12 ga vs. 20 ga

[Navy87Guy]

I'm thinking about adding a shotgun to my gun collection. I'm 95% certain that I'll get a Saiga - I'm trying to decide on what gauge to get.

Here's what I intend to use it for (in order of priority/importance):
- Home defense
- USPSA 3-gun competition
- Skeet/trap
- Hunting

Is there any compelling reason to get a 12 ga over a 20 ga in this case? One of my considerations is the ability of my wife to use it, particularly in the HD role. I had a Mossberg 500 and it would have knocked her over backwards if she tried to shoot it.

Your collective wisdom/experience is appreciated!

Jim

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I think the biggest benefit going for the 12 gauge is that you can get shells slightly cheaper and there is a wider variety of shells available.

As far as HD with your wife, there are many options for reduced recoil loads in 12 ga. I don't recall seeing any reduced recoil 20 ga.

 

[cat_IT_guy]

I also vote 12ga. It has a slight edge over the 20 in versatility and availability of ammo. As for your wife in the HD role, if it ever comes to that, with all the adrenaline flowing I think 12ga recoil will be the least of your concerns. Just stay away from the really heavy loads (3 or 3.5 inch shells) and she will be fine.

 

[Fred Fuller]

One of my considerations is the ability of my wife to use it, particularly in the HD role. I had a Mossberg 500 and it would have knocked her over backwards if she tried to shoot it.

Don't be too quick to underestimate your wife.

My own DW just turned 6something. She can handle a 12 ga. 870 with all the aplomb necessary- one that is properly fitted to her, that is. A too-long stock, a too-heavy gun from magazine extension and other bolt-on goodies, a too-short forearm- those things cause her problems. But a 12.5" LOP (length of pull) stock, a field length (long) forearm, no 'stuff' hung on the front of the gun- she is ready to rock with it.

Before you buy the Saiga, make sure your wife can run the bolt though. Some people have problems making stiff recoil springs work when all they have to grab onto is a small operating handle.

If you really are buying a shotgun with your wife in mind- let HER pick what to buy. One-defensive-shotgun households need to have that gun suited to and fitted for the smallest shooter IMHO. A more skilled/stronger shooter can work around the requirements of the smallest shooter in the family if necessary.

Work with her to get access to a number of makes/models (from friends, family, gun club, etc) with furniture that fits her properly, let her shoot a variety of stuff and see what she likes. There are several factory 'youth' models that are often helpful for smaller shooters as issued, right out of the box. Then factor that experience into your 'buy' decision.

Stay Safe,

lpl/nc

 

[MCgunner]

delete double post

 

[MCgunner]

I vote 1100 over Saiga for hunting or trap and skeet, or one of the 3" capable autos. Sounds like you need two guns. 12 isn't too bad recoil in a gas gun. For women, I'd prefer a 20, they are reduced recoil because they are a 20, at least if they're fired in guns of equal weight. 20 gauge is more'n enough for home defense loaded with #3 buck 2 3/4" loads. It'll stop a man just as quick as a 12. Now, for hunting, I'd rather have the 12 tossing slugs. The 20 gauge slug is a little wimpy compared to the 12 on game. For all around versatility in the field, I'd rather have a 12. I own both, love my 20, but it ain't what I normally go for on waterfowl, especially geese, and it's not the hot set up for turkey if you turkey hunt. 12 can take anything a shotgun is normally used for and is available in goose loads that the 20 ain't. Lots of guys like 3 1/2" 12s on geese, but I just buy heavishot type loads in 3" and live happy when I goose hunt. They're more expensive, but I don't goose hunt that often now days. I don't know what the Saiga is chambered for, probably 2 3/4" only? That pretty much limits it for hunting, so going to a 20 gauge wouldn't be much more limitation IMHO. For all around hunting versatility, you need a 3" gun. I just picked up some new Winchester high speed 3" #3 magnum loads that should be MUCH better than the drylocks I've been using on ducks with my Mossberg. I'm looking forward to trying 'em out on the birds this season.

I'm addressing the hunting part of your requirements, though you list HD higher priority, because I feel any shotgun in any gauge, even .410, is good for HD and I'm not a trap and skeet shooter, just a hunter. My own HD gun is a 20" coach gun in 20 gauge and I'm plenty happy with it. I ain't Rambo, don't need a shot tossin' version of an M60. I hit what I aim at with a shotgun and an intruder is a heck of a lot bigger and much easier target than a dove on the wing at 30 yards. If I can't take out an intruder with my shotgun in one shot, I'm ready for retirement, hang up the shotguns. Just kinda how I feel about it. I'm good enough and practiced enough with a shotgun that a man ain't even a challenge. I ain't worried about firepower. I don't need no 20 round mag full of 12s. If you ain't hit him in two shots, he's probably already stabbin' you to death anyway. And, coach guns don't jam. I do keep a Koplin butt carrier with five extra rounds on it, but I don't see ever needing 'em in the HD scenario. I ain't gonna go clearing the house with it anyway. It's a safe room gun, locked in my bedroom, blast him if he breaks down the door. He can have the danged TV if that's all he's after. I'm on the phone 911 behind the bed with the shotgun ready in case he's a real nut job. For me, that's how I see a shotgun. If I have to leave the room, it'll be with a snub revolver, easier to maneuver and harder to take away.

 

[Navy87Guy]

Thanks for the inputs so far.

I don't know what the Saiga is chambered for, probably 2 3/4" only?

Actually, the Saiga can take either 2 3/4 or 3 in rounds (including magnums). It has two different magazine sizes to accomodate each.

Jim

 

[Navy87Guy]

Update:

Well, one of my local dealers was able to find me a great deal on a Saiga 12 ($415 delivered!), so I went with the 12 gauge. I'll play around with the loads to find something that everyone in the house can handle. I'm going to convert this one with a fixed stock for now, but eventually I'd like to put a collapsible buttstock on there to accomodate the different LOP's for everyone in the family (I just couldn't afford/justify the price difference right now).

Anyway, thanks for all the inputs.

Jim