12 Gauge vs 20 Gauge: Full Comparison

Few firearms can match the versatility of a shotgun in terms of its capabilities. With a shotgun, you have the freedom to choose from a wide range of options including gauges, barrel lengths, chokes, shot sizes, and more. This extensive selection empowers shooters to utilize shotguns for various purposes such as hunting, home defense, and sporting clays. Nonetheless, the abundance of choices and purposes associated with shotguns can be overwhelming for new owners. Instead of attempting to cover every potential variation, it is more beneficial to address the primary concern that most novice shooters have: "Which gauge is the most suitable for me?" When it comes to narrowing down the options, the majority of prospective shotgun owners typically consider two choices: 12 gauge or 20 gauge. The 12-gauge shotgun stands as the most effective all-around solution for hunting, target shooting, and home defense. However, this does not imply that the 12-gauge is the optimal selection for every circumstance. In this article, we will examine the advantages and disadvantages of the two most popular shotgun options: 12 gauge and 20 gauge.

History of The Shotgun Shell

In the early stages of firearm development, most guns possessed a smooth bore and were capable of firing either a single projectile or multiple projectiles. This versatility was vital for survival, as early settlers in the New World relied on their firearms to hunt a wide range of game, from small birds to deer, using the same gun. However, the introduction of rifling during the mid-16th century marked a significant turning point, distinguishing rifles from shotguns and assigning them distinct purposes. During this period, shotguns were primarily employed for bird hunting but also found utility in law enforcement and protection duties. Remember the childhood tradition of calling "shotgun" when claiming the front seat of a car? This phrase traces its origins back to the Wild West, where the person sitting next to a stagecoach driver would carry a shotgun to safeguard the cargo or passengers from outlaws. The inaugural shotgun shell was pioneered by the French gunsmith, Casimir Lefaucheux, in 1836. Early shotgun shells were predominantly composed of brass, as paper cartridges proved unreliable and could not be reloaded. It wasn't until 1960 when Remington introduced the plastic shotgun hull, which continues to be widely used today.

What is the Difference Between 12 Gauge vs 20 Gauge?

The key distinction between 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns lies in their bore diameters. A 12 gauge possesses a bore diameter of 0.729 inches, while a 20 gauge measures 0.615 inches. Consequently, a 12 gauge is capable of firing larger buckshot loads at higher muzzle velocities, albeit at the expense of increased felt recoil. For those new to shotguns, it may come as a surprise that all 20-gauge shotgun shells are required to be colored yellow, regardless of their payload. This measure ensures that shooters do not mistakenly load a 20-gauge shell into a 12-gauge shotgun. Such an error could lead to a 12-gauge shell being loaded behind the 20-gauge shell, causing the 20-gauge shell to fire within the magazine and potentially causing catastrophic damage to the firearm and harm to the shooter. To prevent such accidents, it has been mandated that all 20-gauge shells be colored yellow, making them easily distinguishable from 12-gauge shells. Winchester AA 12 Gauge #8 Shot Sporting Clays Accuracy and Pattern Density: To comprehend pattern density, it is crucial to understand how shotgun ammunition functions. A shotgun shell, also known as a shotshell, consists of a plastic hull with a primer at the base. Inside the hull, there is a powder charge, topped with a plastic cup called a "wad" that holds the projectiles, known as "shot," which are essentially round steel or lead balls. The size of the shot will vary depending on the intended use of the shotgun shell. For self-defense, larger shot sizes like #00 buckshot (pronounced "double aught") are preferred, while for hunting smaller game like grouse or pheasant, a smaller option like #8 birdshot is ideal. One common misconception is that once the wad and buckshot exit the shotgun barrel, they disperse quickly like a swarm of bees. However, what actually happens is that the shot leaves the barrel in a column and begins to spread out. There are several factors that influence how the projectiles disperse, such as minor imperfections on the shot's surface, muzzle velocity, and stringing. Stringing occurs when the shot at the top of the wad undergoes less deformation during firing, while the shot at the bottom of the wad experiences added pressure and the weight of all the shot above it, causing it to deform. As a result, the buckshot at the top of the column reaches the target faster (due to its greater aerodynamics) than the shot at the bottom. The width of shot dispersion when it reaches the target is known as pattern density. If the pattern density is too wide, it is possible to miss smaller birds, such as quail, especially at longer ranges. Conversely, if the pattern density is too tight, it becomes more challenging for shooters to hit their targets. Another factor that can affect pattern density is the type of choke used in the shotgun barrel. A choke is typically screwed into the barrel and acts as a forcing cone, compacting the lead or steel shot into a more concentrated column as it exits the barrel. Chokes can create a tighter pattern density but should not be used with slugs. Due to its wider bore diameter, the 12 gauge shotgun can accommodate more shot in a wad, resulting in higher pattern density compared to the 20 gauge shot. Hunting: When venturing into the woods for hunting, it's common to find hunters in their tree stands or deer blinds wielding either a 12 or 20-gauge shotgun during the fall season. Both gauges are highly popular for hunting various game animals, including upland birds, waterfowl, turkeys, and even whitetail deer. Advocates of the 20-gauge shotgun emphasize its recoil advantage over the 12 gauge and argue that it is more than capable of taking down game of all sizes. On the other hand, proponents of the 12 gauge highlight its hard-hitting terminal ballistics and extended range. While 20-gauge loads can be effective for hunting turkey, waterfowl, and deer, the main limitation is the need to be in close range. Due to its lower muzzle velocity compared to the 12 gauge, the 20 gauge loses velocity more rapidly, resulting in a shorter effective range. Therefore, most hunters prefer the 12-gauge shotgun when pursuing larger game animals like ducks, geese, turkeys, and deer. The extended range and stopping power of the 12 gauge compensate for the additional felt recoil in most cases. However, for small game or bird hunting, the 20-gauge shotgun is often the preferred option. Its low recoil allows manufacturers to produce lighter guns that are quick and maneuverable. This makes it easier for hunters to swiftly aim at a grouse or pheasant they've flushed. Furthermore, the reduced recoil of the 20 gauge enables extremely quick and accurate follow-up shots. While there is no reason why you can't use a 12-gauge shotgun for bird hunting, as they are highly effective, given the choice, most game hunters opt for the lighter 20 gauge. If you can only afford one shotgun, the 12-gauge is the best all-around option.

