Firearm Forum Question: 12 Gauge versus 20 Gauge Shotguns

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I just bought a Mossberg 20-Gauge Persuader Shotgun, which shotgun is best a 12 Gauge or 20 Gauge?
Thank you John Lowney.

Here are some Mossberg Home Defense / Tactical Shotguns:

Answer:

Blog Administrator -
To determine what is the best shot shell diameter size that is best for you (most common are the 410-Gauge; 20-Gauge; and 12-Gauge) the end use drives the final decision. Shotguns are used for sport (Trap and Skeet, or Hunting), and for Home Defense. Some people elect to use a Shotgun for both purposes. To be used for both purposes they need to be full size, not shorten as you may find in a Self Defense Tactical style Shotgun.
A Shotgun may also be used for Cowboy Shooting these are generally double barrel coach style shotguns. They maybe with or without hammers. They may also be lever action shotguns.
Also note there are two other gauges: a 10-Gauge and a 16-Gauge.
The next consideration is who will use the shotgun. Children under the age of 15 and women with small frames will find the 410-Gauge quite accommodating for hunting. Adult women generally prefer the 20-Gauge for either Hunting or Tactical / Home Defense because the 20-gauge has less recoil. Adult men generally prefer the 12-gauge for all uses.
Next thing to look at is the shot shell length capacity. A shotgun chambered that can handle 3-inch shells can shoot 3-inch, 2 3/4-inch, and 2 1/2-inch shells. In other words you can go down in length but not up, i.e. a shotgun chambered for 2 3/4-inch shotgun shells cannot handle a 3-inch shell.
Capacity is the next thing to consider. Semi-auto and Pump Shotguns will hold the most rounds. Double Barrel and Over/Under Shotguns handle 2-rounds only. Single Barrel (common in 410-gauge and 20-gauge) hold one round.
Cost may be a factor as well both in ammo and firearm. Shotguns do NOT have to be expensive to work well. I have owned Stevens/Savage, Mossberg, Remington, Ithaca, Winchester, and Saiga Shotguns.
Generally 12-Gauge Shotgun Shells are less expensive than any of the others. Again brand doesn't play a really big part in standard shot size. I have used everything on the market at one time or another. 12-Gauge and sometimes 20-Gauge can be bought in bulk keeping the per unit cost down.
Some people for home defense like the Pump Shotgun, they say if an intruder hears the pump action it will frighten the Intruder/Burglar away. Personally I think that is a bunch of bunk simply because in the middle of the night you are sleeping and don't want to think about trying to pump a round into the shotgun that should all ready be loaded and ready to fire.
The most common question I get is 'What Shot Shell Size (load number) should I use for Home Defense?'
All my shotguns are loaded with #6 Shot, this works the best for Home Defense. It has lethal impact and a good spread that covers the entire doorway or window where an intruder would be coming through.

=> To answer your question, again who is going to use this Shotgun only you, or others in the house such as your wife. If others are possible users the 20-Guage probably is the better choice. But in either case both will work.

Parts of a Shotgun Shell:

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Firearm Forum Question: Lever Action Shotguns

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I saw you had a Topic posted about Lever Action Rifles, how about doing one on Lever Action Shotguns?
Thank you Clearance Beaks.

The Winchester 1887 Lever Action 10-Gauge Shotgun: This is where it all began and most of the lever action shotguns made today are clones of this Winchester patent. This shotgun was made famous in the movie Terminator 2 with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Chiappa's 1887 Lever Action 12-Gauge Shotgun, latest in the clones of the Winchester:

Coyote Cap Model 1997 Lever Action 12-Gauge Shotgun, a follow-up to the IAC-Norinco Clone:

The Hoss Armaments Co Bonecrusher 12-Guage Lever Action Shotgun, latest in design of a Lever Action Shotgun:

IAC-Norinco 12-Gauge 1887 Lever Action Shotgun, the original Winchester clone but in 12-Gauge, others soon would follow as shown:

 The Rossi Circuit Judge Lever Action 410/45lc Lever Action Shotgun:

Answer:

Blog Administrator -

As requested - Above, I have included some typical Lever Action Shotguns and styles by various Manufacturers.
Winchester was the patent holder and creator of the Lever Action Shotgun, but it was in 10 Gauge. The clones that followed were mostly in 12 Gauge 2 3/4-inch shotgun shells.
I own a IAC-Norinco Lever Action 12 Gauge, many of the less expensive shotgun ammunition will cause it to jam, example: Olin (yes, Winchester, the same company that had the M-22 Ammo in 22 Caliber LR Recall).
The Chiappa is suppose to be high quality, although I have never seen one. But they are quite pricy. Coyote Cap no longer makes one but their lever action was high quality with no jamming.
Yes you can legally hunt with these like any other shotgun. Most were made for Cowboy SASS Shooting and Home Defense.

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Firearm Forum Question: Multiple Impact Bullet Technology

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I have heard that there is a new type of bullet that when fired separates into 3 parts making it more likely to hit the target and render a kill, I think you should share this new technology with your readers, and I would be most interested in their response and comments.
Thank you The da Vinci Killer.
From - Multiple Bullet Technology Website:

Answer:

Blog Administrator -

Yes, this is a new ammunition produced and manufactured in Colorado, USA.
The concept is simple, once the bullet has been fired and leaves the end of the barrel it divides into 3 separate units attached by a cord. The ammo is currently only available in 12-Gauge 2 3/4-inch Shotgun Shells; and 45 ACP Handgun Ammo. The manufacturer has plans to make these in 9mm later on. The company has just begun production in January 2014. The ammunition is very expensive, and is intended for self-defense making a kill shot more likely for a less experienced shooter by separating into 3 parts when hitting the target. The ammo can be purchased online. I know someone that has ordered the ammo but it has not yet arrived, therefore, I can not render an opinion as to the claims made by the manufacturer. The Youtube video below may be more helpful. I would also be very interested in comments on this new style and type of ammo.
Visit Multiple Bullet Technology website at:
http://www.mibullet.com

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Firearm Forum Question: Field Dressing a Deer

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Got my first deer this year, but had a lot of issues with field dressing the deer properly, is there a good video that explains How to Field Dress a Deer?
Thank you Carl Mudder.

Answer:

Blog Administrator -
In searching Youtube I like the following instructional video the best.
Pay attention to the field dressing because the meat can become spoiled or contaminated if done improperly. The colder the weather the better for preserving the meat.
Personally I never tried to skin or carve the meat. I suggest before you go hunting find a butcher that will skin and butcher the meat including packaging for freezing. Also deer are quite heavy even after field dressing, so hunt with a buddy and be prepared to haul the carcass a fair distance to your vehicle. Always make sure you have 2 sharp knives, and wear surgical gloves. Remove any items on your wrist such as a watch or compass before starting the field dressing.

Important: Never shoot anything you are not going to eat. You can always donate the meat to a homeless shelter.

Reminder: Remember to sight in your rifle before going hunting. Also, it is advisable to carry a handgun.

WARNING: The following video is graphic you may not want young children viewing this video.
This Youtube Video is for Instructional Purposes only!


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