I'm a pistol shooter. I want to buy this for home defense. I've never shot these. I know this is a "personal preference" type of question but can anyone guide me on which to buy, 12 or 20 guage? Lots of 12 gauge models but not 20. Makes me think most are going to the 12. Any help is appreciated.

Question

I'm a pistol shooter.  I want to buy this for home defense.  I've never shot these.  I know this is a "personal preference" type of question but can anyone guide me on which to buy, 12 or 20 guage?  Lots of 12 gauge models but not 20.  Makes me think most are going to the 12.  Any help is appreciated.

Jimmie B. · Answer

The 12 is heavier and the shells hold more powder, however, if you look at the Winchester PDX1 home defense round, with a combination of disks and buck shot, you may want to go with the 20 gauge just because it's lighter and not nearly the recoil.

Michael W. · Answer

Mark, I'm an old man and prefer 12 ga. But if you are using for home defense and may have different family members using firearm in case of self defense. Go with the 20ga. Will stop threat and easier for other family members to operate. Plenty of good 20 ga self defense rounds around. Pick Winchester, Remington or Federal--------------https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/713070645/winchester+ammo+super-x+20ga+275%22                                 https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/66071/remington+20+ga+2+3%2f4%22+20+pel+%233+lead+buck+shot                            https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/65663/federal+20+ga+2+3%2f4%22+20+pel+%233+lead+buckshot

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I'm a pistol shooter. I want to buy this for home defense. I've never shot these. I know this is a "personal preference" type of question but can anyone guide me on which to buy, 12 or 20 guage? Lots of 12 gauge models but not 20. Makes me think most are going to the 12. Any help is appreciated.