When choosing a shotgun for hunting there are two prominent gauges that most turn to, which is a hotly debated subject amongst upland and waterfowl hunters alike. The old school, all purpose shotgun shell, the 12 gauge, and the increasingly popular 20 gauge. These are the two most readily accessible from gun manufacturers and have the best shell availability, but differ significantly when it comes to weight, recoil, and number of pellets they’re able to shoot down range. Like everything in life, both have their pros and cons, so I wanted to break down each and give you my take on which gauge I would pick. 

Background: 

I have been a bird hunting junky since I was a kid, fresh out of hunter safety. This love for chasing birds has taken me from prairie fields to freezing duck blinds, all for a chance to bag a few drakes, ganders, or roosters. This passion for bird hunting has also made me a shotgun aficionado, collecting what my wife might describe as an unhealthy amount of shotguns. Like many others, my first shotgun was a hand-me-down Mossberg 500g 12 gauge that my dad has had since he was in college. While it may not have the bells and whistles that a newer shotgun would have, it’s served me quite well over the years and has been my ole reliable on many goose, turkey, and upland game hunts. However, as I got older and spent more and more time in the field, I found myself wanting something lighter and faster: leading me to the 20 gauge. Initially drawn to it for upland hunting usage, I quickly realized its potential for use in most hunting situations. 

Bore Diameter:

The reason why the 12 gauge gained some much popularity is because the larger bore size of the gun lets you load a bigger shot shell, which in turn translates to more pellets down range to hit your target. While there is a larger bore size that is legal to hunt within the United States, that being the 10 gauge, the 12 gauge delivers exceptional power without being too cumbersome to carry in the field. With a larger bore size, manufacturers can put a heavier ounce weight into each shot load, increasing the stopping power and allowing you to have a more consistent ethical harvest of your game.

In comparison, the 20 gauge has a smaller diameter bore, measuring in at .615 inches versus the 12 gauge’s .729 inches. However, the practical implications of this difference in bore sizes is often overstated.

To illustrate the difference, let’s say that if you were using a 3 inch, #2 shot steel load out of a 12 gauge (which is probably the most common shot size for waterfowl), then you would have approximately 97 pellets down range. Whereas in the 20 gauge cartridge with the same shell length and shot size you would still have approximately 87 pellets down range.

While it may get a slightly larger payload down range, I don’t find this ~10% difference to be significant enough for me to go reaching for the 12 gauge without a second thought every time that I’m heading out. Because of its lighter weight and comparable shot output, I still tend to lean towards the 20 gauge as the more favorable of the two for a long day out in the field.

Side by side comparison of a 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotgun shell

Recoil and Weight:

Since the 20 gauge has a smaller diameter bore than the 12 gauge, it in turn becomes a much lighter gun in the field. This weight difference is noticeable after a long day in the field chasing birds and a 12 gauge shotgun can become uncomfortable quite quickly. For instance, take the Remington Model 870 Wingmaster: Available in both gauges with a 28-inch barrel. The 20 gauge weighs in at ~6 lbs while the 12 gauge comes in at 7 lbs. That extra weight really takes its toll after miles of walking.

As far as recoil goes, when you’re shooting 12 gauge, you’re gonna feel it. Even as an experienced hunter that knows what kind of punch this shell packs, there’s no getting around the sore shoulder that comes with hitting your daily limit. In comparison, the 20 gauge produces 40-60% less felt recoil, even when all other variables are equal. Not only does the more forgiving recoil make the day and the hunt more enjoyable, but it’s gonna help you stay on target too. Less recoil means more accurate follow up shots on flock of ducks, a pair of roosters, or god forbid a missed initial shot. 

Lethality and Load Availability: 

Like we talked about earlier with the larger bore size the 12 gauge is naturally predisposed to be able to push heavier payloads and more pellets down range. However, with advancements in ballistics technology, it’s no longer mandatory to have the larger bore size to ethically kill bigger, heavier game like geese or even turkeys. This is mostly thanks to the creation of TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) which has really leveled the playing field between 20 and 12 gauge.

TSS is around 60% more dense than lead, providing a whole host of advantages over the traditional lead pellets of standard shotgun shells. Each pellet retains more energy and velocity over longer distances, giving you more punch behind your shot. The TSS pellets are also harder, resulting in better penetration. Finally, since the TSS pellets are denser, shells can be loaded with smaller shot size, meaning a larger payload, tighter shot pattern, and more pellets on target.

Finding 20-gauge shells is now just as easy as finding 12-gauge, thanks to increased production. Manufacturers have stepped up production to meet the demand, especially as more hunters switch to smaller gauges. The price for a standard target load will run about $10.99 for both gauges so there’s not really much there to consider, economically speaking. If you’re going to opt to start running premium TSS loads, those shells do incur a bit of a premium, but when it comes to making or breaking a hunt, the improved performance is worth its weight in gold.

Shot pattern comparison between 3 ¹⁄₂  Inch Winchester Double X, #5 shot lead payload 12 gauge (left), 3 Inch Winchester Double X, #5 shot lead payload 20 gauge (center), and 3 Inch Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS, #9 shot tungsten payload 20 gauge (right).

Conclusion:

All these considered the 20 gauge is the winner for me. The comparable lethality at a lighter weight with less felt recoil makes every minute in the field and every shot so much more enjoyable. While there are always special circumstances, like custom 12 gauge shotguns or after market components to reduce weight and recoil, an off-the-shelf, standard 20 gauge will hands down deliver a more enjoyable shooting experience than a similarly spec’d 12 gauge. So next time you are in the market for a new shotgun, put a 20 gauge in your hand and see how it feels. I bet you won’t want to put it back down.

Just like choosing the right shotgun can make all the difference in the field, having the right gear—especially boots—is just as critical. Whether you’re trekking across the prairie after upland birds or trudging through marshes for waterfowl, the right pair of boots will keep you comfortable, dry, and ready for the next shot. If you’re looking for top-tier performance in the field, check out our lineup of premium hunting boots, built to withstand whatever the hunt throws at you. Click to shop now!