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Posted: 8/25/2022 10:42:02 AM EST
Stupid question but I honestly don't know... How much does a 20ga recoil compared to a 12ga? I know load, gun type, fit all play into it but in general how much of a difference is there? 10% less? 50%?
I only own and shot 12ga shotguns and that's all anybody I know owns or has used too. My wife would like to try some clay shooting but she's had a number of neck and shoulder issues over the last couple of years which will be a major problem. I know she won't be able to handle any 12ga regardless of the variables. As a point of reference, an AR15 with an H3 buffer shooting mild 55gr loads is too much for her so I'm not too optimistic about a 20ga? I don't have anyplace local to take her to try anything before buying so I'm just trying to get an idea if a 20ga offers enough of a reduction in recoil to even bother considering it? |
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Posted: 8/25/2022 11:06:51 AM EST
[Last Edit: johnh57]
[#1]
Standard 12 ga target loads are 1 oz or 1-1/8 oz. Anywhere from 1150 - 1200 fps. 20 ga. Target loads are 7/8 oz, typically 1200 fps. Free recoil is a function of mass x velocity2. Basically, in guns of identical weight the recoil of a 20 will be roughly 10-15% less than a 12 ga.
But, 20 ga guns are typically lighter than 12 ga gun. So the actual recoil energy may be more than your 12 ga. If you look there are 7/8 oz 12 ga loads (typically high muzzle velocity) and there are 12 ga low recoil loads (typically lower muzzle velocity and lower shot weight). There are a lot more options on the market for reduced recoil 12 ga than there are for low recoil 20 ga. We had some 7/8 oz 12 ga target loads at the club. The people that shot them said the recoil was less than they were used to. |
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Posted: 8/25/2022 11:13:14 AM EST
[#2]
If she can't shoot an AR then I would forget about a shotgun.
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NC, USA
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Posted: 8/25/2022 11:19:31 AM EST
[#3]
The more open choke on a 12 really helps. My modified sbe Benelli is a dream to shoot 6 & 8 shot
I have friends that swear by a 20 though. So much fun to shoot. |
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Posted: 8/25/2022 11:47:33 AM EST
[Last Edit: AeroE]
[#4]
The difference depends on the gun weights, the shot charge weight, and the muzzle velocity. A minor construction from gunpowder weight.
If all are the same, the recoil of both guns is the same. Choke has no bearing. A light 20 gauge shooting hunting loads will knock the snot out of an inexperienced shooter and might put them off of it for good. I can't say I'm crazy about the kick. The myth that 20 gauge shotguns kick less ought to die, but that's not likely. The same for centerfire rifle cartridges that are claimed to have low recoil - that depends on the details. Your wife needs the heaviest 12 or 20 gauge gun she can handle and target loads with 7/8ths to 1 ounce loads at 900 to 1000 fps or 3/4 ounce loads at the same speeds in the 20 gauge. Reloading is required for anything under about 1100 to 1200 fps. She might love a 28 gauge gun, but you'll need to reload to keep the ammo cost in hand. I'd say it's worth the cost to get her shooting with you. |
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FL, USA
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Posted: 8/25/2022 12:57:49 PM EST
[Last Edit: Number1gun]
[#5]
OP..Given your explanation I don’t see 20 working out.
If she has issues with .223/556 she will not be able to handle anything but a 410 and that is probably too much. You are in a zone with few options. Heavier gun means Shoulder, arm strength will need work. Lighter gun means felt recoil through the shoulder. Everything is a compromise. I would try a gas gun in 28 or 410 first. and..ease into it. Especially with her physical issues. Just holding the gun up is going to be un natural and awkward to uncomfortable in the beginning. She may find some shoulder pain from just a few rounds in the beginning but needs to stick with it over a period of time to give her physical issues a chance to becom accustomed to it. Good luck |
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Posted: 8/25/2022 2:53:39 PM EST
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By AR_Dale: If she can't shoot an AR then I would forget about a shotgun. That is what I'm afraid of. In fairness, the issue shooting the AR is from a couple of years ago. She's had some surgeries since to address those issues and she is better now but not back to 100% and may never be? Neither of us want to push it so if we do proceed, it will be with extreme caution. I have a Beretta 391 which is a fairly soft shooting gas gun so I'll see if I can find some 7/8oz loads and see how they feel to me (and if the gun can cycle them) before letting her try it? |
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Posted: 8/25/2022 3:05:33 PM EST
[#7]
Probably reasonable.
