The 20 gauge has long been the subject of debate and hunting legends and is now living in limbo: some believe it to be for beginners and others support its absolute supremacy over the 12. For many and especially for those who use it, this gauge has an undeniable charm linked to the greater difficulty of shooting and the need for concentration that it requires to hit the target due to the need for greater precision than usual.
Always considered the true first cadet gauge as an alternative to the 12, in the course of history it was initially used by hunting women or young noblemen rookies (for this reason it is defined as a gauge for "little boys"). However, since the 1960s and 1970s, thanks also to the appearance of plastic components and larger cartridges, it has seen a growth in the production and use of this gauge. Ease of availability, fine-tuning and much higher quality of the cones of fire have allowed the 20 gauge to be among the preferred and widespread medium gauges.
THE BALISTIC RANGE OF THE 20 GAUGE
The range of the 20 gauge varies according to the type of cartridge and therefore the weight of the pallets, with a range ranging from 20 to 42 grams.
Available with 24 and 28 grams, these have an efficacy not far from the older brother and effective on medium-sized game such as ducks and pheasants, up to 35 meters. Those for hunting use light and medium loads of about 24/26 grams, to touch the 27/29 that allow to be considered heavy and make the best with about 390 m/s. In choked barrels to the maximum with a capacity that reaches and exceeds 40 meters, the weights are increased up to 40 grams.
GO HUNTING WITH THE 20 GAUGE
Placed on the market to replace the 16 and 24, this gauge flanks the 12 showing itself as a mature weapon. Analyzing its performance, here are the advantages that can be achieved by using it during hunting:
- adoption of a lighter, more maneuverable weapon, with greater versatility that allows the hunter to sustain lower fatigue;
- a wide range of cartridges with different lead weights that, through higher powders, allow to reach a higher initial speed of the pellets.
Given the two characteristics listed above, for the classic tracking hunt for medium-sized prey it is highly recommended in its heavier versions. Surely this will kick the light weapon but the resulting precision will cause fewer shots to be fired.
On the other hand, the 20 is certainly inadequate in the hunt for ducks and on those that provide for long-distance shots.
THE 20 GAUGE IN SPORT
On the platform this gauge is not widely used. There are several tournaments carried out during the year with the smallest gauges compared to the traditional one and, it should be remembered, for several years in minor races it was possible to repeat the series if it was adopted.
For those who practice it, this unusual gauge allows the shooter to focus on the execution of the shouldering undoubtedly increasing the quality level of performance. A good ballistic situation and not too far from the superior, with excellent cones of fire in distribution and regularity.
The 20 gauge has seen a change of trend over time: the youngest have gone to 12, while the oldest and traditionalists rightly defend and remain faithful to this gauge liquidating the possible change with a simple but incisive phrase "The hunt is also made of traditions that must be kept up". The choice is yours, whether to innovate or remain faithful. In any case, Gemini has the chokes for your shotgun, both for hunting and for sports shooting!