12 or 20 gauge

[airedog]

I am wanting to buy a rifled slug barrel for my Encore. I guess I am kind of torn between a 12 or a 20 guage barrel. I am not recoil sensitve and the slug barrel would be used mostly for deer with a few black bear thrown in. Any thoughts? Thanks, Bob.

[AlbanyCO]

Either the 20 gauge or the 12 will kill a deer deader than a doornail. There are more choices in regards to loadings with the 12, but quality ammunition can be had in either gauge. It's really going to come down to preference. If I were you, I would opt for 12 gauge. Not that a 20 isin't going to kill a bear, but I'd rather err on the side of caution, especially using a single shot platform. Do some research in regards to choices in slugs also.

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/accuTip_bonded_sabot_slug.asp
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/buckhammer.asp
http://www.winchester.com/products/catalog/shotdetail.aspx?symbol=SXP12&bn=16&use=24