12ga or 20ga for Upland birds and ducks?

[ajr5406]

Never hunted birds, but would like to get a shotgun that I can use for both upland birds and ducks etc. If a guy was just going to buy one shotgun to cover most bases (and yes, I know thats like saying I will buy one fly rod for all fly fishing), what would you get - a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge?

[adriaticum]

I vote for 12 ga. It's the most versatile

[ruger#1]

I like my 20g it is a much lighter gun, Get it in 3" magnum if you get one. The fly rods I use the most are 3wt. I do not like packing heavy.

[Chuck]

I like my 20g it is a much lighter gun, Get it in 3" magnum if you get one. The fly rods I use the most are 3wt. I do not like packing heavy.

I agree! This is the logic I'd use. However if money is no object, then by all means have one of each.

[roughcountry]

My vote is 12 ga ......

[Marlowethelazydog]

I hunt upland August through april (remember snowshoe). Get a 20 gauge if weight is an issue, get a 12 if not. Essentially, both have almost identical penetration and speed 20 just has less shot. FWIW don't wack upland birds with a 3" 20 gauge - you will ruin meat and actually get a lousy pattern. 2.75 is fine for all upland game. Both will kill waterfowl dead, just on requires you to shoot straighter than the other. Frankly I hunt with only enough gauge for the animal. If you want something to shoot chickens with road hunting it doesn't matter what you get. I you want to do honest to god upland hunting that means walking and you will want a light gun. August through October I carry a 410 bore double and kill bunnies, quail and grouse in very high numbers. I switch to a 20 when the shots get longer. I use a proper goose gun for waterfowl.

[caddisguy]

I would go for the 12ga. If you're on foot whacking birds/bunnies and run into problems with yogi you'll have it covered. Or maybe a big buck walks out... 20ga slug might to the job but I'd rather have a 12ga for the occasion.

[Marlowethelazydog]

I would go for the 12ga. If you're on foot whacking birds/bunnies and run into problems with yogi you'll have it covered. Or maybe a big buck walks out... 20ga slug might to the job but I'd rather have a 12ga for the occasion.

Ugh, both hit as hard. 20 gauge is actually very similar to a 45/70 for short range ballistics.12 just makes a slightly different sized hole.

[huntingfamily]

I would recommend a 12 gauge as well. It will give you more versatility with what you decide to hunt.

[caddisguy]

Ugh, both hit as hard. 20 gauge is actually very similar to a 45/70 for short range ballistics.12 just makes a slightly different sized hole.

Don't "Ugh" me unless you are saying you would be indifferent to having a 12 gauge versus a 20 gauge when dealing with an aggressive bear. And if you want to shoot 00 buck... how do those 20 gauge shells work out for ya?

A fly hits a windshield just as hard as the windshield hits it. Physics man A 12 gauge is more versatile and has more potential for takedown power, period.