Grouse are a genus of plump medium-sized birds in the order Galliformes. There are several species of grouse, including ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, blue grouse, and sharp-tailed grouse. Grouse are ground-nesting birds known for eating buds, leaves, fruits, and insects.
Grouse hunting is a popular sport in many parts of North America and Europe. Hunters pursue grouse during hunting seasons that are set by wildlife agencies. There is debate among hunters regarding the best shotgun gauge to use for grouse hunting. The two most popular options are 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns. Some hunters swear by the 12 gauge as the most effective grouse gun, while others prefer the lighter weight and reduced recoil of the 20 gauge.
This article will examine the pros and cons of 12 gauge vs. 20 gauge for grouse hunting. Factors like effective range, pattern density, and recoil will be considered. Guidance will be provided on which shotgun gauge may be better suited for different types of grouse hunters and hunting situations. Recommendations will be made to help hunters determine if a 12 or 20 gauge is optimal for their needs.
Effective Range
One of the most important considerations for grouse hunting is effective range. Grouse often flush from cover at close distances, so having sufficient reach with a shotgun is critical. Here is how the effective ranges of 12 gauge and 20 gauge compare:
12 Gauge
With lead shot, a 12 gauge can effectively kill grouse out to 40-45 yards. When shooting heavier payloads of tungsten-matrix or bismuth at grouse, a 12 gauge extends range out to 50-55 yards. A 12 gauge firing heavyweight 2 3⁄4 or 3 inch magnum loads can reach grouse as far as 60-65 yards away.
20 Gauge
A 20 gauge firing lead shot is effective on grouse out to 35-40 yards maximum. The same range limitations apply to 20 gauges shooting tungsten or bismuth loads. Even 20 gauge magnum loads topped with TSS or tungsten shot will only get reliable patterns out to 45-50 yards on grouse.
Advantage
The 12 gauge clearly has the edge over the 20 gauge for effective range on grouse. While the 20 gauge can kill grouse out to 40 yards with most loads, a 12 gauge can stretch that range out to 55 yards or more when using heavy payloads. The extra 10-15 yards of effective range with a 12 gauge provides a noticeable advantage.
Pattern Density
In order to make clean kills, sufficient pattern density is needed when shooting at grouse. Denser patterns give more pellet strikes on target, increasing the odds of quickly bringing down birds. Here are comparisons of pattern densities between 12 and 20 gauges:
12 Gauge
A 12 gauge loaded with #6 or #7 1⁄2 lead shot produces dense patterns with 235-250 pellets in a 30 inch circle at 40 yards. That provides enough individual hits to cleanly take grouse. 12 gauges can also shoot tungsten alloys and bismuth loads with large numbers of pellets in the 150-220 range at 40 yards, still producing adequate pattern densities.
20 Gauge
With #6 or #7 1⁄2 lead loads, a 20 gauge places around 135-150 pellets in a 30 inch circle at 30 yards. Bismuth and tungsten loads produce 20 gauge patterns with only 90-130 pellets. While passable, those pellet counts are noticeably thinner than 12 gauge patterns.
Advantage
The 12 gauge produces clearly denser pellet patterns compared to the 20 gauge. The higher pellet counts increase the odds of clean kills on grouse and provide an advantage to the 12 gauge in this category.
Recoil
Hunting grouse often involves taking many shots in a day at flushing birds. Recoil management is important so hunters can make accurate follow up shots. Here is how the recoil of 12 and 20 gauges compares:
12 Gauge
A typical field load of #6 or #7 1⁄2 lead shot generates around 20 ft-lbs of recoil from a 12 gauge when fired from an average 7 1⁄2 pound shotgun. Relatively stout recoil like this can fatigue shooters over long hunting days. Heavy 12 gauge payloads produce recoil exceeding 25 ft-lbs, which some hunters find unpleasant.
20 Gauge
The same standard field loads generate approximately 15-18 ft-lbs of recoil from a typical 6 1⁄2 pound 20 gauge shotgun. More manageable recoil makes it easier to repeatedly mount the 20 gauge and make accurate shots at flushed birds. Heavy 20 gauge loads still climb above 20 ft-lbs of recoil, but are softer shooting than heavyweight 12 gauge loads.
Advantage
The 20 gauge has a clear advantage in the recoil department. More moderate recoil helps 20 gauge shooters stay in the game on long hunting days. The 12 gauge’s stouter recoil can take a toll over hundreds of shots.
