12 or 20 gauge shotgun?

[police women of America]

So I'm thinking of getting a shotgun later this year. Possibly even one for my dad too if I can get it cheap enough. But I know very little about shotguns. I do know I need a shotgun 10 gauge or smaller and that can hold less then 4 shot shells. So I narrowed it to these two gauges.
So here's the facts: it will be a pump action, we probably will be hunting goose, ducks, and possibly turkeys with this shotgun. I'm not to concerned with the recoil of the shotgun but I don't want anything to extreme since my adult siblings might use it someday if we do some sort of family hunt. So which gauge do you think would be best?
Thanks!

[270Shooter]

12 gauge. For shooting targets there is little difference in recoil between the two. When shooting at game you don't feel the recoil as much or at all due to adreniline. The 12 is a much better killer than the 20 in the hands of an average shooter.

[jennyfell55]

I run a Mossberg 500 in 12ga as my duck/goose/turkey gun

[AWS]

Duck and goose hunting is pretty sedentary, most of the time sitting and waiting for the birds so weight is not much of a concern and a little extra helps with felt recoil and selection and availability of twelve gauge non-toxic ammo is much better than a 20ga.

Upland hunting, involves a lot more carrying than shooting, quick handling modest weight are an advantage as are lighter loads, upland game seems die a little easier and usually has no place to dive or swim away.

I have lightweight 12's, 16's and 20's all right at six pounds and are a pleasure to carry in the field, interestingly I shoot pretty much the same load in each, an ounce of shot and they work about the same and really have no preference other than aesthetics.

Handling and fit are everything in a shotgun, you point a shotgun and aim a rifle.  The better the fit the easier it is to point it where you want it.  Try a lot of guns and see which fits you the best.  I'm fairly short 5'7" and have short arms 29" sleeve,  I need a shotgun with a youth stock or have to cut the stocks up to an inch to be comfortable with it.  Long barrels I find awkward and on a pump gun find 21" to 26" work for me with 24" and 26" barrels ideal.

If you are restricted to one shotgun err on it being a little too heavy as it will allow you to be comfortable practicing more on the trap, skeet and sporting clays courses.  Swing smoother in the duck bind and feel better with the heavier waterfowl loads.  If upland hunting turns into a passion for you you can always upgrade in the future.

[12Gauge]

When you have narrowed your choice of shotgun, then go to the store and see if that gun fits you.

Search the internet for shotgun fit, it is very important.  You could have a $20,000 and not hit a damn thing if the gun does not fit you right.  I learned that the hard way.

I would go with a semi auto 12 gauge 3" mag. 

[police women of America]

Thanks for all the answers! I'm definitely thinking of getting a twelve gauge since about all of you recommend it.
I'll make sure to hold the guns and make sure they are comfortable before buying them.

[jennyfell55]

Depending on where you're located in western WA, you're welcome to check mine out. I had the stock chopped down so it would fit me better, since I'm only 5'3"

[12Gauge]

Thanks for all the answers! I'm definitely thinking of getting a twelve gauge since about all of you recommend it.
I'll make sure to hold the guns and make sure they are comfortable before buying them.

The fit talks about the length of pull, the drop in comb, drop in heel & tilt.  Make sure it fits.

[Henrydog]

The biggest thing for a shotgun is that it Fits you.  You will be pointing not aiming so you want something that mounts.  The vast majority of my hunting is upland, and I use a 20ga, because it fits me and its light.  Its a Ithaca/SKB that is worth no more than $150.00  I have taken well over 250 pheasant/huns/chucker with it in the last 5 years.  A 12ga is much better suited for ducks and like others have said you will not be packing it.  There a couple of companies that make youth or "micro" 12ga, and typically the fit females far better than standard shotguns

[C-Money]

My wife and daughter use a 20ga. They do well with it. I believe they would be fine with a 12ga. An Remington 870 Express gives you high quality at a bargain price.

[jackson7]

agree with c-money. there are also plenty of used guns that are inexpensive. take a look in the pawn shops and some of the gun stores. also armslist.com in Washington.

[birddogdad]

you specify pump , ok...

I would go 12 for the game you also specified. Plenty inexpensive options.. try them out, SIZE / FIT is essential for you... depending on your arm length and build, you may need to modify stock/recoil pad. also, and I cant stress this enough... make sure it accepts choke tubes, not having a fixed choke (many older guns don't have tubes) will make your shooting experience a happier one. all can plug to 3 shot rules... Possible sling options too.. I would retract this 12 GA if you have a difficult shouldering a heavier gun.. if so, then go 20 they may suit you better..

[GrampasGuns]

Benelli Nova cant be beat for a first shotgun. Not too spendy either and they are ultra reliable.

[thinkingman]

12 gauge. For shooting targets there is little difference in recoil between the two. When shooting at game you don't feel the recoil as much or at all due to adreniline. The 12 is a much better killer than the 20 in the hands of an average shooter.

I don't consider my self an average shooter.
I'm lucky to score 15 at the trap line.
That said, I've killed many more birds with my 20ga than my 12 due to the fact the 20 fits me and the 12 does not.
Fit is what kills birds, not bigger payload.
I shoot 3" 20ga 1 1/4oz loads at roosters and I used to think that was a pretty hefty 12ga round back in the day before 3.5" was available.
Go to a shop with a good selection of shotguns and see what comes up to your shoulder and eye most naturally and buy that shotgun, not somebody else's favorite.

[T-Bone]

Depending on where you're located in western WA, you're welcome to check mine out. I had the stock chopped down so it would fit me better, since I'm only 5'3"

Great advice! My wife is 5'3", as well. A Youth Model generally fits her very well. An ill fitting gun can heighten felt recoil sensation and cause other problems, as well. If you go with a 12 Ga., non-Youth Model, I suggest having the gun fitted to you by a professional gunsmith.