12 vs. 20 re: 870 recoil

[ilmonster]

I was wondering if anyone has experience shooting both an 870 Wingmaster in 12 and 20 guage. I have a Citori for clay games, and would like to get a second SG for friends to use. I also would like a pump to play with myself! As someone new to shotgunning might be recoil sensative, would an 870 in 20ga. have less felt recoil that an 870 in 12ga. (assuming using 7/8 and 1oz. target loads respectively)

 

[Dave McCracken]

Welcome!! You've found the best site on the Net for realistic info on arms.

The 20 gauge Youth Express I got for the kids has maybe 1K rounds through it. I find the 1 oz loads in it emphatic. The kids found them punishing. 7/8 oz was OK.

The shorter LOP means a smaller butt surface, concentrating the kick.

The now available 7/8 oz loads in 12 gauge are creampuffs. In your shoes, I'd incline towards the 12, superlight loads, and some training for new folks. More experienced shooters can handle either, all else equal. Pixies and kids might benefit from the 20's lighter weight, but keep the loads light.

 

[mete]

I spoke to a women who was a sporting clays competiter and asked how many women use 20 ga guns. She said almost all use 12 s since they have more shot and the light target rounds are light recoil. If the pump has too much recoil try an auto .The newest Benelli has a special gel filled recoil pad which reduces felt recoil even more.

 

[ARGarrison]

I personaly like the Remington 870 Youth Model. It's a 20ga with a shorten stock and I think a 21" barrel. Nice balance and handling. I do most of my shotgunning with a Mossberg 500 in 12ga though.

The biggest advantage a shotgun has is the abilty to change shotgun shell to fit the situation. Like Dave McCracken said the superlight loads in 12ga are the way to go for new shooters when using a 12ga.

It's hard to beat a good 12ga pump as a do everything shotgun. A 20ga is a change of pace from a 12ga.

 

[Mr Kablammo]

I have introduced a number of 'newbies' to shotgunning with a 20 ga 870, women and men. Psychologically the 20 ga has the advantage of seeming to be less recoil-fearsome. Also, with women weight and LOP can be issues. You can do trap and skeet with a 20 ga. Some of the targets in SC may need the extra 'oomph'. I don't see any downside to using a 20ga.

 

[TrapperReady]

Remember that recoil is only a portion of the equation. As I've said often enough here, my wife started on a 20ga and has since moved to a 12ga. For her, I don't think recoil was the biggest issue. Her main criteria was that the gun be light enough for her to easily handle. Therefore, shooting a 20ga for a couple years helped her build up some shooting-specific muscles and get comfortable.

I've seen the same thing teaching some younger shooters. Bigger, heavier guns may have less recoil... but they can also be more combersome to use. For some new shooters, they may have a preset idea that 12ga="too big". You can then use a 20ga and let them psych themselves into being comfortable with a "little gun". Then, when they later try a 12ga, they are likely to think "Hey! That's not bad."

Either way is fine, and as long as you stick with light target loads in either gauge, the recoil should not be too much of a problem. IMO, if you think you may be training younger/smaller shooters, then a 20ga should be seriously considered. If not, the 12ga is probably the way to go.