Why isn’t more people using the 20 Gauge for Home Defense?

[Elderberry]

americanshootingjournal.com 8/29/2018

Having a 12-gauge for home defense is basically the norm.
For those that are looking at the 20 gauge for the same purpose.
There isn’t any problem using a 20 gauge shotgun for home defense.
At close range ideal for home defense the 20 gauge is just as effective as
the 12 gauge.

Using the 20 gauge can have a lot less recoil than the 12 gauge.
Which translate to better shot placement and this will usually encourage people to shoot with it more.

So why isn’t there more people using the 20 gauge for home defense?
Is it because it lacks power than the 12 gauge?
Well, it has to do with the lack of support from the gun industry.
Its easier to find shotguns for 12 gauge for home defense and hunting in the gun stores. Many law enforcement and military have 12 gauge shotguns developed for their purpose.

This article isn’t about discouraging the use of the 20 gauge.
Its just that life is easier for the 12 gauge gun owner.
Here’s the scoop from Youtuber Chris Baker of LuckyGunner.

! No longer available

More: http://americanshootingjournal.com/why-isnt-the-20-gauge-used-for-home-defense/

[Meldrew]

Agree that the 20 is an excellent choice for home defense but the grammar in the headline is sub-optimal (not @Elderberry 's doing btw).

[catfish1957]

So why isn’t there more people using the 20 gauge for home defense?
Is it because it lacks power than the 12 gauge?

Here's the way I kind of look at it from a risk management perspective....

If I have a SG that has a chance of downing an attacking perp at a 99% rate.  Say versus a gun that will give me 99.9%

The choice is a no brainer.

[Elderberry]

Here's the way I kind of look at it from a risk management perspective....

If I have a SG that has a chance of downing an attacking perp at a 99% rate.  Say versus a gun that will give me 99.9%

The choice is a no brainer.

So you trust Bean Counter's numbers more that gun confidence, familiarity, quality, and all the other gun selection factors?

[catfish1957]

So you trust Bean Counter's numbers more that gun confidence, familiarity, quality, and all the other gun selection factors?

A little of both.  I don't consider the matter of weapon lethality really a bean counter issue though.  You can be as intimate and familiar as you want with your weapon, but if doesn't stop a meth crazed loonie who's outta his mind.........

[Cyber Liberty]

TDo they make these in 20g?

[sneakypete]

Because most are clueless fools that believe poser statements that you need a 12 gauge 3 inch magnum pump gun "so invaders are scared to death when you pump the slide".

The REALITY is if they hear you pump the slide,they will shoot you dead before you finish pumping.

If you are going to use a shotgun and aren't a very experienced shotgun shooter,what you need is a 20 gauge with number 8 shot in a gas-operated autoloader. That way there is no danger of you forgetting to eject the spent shell and loading a new one.

If you are inexperienced,your ONLY sane tactic if you have a home invader and are in fear of your life is to keep shooting until your gun quits making loud noises.

You then reload,and go see if you need to shoot anymore.

Life and death ain't about being sporting,it's about surviving.

[sneakypete]

TDo they make these in 20g?

@Cyber Liberty

It doesn't matter if they do or not because you don't need them for home defense. The "shot cup" that holds your shot in place is still full of shot at 15 feet,which in effect makes it a plastic-coated slug.