Posted: 8/25/2022 11:42:02 AM EDT
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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? |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
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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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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. |
Keep your powder dry, and watch your back trail.
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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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Originally 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? |
On going to war over religion: "You're basically killing each other to see who's got the better imaginary friend." - Richard Jeni
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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. |
Death to quislings.
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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. |
"You have to understand most people are not ready to be unplugged, and many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, they will fight to protect it." ~Morpheus
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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. 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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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.
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Death to quislings.
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Originally 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.Originally 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. |
"You have to understand most people are not ready to be unplugged, and many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, they will fight to protect it." ~Morpheus
