Black Adder LXX
Member
Hello to all,
I am looking into my first shotgun, and have posted earlier in my 'quest for knowledge'. I was just reading a thread on 20g for home defense: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=325765 and it is making me wonder a few things. I hope you guys can help me figure it out.
Over the last week I have been reading up a lot on shotguns in the archives here and other places, and have determined that for a first SG the 870 is a solid choice. My ONLY use for this shotgun is for HD, and range time for HD practice. I will not hunt or shoot clays with this SG. If I get into it later, I will purchase the right tool for the job (yaay another gun).
I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
870 12g, $269 shipped - add $100-$120 for the knoxx stock
870 20g, $390 shipped
So here's my question: Which one in my situation?
I do want this SG for me, but my wifey is getting into shooting, too. She's about 5ft, 95 lbs. I also have some little guys who will eventually be able to come out with me. I realize that the 20g is lighter, and has less recoil, but it seems that there is less variety of loads available for 20g. I understand that the Knoxx stocks make a big difference, and I don't plan on ever shooting slugs in either gauge. Is it better to go with the 12g and have the versatility of lower powered loads, or the 20g with it's inherent lower recoil but fewer options on ammo. I do shoot on a budget, so are 20g shells significantly less expensive?
And please, I know I need to practice, BA/UU/R. Also, I don't have the money for BOTH, I've selected these as the price point/value is about what I need it to be.
Any helpful thoughts?
I am looking into my first shotgun, and have posted earlier in my 'quest for knowledge'. I was just reading a thread on 20g for home defense: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=325765 and it is making me wonder a few things. I hope you guys can help me figure it out.
Over the last week I have been reading up a lot on shotguns in the archives here and other places, and have determined that for a first SG the 870 is a solid choice. My ONLY use for this shotgun is for HD, and range time for HD practice. I will not hunt or shoot clays with this SG. If I get into it later, I will purchase the right tool for the job (yaay another gun).
I have narrowed my choices down to the following:
870 12g, $269 shipped - add $100-$120 for the knoxx stock
870 20g, $390 shipped
So here's my question: Which one in my situation?
I do want this SG for me, but my wifey is getting into shooting, too. She's about 5ft, 95 lbs. I also have some little guys who will eventually be able to come out with me. I realize that the 20g is lighter, and has less recoil, but it seems that there is less variety of loads available for 20g. I understand that the Knoxx stocks make a big difference, and I don't plan on ever shooting slugs in either gauge. Is it better to go with the 12g and have the versatility of lower powered loads, or the 20g with it's inherent lower recoil but fewer options on ammo. I do shoot on a budget, so are 20g shells significantly less expensive?
And please, I know I need to practice, BA/UU/R. Also, I don't have the money for BOTH, I've selected these as the price point/value is about what I need it to be.
Any helpful thoughts?