Home Defense Shotgun 12 or 20 gauge ?
I'm thinking of picking up a shotgun for home security. My wife's pretty small, though. Would a 20 gauge be effective for practical purposes or should I really go with the 12 gauge ? I'm thinking a basic Mossberg at the local sporting goods store would work, but I want something my wife could use effectively. Any suggestions ?
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A 20 gauge will make them every bit as dead as a 12 gauge at the distances you are talking about, in the home. I seriously doubt that the distance across your living room the wad would even open up enough to release most of the shot on a shotgun shot at that distance so it'd be like hitting them with a solid slug. So, yea in the home a 20 will work as good as a 12.
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seanport;
The only real difference in shotgun loads is the amount of shot in the shell. Muzzle volocities are in the 1300 to 1500 fps range regardless of guage. Recoil on the hand is another matter. This will vary from gun to gun, sigle shots and pumps tend to "kick" harder than autos and gun weight is a factor in felt recoil. If you're wife is very small, go with a 20 and 00 buck shot loads in 2 3/4" or 3" express loads. Magnum loads may be a bit much for her, especially if she is recoil sensitive to begin with. DON'T tell her the gun is going to kick hard. Rather, show her proper hold and stance, and let her decide about the recoil. Do explain that the gun will recoil, but don't make it the major issue. My wife is small but, has no problem with a 12, however, she's not thrilled with firing 3" mags. Just my thoughts on the subject.0 -
Get the 20 gauge. Whatever you get you will have to take your wife to the range for practice. If the kick of the 12 gauge scares her she will be no good with it. As to whether the 20 gauge has the power you need, don't worry, it does. Check this link.
http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=47405&SearchTerms=close,range,birdshot:,penetration,test0 -
I have a pair of Mossbergs, 12 & 410. My wife is also rather small plus both have pistol grip stocks. The 12 is a handful. With a shoulder stock I would think the 20 would be fine for your wife. As ag said, by all means take her out to the range - especially if she is not familiar with guns.
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.0 -
The only downside on the 20ga Mossberg is that if you want to accesorize it later on, there is nothing available for 20ga. Maybe go with the 12ga & load the first couple with a lighter bird shot.
Start you wife out shooting it with light target loads. Get her used to the gun 1st & then sneak some heavy stuff in.
Regards,
FREE IRAQ0 -
cbxjeff kinda hinted on the point, but many people can handle more recoil if the gun is equiped with a pistol-gripped stock, so if she can handle a standard 20 then she might be able to handle a 12 with a pistol grip. Many places you can rent guns, you might have her shoot some of each.
I sincerely believe that when a person is complete comfortable with a smaller gun it is more effective than having a big gun that the person is afraid to practice with.0 -
Home defense - 12 or 20 can work just as effectively. My wife likes her over/under 20ga (she also has a snubby .357). I think it is an asthetics/fashion thing. I work nights about 1/2 of the year and I don't think she has any qualms about protecting our kids/herself, but these guys are correct, it is in the stance and the approach. Take her to the trap range and let some old fart (you know they love to help, when a lady shows up[:D]) give her some tips. I found it is easier than just you explaning things......
IF YOU DON'T LIKE MY RIGHTS - GET OUT OF MY COUNTRY (this includes politicians)0 -
I have a number of friends/customers that purchased 20 ga. for home defense.The recoil from a 12 ga. could be quite a shock to some people which includes my wife.At the distance of 25 ft. max. I have to agree with the others chance of survival would be low to an unwanted intruder. 0 -
You might want to buy some ear muffs or plugs as well..
Firing off a 12 or a 20 indoors isn't exactly quiet...0 -
so what would be the best 12ga shell to use in "defense"? [}:)] 0
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