20 or 12 Gauge for home defense

[CmdrSlander]

I'm a fairly experienced rifle and pistol shooter, but I'm not all that comfortable with shotguns, I was thinking of buying a shotgun for HD, should I go all out with a 12 gauge or stick to a 20 Gauge b/c of cheaper ammo and less (I'd imagine) recoil.

Thanks all.

Note: If I go with a 12 Gauge I'll probably pick up a Rem. 887 Tactical, anybody have thoughts on that model?

 

[Fred Fuller]

Either will do, if you will do. If it's recoil you're concerned with, you'll likely be better off with a 12 ga. shooting reduced recoil ammunition. The 12 ga. guns are usually a bit heavier and the weight helps soak up some of the recoil.

Your overall ammo selection will be better in 12 gauge as well, and the cost difference isn't very different.

 

[Youngster]

IMO, if you're not a big shotgunner and aren't looking to get up to speed quickly, you might be better off with a carbine or pistol you already have and are familiar with.

Anyway I would look at something other than the 887 as they seem to have more than their share of problems, same with the 870 Express.

 

[oneounceload]

should I go all out with a 12 gauge or stick to a 20 Gauge b/c of cheaper ammo and less (I'd imagine) recoil.

Ammo costs are basically the same

Lighter 20 gauge guns can actually have MORE recoil than a 12

IF you are an experienced rifle/pistol shooter, perhaps you might want to stick with what you know well...........

Otherwise, try a lot of different makes AND models - many here will tout the pump as the only HD gun - but that is incorrect - personal preference will play a major part in what you select

 

[msnden]

In my opinion, (and that of a lot of others) is that there is just nothing better than a shotgun for HD. A nice 18" barreled pump, loaded with #4. would be (and is) my preference, I would prefer the 20ga, ammo price is about the same. I am not real sure but Mossberg use to make a model called the "Maverick Security"
just a great PP shotgun at a nice price, do a search You might find where they are sold. msn

 

[ugaarguy]

If I go with a 12 Gauge I'll probably pick up a Rem. 887 Tactical, anybody have thoughts on that model?

No need for 3" shells, much less 3.5" shells in an HD shotgun. I'd stick with the tried & true Remington 870 or Mossberg 500.

 

[MachIVshooter]

No need for 3" shells, much less 3.5" shells in an HD shotgun

Agreed. No matter which shotgun is pulling HD duty at a given time, they're stoked with 2-3/4", #4 buck followed by slugs.

 

[WVleo]

Hi, My preference is with the 20ga. 870 . I have 2, one here at arms reach and 1 that My Daughter has borrowed forever at Her residence. It is what She was taught to shoot Shotgun with and took her first deer with said shotgun......WVleo

 

[Pfletch83]

The third option....

Mossberg 50455 fitted with a 13-inch L.O.P. stock

And any of the '00' or '000' loads will do very well in a cylinder bore choke.

Recoil is light along with weight,and with 2-1/2 inch shells you have a fair capacity.

An uncle mike's buttstock ammo carrier will do (think rifle on that one,it will hold 9-6 shells depending on the carrier type)

 

[mgkdrgn]

Either will do, if you will do. .

hmmmm, where did I hear that .... ;-)

 

[barnetmill]

HD is usually close range and pattern spread will likely be minimal and there is little advantage to using smaller shot like number #4 buckshot. If recoil is a problem then a low recoil load of 00 is better since due to better penetration it is more lethal. The 12 Ga can handle 00 better than the 20 ga and in fact there are no commercial loads in 00 for good reason in 20 Ga.

 

[DNS]

I'd go with a 12 gauge and something that is easy to get aftermarket parts for.

On my old 870 Express I added a stock with integral pistol grip which really helps to absorb some of the recoil. Most of those aftermarket stocks usually come with better recoil pad too.

Slip-on pads are usually available for all the popular models.

 

[Austin97]

Just get a 12 gauge, if some punk breaks into the house i don't think you should worry about recoil(no offense). Or a 10 gauge with a big recoil pad

 

[Nerostarr]

A remington 870 20ga with an 18" barrel and #3 buck, it's all you will need and then some. Remington make a model #81161 that is perfect for HD, it's label as a youth gun because of the shorter stock. 20ga ammo is readily availabe around where I live and is priced right also. Check out Wally World for federal bulk packs for practice or general range use, and #3 buck for HD.

 

[Sav .250]

If needed, either will do the job. For HD, the out come will be the same. Positive!

 

[ugaarguy]

Just get a 12 gauge, if some punk breaks into the house i don't think you should worry about recoil(no offense). Or a 10 gauge with a big recoil pad

You absolutely should worry about recoil in a HD gun. You should be practicing with any HD weapon, so that you can effectively employ said weapon if ever (hopefully never) needed to defend your home & family. If the recoil is such that it significantly discourages practice it's not the right firearm for HD / SD.

 

[DenaliPark]

I'm a fairly experienced rifle and pistol shooter, but I'm not all that comfortable with shotguns, I was thinking of buying a shotgun for HD, should I go all out with a 12 gauge or stick to a 20 Gauge b/c of cheaper ammo and less (I'd imagine) recoil.

Thanks all.

Note: If I go with a 12 Gauge I'll probably pick up a Rem. 887 Tactical, anybody have thoughts on that model?

I have heard terrible things about the Remington 887, from very reputable sources, stick with the 870.

 

[BADUNAME37]

Anyone getting shot at room-distance with a 20 or a 12 is going to be in pretty sad shape.

Either one will do just fine.

At least, with the 20, your hearing will like it a little more!