Shotgun Weight
Carrying a shotgun through thousands of steps in a day of grouse hunting makes weight an important factor. Here are typical weights of 12 and 20 gauge shotguns:
12 Gauge
Most repeaters like pump, semi-auto, and over-under shotguns weigh around 7-7 1⁄2 pounds in 12 gauge. Upland specific 12 gauges built on lightweight alloy receivers can weigh 1⁄2 pound less. Expect to carry a 12 gauge weighing right around 7 pounds or slightly less during long days of grouse hunting.
20 Gauge
Similar 20 gauge shotgun platforms weigh approximately 1⁄2 pound to 3⁄4 pound less than their 12 gauge counterparts. Instead of packing 7-7 1⁄2 pounds, 20 gauges tip the scales at 6 – 6 1⁄2 pounds in standard configurations. That reduction in heft can make a difference on extended hunts.
Advantage
The lighter weight of 20 gauge shotguns compared to 12 gauges gives them an edge in this category. Especially during physically demanding spot-and-stalk hunts, less weight can help hunters stay energized and cover more ground.
Ammo Selection and Availability
Grouse hunters have a wide variety of ammunition options to choose from. Here is how ammo selection and availability compares between 12 and 20 gauge:
12 Gauge
As one of the most popular shotgun gauges, the 12 gauge has endless ammo choices for hunters. All lead loads are available from #4 buck down to #9 shot. Every major manufacturer offers 12 gauge turkey, waterfowl, and upland loads. There is also abundant choice and supply of specialty 12 gauge ammo including tungsten, bismuth, TSS, and steel shot.
20 Gauge
A decent variety of 20 gauge ammo exists, but selection is not as vast as 12 gauge. Standard #4-#9 lead loads are available, but shot sizes under #7 1⁄2 can be hard to find. Specialty loads exist but are not always stocked locally. Shell choice is more limited compared to 12 gauge.
Advantage
With its tremendous variety and availability of all types of ammunition, the 12 gauge wins this category. Grouse hunters who value ammo flexibility and want to use more obscure specialty loads are probably better served by 12 gauge.
Versatility
Grouse are often pursued as part of mixed bag hunts for other upland species. A shotgun that can serve double duty on additional game is a bonus. Here is how 12 and 20 gauges stack up:
12 Gauge
A 12 gauge is a highly versatile shotgun equally capable of pursuing all upland species from grouse to pheasant to turkey. It also excels on waterfowl with huge ammo selection for ducks and geese. Dove and other game birds are within the 12 gauge’s reach as well.
20 gauge
While slightly more limited, the 20 gauge can definitely pull double duty on upland species beyond just grouse. It has ample power and ammo selection for turkey, pheasants, quail, dove and other birds. But it falls shorter on waterfowl requiring long range capability and extra payload.
Advantage
The 12 gauge wins again here with its nearly unmatched versatility across all upland, waterfowl, and other game bird species. Hunters mixing in ducks or geese will especially appreciate a 12 gauge. But the 20 gauge has ample utility for most other upland and game bird species.
Youth and Small-Framed Shooters
When grouse hunting with kids and smaller hunters, a lower recoiling shotgun can be beneficial. Here is how 12 and 20 gauges compare for youth/smaller shooters:
12 Gauge
A 12 gauge with standard field loads can provide too much recoil for youth and smaller-framed hunters. Excess recoil causes inaccurate shooting, flinching, and discomfort that turn off newcomers. A 12 gauge is usable but may not be an ideal youth grouse gun.
20 Gauge
The lighter recoiling 20 gauge is much better suited to youth, women, and smaller shooters. Moderate 20 gauge recoil is more comfortable and manageable, facilitating accuracy. The 20 gauge is an excellent choice as a “first shotgun” and for building fundamental shotgun skills.
Advantage
With its reduced recoil and weight, the nod goes to the 20 gauge for youth and smaller build hunters. Shooting a 20 is simply a more enjoyable experience that gives those hunters their best chance for success.
Older Hunters
Hunters in their 60s, 70s and beyond may appreciate a shotgun with lower recoil. Here is how 12 and 20 gauges compare for older shooters:
12 Gauge
The recoil of a standard 12 gauge can take a toll on older hunters, becoming uncomfortable and fatiguing over a long day. Older shooters may flinch in anticipation of heavier 12 gauge recoil, impacting accuracy. An older hunter would need to shoot reduced loads to be comfortable with a 12.
