12 gauge versus 20 gauge for defense

[Steve_NEPhila]

I see more and more "low recoil" 12g loads on the market today in buckshot for defense. This makes me wonder that perhaps the 20g would be a better all around defense shotgun and zombie splattering machine. I do like the new 11-87 compact in 20 gauge. Does anyone know of a magazine extension for that shotgun?

Let the debate begin: 12g versus 20g for defense. (Oh, and my questions above as well please)

[falcn]

Could you elaborate on your point of why you think just because low recoil 12-gauge rounds are available that would make a 20-gauge the better choice?

Better how?

Do you have ballistics to compare the 12-gauge low-recoil to the 20-gauge round - is that 20 gauge round also going to be a low-recoil version or a "standard load" version?

I use the Federal LE132-00 with flite control wad - it features 9 pellets - 00 buck traveling at 1145 fps. This is considered a "low-recoil" round with tighter patterning - patterning is due to the flite-control wad.

What 20-gauge round do you want to compare against it?

Buck Shot Stats for reference

Shot Number : Pellet Diameter(Inches) : Average Pellet Weight (Grains)
4 : 0.24 : 20.6
3 : 0.25 : 23.4
2 : 0.27 : 29.4
1 : 0.30 : 40.0
0 : 0.32 : 48.3
00 : 0.33 : 53.8
000 : 0.36 : 68.0

[Popeye]

Try this link
http://www.internetarmory.com/shotgun_defense.htm
Personally I have a 20 guage mossberg Crusier. Great gun and a great price, and something the wife can use if nessary without getting knocked on her azz.

[animalmother85]

there is no replacement for displacement...except for a bigger turbo, but you can't put a turbo on a shotgun and have the same desired effect

[WVBob]

Turbo shotgun is a 10ga.

[falcn]

Originally Posted by falcn

Could you elaborate on your point of why you think just because low recoil 12-gauge rounds are available that would make a 20-gauge the better choice?

Better how?

Do you have ballistics to compare the 12-gauge low-recoil to the 20-gauge round - is that 20 gauge round also going to be a low-recoil version or a "standard load" version?

I use the Federal LE132-00 with flite control wad - it features 9 pellets - 00 buck traveling at 1145 fps. This is considered a "low-recoil" round with tighter patterning - patterning is due to the flite-control wad.

What 20-gauge round do you want to compare against it?

Buck Shot Stats for reference

Shot Number : Pellet Diameter(Inches) : Average Pellet Weight (Grains)
4 : 0.24 : 20.6
3 : 0.25 : 23.4
2 : 0.27 : 29.4
1 : 0.30 : 40.0
0 : 0.32 : 48.3
00 : 0.33 : 53.8
000 : 0.36 : 68.0

The biggest bugshot pellets in 20 gauge I could find are #2 buckshot.
Federal F207 3" shells shoot 18 pellets that travel at 1100 fps.

I guess I wouldn't feel underpowered compared to the 12-gauge 00 LE rounds really - but I'd have to see some testing on the effectiveness of the #2 20-gauge shells vs. 12-gauge 00 shells on some targets.

[BTA88]

Originally Posted by WVBob

Turbo shotgun is a 10ga.

that'd be higher displacement

I sleep with a Mossy 500a Persuader next to my bed and an XD45 on the night stand. I imagine a 20ga would be plenty effective for home defense. I'd say anything but a .410 will do the job when the SHTF.

[falcn]

Yeah especially if the Signifgant Other will not pick up the 12-gauge cause it hurts to shoot it/knocks her on her ass if she is not careful. I think my wife would be happier with a 20G but have not convinced her too get one yet

[mredder351]

Just remember, when the shit hits the fan, Dicks, Walmart, K-Mart, and every gun shop ALWAYS has plenty of 12 gauge buck, slug, whatever in stock. 20 gauge is going to limit you to fewer places.

Who cares about recoil? Buy a nice pad. Well worth the money.

[falcn]

Originally Posted by mredder351

Just remember, when the shit hits the fan, Dicks, Walmart, K-Mart, and every gun shop ALWAYS has plenty of 12 gauge buck, slug, whatever in stock. 20 gauge is going to limit you to fewer places.

Who cares about recoil? Buy a nice pad. Well worth the money.

I have a nice Knoxx Stock and for me the recoil is nothing. My wife is very little however. She can shoot the Mossberg, just doesn't like too.