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boscheefish
01-10-2010, 09:48 PM
ok future purchase here

looking at a 12 gauge or 20 gauge over under, but can only buy one.

this gun would only be used for upland and clays, with that in mind, what would you choose and why?

i have not shot either yet, but, i am leaning to the 20 gauge,i would like some expert advice here, before i make a decision.

thanks guys, cheers

500grhollowpoint
01-10-2010, 09:52 PM
12. Unless you are a girly-man. Or an actual girl. Or under 100 lbs.

martyonthewater
01-10-2010, 09:54 PM
I'd go with the 20, or personally more likely a 28 ( I already have a 20 and a 12), If its just uplands, clays and maybe the odd rabbit, the 20 will give them all the killing they'll need and you'll end up with less damage on at least a few if not most of your kills.

CanadanHirvi
01-10-2010, 09:57 PM
I would get a quality gun you find a good deal on. Either will do. 12 is better for water fowl if you want to do that in the future. Maybe 20 won't blow grouse apart as much.
Make sure you handle the gun & see how it fits and swings for you. I've had nice shotguns I haven't been able to hit anything with, and crappy guns I've nailed birds on all day long. The stock length matters a lot.

boscheefish
01-10-2010, 09:57 PM
haha ok you nailed it on the weight side,,,, im pushn 135 lbs,,,,,but yes i can still take a lickin

FLHTCUI
01-11-2010, 07:41 AM
The 12 gauge will cover all bases.
You can load up or down for those very tricky clay pigeons or scrambling rabbit shots.
But, it is you that will be shooting the gun not anyone else here on the board that is calling you names.
But what fits you and you like.
Rob

BiG Boar
01-11-2010, 07:50 AM
Go for a 12 gauge. And because your next question will be which 12 gauge should I get, I would look at a Remmington 870. One of the most reliable actions out there and they are relativley cheap. Probably get one for around $400 new.

1/2 slam
01-11-2010, 10:22 AM
Split the differance....get a 16ga. Lots of ammo out there. Great guns. I have 3 :-D

Mr. Dean
01-11-2010, 11:18 AM
12 or 20, the ammo cost about the same. A 20 gives up very little when compared to a 12 but it does "give up" a little. For what you're after, I think a 20 would suffice just fine, but,,,,, having the 12 would make *other* doors an option down the road.

I have both in the O/U configuration and wouldn't part with either. I really like shootin' trap/skeet with the 20 (read: fun!) but when it comes to killing grouse, I take that pretty seriously and whack'em with a 12.

Soooo basically I'd suggest finding the best deal in either guage and BUY IT!

dabat
01-11-2010, 11:38 AM
I own both and prefer the 20 gauge for upland birds and skeet. But there are times when I use the 12 gauge because I want a little more oomph. If i had to pick one all around gun, it would be the 12 guage.

slyfox
01-11-2010, 06:32 PM
I also have 20 and 12 but for upland like pheasant,quail and chuker nothing like a light gun for walking long hours in the field after them go with 3 inch mag 20 it will kill any bird.If your driving around for grouse 12 guage awesome for ducks,geese.

tomla1
01-11-2010, 07:45 PM
I have both and dont think you could go wrong with either, i guess i would lean towards the 12, who knows you might want to use it for somthing else in the future.

Spirit's Master
01-12-2010, 11:20 AM
I had the same question last year. Went with a Browning White Lightning O/U in 12g. LOVE IT for grouse and clays. A bit heavy to carry for 4-5 hours but I've gotten used to it.

I picked up a set of gauge reducers from Gauge-Mate in the USA and it allows you to fire 16,20,28 or .410 (depending on the set you buy). I have three sets 20,28 and .410 and all work well. The .410 was probably the least effective and you have to adjust chokes for each so you get a decent pattern. Makes it easy on the shoulder shooting 20g at the range. Great things for someone on a budget or starter.

cwf

835
01-14-2010, 08:42 AM
I own both,
get a 12ga. You never know, having one you might find yourself in a duck marsh someday. As well as it will do better on the skeet range.
If you only are going to upland hunt with a spattering of clays get the 20ga. I love mine shoot it all day, weighs nothing, swings fast and looks good!

shotgunner
01-14-2010, 08:51 AM
My recommendation is a 12 ga. as there is a wide selection of loads available at reasonable cost unless you are recoil consious then go 20 ga.
I shoot both and use the 20 for upland hunting. As said before the important thing is to get a gun that " fits you ". Pumps are fine ( I own a couple " but for sporting clays you are handicapped somewhat with just a single choke vs a o/u with 2 chokes available. Cost of shells for a 28 ga is excessive unless you reload. You don't have to go expensive like Browning or Beretta but they are great guns and will last a lifetime. Go to a range and I bet you will have the offers to try various guns which will let you know what " Fits you".

