12 versus 20 for beginners?

[CUTTERS DADDY]

I've got a pretty good selection of shotguns and have taken quite a few people out hunting or just trap shooting (I also teach hunter safety) but wanted to ask what the difference you might see in beginners learning with a 12 gauge versus a 20 gauge?
In the 20 gauge, I have three youth/women's model (2 pump, 1auto) and one full size M2.
In the 12 gauge, I've got most styles of hunting shotguns and pretty well set except for a left handed auto.
When at a trap range it seems the majority of the shooters do best with the 12 gauge with the same size and weight of shot. I have an idea that the shot may be traveling faster (I buy the cheap stuff and fps is not listed) but it seems to be more than that. I think the extra weight of a 12 gauge shotgun helps shooters slow down a bit. They also seem to improve even more when they shoot my old Citori too.

If anyone wants to get together to try out some trap shooting in Concord during the evening after work (I think they have Thurs. evening shoots) shoot me a pm.

If anyone has a 20 gauge bps or left handed auto as well as ANY youth or women's model shotguns for cheap let me know.

[zedaristo]

I was actually just starting to research this. I'm looking to get my first shotgun and don't really have any idea where to start. Would like to have something adaptable enough to do hunting and skeet/trap.

[george tirebiter]

I think it depends on the age, size, sex and temperament of the shooter. I bought my 10 year old a Mossberg super bantam 20 guage for hunting upland game and doing some clay sports. Even though it's a youth size I have to tape up my sons index finger by his trigger finger because it's a bit of a stretch for him on the sizing and the recoil kept smacking his finger because of grip issues. I've used the smallest possible configuration for him but he's smaller than average Even though he was over 10lbs at birth. He's a crack shot with it but would be bullied by a 12 guage. Same goes for my wife. I think on a 12-20 gauge reduction you are looking at about 15% fewer shot. But you won't hit anything if you fear the gun. Anything short of .410 is a good learning platform for women and children. IMHO.

[Lead Waster]

I went to the nor cal skeet clinic and shot
2 boxes of target shot in my 12 gauge. The recoil wasn't bad at all. Pre iOS to that, I had fired a grand total of 3 shells through that gun. Remember that you can get different power loads (dram equivalent) in shells too. So a lightly loaded 12 gauge shell is not bad.

[Pfletch83]

Are we talking mostly game getting or defensive uses?

[alfred1222]

i learned off a benelli super nova 12 gauge when i was 13, and all my younger cousins, even the girls, learned off of 12g shotguns.

[Thefeeder]

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12 or 20 ? Little differance as far as performance at the 16 yard line. A lot of shooters are going to 7/8oz and 1oz 12ga loads. Right there with 20ga loads.
Yea I know, there is pattern density and shot strings, but how far do you want to take it?

Weight in a shotgun is good for reducing felt recoil....but it also is good to help the shooter continue to swing....a heavier gun is harder to stop. Wieght also helps with keeping a smooth line swing.

Trap swings are short but still very important

Have you patterned your guns?......may find a surprise or two.

The best thing you can do for a new shooter is matching them up with a good fitting gun that feels comfortable to them. Show them how to get a good mount on the gun......This is so important that the rest is meaningless until you have it.

And a big Hats Off to ya for teaching others. You can always PM me if you have and questions.......I'll have some of the answers.

[CUTTERS DADDY]

Are we talking mostly game getting or defensive uses?

Mostly trap shooting and hopefully progressing to game getting.

[CUTTERS DADDY]

[QUOTE=Thefeeder;8029938]12 or 20 ? Little differance as far as performance at the 16 yard line. Have you patterned your guns?......may find a surprise or two.
The best thing you can do for a new shooter is matching them up with a good fitting gun that feels comfortable to them. Show them how to get a good mount on the gun......This is so important that the rest is meaningless until you have it.
QUOTE]

I do need to pattern "all" my shotguns but if you start looking at the, distance, load, and choke tube then it becomes a bit overwhelming for me. Don't even know where to start with nearly 10 shotguns. As far as fit goes, that's why I have quite a few and still looking to add some more.

[Mana4real]

I started out on a 410 when I was about 8. I dropped out of shooting for a while due to cost. I've been using a O/U 12 gauge since I got back into it. 410 is great for little kids because it kicks like a 22. The only problem is there isn't a whole lot of shot in there. There are always going to be different schools of thought.

[Thefeeder]

[QUOTE=CUTTERS DADDY;8030784]

12 or 20 ? Little differance as far as performance at the 16 yard line. Have you patterned your guns?......may find a surprise or two.
The best thing you can do for a new shooter is matching them up with a good fitting gun that feels comfortable to them. Show them how to get a good mount on the gun......This is so important that the rest is meaningless until you have it.
QUOTE]

I do need to pattern "all" my shotguns but if you start looking at the, distance, load, and choke tube then it becomes a bit overwhelming for me. Don't even know where to start with nearly 10 shotguns. As far as fit goes, that's why I have quite a few and still looking to add some more.

I can understand your postion.

I'm not impling to try to find the load and choke combo that will give you the perfect pattern senario.

Perhaps one or two shots with a mod choke at 35yds just to see if its filling the target area and if something differant would be better.