Is a 12 Gauge More Powerful than a 20 Gauge?

When it comes to felt recoil, 20-gauge shells offer a significant advantage. Due to their lighter payload of projectiles and powder, 20-gauge shells consistently produce less recoil compared to their 12-gauge counterparts. This recoil comparison chart showcases the felt recoil experienced by the shooter for three popular Winchester SXP hunting loads in both 12 and 20 gauge. The lower recoil of the 20-gauge shotgun provides two distinct advantages. Firstly, it enhances the shooter's comfort. While felt recoil can vary among shooters, the reduced recoil impulse of 20-gauge shells often leads to increased accuracy. With less recoil, shooters are less likely to develop a flinch or lift their head off the stock just before firing. Secondly, the lower recoil enables faster follow-up shots. Whether you need to line up two quick shots on a flushed pheasant or perform rapid-fire in a self-defense situation, the lighter recoil of the 20 gauge makes this task easier. The 12 gauge shotgun has earned a reputation for its stopping power, primarily due to its effectiveness in trench warfare during WWI and in the jungles of the Pacific theater during WWII. Additionally, the 12 gauge Remington 870 pump-action shotgun is a favorite among law enforcement agencies and can be found in patrol cars throughout the United States. The main purpose for a 20 gauge shotgun is typically hunting, especially for small to medium-sized game. The 20 gauge is particularly well-suited for hunting birds, such as ducks, geese, pheasants, and upland game birds like grouse or quail. It can also be used for hunting small mammals like rabbits and squirrels. The 20 gauge shotgun is known for its versatility and is often chosen by hunters who prefer a lighter and more maneuverable firearm compared to the larger and heavier 12 gauge. The reduced recoil of the 20 gauge makes it easier to handle, particularly for shooters with smaller frames or those who may be more sensitive to recoil.

Should I use 20 Gauge or 12 Gauge?

There's no denying the versatility of the 12 gauge shotgun—it's the "jack of all trades" in the shotgun world. It offers a wide range of target load options for sporting clays, trap, and skeet, as well as heavy slugs for deer hunting, and various birdshot choices for turkey, waterfowl, and upland birds. Not only is the 12 gauge a powerful option for hunting in all forms, but it also excels as a home defense firearm when loaded with quality buckshot shells. However, just because the 12 gauge can do it all doesn't mean it's always the best choice. The 20 gauge shotgun has proven itself to be a capable companion for upland bird hunting. It offers speed, maneuverability, ease of carry, and enough firepower to take down pheasants, grouse, and doves without any issues. It can also be effectively used at close range for turkey hunting, deer hunting, and self-defense with appropriate loads. Additionally, it boasts approximately 33% less recoil than the 12 gauge. The best shotgun gauge for you depends on your individual needs as a shooter. If you are sensitive to recoil and primarily plan to hunt upland birds, the 20-gauge shotgun will meet all your requirements. Ideally, owning both gauges would be the optimal choice. However, if you're on a budget, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most practical option as it covers all your needs at a reasonable price point. Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Gun Club, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotgunclub.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at sales@trueshotgunclub.com for more rifle ammo options.