of that game you listed & more with a 20 ga. Even a 410, just have to get them close & know the limitations. With TSS shot a 410 becomes a 35 yard turkey killer with the right choke. A 20 ga is a great all around gauge. Buy it & enjoy.

This, same pellets same speed, just less of them in the shell. At long ranges pattern density can suffer, but if shooting steel shot a 20g will be good way past what steel is lethal at. Go 20 and have fun.

[Shane]

I grew up hunting dove, quail, pheasant, ducks, and rabbits with a 20ga 870. Never had any problems killing whatever I pointed it at. Of course that was when you could kill ducks with #5 lead shot. But I still use 20ga guns today with steel or bismuth for ducks, and no problems.

[Artos]

They make such a variety of quality ammo you really aren't at a disadvantage for hunting...one could make an argument for 12 in sporting clays to get more shot.

I basically shoot a 1oz 20ga load out of my 12ga for bird hunting & clays...heck, you can get 7/8oz in 12ga.

[gander]

I strictly shoot a 20 or 28 gauge now for all, ducks, geese, dove, quail, etc. In fact, I think my 28 gauge patterns better than my 20 gauge. I have killed ducks stone dead at 45 yards with it.

[Smart]

I've been shooting a 20ga exclusively with an occasional .410 mixed in (with my Dad) since 2005ish. I don't even own 12 gauges anymore. I've never felt outgunned or underpowered....I just prefer the lighter gun frame and the lighter shells in my bag. Plus when shooting a semi-auto, the yellow 20ga hulls are easier to find.. Dove, ducks, geese, pheasants, turkey, quail and clays.

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

I just bought this. A friend told me about this sale and I thought it was great deal.

[Walker]

Bunch of darn sissies
my daughters both shoot 12's.

[Shane]

Bunch of darn sissies
my daughters both shoot 12's.

The 3 worst kicking shotguns I've ever shot were all 20 ga. They can shoot the equivalent of a 12ga 1oz load (not even considering a 3"), and if it's a small, light frame 20ga gun, those loads can really push the little guns around. A heavier frame 12ga kicks less.

[BrianL]

Beretta Xcel very little felt recoil in the 12 or 20. 20 still holds the weight advantage

[Smart]

I just bought this. A friend told me about this sale and I thought it was great deal.

Yes sir! That's a good one as well! Nice price!

[Smart]

Bunch of darn sissies
my daughters both shoot 12's.

Some folks need more shot in the air.

[BlackHogDown]

Bunch of darn sissies
my daughters both shoot 12's.

Must not be very good shots...