BowSitter
01-14-2010, 08:55 AM
Depends on the clay's you are shooting the most. With skeet or sporting clays you can go with both but with trap you will want the 12 guage. Good luck and have a blast with either one!

gibblewabble
01-14-2010, 10:15 AM
12 ga cause when you go for upland you can buy field loads(1/2 loads) for cheap so you dont do too much damage and still go for geese if you ever want to.

77Gunner
01-14-2010, 11:27 AM
i have both and love the 20 for upland it's light and swings great, that's what it's for but you can't go wrong with a twelve either it's the "do-it-all" gauge, will take down a pterodactyl.

bearhunter338-06
01-15-2010, 08:49 AM
1/2 SLAM we all know that the 16ga shells are way more expensive (lmao) then 12 or 20 gauge shells, they do not have enough lead (1-1 1/8 oz) you can not buy steel shot for them (got my steel shot from Canadian Tire), and it is almost imposible to find 16ga loads. I think you should save your self a lot of headake and I will take all 3 of you 16ga shotguns off your hands............................:-)

Slime green cat
01-16-2010, 08:25 PM
I am suprised I am the first to say it ..... even if its only ever going to be used for upland, I would go for the 12 g because there is always the possibility of running into a bear or cougar .
Keep a few slugs and/or 000 buckshot handy (preferably slugs) and you have bear medacine if needed :wink:

Bigger is always better :-D same reason I choose a 300 magnum as a deer gun . A 243 makes a nice deer gun, but sometimes you find critters you aren't looking for .... I would rather have a cannon when there is a chance of running into a Grizz .

anglo-saxon
01-19-2010, 08:14 PM
As you mentioned that the gun will only be used for grouse, I'd go with a 20 guage (don't listen to the drivel about what is a man's gun, etc. That's all garbage from people who don't know any better. They probaably think a .410 is a kid's gun, when in fact it takes a great deal more skill at equal ranges to be effective with such a small gun...but I digress).

For for typical grouse ranges, a 20 guage will do anything a 12 can do. My son has a nice little Stoeger 20 guage SXS. It handles incredibly fast and he kept us fed every day for two weeks during our fall hunt. With 28 inch barrels it is plenty accurate enough. Cheaper to reload, too! Great little clay gun ans well...lots of fun!

I wouldn't go with a 28 guage, personally. Fewer choices in guns and ammo and the guns tend to be more expensive overall.

1/2 slam
01-20-2010, 05:37 AM
1/2 SLAM we all know that the 16ga shells are way more expensive (lmao) then 12 or 20 gauge shells, they do not have enough lead (1-1 1/8 oz) you can not buy steel shot for them (got my steel shot from Canadian Tire), and it is almost imposible to find 16ga loads. I think you should save your self a lot of headake and I will take all 3 of you 16ga shotguns off your hands............................:-)

Let me think about it. NO:mrgreen:

steelheadSABO
01-20-2010, 09:12 AM
its your aim that counts not what your shooting

eaglesnester
01-23-2010, 09:15 AM
This is a personnel choice. The twenty auto is a very sweet little shotgun, no recoil, trains and mounts a very fast sight picture, light and effective. The 12 carries a little heavier, somewhat better range, depending on size of individual, may not mount and swing as fast as a twenty. It's all what you like. For an expert opinion on this very subject go to backwoodshome.com and look up article #120 by Massad Ayoob. I am sure the article will answer all of your concerns. One thing for sure the 20 gauge will throw less shot for you to bite on when eating grouse. That is why I like the 410 for just that very reason.

Cheers & Tighter Groups: Eaglesnester

silvicon
01-23-2010, 08:40 PM
12 or 20, why not split the difference and go with a 16?
I did, and am glad I went that way.
Nothing like a slim, well-formed 16 spanish, I tell you!

1/2 slam
01-23-2010, 08:47 PM
12 or 20, why not split the difference and go with a 16?
I did, and am glad I went that way.
Nothing like a slim, well-formed 16 spanish, I tell you!


Another brilliant response. I concur :-D

Phreddy
01-24-2010, 01:02 PM
I have a .410, a 20, a 16, and a 12. Over the last 54 years I have killed more ducks, geese pheasants, gruose and rabbits with a 20 gauge than all the others combined, and the one thing I really like is that it's always been either a clean kill or a complete miss. I can't recall ever heaing pellets hit wings and the bird not dropping. Maybe today, with the steel shot only regulations on ducks and geese it wouldn't work, but If I were to keep only one of my shotguns, the .20 would be it.

