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Any practical reason to buy a 20 gauge shotgun…

momin said:
If I already have 2.22s, 2PCCs, a lever action and an AR 15?
Click to expand...
No they are barely good for hunting even because we have to use non toxic shot so 12 gauge is the way to go. The ammo also tends to be more expensive than 12 gauge.
 
It depends, but it all revolves around purpose. In an o/u for upland it's great, lighter to carry, shells are lighter to carry, easier on recoil compared to a 12 o/u. If you're looking for a do all shotgun 12g. But if you are smaller in stature or only using it for clays or pheasant then 20 might be the answer for you. And if you're intention is home defense against 👨🏻‍🎨t zombie moose great white hybrids then 12g or 300 win mag might be better suited for that.
 
I like shooting 20 gauge, I do not like shooting 12 gauge. Ammo is about the same, you’re still putting a ton of metal out the end of the barrel.
 
I have a couple of 20ga shotguns and shoot them far more than my 12ga. Quite a bit less recoil, more fun to shoot, ammo is about the same price and equally available. I'd say the only reason NOT to get a 20ga is if you are wanting something for hunting, you will get better hunting ammo variety and availability with 12ga. I've got a cheap 20ga Maverick 88 as a defensive shotgun loaded with Federal defensive buck.
 
I used a Beretta AL2 20 gauge for ducks and geese when we were still using lead. Still use it for doves and trap, but 12 gauge for everything else.
 
20G ammo is pricier than 12G like other people said, it’s great for small game and some people like it for clays as it can be softer than 12

12 though is the goat though, if you shoot a lot and don’t have a specific need for 20 or don’t reload, it’s the way to go
 
... because the Stoeger Double Defense shotguns are only available in 20g.
 
women shooters far prefer 20 to 12 in my experience. 12 for him and 20 for the missus
 
The recoil difference is solved very easily by shooting a semi auto. A gas gun with light target loads is basically no recoil. one thing that beginners do like is hitting stuff because there's a lot more pellets in a 12 guage
 
It might depend on fit some also. My dad's 20 ga Beretta O/U is light and too short for me. I feel more recoil from it than my 12 ga Browning citori O/U. But then I don't schlep the Browning through the woods. For a clays gun I would prefer the 12 ga Browning, but for a hunting gun a 20 might be nice.
 
Small stature shooters and kids tend do well with .20ga. More fun to shoot, less recoil, lighter weight overall.
 
Just to drift the thread a bit more…I had a Benelli Montefeltro in 28ga that was just magical.

It weighed about 5lbs and was beautiful with A-grade wood and CF rib.

But, it ended up sitting around and I sold it, along with all my 28ga ammo. Now I see the only current 28ga Benelli is the Ethos (still very light).

I get the feeling that if I ever came across a 28ga Montefeltro on consignment or whatever, I would buy it.
 
Shooting 7/8 oz or even less at 24 grams of leadshot in 12 gauge is better and lighter recoil, that's what they shoot in International Trap and Skeet. Shooting American Skeet, I prefer 28 gauge, much lighter recoil and I can fit whole bunch of shells in my shooting vest pocket.
 
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