The 20 Gauge for Defense

[javbike]

I thinking maybe I would look into a 20 gauge myself

 

[Bassbob]

I thinking maybe I would look into a 20 gauge myself

Just make sure you look into it from the breech and not the muzzle.

 

[JH1961]

I'm a former LEO and firearms instructor. Being closer to 70 than 50, I've ditched all but one (a sxs that belonged to my late dad) of my 12ga shotguns in favor of the 20ga. These include a Benelli M1 Super90 'hunting' shotgun, a Stoeger M3020 Benelli M2 clone, and an RIA VR82. I haven't met anyone that would prefer being shot with a 20ga over a 12ga. My Stoeger M3020 is loaded with (3) Remington 2.75" #3 buckshot, backed up by (2) W-W Defender segmented slugs. The 10rd mags of my VR82 are loaded with either Remington #3 buckshot or Brenneke slugs.

 

[Shibadog]

I’ve shot a 20 since 1963, graduated from my Winchester 37 .410 single (Christmas 1959) to the 20 Browning A5 (Christmas 1963). That old 20 has taken quail, pheasant, dove, rabbit, squirrel, ducks, geese and multiple deer. It’s shot everything from AA#9’s to 2 3/4” Magnum’s torifled slugs. A 20 has plenty of power. That said, a 12 bore does night duty. Heavier payload, easier to find ammo (more varieties) and usually cheaper to boot.

 

[Mr.W.]

My admiration of the two gauges would actually be equal if shell availability were equal.

 

[JH1961]

My admiration of the two gauges would actually be equal if shell availability were equal.

Admittedly, 20ga ammunition availability, in any 'flavor' has been problematic since Spring 2020. Last summer I was able to score (2) cases of #3 buckshot from my local LGS, and (2) cases of #6 'duck & pheasant' loads from an online supplier. That, along with what I had before COVID, should see me beyond my retirement. I also managed to acquire (8) 10rd mags for my VR82 to aid in feeding it. It us my 'perimeter defense' weapon.

 

[Jim Diamantoni]

I have a retired state police 870 with a LED light in the forend that holds 6+1 and a side saddle shell holder. The Federal LE 00 Buck with flight control wad shoots a tight pattern. Recoil really isn't bad.

 

[ECS686]

Here is a related list from Greg Ellifritz FB page. For those not familiar Greg is a vetted national level instructor and retired LEO that runs Active Response Training

He posted a pic of why bird shot is a bad idea.

Active Response Training

Providing Reality-Based Solutions to Resist Criminal Violence

www.activeresponsetraining.net

 

[JH1961]

Here is a related list from Greg Ellifritz FB page. For those not familiar Greg is a vetted national level instructor and retired LEO that runs Active Response Training

He posted a pic of why bird shot is a bad idea.

Active Response Training

Providing Reality-Based Solutions to Resist Criminal Violence

www.activeresponsetraining.net

My cases of #6 are strictly for hunting small game.

 

[JH1961]

I have a retired state police 870 with a LED light in the forend that holds 6+1 and a side saddle shell holder. The Federal LE 00 Buck with flight control wad shoots a tight pattern. Recoil really isn't bad.

Early in my LEO years, my department hosted a 'combat shoot'. I was in charge of the SG course. It consisted of (3) 'pepper poppers', set at the 10 o'clock, 12 o'clock and 2 o'clock positions. Ranges varied fron 7yds to 15 yds. Sequence of fire was 10 o'clock, 2 o'clock and 12 o'clock. Start was Low Ready, round chambered, safety OFF. Fastest course of fire won. Ammo was #6 Magnum loads to duplicate 00 recoil impulse. I ran it with an 870 out of the trunk of my LT's car. My fastest time for a run was 1.83 seconds. Pumps *can* be fast.

 

[ECS686]

My cases of #6 are strictly for hunting small game.

Wasn’t implying anything towards anyone here just sharing what Greg posted as an informational post that I felt was relevant!

 

[Talyn]

At about age 11 I graduated from the single barrel 20 ga. that was my first shotgun to a double barrel 12 gauge. I did not notice a difference in recoil. At 11 years old. My dad has always shot 20s. At least for sporting shotguns. He does have a 12 ga. BPS.

Other than shooting slugs out of a pump gun it's pretty much all the same to me. I don't notice much difference unless you're comparing #9 field loads to 00B or something. I never went in for any recoil devices. Nice rubber butt pad and shoulder the gun correctly and I'm good. That is until I zero'ed a red dot on a KSG25 using slugs. It took 11 shots to zero it. After about the 6th round I really didn't want to shoot it again. I would consider a Limbsaver or some such on that gun, but I just don't shoot slugs through it. That's what I have autos for.

I went from a single-shot 20 ga. to a Browning 2000 12 ga. when I was 16. Still have it & picked up a 20 ga. version about 25 yrs ago.