Don't let her shoot it a bunch first time out. Also - people recoil sensitive tend to not pull the gun firmly into their shoulder - because they are scared of the recoil. A loose shoulder mount hurts. She has to pull it in good and snug. |
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Posted: 8/25/2022 3:12:20 PM EST
[#8]
Beretta makes a nice 28ga gas gun.
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Posted: 9/2/2022 10:16:23 PM EST
[#9]
Assuming she is small, I would recommend a 20 ga youth gas gun. There are some decent Turkish options.
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Posted: 9/2/2022 10:48:14 PM EST
[Last Edit: backbencher]
[#10]
There are some Winchester subsonic super light trap loads running around, also, some very light mini-shells in 12 ga.
Think Winchester put out some subsonic 20 ga ultra light trap loads as well. ETA: The new Mossberg Shockwaves run 12 ga mini-shells natively, would give her a 2 hand grip, less recoil to the shoulder. |
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Posted: 9/2/2022 11:02:39 PM EST
[#11]
Look at shell prices and the price difference.
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Posted: 9/2/2022 11:12:56 PM EST
[#12]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By olivers_AR: Look at shell prices and the price difference. What does that have to do with his question? |
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Posted: 9/2/2022 11:26:52 PM EST
[#13]
A semi-auto will have much less felt recoil than a pump or break open shotgun.
That being said I do not know of any 20 gauge semi auto shotguns. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/2/2022 11:43:15 PM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Willz: A semi-auto will have much less felt recoil than a pump or break open shotgun. That being said I do not know of any 20 gauge semi auto shotguns. Beretta makes the a400 xplor in 20g. I guy I dove hunt with occasionally has one. very nice, compact and lightweight. My beretta 1301t is the lightest shotgun I own, and the only one that doesn’t bruise my shoulder after a few boxes of shells. The kick off system in the higher end semi autos stocks is supposed to help reduce recoil even more. |
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Posted: 9/3/2022 12:16:35 AM EST
[#15]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Willz: A semi-auto will have much less felt recoil than a pump or break open shotgun. That being said I do not know of any 20 gauge semi auto shotguns.  I mean, Remington only made the 20 ga 1100 for like half a century, FN made the Browning Auto 5 in 20 ga for a similar length of time, you could get Saigas in 20 ga, god help you find mags for them now.
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Posted: 9/3/2022 12:40:18 AM EST
[#16]
I shoot skeet with 3/4oz 12gauge loads.
They're the cats meow. Anyone can shoot those all day. |
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Posted: 9/3/2022 7:43:02 AM EST
[Last Edit: Willz]
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: I mean, Remington only made the 20 ga 1100 for like half a century, FN made the Browning Auto 5 in 20 ga for a similar length of time, you could get Saigas in 20 ga, god help you find mags for them now.Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By backbencher: Originally Posted By Willz: A semi-auto will have much less felt recoil than a pump or break open shotgun. That being said I do not know of any 20 gauge semi auto shotguns. I mean, Remington only made the 20 ga 1100 for like half a century, FN made the Browning Auto 5 in 20 ga for a similar length of time, you could get Saigas in 20 ga, god help you find mags for them now.I wasn’t aware of those. Always been a 12 ga shooter aside from the 20 ga Browning Superposed I shoot occasionally. |
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Posted: 9/3/2022 10:03:08 AM EST
[#18]
Another consideration: 20ga ammo is a) a lot harder to find and b) in most cases a lot more expensive.
Bought (at their request) a 20ga wedding present for a friend’s wife…after |
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