20 Gauge Shotguns Part One: Home Defense

Are 20 gauge shotguns enough for home defense? Paul finds out!
Shirts and patches from Tristar Trading Co:
Other platforms:
Rumble: rumble.com/c/P...
Odysee: odysee.com/@pa...
Paul's Patreon: www.patreon.co...
This video was edited and uploaded by:
Brad Nelson - minutemantheory.com

[@generalcaeser9176]

Didn't have a Dad to teach me this stuff so (at 40 years old now) it's awesome to learn so much from Paul! Thank you Paul!

[@amberloretto6425]

Me too!

[@MadGunny]

Same here! I’ve learned so much from Paul

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

Oh yeah he's a phenomenal teacher I absolutely love his perspective on firearms he's knowledgeable and he has the experience to back up what he has to say on his opinions and experience. Most of his opinion is based off of facts and anecdotal evidence from his life not just how he feels and wants something to perform. I was lucky enough to have a grandfather that loved guns and collected a wide variety of guns and was lucky enough to shoot many different types of guns from pistols to muskets to shotguns you name it weird rifle calibers weird pistol calibers weird rifle pistol calibers the list goes on and on. And you're lucky to live in a time where he has these videos and have someone you can go to cuz a lot of them are dying breed.

[@STWLandO]

Amen, Paul is the gun-toting Father figure that some of us wish we had!

[@Raggzzaug11]

Same here!

[@Checkofoto]

5 years later, I'm still watching these videos Paul put out. Such a wealth of knowledge and not in your face about it with some tough guy crap.

[@kyle18934]

the fact that he doesn't wear a chest rig every video is nice lol. I really hate the overly tacticool in gun videos

[@patrickrodriguez320]

I swear the 20ga and 3030 are literally the most underrated and overlooked calibers in history. You can take on anything with those two

[@BUZZKILLJRJR]

I agree 100%. I've shot them both and love them both and seen them used very effectively for taking game that people say you can't, I've seen people harvest bear and deer with the 20 gauge and the same thing with a 30-30 granted it wasn't a grizzly bear and not an elk, but still that's pretty large game to be shooting. I don't know if they could harvest an animal that big AKA a grizzly bear or an elk but I imagine with the right ammunition they probably could if shot placement was proper. Just because something's not as powerful as another caliber or gauge, doesn't mean it's not powerful enough to do the job effectively.

[@patrickrodriguez320]

@@BUZZKILLJRJR the 3030s actually been used on elk quite a bit. I've even heard tales of it being used on moose in Canada but that's a big stretch

[@ivanbarreras9445]

@@BUZZKILLJRJR I guess with bigger game, placement and distance becomes extremely important in its ability to take something down.

[@nigeltheoutlaw]

12 gauge and 7.62x39 beat both pretty handily in terms of modernization and availability, but if you handed me a pump in 20 or a lever action in 30-30 when things go sideways, I certainly wouldn't be complaining.

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

Carbine sized brush beaters that are good for heading over hill and dale.

[@charlesrocks]

The first rifle I ever purchased for home defense was a .20 gauge shotgun on the recommendation of a law enforcement professional. He said it was enough to stop the threat, and not go through the walls. I bought birdshot instead of buckshot. I'm glad I found this analysis. I still wouldn't want to get shot by birdshot.

[@jasontaylor2940]

I think this is overall the best, most intelligent firearms channel on YT.

[@sawyernorthrop4078]

Paul is in the same league as Garand Thumb for military knowledge and Forgotten weapons for academic knowledge in my opinion

[@billadams3861]

That’s why we’re here

[@anorawalker441]

He's the Alton Brown of guns

[@adamsmith3413]

Lucky Gunner is worth a look

[@dvgayle1]

Yeah...but what about Russian collision?

[@parkersmithphoto]

"broke the ribs on the front, chewed up the lungs, went through the ribs on the back..." That's going to drop any human like a stone.

[@LUR1FAX]

And if it doesn't, you probably have 3-6 more rounds that will do the exact same thing.

[@thomasanderson6426]

EXACTLY. Even if someone was on PCP I bet it would.

