Adequate Goose Gun?

[Phartridge]

I have a 20 gauge pump action shotgun, and I am wondering if this is going to be enough to bring a goose down.  It has a 28" barrel, and can hold 3" magnuns.  I also have interchangable choke tubes, so I was assuming that a full choke would probably be best.  I am just wondering if this is going to be adequate?  Thanks   

[ducksdoom12]

shoot the heads and get um close enough and u should be able to bring um down.

[bobcat]

Not with steel shot. But with some of the other alternatives it will work if you keep your shots on the short side. I'd say no more than about 35 yards.

[Jellymon]

It will work fine, keep the range down and use the right size shot and you got yourself some geese!

[Professor Chaos]

Well obviously bobcat doesnt know what he is talking about.

http://shotshell.drundel.com/pelletcount.htm

The only difference is pellet count.  I shoot a bunch of geese every year with 12 ga 2 3/4 in steel shells.  Its very similar to a 20ga 3" shell.  

[bobcat]

Well obviously bobcat doesnt know what he is talking about.

http://shotshell.drundel.com/pelletcount.htm

The only difference is pellet count.  I shoot a bunch of geese every year with 12 ga 2 3/4 in steel shells.  Its very similar to a 20ga 3" shell. 

It's simply my opinion. Doesn't mean I don't know what I'm talking about. I wouldn't recommend using a 20 gauge with steel shot for geese. I didn't say it wouldn't kill them, but why limit yourself by using steel shot when there are much better alternatives out there? Also it depends on what kind of geese you're talking about. He didn't say so I'm assuming Canada Geese.

[vandeman17]

I trust pretty much whatever Bobcat says as he hasn't lead me astray before.  I do agree with him here as well. Not to say that a 20 gauge wouldn't bring down a goose but there are plenty of other means to make clean, lethal shots. If I had to hunt with a 20 gauge, I for sure wouldn't shoot past 30 yards or so but that is just me.

[ctwiggs1]

Bring them in close.

My brother and I both started on .410's when we were kids and we've both killed geese with them. 

Curtis

[Professor Chaos]

Full choke is often not the best for sheel shot FYI.  Modified with steel can act like a full. 
the gauge of the gun doesnt matter.  97 pellets out of a 2 3/4 inch 12ga shell, go the same speed as the 87 out of a 3" 20ga. 

[bobcat]

Gauge does matter. 12 gauge is better all the way around. More shot, and/or more velocity, along with a shorter shot column, which provides better patterns than the smaller gauge shotguns. Sounds to me like you need to do more homework, Professor.

[Phartridge]

Ok, thanks for the input, but I now have a couple more questions.  What kind of shells should I use?  And, playing off that, I am getting the impression that  I shouldn't use steel shot.  Can I use lead?     Also, my Dad has a 12 gauge turkey gun that kicks like a mule.  It has a ported barrel, and takes 3 1/2" shells.  The thing about that is I like a little challenge, and my 20 gauge is way more fun to hunt with.

[Meats]

Gauge does matter. 12 gauge is better all the way around. More shot, and/or more velocity, along with a shorter shot column, which provides better patterns than the smaller gauge shotguns. Sounds to me like you need to do more homework, Professor.

A pellet does not know if it comes out of a 20ga or 12ga.
If a #2 steel shot pellet at 1500 fps comes out of a 12 or 20 gauge wich is more lethal

A 20gauge shooting the correct size shot for the intended target and at a adequate velocity will kill geese as cleanly as a 12 or 10 gauge.
For canada geese a 3" load of #2 or BB steel shot at 1500 fps will kill like an act of god from a 20 gauge.

THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS PELLET COUNT as prof chaos stated.

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[270Shooter]

The reason a 12 gauge will kill them more effeciantly (sp?) is because of pattern density. A 20 guage has less shot which means less dense of a pattern (usually)... unless the 12 gauge you have patterns like crap, I would use that. That is not to say that a 20 gauge wont kill geese, it most certainly will.

Umm don't use lead. Modified would be the choke to start with when patterning.

[Phartridge]

In regards to the patterning.  The 12 gauge will put 30 pellets in a pop can from about 40 yards.  No kidding.     It has a super full turkey choke in it.  Is this pattern to tight for geese?  My 20 has a bit looser pattern, but still not bad. 

[TONTO]

 My Nephew takes down geese with a 20ga mossberg 500 youth, but my brother does have him shooting heavy shot out of it. They get pretty spendy, and there isn't much of a selection in 20ga, but they will crumple a goose.