Wes Littlefield 01.16.25
Many issues should be made when shopping for a brand new waterfowl looking shotgun. One of the crucial important is the gauge. Two of the commonest are 12 gauge and 20 gauge, however which is healthier? Properly, that is determined by a number of components that we’re about to debate. Let’s start with all the advantages of a 12 gauge shotgun, the professionals, the cons, and whether or not you ought to be bringing one with you out within the area for duck and goose looking.
Duck and Goose Looking Protection on AllOutdoor
12 Gauge Shotgun
There are lots of the explanation why the 12-gauge shotgun is the first selection for waterfowl hunters. Under, I’ve included as many as I may consider off the highest of my head:
Execs
Extra pellets per shellGiant ammo choiceLoads of stopping energy for giant waterfowl speciesThere are many shotgun decisions
Whereas having extra pellets per shell isn’t the rationale why many hunters declare that they love the 12 gauge, it’s at all times a major contributing issue. Extra projectiles per shell means you may have a better proportion of hitting the hen. Since not all of us are sharpshooters, most waterfowl hunters welcome these additional pellets.
I primarily hunt with a 12-gauge shotgun due to the big ammo choice. With a 12-gauge, I’ve a greater shot measurement, sort, and shell size choice, which suggests I can higher tailor my ammo choice to the species I’m concentrating on for that hunt.
I’m an enormous fan of Sandhill Crane and massive Canada Goose looking, however you want highly effective shells to cease these massive birds. I do know some guys use a turkey load for Sandhill Cranes for the extra stopping energy, however I’ve discovered 12 gauge BB and T-shot to be a lot whereas looking these large birds.
Lastly, for the reason that 12 gauge is a well-liked shotgun, extra firearms producers make weapons on this gauge, that means you may have extra choices to get the proper gun for you. You’ll be able to select between an over-under, pump-action, or semi-auto that shoots 3” or 3 ½” shells.
As a lot as I like utilizing a 12 gauge shotgun for waterfowl looking, there are just a few downsides that stored me from utilizing one prior to now.
Cons
Heavier recoilSpecialty rounds are nonetheless costly
As a toddler, my dad purchased me a 20 gauge shotgun as a result of I couldn’t deal with the recoil from his 12 gauge. I weighed 60 Lb soaking moist, so a heavy recoil firearm would rapidly put me on my butt or harm my shoulder. Immediately, I don’t suggest a 12 gauge for any recoil-sensitive shooter as a result of it has extra kick, particularly when utilizing 3 ½” waterfowl load shells.
The opposite con is how costly the specialty hundreds are regardless of extra hunters shopping for them. Tungsten and different specialty waterfowl hundreds are nonetheless overpriced, it doesn’t matter what gauge you’re utilizing, which doesn’t make sense for the 12 gauge due to what number of hunters purchase these rounds.
20 Gauge Shotgun
With the event of tungsten pellets, smaller gauges just like the .410 Bore and 20 Gauge have surged in recognition for waterfowl and turkey looking. Do they now have the ability to take massive Canada Geese and Sandhill Cranes, or are they nonetheless restricted to teal looking?
Execs
Much less felt recoilLighter shotgunHigher for youthsUsually inexpensive
As I discussed, my dad purchased a 20-gauge pump shotgun so I may go duck looking with him. Essentially the most important motive he selected a pump-action youth 20-gauge was the decrease recoil than his outdated 12-gauge. I’ve heard some folks complain in regards to the 20 gauge having extra recoil, however in my expertise, this hasn’t held true, particularly when firing 2 ¾” shells.
Surprisingly, the 20 gauge shotguns I’ve used for duck looking have been lighter and had much less felt recoil. That is splendid for youths and hunters who don’t have the power to shoulder a giant, heavy 12 gauge.
It’s in all probability as a result of I’m a bit biased, however I imagine the 20 gauge is healthier for youths due to the decrease recoil and lighter shotgun. It additionally teaches them to intention a bit higher since 20 gauge shotshells have fewer pellets per shell than 12 gauge shells of the identical size and pellet measurement. My child’s first duck looking shotgun was my outdated 20 gauge hand-me-down shotgun.
Lastly, 20 gauge shells are usually barely inexpensive since much less materials is getting used whereas making them. Nonetheless, this isn’t at all times the case, as fewer folks use a 20 gauge, and a few locations jack up the costs on 20 gauge shells.
Now, just a few downsides accompany utilizing a 20 gauge shotgun for duck and goose looking.
Cons
Fewer pellets per shellSpecialty ammo is dearFewer shotgun decisions
As I briefly touched on, there are fewer pellets per shotshell of the identical size and shot measurement, so that you’ll must be extra correct when utilizing a 20 gauge.
As I discussed, 20 gauge specialty ammo continues to be costly and infrequently overpriced as a result of fewer folks use it than 12 gauge ammo.
Lastly, 20 gauge hunters are likely to have fewer choices for shotguns, or it’s a must to look a bit tougher and longer to seek out the one you need. Whereas, you’ll be able to go to most out of doors shops and decide up the 12 gauge shotgun you’ve been for weeks.
Parting Photographs
Except I’m seeking to problem myself or simply feeling a bit nostalgic, I possible have a 12 gauge within the duck blind. I’ve discovered it to be the higher selection, most of the time. Nonetheless, the 20 gauge is perhaps the higher possibility for younger duck hunters, due to its decrease recoil and lighter shotguns. Otherwise you could be like me, personal each, and take a look at them for your self!
Good luck this duck and goose looking season!