[@blacksmith44]

You aren't kidding!

[@franklandi8821]

😅

[@lowkeyliberty7105]

And that's after going through a good amount of clothing and a layer of pig ears.

[@KeepEmHonest2010]

Its 7 degrees out and he's shooting with steady hands and calm commentary. Amazing feat unto itself.

[@slickdaddycc7506]

Don't make many of him any more that's for dam sure

[@kirksvillehorsepower]

It's nice to see a you tube channel that gets to the point instead of telling you how to like and subscribe for the first 10 minutes.

[@CowBeatsCrow]

Hell, you even named yourself after him!

[@Muster_Muckee_II]

@@CowBeatsCrow Watch him actually be a distant family member.

[@jamesechevarria5428]

@@Muster_Muckee_II long lost son

[@williamnewton2786]

Darn right Nick

[@ActualHumanPerson]

Boy do I love when the Harrell goes to the meat target. Makes my day.

[@ewetho]

Cause it is the best demo on the interwebs! And just cool!

[@cmaugle]

Every time I pass oranges at the grocery store, all I can think of is "that lung tissue looks pretty good".

[@mariorodriguez653]

I noticed that he always mentions the “new and improved fleece bullet stopper” when he goes to the meat target. Why is this? There has to be some back story to it...

[@cameronnorton5898]

mario9587 It's just a little joke, as the "high tech" fleece bullet stop is just a wad of fleece blankets bound together. The old one got too shot up to continue service, i'd be willing to bet.

[@swaghauler8334]

A boy and his rifle hit the nail on the head. His old "high tech fleece bullet stop" got too chewed up.

[@mikemyers8538]

Paul really knows how to run a shotgun. His reloading is very impressive

[@TheJoeCool1964]

I agree with Mr. Taylor. But I'm willing to go further, My Father , was the coach of the US shooting team. So , you may know of him, I have learned more , from Paul than any other source, and he teaches exactly like my Dad. Of course, my father did 28 years in the military. ... Dad died at 96 years old. He fought in every war from ww II through Viet nam. I think of him when I watch this channel. Thanks Paul.

[@bryanbaker5942]

If some dbag breaks into your house I don't think he'd know the difference between 12 or 20 gauge. He's gonna hear the bang then feel the sting and either die or or take off limping! Love these videos!

[@peacefulwarrior4078]

Yep had a intruder show up on my deck and at my back door at 2 :30 am at which I promptly displayed and a chuc chuc of the pump 20 gauge shotgun pointed Two feet From his head and got a 😳😱😱 whoa whoa whoa whoa reaction out of him and whatya know he instantly ran off faster than a cheetah could EVER RUN 🤣👌 I DONT THINK HE EVEN KNEW OR EVEN CARED WHAT GAUGE SHOTGUN IT WAS !!!

[@wyvernquill2796]

@@peacefulwarrior4078 One time I lived near a university and at 2 or 3 am some one was banging on the apartment door. I held a pistol up close to the door and racked the slide, then held it behind my back, he did not see any thing but he could hear it. When i opened the door on the heavy duty chain i had installed he had his hands up drunkenly stammering about looking for a friend in the building. I said he is not here i don't know any of the neighbors it was time ti leave and he ran off.

[@NCWoodlandRoamer]

Best gun channel on KZbin Paul! Great work.

[@fredslick643]

Him and Hickok45

[@JCE3000GT]

Absolutely the best and most informative firearm channel on youtube. While I enjoy the hoonery of IV8888, accuracy of 22plinkster and the sarcastic old man hickok45 I do think Paul's channel is both more informative and educational all-the-while not making you feel dumb if you are a newbie.

[@smokesgtp]

JCE3000GT he's a fantastic teacher

[@rjonzen34]

Fred slick no! Hickock is a sellout! Just like the NRA!

[@allengrant]

@Alan : Yep! Paul's channel.... when you positively, absolutely want to learn useful, real world firearm info, without bias, BS, or bravado. He's been at the top of my list for some time now. Love his humour as well. Kinda like a Pat Paulson with guns!

