which shotgun kicks the hardest?

Question

which shotgun kicks the hardest, a 12 gauge or a 20 gauge?

Answer 1

Depends on the shell and the wieght of the gun, and the action. In general, the 12 gauge kicks harder.

Answer 2

In general a 12 gauge will kick more
In some instances the 20 will kick more. For instance a 12 gauge semiauto will kick less than a double barrel 20 gauge

Answer 3

12

Answer 4

While I have never shot one, the biggest gauge ever produced for a smokless shotgun round was a 4 gauge. I have only seen one once. Based on the size of the shell and the amounts of powder and shot that must be in it, I don't think I'd want to even dream of popping one of these off.

Of the modern rounds currently in production, the 3.5 inch 10 gauge rounds are about as tough as they get. A 2 1/4 ounce shotload in a 10 gauge 3.5 inch shell can have over 60 ft-lbs of recoil.

A 12 gauge can get pretty close to that. The 3 inch magnum loads can produce over 50 ft-lbs of recoil. The 2 3/4 inch loads for a 12 gauge can range from about 20 ft-pounds to almost 50 ft-lbs of recoil.

Here is a good reference for shotgun recoils in modern use. Chuck Hawks has an excellent firearms information website:

http://www.chuckhawks.com/shotgun_recoil_table.htm

Answer 5

Without going back to the beginning of recorded history the answer to your question is the 12 gauge. In point of fact a single barrel single shot 12 kicks like a mule and the 20 is not far behind it. That is why most single shot shotguns appear to be like new; they only get shot once or twice and then get sold or traded. In the general run of shotguns the semi-autos are sweet to shoot as a lot of the recoil is absorbed by the cycling action.

Answer 6

It depends on the weight of the gun, and whether or not the stock fits you.

I've had an ill-fitting light 20-gauge kick me so hard it broke my glasses. Then again, with my Fox 12 gauge double, recoil is moderate, because the stock fit is good.

And my old short stocked Hopkins Allen Forehand 12 gauge will kick the living snot out of me.

I pretty well comes down to pick a shotgun that fits your build, and take your chances.

Doc

Answer 7

By brand to me the Mossberg 835 12 gauge is about as hard kicking as they come but I have a older model Stevens 20 gauge that will give it a good run

Answer 8

Usually a 12 gauge.

And a 12 gauge with magnum shells kicks like a beast.

Answer 9

Almost always the 12 gauge.

Go to a gun store and compare the sizes of the 2 shells.

Answer 10

A 12-bore will generally kick more than a 20, but fit of the stock is the most important factor in how it feels.