Naturally, you want the most in defense of you and your family's lives so the 12 ga is obvious.
However I bought a sweet 20 ga SxS that just plain hits everything for me! I figgure since this little Stoger Uplander fits and works so well why not consider it the"do-all" for me? The 3" chambers give the option of shooting heavy loads though the standard 2 3/4" spectrum of loads seems to get the job done on game and pests.
I know that I'll need to pick 30 yards instead of 35-38 for tough birds like Phesant but there is usually ample time to get the gun up and pull off the shot within the 30 yard timeframe. In fact I have always been accused of shooting too soon with a 12.
Loads for the 20 are a little tougher to find than for the 12ga. the proliferation of 12 ga ammo is staggering at some stores who only stock a couple 20 ga loads, Buckshot in 20 ga is a mail order item it seems. General #7.8,9 loads are available and if you taylor your load tothe choke and depend on the 28" barrels to keep it together for a hit.
Woeking with a retiree's budget and in the waneing years of feild shooting this little 20 ga has been a heavensent! If I ever get some Buckshot, I'd surely consider it adequate for HD too!
After all the years of slamming my sholdr with 12 ga loads I am glad I gave in and bought one of those woosy 20 gauges! Wish I'd have given up the Macho sooner!
BPDave
However I bought a sweet 20 ga SxS that just plain hits everything for me! I figgure since this little Stoger Uplander fits and works so well why not consider it the"do-all" for me? The 3" chambers give the option of shooting heavy loads though the standard 2 3/4" spectrum of loads seems to get the job done on game and pests.
I know that I'll need to pick 30 yards instead of 35-38 for tough birds like Phesant but there is usually ample time to get the gun up and pull off the shot within the 30 yard timeframe. In fact I have always been accused of shooting too soon with a 12.
Loads for the 20 are a little tougher to find than for the 12ga. the proliferation of 12 ga ammo is staggering at some stores who only stock a couple 20 ga loads, Buckshot in 20 ga is a mail order item it seems. General #7.8,9 loads are available and if you taylor your load tothe choke and depend on the 28" barrels to keep it together for a hit.
Woeking with a retiree's budget and in the waneing years of feild shooting this little 20 ga has been a heavensent! If I ever get some Buckshot, I'd surely consider it adequate for HD too!
After all the years of slamming my sholdr with 12 ga loads I am glad I gave in and bought one of those woosy 20 gauges! Wish I'd have given up the Macho sooner!
BPDave