SpcNape Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 I'm new to waterfowling, so bare with me on this question. I am going to start duck and goose hunting next year, and I am going to need a new shotgun. I am going to want to buy a gun I can use for both upland and waterfowl. My question is: can you use a 20 guage for goose hunting? My father and I reload and are looking at using bismuth. Can a 20 be loaded with enough umph to take geese? Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Phaseolus (BeanMan) Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? Spc, At close range you can take plenty of geese with a 20 guage. I started hunting with a 20. Once I moved up to a 12 though I wouldn't go back. It gives you more range and fewer cripples. As a side note It seems that you might need more than one shotgun, which you will acquire over time. Get a twelve guage to start and once you can afford it start getting your 'niche' guns. A shotgun with choke tubes can be very versatile. MHO, BeanMan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun_300 Posted January 2, 2007 Report Share Posted January 2, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? 20 gauge is ideal for upland game and ok for geese too, I do reccommend a 12ga over a 20ga for goose hunting though. I have both, I prefer the 12 for geese and the 20 for upland. Not saying a 20 won't knock them down, loaded with 3" shells you shouldn't have a problem. The 12ga will reach out farther and you can also use 3 1/2" shells with the 12 as long as your gun is chambered for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpcNape Posted January 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? Yeah, I think I'm going to go with the 12. I like shooting 20's for upland, but I think I'll just have to get one later. Thanks for your response. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted January 3, 2007 Report Share Posted January 3, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? yep---if you plan on shooting geese then I'd also go with a 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drkillemquick Posted January 4, 2007 Report Share Posted January 4, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? [ QUOTE ] yep---if you plan on shooting geese then I'd also go with a 12 [/ QUOTE ] yup I would agree, however when I was 15 I shot my first goose with a 20, but it really cuts down on your ethical shooting range! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gitcha_some Posted January 5, 2007 Report Share Posted January 5, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? if your going to reload with bismuth than a 20 ga will perform just as good as a 12 with steel shot in my opinion.......although reloading with bismuth will deifnantly hurt the wallet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sureshot_10 Posted January 6, 2007 Report Share Posted January 6, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? I just started hunting ducks and geese this year, and i dont know much about what guns are the best, but i love my mossberg 835 max 4 camo 12 ga. I have had it fall into the water get muc in the barrel and it always seems to shoot fine. I was a lefty so this was another factor in why i bought a mossberg because the saftey is on the top. Good luch hunting next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dakota Posted January 12, 2007 Report Share Posted January 12, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? I have two 20 gauges and three 12's. Of my 12's, two of them I'd take into the field after waterfowl. My Remington 870 Express Supermag is nice because I can change the chokes for different types of game, but my favorite is my Winchester 1200 pump. It's an older gun having replaced the model 12, but with a full choke I can bring geese down as well as pheasants flying away at 50 yards with 2 shot. My other 12 is a Gazelle (Ruger) o/u double barrel. Shoot sixes through that for pheasants and you'll have your limit in no time! It's reall up to you, though on what gun you want. Good luck! Dakota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duckslayer Posted February 1, 2007 Report Share Posted February 1, 2007 Re: Shotguns?? a twelve is would you'll probably need for geese. I've shot a twenty up until this year, and i used to hit geese pretty hard, but when i went to 12 there was a noticeable difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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