20 Gauge vs. 12 Gauge

[Gustav Ritter]

Do many shooters use 20 gauge shotguns in competition?  I find them much easier to shoot than 12 gauge guns.  I'm a new CAS shooter and from what I've seen the targets are so close it wouldn't make much of a difference. 

[Major 2]

Not many, I'd get a 12 gauge if you're buying, Winchester Feather lights have less felt recoil than a 20 gauge.

If on the other hand you have a 20 , you'll do OK

[Coffinmaker]

Allow me to make it complicated.  Most 20Ga Coach Guns are fairly light.  Over the years, 20Ga shooters asked the ammunition manufacturers to provide ammunition to make a 20 comparable to a 12.  The ammo makers complied.  The result is some really potent
20Ga ammo.  "Target" ammo for Shotguns is different than "target" ammo for pistols.  Shotgun "target" ammo is loaded to break clay
birds at 30 yards and beyond.  The result of all this is recoil.  Lots of recoil.  There are only a couple of ammunition makers who offer
light recoiling 20Ga ammo.  For all the above reasons, most CAS shooters prefer a 12Ga, heavier gun, lighter loads available.  The
12Ga becomes the Go-To gun for most.
This all becomes mute if one reloads.  If you don't reload, until you find the light recoiling stuff, your gonna get hurt.

Coffinmaker

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[Tornado]

I agree with the above.  I started with a 20ga and my brother and Dad still shoot 20's.  Winchester maker reduced recoil AA, but they are difficult to find.  If you see them, grab them.  I think they only make them in batches every so often.  Academy has them in stock at a  great price right now:
http://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/winchester-aa-low-recoil-20-gauge-shotshells?repChildCatid=860718

I have since switched to 12ga.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I've mostly used 12 gauge. Win '97, Baikal TOZ66, Sauer for the most part. More recently I have gravitated to the perfect gauge - SIXTEEN.

My current competition piece is an Husqvarna model 51, an external  hammer S x S. Just right.

Drawbacks? I load BP in Magtechs so none there. For smokeless, a 16 gauge fan has to be determined, as ammo is not available in any quantity, and none at promo prices. Cases have to be scrounged and used carefully. Once you are set up - NO PROBLEM!

My other favorite forum;     16ga.com

[bear tooth billy]

I agree 16 ga, I bought an old 1889 Belgium hammered dbl barrel with fake Damascus twist barrels. It
takes the shorter shells, but I reload black  so that's no problem. Being 127 years old I just hope it lasts
me a few years yet.

                        BTB

                       

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Bear Tooth Billy;  You are 127?

[bear tooth billy]

And I don't look a day over 55


                                         BTB

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

And I don't look a day over 55 ;                                         BTB

A mere lad!

[Major 2]

I got socks older that that !

[Gustav Ritter]

I"ll keep my eyes open for a 16 gauge.  I'll probably end up with a 12 though. 

[PJ Hardtack]

The fly in the ointment? You MUST shoot a 12 ga '97 in "Wild Bunch".

Our club allows the use of a 16 ga '97, but at a SASSA-sanctioned match, it's a no-go.

[Coffinmaker]

PJ,

Whom told you THAT??  Wild Bunch approved shotguns (plural) are the '97, the '93/97 hybrid, and the Model 12.  Lots of choices.

Coffinmaker

PS:  The requirement IS for 12Ga though.

[rickk]

If you reload your own ammo, you can always make a 12 gauge sized round with the ballistics of a 20 G round. Plus, you would have the added advantage of a heavier 12 G gun to slow the recoil down a bit.

You cant do it the other way.

I hate shotgun pain myself... bruised shoulders and sort teeth are no fun.

I use a 12 G Stoger Supreme Coach gun (the factory recoil pad works well), and load my own ammo to a level that is comfortable.   I save some money in the process as well.

Once you start reloading for shotgun, you can also see how much fun 1F Black Powder can be.

Rick