[@jeffcalvin5516]

Unlike most of the on-line guns and ammo 'experts', Mr. Harrell's analyses are based upon facts with little bias. As an engineer, and a 45 year gun enthusiast, Paul's approach and tact is refreshing. Kudos to you Paul. Let's go 'shootin' some time!!!

[@stephen8433]

Thank you for advising us that the 20 gauge shotgun "is" enough for home defense! I thought so and I favor it as my gauge of choice.

[@bumblur]

Well done, Paul. My home defense 12 gauge used to be at the ready with #4 buck, but awhile back I switched to bird shot because I was concerned about penetrating the walls of the house and injuring the good guys. I love your meat target analysis. It's like ballistic truth serum. And compared to the 12 gauge, I thought the 20 gauge did a very respectable job - much better than I imagined. Thanks for sharing.

[@John5.56]

If there’s good guys in the rooms behind the bad guy you shouldn’t pull the trigger, or figure out an angle to where there isn’t a potential for a flyer or shot that completely penetrates to harm your loved ones.

[@ronlane6922]

IMO- the lower power/penetration of the 20 guage is a positive factor not a negative one.

[@drewjeers815]

@@davidcamacho2178 what do you mean by power? It would seem by these tests that individual projectiles only lack 5-7% of the power from a 20ga compared to a 12ga. Am assuming you're calculating the mass of the projectiles as added power.

[@drewjeers815]

@@davidcamacho2178 ahhh ok

[@derekperry1745]

I'm from southwestern PA and I thought my region was beautiful, but boy was I mislead. Oregon is stunningly beautiful. It has better climate than northern Appalachia too. Great channel though. Easily top two or three gun channels on KZbin, in my opinion. I'm new to guns my Dad was in the Navy, but was neutral towards guns, but my Mom wouldn't allow firearms in her home at all. My Dad passed on before I was 18 so we never had the chance to hunt, or for him to teach me about firearms. So your channel has helped me tremendously. Thank you, Paul.

[@jillvanocker7028]

awesome

[@Graydog-sx6le]

I always learn a lot from you. I have a 20 gauge set up as a home defense firearm because it fits everyone in my home. The recoil is tolerable and powerful enough to handle any threat. I can handle a 12 but my wife and daughters don’t care much for it. Thanks again Paul for another good video. So informative and interesting.

[@steveturner3999]

I hunted as a kid using a 20 gauge Stevens pump. Took several deer. I loved that gun. It was as smooth as glass when cycling the pump slide.

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

Paul debunking "experts" Harrell! Love this channel. I don't need basic gun porn. I need meat target results!!!

[@essaboselin5252]

For me as a short female, another factor was length of pull. I could get a 20-gauge youth model shotgun and use it as is. Trying to find a 12-gauge with a short enough LOP would have taken a lot more searching, or I would have had to get a gunsmith to cut down the stock. The only issue is it is harder to find 20-gauge shells, so I stock up when I do find them.

[@gameragodzilla]

Several tactical 12 gauge shotguns do have a shorter length of pull than a lot of the sporting shotgun stocks, and you can get home defense oriented aftermarket stocks that also shorten length of pull that way. Doubly so if you can also get one that’s adjustable. Of course, the problem there is tactical shotguns are much more expensive, and due to import restrictions, things like collapsible stocks are often also expensive aftermarket parts. So I can understand simply going with a 20 gauge to get that benefit alongside a less recoiling round.

[@nicholasdiaz9424]

Don't fall on your way out little girl! Hahaha!

[@essaboselin5252]

@@nicholasdiaz9424 Are you an ass in general or was there some point to your comment"?

[@colemanbonner]

Walmart seems to maintain a great stock of 20ga near me. Winchester super-x #3 buck and 3/4oz slugs are always available. I’m in rural Georgia, near UGA.

[@thegeth4293]

Whats your go to home defense load?

[@SmokeDogNY420]

I think 20 gauge has been underrated for a very long time. You "need" a big truck and you "need" a 12 gauge, etc. If you're not in law enforcement and not waterfowl hunting, at least consider the 20 gauge.

