20 vs 12 for home defense

You want to use the largest gun you can control well. For some, a 12 gauge is just too much gun. They feel uncomfortable shooting it and can't get good solid hits with fast follow-up. So moving to a 20 gauge is reasonable--just like 9mm instead of a .40 or .45 handgun.

Some move to a 20 gauge for "overpenetration issues". I find that reasoning a little more suspect.
 
Except for those who have some real physical problem handling a 12 ga. I don't know why anyone would choose a 20 ga.

The 12 offers more power, more gun options, more shell options, etc.
 
I have a 12 ga Mossberg for HD. One of the reasons I got it was so that my wife could use it if necessary when I am away. The problem is that the 12 ga beat the crap out of her, and she refused to practice with it. That was a BIG problem IMO. I solved the problem with a Knoxx SpecOps and some reduced recoil ammo. If it wasn't for those two things, I would have completely wasted my money on the 12 ga. If I had to do it again, I'd probably choose a 20 ga.

BTW, my Mossy is now a dream to shoot. :D
 
I am concidered a well built guy, and I can definatly take a 12 gauge out for a whole day and not feel too much. However, I use a 20 gauge for pretty much everything. I find them way more versatile for some reason.
 
See if you can find a range that rents them and try them out. I'm not a very big guy, but my 12's work fine. OTOH, I would imagine a 20 would work equally well. 12-gauge ammo is a bit more diverse and a bit cheaper last I looked. To each his own.
 
some fellars who can handle a 12 just fine will shoot a 20 for fast follow up shots, less muzzle blast which is a big deal at nite since thats when most home defense sitiations are likely to be. I personally dont mind my 835 for double duty, but if it was a home defense only gun i was interested in id buy a mossberg 500 in 20.
 
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