12 or 20 Gauge

[GunRunner]

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Well guys I have focused on the Franchi Affinity, as mentioned in an earlier posting.  Now I need to decide on a 12 ga or 20 ga.

I would not have even considered a 20 ga for my primary turkey gun several years ago, but I must admit, I have been influenced by many of you posting very positive comments supporting the 20 gauges as reliable turkey guns.

I am 63  and there are advantages for us ol' gray geezers when it comes to reduced recoil and lighter weights.....but I hesitate walking away from the 12 gauge.

I would appreciate feedback on pros and cons from you all that have downsized to the 20 gauges.

Thanking you in advance,

GunRunner

[Tail Feathers]

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Lighter to carry.  Easier on the ears and shoulder.  Same 40 yard killer patterns as your 12 gauge of a few years ago.   Which is to say very good 40 yard patterns. 

[turkeyinstrut]

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Not sure what shell you are shooting but I would take the 20 over a 12 any day, with that being said I shoot TSS in a Benelli M2 20 ga. and I will tell you it will cleanly take a bird Wayyyy farther than anybody should be shooting. I use to hunt with a Rem. 11-87 Super Mag and after shooting TSS I have went to a 20 and haven't looked back, as a matter of fact I bought a 28 ga. and that is what I will be carrying next spring. With TSS most 410's are legitimate 40 to 50 yard guns and I have heard of 60 yard 410's. If you are thinking about a Affinity there is a dealer on gunbroker.com that has a very good price on them, the auction number is 662991923 I have no affiliation with them just happen to see them the other day on there.

[nyhunter]

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the only thing your leaving behind with a 12 gauge is weight and recoil . a 20 will do everything a 12 will do inside 40 yds.

[dirt road ninja]

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Either are good inside of 40 with factory ammo. The 12 might be heavier and have more recoil, but it has a much larger margin for error. I have both and handroll TSS for both gauges. That said I pack my 12 85% of the time.

[243kid]

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If you can afford TSS then 20 is good.

I look at it this way l can buy a 12 and l can shoot 2 3\4" out of it if l choose. What l can't do is buy a 20 and shoot 3 1\2".

[Chris O]

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One reason I have been thinking about a 20 is the weight and it seems you can get shorter barrels with most 20 gauges if you get a youth model. I wish the gun companies would realize not everyone likes a 26 inch or longer barrel.That is the reason I bought the CZ utility and got rid of my 1187

[SKFOOTER]

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I've been shooting a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge for 2 years now and I'll never go back to the 12.