[@darthkek1953]

WHAT YOU NEED IS HALF-GAUGE SHOULDER-LAUNCHED ROCKET-SHOT HURR HURR HURR MY BLOOD SUGAR IS LOW I NEED ANOTHER KENTUCKY-FRIED MCDONALDS

[@whitewolf7662]

its not the gun its the ammo a 20 gauge can stop a werewolf just fine all you need is shell with silver slugs or silver pellets dragons dreath shells are even better less expencive

[@Antoninorosetta]

@@darthkek1953 Now you made me pee myself!!! I can't stop laughing!!

[@prycenewberg3976]

I hunted with a 20 gauge for about three years (until I was large enough to use one of my dad's 12s) and did well enough with it.

[@professorl.hilton.]

Pryce Newberg I’m 75 years young been using 20 gauge last 12 years hit the right place it’ll stop about anything that you’re coming to contact with

[@stuartnsharpe]

Man I just love Paul Harrell. What a breath of fresh air in the gun community.

[@mikemcinerney9304]

New to the channel and I dig it. Informative, no BS, and more scientific.

[@D33Lux]

He's what you'd call a professional

[@Chieflywaze]

yeah, but remember don't try this at home!

[@richwood8538]

Got my 311 Stevens 20 gauge for my 9th birthday. I've taken just about every game worth taking with it. Even won a bet one time. A person wagered that if a 20 gauge would go through his car door, he would pay for damage. If not, I could pay for damage, plus a new paint job. Well, neither of us were very smart. He was upset, but there were a few witnesses. Both barrels with slugs and the window regulator was sticking out of the roof skin. It'll go through. No, it won't buff out.

[@nfmMike]

Your demonstration and fact points are exactly why I have a Mossberg 500 short barrel, short stock, extended tube for home defense - my wife is 4'11" and the 20 ga with 000 buck makes her very happy! Thank you Paul and Merry Christmas!

[@colemanbonner]

Please tell me where you find 000 buck 20ga!!! the best I can find is Federal 3” #2 magnums for 20ga

[@nfmMike]

@@colemanbonner , LGS. Just gotta keep a lookout. Or, order online, I am sure there are plenty of ammo suppliers that have it.

[@myideas8548]

This is the clearest descriptions of anything I have been presented. I love learning from this guy.. Thank you!

[@ussayyed]

GOD bless you Paul Harrel.

[@andnorr7738]

Besides generally being lighter and having less recoil than a 12 Gauge shotgun, someone may have a 20 Gauge shotgun because someone gave it to them as a gift or family heirloom.

[@JCE3000GT]

And this is precisely what happened to me, three times. All three of my 20ga's were from family members. :) I love 20ga's, especially the two I just got as they are ultra light.

[@andycraig6905]

My Browning gold hunters are a pair of very fine shotguns indeed. No recoil if you know how to shoot, plenty of power for anything you’d feasibly shoot, very reliable, lightweight and light handling, what’s not to like? You definitely get what you pay for. Left to me by my late father, and running like tops since.

[@andycraig6905]

He didn’t buy junk

[@DeathStrikeVirus]

Both of mine were hand-me-downs. Love them. Old Winchester 1300 and a Ruger Red label. Love them both. And yes, the pump is my door prize, my GF can handle it and that's what's important.

[@bradmiller9993]

Ah yes. Or maybe someone found a Ruger Red Label in 20 for a good price at their local armory today! Not to mention they are lighter to carry when tromping around hunting grounds. There is definitely a place in my safe for a good 20.

[@4gauge10]

In my area Paul,the 12 and 20 gauges are the same,exact,price. I used to shoot 12 gauge,I had semi-auto's,pumps,stack-barrels,singles.One day I was on my local gun range and a friend of mine showed up and let me shoot his Remington 1100 semi-auto in 20 gauge,I never looked back at another 12 bore. I sold every 12 I owned and bought all 20's,they are faster,smaller,alot less recoil using the same weight of shot,I even tested this with Federals newest magnum loads of 1-1/2 ounce and their newest 1-5/8 ounce 20 gauge magnums,the 20ga.has alot less recoil with nearly the same muzzle velocity as the 12-bore. I really enjoyed this video Paul,please keep up the outstanding work.

