12 vs. 20

[Da Crow]

As a relative novice to the world of shotguns, I wanted to get some info from you with greater experience and knowledge.
In identical Remington 870 shotguns, both being equiped with 18 1/2 in. barrels and extended mag tubes, what amount of difference in recoil and physical damage would be expected? Would you consider the 20 as a legitimate home defense weapon?

[Javelin]

After you shoot the 20 and the 12 you will definitely like the power the 12 gauge. There is nothing wrong with the 20 gauge though. There just is not enough recoil difference to want it over a 12 gauge.

[vafish]

20 ga will work fine for home defense, but the 12 ga is more versatile.


If recoil is an issue, there are reduced recoil buckshot and slugs for the 12 ga. never seen them for a 20 ga. Also the 20 ga gun is lighter so even though it's loads are a bit lighter the recoil isn't that much less. I think my 870 express with reduced recoil buckshot is more comfortable to shoot than my sons 20 ga Mossberg 500 with full power buckshot. A lot of that is the way the gun fits, and the 12 ga has a larger surface area on the recoil pad to spread out the recoil as well.

Another reason to pick the 12 ga is ammo selection. Your only choice for Buckshot in a 20 ga that I know of is #3 buckshot. Wide variety of choices in the 12 ga.

Finally there are a lot more accessories and barrels available for the 12 ga.

[MrMurphy]

Years ago before reduced recoil the 20 really had a place for people who couldn't handle full power and/or Magnum loads in a 12 (especially with the old "we don't need no stinking recoil pads" mentality). With modern 12ga rounds, you have reduced recoil (which throw bigger pellets, more of them, in a somewhat heavier ie less recoiling gun), standard rounds and then magnum and super magnum.

The reduced recoil, which provide more than enough thump for your average non-PCP-using humanoid target (the 100-200fps slower makes it considerably easier on your end, on the recieving end, nobody will notice the difference, not to mention RR loads are often more accurate too, tighter patterns) fill the 20ga role and will work well for most people ranging from 5' to 6' of any weight class. Standard 12ga loads are fine if you know what you're doing and can handle the recoil. Magnums and Super Mags are really hunting rounds, and in defense are "overkill". They take too long shot to shot because of the excessive recoil and at typical antipersonnel distances, beyond throwing an extra pellet or two don't do much (i'd rather have a faster second shot and throw an extra 9 pellets, not an extra 2). They're good with slugs for shooting through car bodies at terrorists and things.


If someone's small and afraid of the 12ga, the 20ga will certainly do. At typical shotgun distance (5-10 yards) the 20 will certainly get it done. But if they can handle the 12, go for it, the ammo selection is considerably more varied.

[Sporty06]

Go for the 12 gauge and reduced recoil buckshot. If that is still too much, try to Knoxx Spec Ops stock. It is adjustable for all size shooters and takes over half of the recoil away. I love mine!

[Goldstar225]

If a person can handle the 12 gauge, that's what they should use. I don't discount the 20 gauge though and obtained an authorization for one of my female officers to carry one on duty. It wasn't just the recoil but the fit as well. An 870 youth model felt as if it was made just for her and she was quite proficient with it. Don't discount it's effectiveness either, 20 #3 pellets will do quite a number on a flesh & blood target.