Considering a trade

[A.J. Holst]

NOTE TO MODERATOR: I got a PM that this post maybe inappropriate as it could be a considered a solicitation for sale/trade outside of the trading post and a non-benefactor. It was not my intention, just wanted some insight to a comparable price point 20ga. PLEASE DELETE IF VIOLATES TERMS!!!

I acquired a very lightly used Rem 870 Tactical in a multi-gun purchase and considering trading it for a 20ga something.

My thoughts are:

It's great for HD, but not very versatile

I have heard that a 20ga offers 50% of the recoil with 75% effectiveness of a 12ga

Lower recoil will make the 20ga easier for my wife to handle

Lower recoil will make the 20ga more fun to shoot

Obtain a more versatile platform

Any thoughts on what would be a comparable 20ga?

Thanks!

Edited January 21, 2011 by Gotthegoods

[gregintenn]

I don't feel much difference in recoil between a 12 and 20 guage. You do get a smaller, more trim gun in a 20. A 20 is a bit easier to sell. If you don't mind the bulkiness, the 12 gives up nothing to the 20.

[JAB]

Consider that there are reduced recoil defense loads (buckshot) in 12 gauge but not in 20 gauge. The only thing I have ever seen in 20 that claims to be reduced recoil are Remington Buckhammer slugs. Apparently, reducing the recoil of 20 gauge buckshot would reduce the effectiveness too much. I don't know - that is just the explanation I have read. I have also been told by people who's opinion I trust that a reduced recoil 12 gauge buckshot load doesn't have any more felt recoil than a 20 gauge - maybe even less.

Consider also that, while 20 gauge shells are plenty available, 12 gauge seems to be available even more readily and in a greater variety of loads, making 12 gauge possibly a little 'more versatile' than 20. I have nothing against a 20 but maybe you should try some reduced recoil buckshot out of that Remington and then decide if you really want to trade for a shotgun in a different chambering or if you might just want to trade for a different 12 gauge in a more versatile platform. I am not that familiar with the 870 but I also wonder if you might not simply be able to pick up a longer barrel to switch out onto it for hunting, etc. and simply make the shotgun you have a little more versatile.

[Guest Knightsr25]

NOTE TO MODERATOR: I got a PM that this post maybe inappropriate as it could be a considered a solicitation for sale/trade outside of the trading post and a non-benefactor. It was not my intention, just wanted some insight to a comparable price point 20ga. PLEASE DELETE IF VIOLATES TERMS!!!

Dont worry about it. There is always someone trying to cause trouble.