Which shotgun to buy...decision time!

[straightshooter9]

Gents, I'm sure this has been beat to death but please be patient.:banghead:

I want to buy a shotgun for Home Defense but I don't think I want a 12 gauge due to "rotator cuff" problem on my shooting shoulder (right).

I'm assuming ANY shotgun will drop a man if hit in the chest, if I'm wrong about that please let me know, I have never owned a shotgun.

What gauge has the "least" kick of the various gauges?
Is 20 gauge the lightest kick, but will still drop a man?

I'll probably buy a MOSSBERG or REMINGTON.
Thanks for any advice you can offer an old fart!

 

[Josh45]

I can tell you from exp that a 12 gauge can kick pretty hard. Shorter barrel dont help but since your looking for a SD, your gonna want a 18.5 - 20 bbl. It also be a tad bit lighter to handle. I personally would like to NOT get shot by any gauge. I never shot a 20 ga before but I'm pretty confident that it can and will stop someone in their tracks. I own a Mossberg 500at 12 gauge with a 28" and o can tell you that it still has a good kick, so I got a recoil pad. Helps a lot. Mossberg or Remington, there both good names. Take your pic.

 

[ugaarguy]

I want to buy a shotgun for Home Defense but I don't think I want a 12 gauge due to "rotator cuff" problem on my shooting shoulder (right).

Because of your physical limitations I'm not sure a shotgun is the best weapon for you. Your best bet is to find your nearest strap or skeet and shoot a 20 gauge to see how you handle the recoil.

If you can't handle 20 ga recoil, I'd look strongly at light to medium rifle chambering carbines (5.56/.223, 7.62x39, .30-30 Win, and similar). I don't usually recommend pistol caliber carbines to those who're able to fire shotguns & rifles, but a pistol caliber carbine may also be a good choice in this case.

 

[Jeff F]

What gauge has the "least" kick of the various gauges?
Is 20 gauge the lightest kick, but will still drop a man?

20 guage is usually a smaller receiver and a lighter gun all around and they seem to kick just as hard as a 12 to me. I'd say find someone with a 20 and try it out, see if you can handle it.

 

[mnrivrat]

I use the 20ga for HD. Plenty of stopping power with 2&3/4" number 3 buckshot - (twice that of a single 357 magnum round) . No need use 3 inch stuff. Also no need to practice with anything besides lighter dove loads, so recoil is generaly very managable. You won't notice the difference if you ever have to shoot the buckshot !

If not, (managable recoil) the final step would be to go with a gas operated semi-auto 20ga such as a Remington 1100 in the youth model for ease of handling.

 

[Virginian]

I'll second the 20 gauge 1100 for the lightest recoiling reliable gun around. I shoot it one handed to show new shooters there is little recoil to fear, and I ain't Paul Bunyon.
I have a bad rotator cuff too, but heavy 12 gauge loads don't bother me with a recoil pad, and make sure the gun is tucked into the pocket and not 'on' the joint.

 

[straightshooter9]

Thanks, guys..........all good advice!
I think, as suggested, I may go to the range and see if I can fire a 12ga and 20ga.

 

[JoeMal]

Does a 410 have more recoil than a 20 gauge? I've never shot either so I don't really know...but I would think a 410 has less? And regarding the OP, I would certainly not enjoy being shot with one at short range....should a 410 also be considered?

 

[jmr40]

Buy a 12 guage, a gas operated autoloader if you can afford it, and find loads you can tolerate. A 20 guage will have less recoil on paper, but with loads that will be effictive the felt recoil will be equal to or worse than a 12 guage because the guns are much lighter.

You buy a 20 guage because the gun is lighter and easier to carry, not for recoil reduction. There is a much wider selection of 12 guage loads and performance as well as recoil will overlap 20 guage loads.

 

[Eaglestroker]

I love both 20 and 12 ga shotguns. I agree that the felt recoil is pretty much the same depending on the gun - I have a youth 20ga that hits harder than any 12 I've shot. I'd recommend finding a 12 ga with appropriate barrel length and trying 'low recoil' loads. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

 

[oneounceload]

Remember, gun club (trap/skeet) s not the same as a gun range.

In any event, I have rotator issues in my shooting shoulder and I shoot a 12 several times a week, but with very LIGHT target loads.

ANY buckshot load, even in 410 is going to smart a bit

After trying, if it bothers that shoulder, you have two choices -learn to shoot from your other side or shoot a handgun.....(I'd go with the handgun)

 

[Dave McCracken]

I shoot RH. My right rotator is the reason I no longer bowhunt.

I shoot lots of shells, mostly light target loads from a heavy 12 gauge O/U but some waterfowl loads, slugs and buck from various 870s. No probs, so far.

Either 12 or 20 will work, if YOU are up to the job.

Try a few shotguns out and see what works for you....

 

[wunderkind]

The combination of a 12 gauge shotgun, low recoil buckshot, and a good specialty recoil pad can tame the 12 gauge into a surprisingly soft shooter.

A Pachmayr pad and some of those new Federal "for pump action only" shells at 1000-1100 fps would make for a light-kicking shottie without having to step down to the 20 gauge.

 

[Mike1234567]

A gas operated .410 has very little recoil compared to 20 and 12ga. I know some will argue the point that .410 isn't sufficient for home defense but being shot with a .410 using 00 buck is like being shot several times simultaneously with a 9mm handgun using ball ammo.

 

[Hocka Louis]

The new crop of reduced/managed-recoil 12 gauge may be a blessing.

That or 2-3/4" 20 ga.

I like Mossberg's form, fit and function for the price. As mentioned, a thicker or additional recoil pad may be adviseable (u may have to have some wood or plastic shaved back) and proper stock placement is a MUST -- they NEVER should go ON the joint!

Yup, try 'em. And be careful and safe.