20 Gauge Buckshot for HD

[50caliber123]

That may have been a problem for me in the past, the gun not fitting right, too long of a LOP. Most 20 gauge guns tend to handle better for me, but even a magnum 20 isn't that bad as far as kick. Every 12ga I have fired kicks more than a 20ga Magnum.

After losing over 120lbs, my shoulder doesn't have the flab to absorb the recoil from 12ga anymore. That's why I am leaning towards a 20.

 

[Dirty Bob]

50caliber123:
If a 20 fits better and shoots better for you, I think you'll be very happy with one! My 20 fits me like it was made for me. Together with a good recoil pad, it feels like it kicks a lot less than other guns.

As mentioned by others, 20ga BUCK (I use #3) is no slouch at HD distances.

BTW: I think short barrels are overrated. My shotgun is reserved for our preferred scenario: forted up and letting trouble come to us through a locked bedroom door. Barrel length is moot in that situation, and my hunting-length barrel adds a bit of muzzle weight, reduces muzzle blast and keeps it further away from me, and gives me a sight picture I'm used to in sport shooting. Hunting-length barrels also seem easier to find than riot barrels, at least around here. Finally, the choke in my barrel doesn't hurt short-range performance with buck, but it lets me keep all pellets on a paper plate out to 15 yards with little effort. I doubt I'll ever need that capability, but it's comforting, just in case.

All my best,
Dirty Bob

 

[Youngster]

If 20 gauge were more common I'd probably prefer it over 12 gauge, the guns handle that much better and the #2 and #3 buckshot loadings just seem more payload efficient to me somehow.

Agreed on short barrels vs hunting length barrels, unless you're jumping out of a vehicle, room clearing or otherwise having to deal with close confines a long barrel isn't worth the shootability and versatility it gives up IMO.