12 gauge Midland Arms Backpacker 18½ inch

[Ernie Bass]

For any sort of serious defensive use, I'd choose the 12 over 20, just many more ammo options available. Since it's a break action, you could use the Aguila Minishells that have a mix of #1 and #4 Buck. Cabela's use to have a nifty Herter's 2-1/4" shell that had 6 pellets of 00 Buck, which on paper would be a 33% reduced recoil load, but after Bass Pro bought them they dropped any defensive Herter's ammo and now just make target/field ammo because Bass Pro is anti gun for self defense.

What tells me that 12 is right for you vs 20 is if you have any intention of taking a larger animal like a hog with slugs. I'm not all to sure what a 20 gauge slug is capable of, but again, 12 ga just offers you a lot in regards to slugs and both Federal and Aguila make the minishells that use slugs and they are very pleasant to shoot.

I have had so much fun shooting the little 18" 12ga. It really makes a fun range day. I know some people are more recoil sensitive than others, but with a "Past" recoil pad on my shoulder I have no problem at all burning through ammo. And I have shot a whole lot of buck shot through this little gun. I have shot the Aguila 00 buck mini shells through other guns but yet to do this with the Midland. I have a few left over and might get out to day to try them. If the ammo shortage was not going on and I would buy a good couple of dozen. Since I have two 12ga and like them so well, most likely will get the 20 ga and the 410 when and if the shortage ever goes away.

And again, get some inserts. They can be fun to shoot different guages and calibers. Just got a email that they have 22.cal back in stock.

And I would not discount them for HD. I have a Mossberg for that use, but actually keep the Little, light weight Midland by my bedside. So dang light and easy to carry. And you can get fast with reloading. Some one new to the world of shooting migh just do will with a Little 20 ga. So simple to learn. Maybe even a 410.