20 or 12

[Specklebelly]

I shot my 12 gauge pardner a few weeks ago with a slug in it.  I just had a parnder with a modified barrel.  I have never done that before as I always hunt big game with a rifle.

Needless to say, I was QUITE surprised by the recoil.  I shot an elk a few years ago with a 30-06 bolt action. 180 grain and it kicked nothing like that 12 gauge. 

Anyway, I have a little extra in the bank this month and am going to get a slug barrel and have a few questions:

How is the recoil on a 20 compared to the 12?
Can a 20 be used for deer?
What is the lethal range for 12 and 20?
Which do you recommend?

As always, thx.

[bearbeater]

Hey
I have a 20 and 12. I prefer the 20 uhs or tracker ll for bigger stuff I use the 12. Your preferance but the 20 is less brutal inthe recoil dept. hope this helps
Bearbeater

[WNY_Whitetailer]

You have a couple of options...Here is what I would do. 

I would send that receiver, stock and forend back to H&R and have them install a 20GA USH barrel.  But, you would have to mount a scope as the USH does not come with sites.

If you want a 12GA, I would opt for a Tracker II with rifle sites.  You cannot mount a 12GA USH heavy barrel on a SB1 shotgun frame.  But, H&R just came out with a Ultra Light Slug Hunter...That 12GA will fit an SB1 shotgun frame.  I do not see it listed on the accessory barrel page yet.  You may have to call for that one.

As far as effective range, I have heard of guys taking shots at 125 yards with both a 12 and a 20 with success.  I have not had an opportunity to shoot that far and the farthest I have shot while hunting targets is 100 yards...I wouldn't stretch myself much beyond that.  But, that is me and not the gun as the limiting factor.