Mr. Dean
01-25-2010, 11:06 AM
Maybe today, with the steel shot only regulations on ducks and geese it wouldn't work, but If I were to keep only one of my shotguns, the .20 would be it.


I haven't found this to be a problem (steel shot-downed ducks). I've had a 'Bud' take me out several times this year (1st stab a waterfowling) and have used both my 12 and 20 in this field. In fact, If I were to go again tomorrow (wishful thinking... seasons over), it be the 20 that came along!

IMO, I don't think there's *that much* of a difference 'tween the two when it comes to bird hunting. Granted, haven't tried it on more than Northern Mallards though, OR stepped further back from the 15 yd line on the trap field.

Benelli FanBoy
01-26-2010, 11:56 AM
Split the differance....get a 16ga. Lots of ammo out there. Great guns. I have 3 :-D

Sorry, I don't think "Lots of ammo out there" is true for 16ga.


12ga. if ur only planning on owning 1 shotgun

then get a 20ga. when u want a second shotgun

LabBoy
02-13-2010, 01:15 AM
I would go with a 12 ga. More versatile re: loads - particularly when it comes to steel shot. There are 12 ga models on the market that are quite light and would suit someone of small stature.

Phreddy
02-13-2010, 12:51 PM
I guess it all boils down to two things:
1. How good or bad a shot are you. If good go 20, if bad go 12 or 10 g.
2. Do you think it's fun picking shot and feathers out of your meals. If
yes, go for the 12. If no, go for the 20.

1/2 slam
02-14-2010, 12:58 AM
Sorry, I don't think "Lots of ammo out there" is true for 16ga.


12ga. if ur only planning on owning 1 shotgun

then get a 20ga. when u want a second shotgun

I have 3 16ga guns. I've shot them for years and never had a problem finding ammo. Crappy tire even sells it.

POPS
03-08-2010, 07:28 PM
As mentioned above,.buy a double 12 and get a set of 20 ga. sub gauge tubes from ITALIAN SPORTING GOODS in Vancouver. i did several years ago and have used them with great success in my 100+ year old ITHACA. Ihad an older STEVENS 16 ga. sold it because the 12 with the 20 ga, tubes can do anything the 16 can and as others have stated a lot cheaper. that being said, if you can find a good 16 and a supply of shells (or roll your own with a LEE RELOADER) go for it. you WILL end up buying several shotguns anyways!!!!!!!!!!! ask my wife. POPS

Benelli FanBoy
03-08-2010, 07:43 PM
I have 3 16ga guns. I've shot them for years and never had a problem finding ammo. Crappy tire even sells it.

The man said he wanted to shoot clays as well, 16ga target loads, such as Winchester AA; target loads are not easily available, only game loads.

duckhunt
03-11-2010, 02:33 PM
20 gauge is the way to go

Buck Skin
03-11-2010, 04:29 PM
12 all the way they are a blast

boscheefish
03-11-2010, 09:52 PM
hello everyone,i want to thank you all for your ideas and thoughts, i have realized that i need both! ha.

made a trade for a baikal o/u the other day,12 gauge, so i guess this will be the gun i will use until i can afford another.

did a bunch of patterning this weekend, seems pretty good so far,

OutWest
04-19-2010, 08:14 PM
12. Unless you are a girly-man. Or an actual girl. Or under 100 lbs.

Haha good answer...Agreed.

300win
04-19-2010, 08:38 PM
12ga. covers everything!!! slug barrels for deer, variable chokes, 2 3/4" to 3.5" chambers for geese and turkeys, ammo is cheap and there are many different models to choose from!! Buy a 20ga. if you are only hunting game birds,rabbits or if you can't stand a little kick from a 12ga. Good luck!!

Phreddy
04-20-2010, 10:11 AM
12. Unless you are a girly-man. Or an actual girl. Or under 100 lbs.

Or a good shot.
As my old man used to tell me, only guys with little willies need bit guns.

kamloopshunter
04-20-2010, 11:46 AM
Go for a 12 gauge. And because your next question will be which 12 gauge should I get, I would look at a Remmington 870. One of the most reliable actions out there and they are relativley cheap. Probably get one for around $400 new.

Yeah 870. They have standard and youth models that fit some people better. Over Unders are nice but why do they and SBS cost so much more than pumps? There are a couple semiautos that are 400-600 range and they soften recoil a bunch.