20 Gauge
A 20 gauge shooting standard field loads generates more manageable recoil for older hunters. Shooting a 20 is simply less abusive on aging joints and muscles compared to a 12. This makes it easier for older hunters to take regular aimed shots with good accuracy.
Advantage
Another win for the 20 gauge when it comes to managing recoil for older hunters. The moderate 20 gauge kicking helps seniors stay comfortable and on target throughout a long day of grouse hunting.
Fun Factor
Many grouse hunters simply find lighter 20 gauges more enjoyable to carry and shoot. Here is a look at the “fun factor” of each gauge:
12 Gauge
The 12 gauge can get heavy and tiring over longer hunts. Some find its recoil unpleasant if firing many shots. While certainly effective, some grouse hunters don’t find the 12 provides an enjoyable shooting experience.
20 Gauge
Carrying and handling a 6 pound 20 instead of a 7 pound 12 adds up to an enjoyable day. The 20’s lighter recoil also contributes to shooting comfort and maintains accuracy. Many grouse enthusiasts simply have more fun shooting 20 gauges compared to 12s.
Advantage
This category goes to the 20 gauge for the sheer enjoyment many hunters get from carrying and shooting the lighter 20 all day. For those who put fun high on their priority list, the 20 gauge may be the clear choice.
12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge Side by Side Comparison
Here is a helpful side by side comparison of how 12 gauge and 20 gauge stack up for key grouse hunting attributes:
12 Gauge | 20 Gauge | |
---|---|---|
Effective Range | 50-65 yards | 35-50 yards |
Pattern Density | Very Good | Good |
Recoil | Moderate/Heavy | Very Manageable |
Weight | Around 7 lbs | 6 – 6.5 lbs |
Ammo Selection | Excellent | Good |
Versatility | Extremely High | Moderate |
Youth/Smaller Shooters | Too much recoil | Low recoil good for beginners |
Older Shooters | Potentially too punishing | Manageable recoil |
Fun Factor | Moderate | High for some shooters |
Recommendations for Choosing 12 or 20 Gauge for Grouse
Based on the pros and cons detailed for each gauge above, here are some recommendations on which shotgun may be better for specific types of grouse hunters:
For Hunters Prioritizing Effective Range
The 12 gauge with its reach advantage is recommended most often. Hunters wanting to consistently kill grouse out past 50 yards need a 12 gauge.
For Hunters Who Only Take Shots Inside 40 Yards
A 20 gauge is sufficient given most shots are well within its effective range. These hunters will enjoy the lighter weight and recoil.
For Hunters Firing Many Shots in a Day
The moderate 20 gauge recoil helps these hunters stay comfortable and on target longer when making many dozens of shots.
For Youth or Smaller Hunters
The 20 gauge with appropriate stock fit is clearly the better choice to help these shooters handle recoil and shoot accurately.
For Older Hunters Concerned with Recoil
The 20 gauge with its lighter kicking recoil is easier on aging bodies. It allows seniors to shoot effectively all day long.
As a Second Grouse Gun
Those who already have a 12 gauge can round out their battery nicely with a 20 gauge as a lighter second gun for change of pace hunts.
For Grouse Hunters Focused on Enjoyment
The lighter weight and softer shooting 20 gauges may bring more smiles during a long day in the coverts.
Conclusion
Determining whether a 12 or 20 gauge is better for grouse requires assessing your needs and priorities as a hunter. If you frequently take longer shots, pursue geese too, or simply like the heft of a 12 gauge, stick with a 12. The versatile 12 gauge certainly gets the job done on grouse.
But for many other grouse hunters, the 20 gauge may be a better fit. The easy carrying 20 with its moderate recoil and lighter payload provides plenty of performance while being a joy to carry and shoot. Youth hunters, women, and seniors especially benefit from using a 20 gauge.
There is no universally right answer to choosing a 12 or 20 for grouse. Assess your own hunting style and interests first. Consider all the factors explored here including effective range, recoil, and weight. Determine what best aligns with the type of grouse hunting you do. With an honest evaluation of your needs and an understanding of each gauge’s strengths, you can pick the 12 or 20 that is truly ideal for you.