12 GA Versus 20 GA .... ?

[swampfox62]

What are you experiences with 12 versus 20 over the years?  Please share.

I have a Winchester Model 1200 12GA with Sumtoy Choke and TrueGlo RedDot that patterns really well.  See attached long beard RX at 40 yds.

Then I have to Browning 20GA BPS 22 inch barrel, that is featherlight and would make a great Turkey gun, if I added a red dot and choke.  But I would want to shoot TSS, which means more $$$ setup, sight in so on. That would be fun.

But, I am afflicted with this passion for reloading and shooting. That means, I would either need to do some 20GA TSS load development, or invest in a big load of TSS #9's.

Overall, at middle age, carrying the lighter and shorter interest me: 20GA at 7 lbs versus a 12 GA at 8.5 kind of interest me. And less kick for the 20 GA.

The grass always seems greener.

I most likely will stay with my 12 this year and focus on core skills - scouting, woodsmanship, calling, hunting.

It would be good to know what more experienced turkey hunters prefer and the pros and cons.  Thank you.

[Ranman]

Don't rule out 28ga. Can shoot the same TSS payload as the 20ga. Great patterns and a joy to carry..

[CALLM2U]

I certainly understand where you're coming from.  I've had those same debates with myself.   I still enjoy my 20g but I've said that once my 20g TSS is gone, I'll only use the 410 from then on. 

It's way lighter, almost no recoil and I can get better patterns from it than I can my 12g w/lead. 

Just something else to consider. 

[the Ward]

Have you considered a lighter 12 gauge? My Vinci is just under 7 lbs, and my sx4 is about the same weight. Not quite as light as a 20, but not objectionally heavier. Might be a good way to go if you've already invested in a stock of 12 gauge turkey ammo and chokes.

[Greg Massey]

I have 12,20,28 and 410 ... My favorite is the 28 gauge, it's a turkey killing machine and easy to carry..

Yes TSS has made the sub - gauges

Even with the cost of  TSS NOW I would pay the price for a couple boxes of TSS just to carry my 28 gauge...

It all depends on what you want to spend etc... and the weight of the gun you want to carry ... IMO

NOW I have a 20 gauges shooting W LB XR number 6's and it will kill just as well as my 12 out to 40 yard with lead / copper coated number 5 shot in 2 oz.

[Davyalabama]

You have that picture up there, what else do you need, or is it a want?    That right there will do all you need with a gun.  Now it's on you for woodsmanship, calling, sitting still, getting the birds, knowing how and when to get your gun up. 

I like that picture a lot, I don't want a softball tight-butted pattern, I like that spread you have.

[swampfox62]

Great advice here. Thank you all.  I think it is interesting at the range of turkey gun setups everyone has, like and solid reasons.

My budget is spent this year and I have plenty of 12gsa LB XR 3" #6.  I will go with my Win 1200, 12 GA and new Sumtoy Choke. Will add a camo wrap to it, but is mostly to protect the walnut from me dragging it around.

This Summer I may setup a station on my reloading bench for Cooper plated and TSS Load Dev on 20 and 12, and work up a turkey load as good as commercial.  TSS is so dang high. 

[Tom007]

I have 12,20,28 and 410 ... My favorite is the 28 gauge, it's a turkey killing machine and easy to carry..

Yes TSS has made the sub - gauges

Even with the cost of  TSS NOW I would pay the price for a couple boxes of TSS just to carry my 28 gauge...

It all depends on what you want to spend etc... and the weight of the gun you want to carry ... IMO

NOW I have a 20 gauges shooting W LB XR number 6's and it will kill just as well as my 12 out to 40 yard with lead / copper coated number 5 shot in 2 oz.

X2 here, Greg. The Longbeard 6's do real fine out of my SBE 3 20 with the Carlson Longbeard .568 choke. The weight isn't worth the little pattern advantage of your on the move covering miles of ridge-tops.

[swampfox62]

X2 here, Greg. The Longbeard 6's do real fine out of my SBE 3 20 with the Carlson Longbeard .568 choke. The weight isn't worth the little pattern advantage of your on the move covering miles of ridge-tops.

Thank you and really good to know.