20G or 12G Experienced opinions appreciated

[foxred1962]

I have both the 20 and a 12 and both of them shoot great. I have an Sbeii that is my go to gun for almost everything and my old 870 is my backup. My wife has an 11-87 sportsman that handles great and once broken in it has been great. I would hunt with any of the three with no issues. The 12 gives you more options all around and in the right model isn't that heavy. I prefer the 12 just because it throws a more forgiving hunting pattern with about any load out to 40.if I was in the market I would be looking for an all black maxus, affinity, sbe, sx3 just see what feels right and have fun.

[mudhen]

Not a fan of 20 gauge for all-purpose turkey hunting...

Really like my options with a 3.5" 12 gauge, especially since I travel, and can get caught up in some pretty bad weather...




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[allaboutshooting]

If you have experience on the 20 give me your thoughts please. I am considering picking up a dedicated turkey gun and thinking a 20 might be the way to go.  What kind of results could I expect in comparison to my SX3 12G? Slight drop off, drastic? None?

What is/are the best 20G models under that $1000 mark.  I have until the fall to make a decision really, no rush. If I can catch a end of season sale at a big box store that would be even better.

You might find this of interest http://allaboutshooting.com/article_info.php?articles_id=771

Thanks,
Clark

[TrackeySauresRex]

If you have experience on the 20 give me your thoughts please. I am considering picking up a dedicated turkey gun and thinking a 20 might be the way to go.  What kind of results could I expect in comparison to my SX3 12G? Slight drop off, drastic? None?

What is/are the best 20G models under that $1000 mark.  I have until the fall to make a decision really, no rush. If I can catch a end of season sale at a big box store that would be even better.

You might find this of interest http://allaboutshooting.com/article_info.php?articles_id=771

Thanks,
Clark

Right on. luvin' the 20

[nickp]

The 20's are nice.  If you hand load then like a guy said before you can stomp any factory 12 ga load.  You could always keep the choke and shell combo that works best with your 12 as a backup or to mix it up with.  With the right choke and Federal HWT #7 my 20 ga 870 will consecutively kill only 5-7 yards shorter than my 12 ga 870. Both of which will more than do the job if I misjudge by quite a bit.  I did this spring with the 20 and I thumped him good.  But I just have this urge to have one or more of every widely used gauge shotgun (410, 20, 12, and 10).  If I had to pick one all around gun for the rest of my life, it would be the 12 hands down.       

[357MAGNOLE]

Ended up with the Stoeger M3000. Feels good, d/t receiver and I hate 3 1/2" loads. I'll leave those to you macho men lol. I was excited about the potential of a 20 but I only reload for pistol, and I already have 6 boxes of long beard XR in 12. Thanks for all the help I really dig this forum, we have awesome call makers and guys hunting bare .

[dirt road ninja]

My 12 turns in the 270's with 7's my 20 put up in the130's my 10 gauge beats the both with 330's. I usually carry the 12, sometimes carry the 20 and never use the 10. I carried the 20 for a season a few years ago and enjoyed it, but my confidence is higher in the 12, so that's what I use mostly.

A short barreled 870,Weatherby youth auto, or the Ithaca pump would be where I'd start my search.