20 gauge shotguns are the second most popular option for home defense. I've almost stopped shooting 12 gauge on the skeet field. The recoil of a 12 gauge shotgun is manageable by most, though perhaps not particularly fun to shoot for everybody. We have patterned a number of trap 12 ga guns with 20 ga adapters and 7/8 patterns much more evenly for us than out of a 20 gauge shotgun. The 20-gauge's lighter weight makes it a popular choice among hunters who cover a lot of ground, and its recoil is minimal to nonexistent. I used to use a pair of Savage 410ers in a 101 12 ga and the 3/4 oz loads were o.k. But a shotgun’s pattern also depends on the load, or shell, chosen. Anyone looking for an effective home-defense shotgun is often directed toward one of the many 12-gauge law-enforcement-grade tactical models. 12 gauge shotguns are also the choice of the U.S. Armed Forces and the vast majority of law enforcement. For example, in one gauge system, 18 gauge steel measures 0.0478 inches thick, but 18 gauge aluminum is 0.0403 inches thick. If 28 gauge were as cheap as 20 I'd shoot that. Because of the varying thicknesses, a gauge chart should be used to ensure the metal meets the required dimensions. If so the majority of people use 12 gauge. Do not try to mix the 12 gauge shells with a 20 gauge gun, or vice versa, because it could damage the weapon as a result. "The 20-gauge is much easier to shoot than the 12-gauge, produces significantly less recoil, and is lighter and more maneuverable," says retired SWAT team leader and multi-level certified self … Shooters can select plain or fancy, double-barreled, semi-automatic or pump-action shotguns. The 20 gauge has a diameter of 15.6 mm, or .62 inches. For example, a handloader could load a miniscule amount of pellets in a 2 3/4-inch long 12-gauge shell to give it a lesser payload (the amount of lead pellets, measured in ounces), than a 20-gauge … If you mean skeet or just breaking clays in the back yard a 20 gauge is just fine. The 20-gauge shotgun features a smaller bore diameter of .615 inches. 12 gauge vs 20 gauge for home defense? This makes the 12 gauge bigger than the 20 gauge. Some of those shots are out there. Other factors like gun weight, pads, recoil reduction systems, gun fit, 3-inch shells vs 2¾-inch shells, action of the gun, and more contribute in a big way. The most common shotguns found in the dove fields are 20-, 16- or 12-gauge. 09-10-2009, 01:56 PM This question has probably been asked ad nauseum, and i hope im not out of line asking it here, but i figure if theres one place i can get a real world answer, it's probably here. but the 1/2 weren't. Even comparing standard 12 gauge hunting loads against standard 20 gauge hunting loads, lighter felt recoil in the 20 is still only a maybe. 12 or 20 gauge caliber: 12 gauge is the gold standard when it comes to shotgun caliber, particularly if you are using a semi-auto tactical shotgun. Also a preferred shotgun for bird and sport shooters, it generally sells for less than a 12-gauge and is an adequate gun for the beginner. All allow for fast follow-up shots. The 12 gauge has a diameter of 18.5 mm, or .729 inches. A number of self-defense experts, however, disagree. The big 12-gauge semi-auto takes center stage as the most popular. (Think of a large diameter water hose vs. a smaller one.) 12 gauge shotguns are most popular for home defense. History of the gauge system. The gauge system has long history in metal fabrication. Just no need. Skeet or just breaking clays in the back yard a 20 gauge shotguns are also 20 gauge vs 12 gauge of! 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