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Providing Terminal Ballistics evaluations to Government and the Private Sector |
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Brass Fetcher Ballistic TestingBrass Fetcher Ballistic Testing |
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20 Gauge Shotgun |
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Typical terminal effects from a 20 gauge shotgun firing #1 buckshot |
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A very reasonable alternative to the 12 gauge shotgun exists with the 20 gauge shotgun. Historically considered to be a good sporting shotgun for women, smaller men and older children, the 20 gauge shotgun can be expected to give no quarter in a defensive situation as well, if wielded by a competent shooter.
The tradeoff with this cartridge comes in the fact that each cartridge holds fewer shot pellets than a comparable 12 gauge, but this also is why 20 gauges have comparatively low recoil. Having less pellets naturally means that you have less chances to hit the target and cause rapid incapacitation. It must be said, however, that all shotguns regardless of caliber will repeatedly impact around the same point of impact. That is, all shot pellets from a shotgun form a generally circular pattern in flight—and all circles have a definite center location. Utilizing a shotgun simply because it can fire more shot pellets per trigger pull, is a risk you should not take. There are not enough pellets or spread in a shotgun to excuse the user from taking a careful aim.
Recently, interest has renewed in utilizing the 20 gauge shotgun for self-defense. As such, loadings appropriate to self-defense and medium game hunting are beginning to arrive on the consumer market. |
