What gauges do shotguns come in?

There are six common and widely-available shotgun gauges for you to choose from. From largest to smallest (keep in mind that as gauge goes up, bore diameter goes down) they are: 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and . 410 bore.

What is smaller 12 gauge or 20 gauge?

In a 20 gauge, it will take 20 balls of equal size and weight to equal one pound of shot. Because the individual pieces contained within a shotshell are bigger in a 12 gauge than in a 20 gauge, 12 is bigger than 20.

Which is better 12 gauge or 20 gauge?

A 12 gauge shotgun load is heavier and delivers more power than 20 gauge ammo does. As a result, a 12 gauge is typically better equipped to take larger game. You do sacrifice some things for that power 12 gauge shotguns have more recoil than 20 gauge and the firearm itself is more of a burden to carry.

Is an 8 gauge shotgun legal?

The 8-gauge dates back to the blackpowder days. They are an obsolete gauge that has not been made in the U.S. since the late 19th century and are illegal today for hunting waterfowl. It’s also illegal to shoot waterfowl with lead shot.

What is a 16 gauge shotgun used for?

With the advancements in bismuth and tungsten shotshells and choke technology, the 16 can handle any kind of wild game you can legally shoot with a shotgun. Waterfowl, turkeys, grouse, pheasants, rabbits, squirrels, and even deer are all a good fit for the 16-gauge shotgun.

What is a 410 gauge shotgun used for?

.410 shotguns loaded with shot shells are well suited for small game hunting and pest control; including rabbits, squirrels, snakes, rats, and birds. A .410 loaded with 1/4 ounce slugs is effective against larger animals such as coyotes and deer.

What is a 16-gauge shotgun used for?

What do you use a 20 gauge shotgun for?

20-gauge shotguns are especially suitable for hunting game birds such as quail, grouse, turkey, and other game when using shot shells. A 20-gauge can also shoot slugs and buckshot and thereby become an effective deer-hunting gun.

What is a 20-gauge shotgun used for?

In this video, Janis Putelis of MeatEater explains the most widely used shotgun gauges and bore diameter size of each shell. You’l learn more about the names, sizes and typical game animals used for each type of shotgun. Like many hunters, I started out with a small .410 shotgun as young kid then grew into a 20 gauge.

Is a 28 gauge shotgun good for hunting?

28 Gauge: Ranking below the 12 and 20 gauges in terms of popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun is somewhat common in upland game hunting and skeet shooting circles. It’s substantially more powerful than the .410 bore, but still has a very gentle recoil, even in a lighter gun.

Is there a big deal about shotgun size for hunting?

It was a big deal. But shotgun size is not just about “growing into a shotgun.” Each shotgun size has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the animal being hunted. As a general rule, you can use a larger gauge for smaller game.

What gauge shells are best for waterfowl hunting?

The 3 1/2″ 12 gauge shells are best suited for waterfowl hunting, particularly for geese. The 12 gauge is so popular because it’s powerful enough to hunt most species of game, but the recoil of a 12 gauge is much more manageable than the 10 gauge. A 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has a shorter shot column.