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Post by beddog on Dec 23, 2007 10:35:15 GMT -4
Is a 20 gauge strong enough to down Phez, grouse and other game effectively ?
As some of you know, my son and I are just getting into hunting. He's a 17 year old (although... he is almost 6'1'' 210lbs.), and I'm somewhat of an old head. I don't want to buy something too powerful that will knock our arms off and that we can't control properly.
I would like to be able for us to use our shotguns for different types of game as well. (i.e. bunnies, turkey...).
If I'm going to spend the money I would like to get as much versatility for my hard earned buck as I can.
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Post by zodiakgsps on Dec 23, 2007 11:56:40 GMT -4
Well, you could get either 12 or 20 GA Mossberg pumps and get slug barrels, then you can hunt everything (deer too if you're not planning on getting rifles also right away)& cheaper than a semi auto. Not sure a 20 GA would be my first choice for turkey, although it will drop one. For phez & grouse, it's fine, I used my 20 GA Browning O/U for phez & it's straight skeet/skeet, my son got his first phez with a 20GA when he was just 12, dropped them with no problem. I'm certainly no expert though....just a thought since you could use them for deer(with slug barrels) & small game!!
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Post by mannsbestfriend on Dec 23, 2007 12:39:26 GMT -4
Hi beddog...I like to use my 20 gauge for rabbit, quail, chukkar, grouse, and woodcock. I don't seem to have any problem dropping any of this game with it. I do like to use my 12 gauge for pheasant though. Just because they are a little heartier bird and I, from experience, seen them keep on flying after being hit from a 20(maybe it's the guy behind the gun ). Also like zodiak said it's a little more versatile, you can use it for upland and small game, waterfowl, turkey, and deer. You just have to adjust the chokes and shot size accordingly. I think, from your description, your son could handle a 12 gauge. Just my opinion.
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Post by mannsbestfriend on Dec 23, 2007 12:42:33 GMT -4
Just a side note. I know people who use a 28 gauge and 410 for pheasant and somehow do a better job then I do with my 12. Thank God my dogs make up for my shooting ability.
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Post by zodiakgsps on Dec 23, 2007 12:58:35 GMT -4
I know a guy that uses a 28 for phez also & drops them everytime! Mind you he was the state 28 GA skeet champion several times..... ;D Wasn't thinking waterfowl when I posted, 12GA definitely better for that, geese are tough enough to drop with a 12, let alone a 20GA.
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Post by stickman on Dec 23, 2007 14:29:27 GMT -4
I've only used 12 guage for grouse, phez, and rabbits but have heard 20 guage will certainly do the job. For grouse I like to use 7 1\2 shot and 6 for pheasant. Good luck!
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Post by zippyduck on Dec 24, 2007 1:44:51 GMT -4
I have used a 12 for as long as I can remember and have no problem with recoil ( even when I was 135#s ). Adjusting chokes and shot size and there is no problem with any game. Does equally good on Geese, ducks, rabbits, phez, grouse, and deer. I have seen 20's do really well on everything also but usually at closer distances. 20's kick just as much or more in the wrong gun, they are generally lighter which has more to do with recoil.
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Post by mrlongbeard on Dec 24, 2007 12:30:56 GMT -4
a 20 gauge is good for everything you asked about. my wife has taken everything with hers. and i switch to one a few years ago and i'm as big as your son. a couple of pluses for it is light recoil, light weight and easy to aim due to weight. the only thing i would use the 12 for is ducks, geese and turkey. but the 20 can be used for turkey with the right choke and shot. just ask truegrit my wife. by the way shooting a 12 ga, isn't that bad it just what you put in it.
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Post by truegrit on Dec 24, 2007 21:16:40 GMT -4
beddog, I use a 1100 20 gauge for rabbits, and birds. with turkey's I use a mossberg 20 gauge with a fix extra full choke and remington heavy shot shells. I've gotten really nice toms with it. I do have this message, "It's not the size of the gun, it's about shot placement, and the person behind the gun ."
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