12 vs 16 vs 20 Bore Shotguns: Which is Best for You?

Sep 7
3 min read

Shotguns have always held a special place among firearm enthusiasts. Whether for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense, the choice of bore size plays a critical role in performance and practicality. Among the most discussed options are the 12 bore, 16 bore, and 20 bore. Each has its own strengths, recoil characteristics, and ideal applications. But when it comes to Indian shooters, availability, licensing, and tradition also play an important role.

12 Bore (12 Gauge)

Most Popular & Versatile
Huge range of ammunition types (birdshot, buckshot, slugs).
Best for hunting larger game (deer, wild boar), clay shooting, and home defense.
Heavier recoil compared to 16 & 20.
Widely available worldwide → easier to find ammo and spare parts.

Pros: Power, availability, versatility.

Cons: Heavier gun, stronger recoil, may be tiring in long hunts.

16 Bore (16 Gauge)

Known as the “gentleman’s gauge.”
Balanced between 12 and 20 bore.
Good for upland bird hunting and general sporting use.
Less recoil than 12 but more punch than 20.
Unfortunately, ammo availability is limited in many countries, including India.

Pros: Balanced performance, manageable recoil.

Cons: Harder to find ammo, not as common as 12.

20 Bore (20 Gauge)

Lighter gun, lower recoil → excellent for youth, women, or long hunts where carrying weight matters.
Effective for birds, rabbits, and medium game with proper loads.
Recoil is much softer than 12 bore, so faster follow-up shots are easier.
Modern 20-bore loads can match older 12-bore performance, but ammo variety is smaller.

Pros: Light, easy handling, softer recoil.

Cons: Slightly less power, fewer load options than 12.

Modern 20-Bore vs. Older 12-Bore Loads

With modern ammunition technology, the 20-bore magnum can deliver performance similar to older 12-bore standard loads.

Specification	12 Bore (Older 2¾" Standard Load)	20 Bore (Modern 3" Magnum Load)
Shell Length	70 mm (2¾")	76 mm (3")
Shot Weight	32 g (1⅛ oz)	35 g (1¼ oz)
Muzzle Velocity	~365 m/s (1200 fps)	~380 m/s (1250 fps)
Muzzle Energy	~2100 J	~2160 J
Effective Range	40–45 m	40–45 m
Recoil	Heavier	Lighter

Takeaway: A 20-bore magnum can match older 12-bore shells in knockdown power — but the 12-bore still wins overall thanks to its wider ammo variety and heavier loads.

Verdict

For all-round use (hunting + sport + defense): 12 bore is the best.
For balanced shooting with moderate recoil (if ammo is available): 16 bore is excellent but less practical today.
For light recoil and easier handling (especially for sport shooting and small game): 20 bore is ideal.

In India, 12 bore is the most practical choice because of ammo availability, government licensing norms, and its versatility.

The Power values are shown on a relative scale of 1–10 (for easy comparison, not absolute energy in ft-lbs).

12 Bore → 9/10 (highest power, suitable for large game & defense)
16 Bore → 7/10 (balanced punch, between 12 and 20)
20 Bore → 6/10 (lighter loads, effective for small to medium game)

Key Takeaways

12 Bore → Reliable across all game sizes, best knockdown and versatility.
16 Bore → Balanced, good for small and medium game, limited for larger animals.
20 Bore → Great for small game, decent for medium game, but not ideal for larger game

Comparison of 12, 16, and 20 Bore Shotguns

Feature	12 Bore (12 Gauge)	16 Bore (16 Gauge)	20 Bore (20 Gauge)
Power	High – suitable for large game & defense	Medium-High – balanced punch	Moderate – best for small/medium game
Recoil	Strong, can be tiring over long sessions	Moderate, smoother than 12	Light, comfortable for long hunts
Gun Weight	Heavier, sturdier	Medium	Lightweight, easier to carry
Ammunition Availability	Excellent – widely available worldwide (esp. in India)	Limited – harder to find in most markets	Good, but less variety than 12
Versatility	Very high – supports birdshot, buckshot, and slugs	Moderate – good balance but fewer load options	Moderate – good for hunting and sport
Best Use Cases	All-round: hunting, clay shooting, defense	Upland birds, sporting use (if ammo available)	Bird hunting, rabbits, light to medium game, beginners
Ideal Shooter	Experienced shooters who want maximum versatility	Enthusiasts who value tradition and balance	Youth, women, or those preferring lighter recoil

Choosing the right shotgun bore ultimately depends on your purpose:

If you want power, versatility, and easy ammo availability, the 12-bore is the clear winner.
If you prefer balance and moderate recoil (and can source ammo), the 16 bore still holds appeal.
For lightweight handling and softer recoil, especially for beginners or sport shooters, the 20 bore is an excellent option.

In India, however, practicality outweighs preference. The 12-bore shotgun remains the most reliable and accessible choice, making it the go-to option for the majority of licensed firearm owners.