Comparing 12 and 20 gauge auto loaders

[Ringer]

Just wondering about the trade offs with these two. Daughter wants to try busting some clays. Translation: excuse....err reason to buy a new (to me at least) gun.

I have only shot pump guns in 12 gauge. I want it to be a good experience so I'm thinking about recoil and effectiveness. Is the recoil of the 20 significanly less than the 12 in a gas operated shotgun? How much of an impact does the 20 have on a new shooters ability to hit clays compared to the 12?

I'm considering the Mossberg SA-20, possibly the Bantam model. She is an adult but fairly small framed. I don't want her to get discouraged if she can't hit anything but also don't want her put off by too much recoil.

Thoughts?

Oh, and as far as used guns go I'm open to them just never see many around at a reasonable price.

 

[Fred Fuller]

A gas gun in 20 gauge is a great choice for a small statured or recoil shy shotgunner. I'm not familiar with the Mossberg offering, but the Bantam model should be a good fit for a smaller shooter.

This month's Women & Guns has an article on the Remington 11-87 offering:
http://www.womenandguns.com/TOC.html

Not Only for the Birds...
20 Ga. Remington Sportsman 11-87
A shotgun makes sense in many home defense situations.
By Diane Walls.

Overall, IMHO, it's a great idea.

lpl

 

[MAKster]

Felt recoil of a 20 gauge is not necessarily less. Since the 20 gauge guns weigh less that increases felt recoil. The worst shotgun recoil I ever felt was a Beretta 20 gauge that weighed less than 6 pounds. I would pick one of the relatively heavy models like the Remington 1100 and add a Limbsaver butt pad

 

[ShowMe2]

I totally agree with Lee on this one...20 gauge all the way. Most 20 gauge autoloaders are built on a smaller receiver size which would make handling a bit easier. I think Remington makes an autoloader in a youth model.

If you examine records kept by the National Skeet Shooting Association, even average shooters break as many birds with a 20 than a 12. If you're thinking Trap or Sporting Clays, then a 12 would be the way to go.

I'm a fan of 1100's. Remington has made millions of them, and used ones can be found in the $350-$400 range. A friend of mine recently purchased a LT-20 'Skeet' at a Pawnshop for $400. Nice gun and very nice wood.

 

[ArmedBear]

The LT-20 is not heavy. It's a wonderful gun, and the 1100 design tends to soak up recoil before the shooter ever feels it.

However, the old 1100, before the LT-20, was essentiall a 12 Gauge gun with a 20 Gauge barrel. Those are known for having essentially no recoil. The 1100 in 12 is a relatively heavy gun.

BUT... There's another "but". Per Lee's post, the relatively recent 11-87 Sportsman is a heavier gun than the 1100, across the board. The 20 weighs about as much as an old 12 Gauge 1100 Magnum. The 12 Gauge is pushing 9 lbs.

Now I have no real interest in an nearly 8 lb. 20 Gauge field gun. But it could sure make a great low-recoil training and range gun.

(The now-discontinued 11-87 Premier is sleek and light, walnut and polished blue. It's MUCH prettier, but for your purposes, it might not be ideal.)

 

[MCgunner]

My daughter had no problem firing my Winchester gas gun in 12 gauge, but didn't like the H&R I bought her in 20. After firing it, I saw why. I think it might have weighed 5 lbs. However, my little SxS 20 don't have much recoil at all and it weighs maybe 6 lbs. Go figure. I think a gas gun is ideal for the recoil sensitive new shooter. 20 gauge would be icing on the cake.

 

[f4t9r]

20 gauge would be a great choice

 

[Virginian]

I have successfully started two daughters and a step son with a Remington Model 1100 LT20 with a youth stock and a shorter barrel, so I see no reason to reccomend anything different.