20 or 12 gauge?

[johnwayn]

Im looking at buying a shotgun that I will be using for everything from grouse to duck. Very seldom will I be goose hunting. Ive narrowed it down to the 12 or 20 gauge. Any recommendations?
The 12 seams too big for grouse but the 20 seams like it may not have the range for wing shooting.

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by johnwayn

Im looking at buying a shotgun that I will be using for everything from grouse to duck. Very seldom will I be goose hunting. Ive narrowed it down to the 12 or 20 gauge. Any recommendations?
The 12 seams too big for grouse but the 20 seams like it may not have the range for wing shooting.

I like a 20, most guys want a 12 however.
Cat

[elkhunter11]

I prefer a 20 gauge myself, as an all around gun. I shoot mostly upland birds, and any waterfowl hunting that I do will be over decoys. That being said, the 12 gauge is likely a better choice for the average person.

[bsmitty27]

12 seems the norm. But the norm isn't alway the best. I was talking to my father in-law about this last night. Neither one of us new why we bought 12g. Much perfer the 20g, I got a few 12g when I was a kid and have been slowly selling them off, still have one but use mainly my 20g and my little 410.

[score]

I'd go with a 20g. for what you plan. It will do all you need for everything, including geese with the right loads, a good set up and ethical shooting.

[Atex]

The 12ga is like the 30-06 for rifles. There is a plethora of choices to shoot, from the heaviest slugs to the lightest target loads. Just go to a store and see the selection of 12ga vs. other shotgun gauges...then you decide.

[rugatika]

2 or 3 of each.

[Beaver commander]

Originally Posted by Atex

The 12ga is like the 30-06 for rifles. There is a plethora of choices to shoot, from the heaviest slugs to the lightest target loads. Just go to a store and see the selection of 12ga vs. other shotgun gauges...then you decide.

I agree with Atex the choices for a 12g is far greater then a 20g