20 ga is very good for people who are recoil sensative. Unfortunately, that means that the guns are usually lighter, so you loose some of the advantage there, but you still have most of it.

As far as weight per shell and muzzle flash, it will be negligable.

Two big draw-backs to 20ga.:

-It isn't as common. As a result, there is no were near the range of options for ammo as you find in 12ga, and nothing that I've ever seen in terms of reduced-lethality rounds (beanbags, etc). On that point, not much that can be done with a 20ga that can't be done with a 12-ga loaded with lower pressure loads. There are number of low-recoil loadings out there, but they are either sporting rounds (small bird shot at low speed, but not inconsiquential), or targetted to law enforcement (hard to find, expensive).

-20ga is a funny size, mechanically. I personally suggest NEVER owning both a 20ga and a 12ga, as a 20ga shell can slip down the barrel of a 12ga pretty easily. If you don't notice that a 20 has gotten mixed in, you could load it, have it go into the chamber, not go off, and you assume it is a dud. In a stressful situation, you load a fresh shell, and fire, blowing the barrel on the shotgun and probably making you a casuality.

Neither of those are enough to remove the 20ga from consideration, but are factors that need to be considered.

Ironsraven,

NEVER, as not even for a very experienced shotgunner?

Dude, I'd have to disagree. I've got a SigArms TR20U (made by B. Rizzini) in 20 ga. that's a pretty delightful bird gun. Every time I think about sellin' it, I take it for one last hunt and it handles so sweetly and shoots so well I can't part with it.

In the lighter gauges, I actually favor the 28, but have to admit its loads are a bit light for wild pheasants (though OK on game preserve or state-stocked birds).

I preload my bag and vest the night before, and I've never had a problem. If I do carry a box of different gauge shells (for brother or nephew), I separate it from my gear and leave it in the Contico truck box.

I dunno, dude...hate to disagree a man with your gun knowledge, but I kind of have to on this one.

IIf you've got the experience, training, the craving and the bucks, IMHO it's OK to own shotguns in several gauges.

...And my next one's going to be a 16 ga. ... unless I keep buyin' survival gear. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Less noise too and in a small room that may be significant as far as it's effects on you hearing..

Here here. IIRC, a 28 in a 16 is just like a 20 in 12. So what? This is like saying never, ever speed because it increases your chances of a wreck.

MGF, I have to agree. I've been hunting/shooting since I was 10 and now my son is 13. I never, and I mean NEVER, reached for the wrong ammo. If you can't keep that straight, you shouldn't own or be around firearms. Period.

If TSHTF, the only gun/ammo that should be handy is the ammo intended for that purpose. If there's a 20 ga under the bed, about the only ammo I could reach for by mistake is my 45 ammo or 357, but that's on the Mrs side : )

Can't keep it straight? Buy a nice Louisville!

Ironsaven,

I'll agree that the 12 can be loaded down, and if that's an option for the user, it could be the way to go. Of course, if the user can load their own, then they can creat just about any 20 gauge they prefer as well. And any reduction in noise, recoil, flash, etc. in a closed room is beneficial. Either way, make it a pump. While performing research some years ago for a crime thesis, I found that the racking of the slide was the deterrant. Not the gauge, etc.

Also, I'm a little concrened with your comments regarding non-lethal force. For LE, that could be relevant, but for private citizens it can get you into a world of trouble. In PA, you'd better not draw your weapon unless lethal force is required.

I've always wondered about this, and the guys that I know that hunt just give me a look and start talking about something else.

Question: why do people hunt game with shotguns? Doesn't it shred the (small game) meat into oblivion, and isn't what meat is left embedded with bits of shot?

My uncle used to use a rifle and shoot a duck or whatever in the head. That way, the meat was intact and uncontaminated. Am I missing something obvious here?

Sue

Susan, in most circumstances it is illegal, or at lease considered unsporting to shoot a bird unless it is on-the-wing. So a shotgun gives you a chance, though it is not by any means as easy as you might think. Rabbits and other small mammals are fair game with most firearms.
Of course in a survival situation, who cares about being sportsmanly.. use whatever you have!

Yes, if you're too close with a shotgun you can make a mess. And yes, there may well be shot in the meat (with all the dental implications). I have a friend who duck hunts, and X-rays his kill to find any stray shot.But he's a Vet. and has the machine to do this at little cost.

Susan,
It is illegal to hunt ducks with a rifle.
It is considered by most to shoot ducks off the water as unsporting. This is mostly by family or local tradition. I won't do it,but won't condemn someone else if it is legal where they hunt.
Pellets in the meat is not as much of a problem as Hollywood and Ahnud & Co. would have you think. Most ducks I kill have 0-1 pellets in the breast, and I find 99% while cleaning. Can't remember the last pellet I bit into. Afterall, you should be pointing for the head. Most beginning duck hunters see this big ol bird and shoot for the body. More cripples that way.
X-raying dead ducks? He has too much time on his hands or doesn't hunt very much. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

BTW, I hunt a lot of ducks.

duckear

My two cents:

Semi-auto - Benelli M1 Super 90
Pump - Remington 870