12 or 20 gauge slug gun?

[ocbowhunter]

I use a .270 when in the tree stand and modern gun, and a muzzle loader during muzzle loading time. Would like to go back to a slug gun/shotgun with rifled barrel to use when in the popup blind and under 100 yards.

I have used a Mossberg 12 gauge with rifled barrel and 3 inch shells in the past. Very accurate but a lot of recoil.

I am considering going for a 20 gauge this year. How many of you use 20 gauge over a 12? Any advantages either way?

Thanks!

[Rabbitdawg19]

I use a Mossberg 590 Bolt Action 12 gauge when I'm in OH. I shoot Winchester Partition Golds. 385 gr. slug @ almost 2,000 ft. /sec. very, very accurate and packs a punch. I'm confident with that combination out to 150 yards. As for the 12 vs. 20 I prefer the 12. (I also use a Remington 1187 20 gauge open sights with part. golds for when we push) If you can handle the recoil (the 590 kicks like a mule)I like the 12 for knock down power, but the 20 will do just fine.

[Remington12]

I use a 870 12 when I'm in the thicker stuff and don't need the range beyond 75 - 100 yds and Winchester's as well with great confidence in getting the job done. Both of my boys have grown up on a 870 20 and it certainly has less kick and they also fly well. One thing to consider is ammo accessability as I have had to look harder (and stock up) on 20's more than 12's.

[ocbowhunter]

No argument on the Winchesters. I used a Mossberg 12 gauge with rifled barrell last year with Winchester Supreme Elites and Partition Golds. Patterned at 100 yard at the range in 2 inch groups. Would drop the deer in their tracks. I took two. . .one at about 75 yards, another at about 90. Both dead where they hit.

Just checking out something that might be lighter to carry and a little less recoil. Must be getting old!

[Southpaw]

I saw a guy at Ft Knox with a heavy barrel single shot 20 gauge with a 2x7 leupold that killed a very nice buck at about 125 yards .Very little recoil and lights out on deer. Really made me rethink my 23/4 lightfiels and loose teeth.:)I dont think with todays 20 gauge loads you would ever regret using one. I think he was using a NEF single shot.

[jfrench]

He wasn't the area guide in 52 was he? Our guide was firing a NEF bore barrel 20ga and took a nice buck around 120yds or so.

I shoot a 695 mossberg 12ga. bolt action and love it but I wouldn't hesitate to let the air out of one with a 20ga and hornady sabots. My gun shoots very tight groups with lightfields. I haven't tried to many other brands though do to price of the shells. I did have the trigger worked on to lighten it up and my groups are 1" at 100yds which out does my ML by far...

[Southpaw]

He wasn't the area guide in 52 was he? Our guide was firing a NEF bore barrel 20ga and took a nice buck around 120yds or so.

I shoot a 695 mossberg 12ga. bolt action and love it but I wouldn't hesitate to let the air out of one with a 20ga and hornady sabots. My gun shoots very tight groups with lightfields. I haven't tried to many other brands though do to price of the shells. I did have the trigger worked on to lighten it up and my groups are 1" at 100yds which out does my ML by far...No I dont think it was 52.If I remember right it was 36 or 37 in the back where it borders the closed impact area on the river.

[jfrench]

our unit was on the river surrounded by closed area. You'd need a heavy round to get into some of that stuff. I think the average shot would of been a 100yds were I sat.

[RLWEBB]

Nothing wrong with a 20 at all. Many people who live in slug gun states are going to the 20. Some say they have better accuracy. If you've already got a 20 I'd get a Hastings barrel and scope and go for it. I switched to a 20 this year for turkey hunting and had no problems claenly killing my bird.

[Hoosier5]

I have a Browning Gold Deer Hunter in 20 gauge. It has worked fine for me using Remington 1 Oz. Buckhammers sabots. The 12 gauge has WAY TOO MUCH RECOIL!

[MercuryNewt]

I have a Remington 870 Slugger in 12 gauge and with 3 inch Copper Solids the thing kicks like a mule. But I'm deadly out to 150 yds! :D