best gauage for trap/skeet/sc

[frontgate1]

The 12 ga is by far the dominant gun at the trap/skeet range I shoot at. I prefer the 20ga.(recoil) and am wondering if I'm really off base in wanting to use the 20ga. to shoot trap/skeet/sc.
The main reason I ask is I'm planning on getting a white onyx or a white lightning in a couple of months and can't decide if I should go with those who have been shooting a number of years and get a 12ga or (being uniformed about the finer points of trap and skeet) get a 20.

This is a major investment for me and I don't want to mess it up.

like even the kids and women shoot 12s!

 

[PT1911]

I dont have a whole lot of experience with skeet shooting, but I know several who prefer the 12 for its pattern capabilities and others who prefer the 20 ga, for the same reason you stated, recoil and thus longevity and follow up accuracy... if you can handle using a 12 for 100 rounds with no ill effects, go with it, if you would be more comfortable with a 20, dont worry about what others think, do what you are most comfortable with and (more importantly) what you shoot best with.

 

[shoey]

A 12 gauge is far more versatile and forgiving. They pattern better with a wider variety of loads, at least thats been my experience. And you can dowload a 12 to have very light recoil for standard games, or load them up a bit for handicap games.

That said, the 20 will the job very well. It just isnt quite as forgiving.

 

[earlthegoat2]

handload and you can get lighter loads with lighter recoil out of your 12 ga. I like 3/4oz shot at 1200 fps.

that said you can get the 20 ga as there are 20ga only classes of skeet as well.

 

[Virginian]

Are you driven to try to win a bunch of ribbons and/or accolades, or are you out to have a good time? If you have to win above all, get a 12. There are more pellets and better odds.
If you want to have fun, get what you want to get.
Skeet scores with 12s and 20s are virtually the same. Serious trap is 12 gauge territory because the handicap lines get the targets out there, but on the front line a 20 does fine. Sporting clays can give either gauge the advantage for an amatuer shooter, depending on the course. The pros shoot 12s and it don't matter.
You will not be seriously handicapping yourself with a 20 for what you intend to do, in my opinion.

 

[oneounceload]

While a 12 is THE bore for all of those disciplines, I have used a 20 just as easily. There isn't a target out there that a 20 won't break. Standard weight 20 loads are 7/8 oz. Many 12 shooters are reloading to .....7/8 oz., so in that scenario, there is no pattern difference or advantage/disadvantage.

Shoot what YOU feel comfortable shooting....

 

[frontgate1]

Thanks for all the replies.
You've reaffirmed what I've been thinking, but needed to hear from
those with more experience.

I'm not interested in winning competitions, just want to shoot a decent game
and don't want to feel I've could have prevented embarrassing myself if I
had a 12 ga. Also know it's the shooter, not the gun that breaks the targets.

I've also noticed that the more experienced trap shooters break the target the first second or two it leaves the trap machine, while the less experienced wait longer.
Assuming I'll be able to break targets quicker with more experience
I'd think a 20 would be fine.
Thanks.

 

[shoey]

When I shot my 20 for trap, I loaded it a bit hotter than I would my 12 and stepped up to a full choke and it did just fine. Could shoot 20+ from the 20 yard line...

That said, I was more consistent with my 12...

 

[oneounceload]

Gun fit and self confidence are worth more than any gauge differences.....

 

[SilverShooter]

One ounce load or less

I shoot 24 & 25s at 16 through 21 with an inexpensive beretta 391 semi auto -- just as good as the fellas with 4K+ SGs. ...and I used inexpensive ammo too which really irks them.

The competitors are looking for every edge they can get (physical, mental and emotional) so if a 10K shotgun and expensive ammo makes them think they shoot better or gives them more confidence in their game, then good for them!

Having shot both 12 GA and a 20 GA beretta semi autos, I recommend the 12 GA with 1 oz loads. With the heavier weight of the 12 GA, and the lighter 1 oz load, the recoil will be almost the same as a 20 GA 7/8 load in a lighter weight SG.

You may also want to try the 12 GA shot shells with 7/8 oz loads (like the Fioccchi Extra Low Recoil 12 Ga. 2 3/4 7/8 oz. #8) since some deliver up to a 3 dram equivalent bang. You will need a quality semi auto to cycle the 7/8 loads.

Have fun!