[@Pro2AGuy]

Time to 'patreon' on up if you will--simply one of the best sources for small-arms not via YT alone but the net at large. God Bless & Merry Christmas to All.

[@franciscrotty2772]

As usual great video, I love shotguns, doubles, singles, pumps and autos. Hey got a double 16, coach gun, from my dad when he passed. He called it a “ porch broom.”

[@michaelnorman2967]

excellent!

[@ibthumper2]

Thank you Mr Harrell. Always enjoy your insight and education. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@wizard9403]

Clear, concise and great presentation; thanks for all the great info.

[@wmhoffman1622]

Between Harrell and hickok45, I can stay up until 2 am forgetting my bedtime -- LOL ! Watching these guys saves me a lot of money on ammo and range time -- LOL !

[@edwardzelina2898]

They also make 20ga with no.1 buck by Sterling

[@jrfizix]

Thanks for enduring 7*F. For science!

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

I love my double barrel 20 gauge. Great video, thank you.

[@CDAWG199313]

This man is a legend, being at the range when it's 7 degrees.

[@pravoslavn]

Here are the things I appreciate about your presentations. (1) Your speech is not peppered with those grating, distracting Uh's and Ah's hich pepper many other KZbin videos. (2) You do not say "gonna." Thank you for being so professional with your presentations. I have watched many, many, many of them, a number of them three or four times. I always learn when you speak. Thank you, Sir !

[@michaelnorman2967]

Had a single shot break apart 20 gauge as one of my first guns at age 14. Loved it! Used it every year until I got old enough to move away to the big city. Itching to get a 20 gauge pump to go with my 410 because I have a lot of health problems that prevent me from shooting a 12 gauge and large caliber rifles. Thanks for another excellent video Paul.

[@bennybennett3356]

I've had a couple 12 gauge guns but in 65 years of hunting I've kept rabbit, squirrel quail and deer in the freezer with a 20 guage. I have one with #2 shot in the hall. No worries.

[@Stevenowski]

Thanks for the video! 👍🏻👍🏻 I certainly don't want to try this at home, because the neighbors might frown upon the noise. 🤓

[@davidrpriest]

I love the 20 gauge for home defense. My wife shoots it well and is not afraid to practice with it. With the right buckshot loads, it will definitely get the job done. Thanks for another great video Mr. Harrell.

[@ChimpytheMonkey]

Ive heard from an emergency serviceman that 20 gauge buckshot creates a crater

[@davidrpriest]

​@@ChimpytheMonkey 20 gauge is highly effective.

[@ChimpytheMonkey]

@@davidrpriest 20 gauge bird shot weirdly especially so. the combination of small pellets in a small area does something ridiculous. And even more so for a 20 gauge because you can fire faster and more accurately

[@spudrubble]

Never considered a 20g until I moved to Missouri. Seen a woman in her late 50's who had a Stevens 20g she got from her dad when she was 12. Every year that old shotgun comes back with turkey, deer, takes care of predators on the farm and ammonia plentiful around here.

[@prevost8686]

spudrubble Jesus and the 12 disciples carried 20 ga. Benelli shotguns. I personally own a half dozen 12 ga. Scatter guns but rarely take them out of the safe.

[@redheadedrambler2549]

Oh yeah my grandfather and his brother bought Ithaca Model 37 Twenty gauges when they came back from World War II. They're still in the family and they were more than enough gun for these two farmers to hunt and do things that you have to do on the farm sometimes.

[@flp308bc]

I used 20 ga. for years. Killed anything I shot at. Went back with the 12 because 12 ga. ammo is everywhere, cheap and good. 12 ga. slugs are man/deer accurate out to 150m. I have a Mossberg that thinks it is a rifle with 12 ga. el cheapo Wolf slugs. With a Knox recoil reduction stock I've been known to shoot up a case just messin around. Soda cans @100m are in serious danger. To much fun!

[@D33Lux]

Soda cans @ 100 meter. That's some good shooting.

[@Antoninorosetta]

@@redheadedrambler2549 I hunted ducks all my life with a Model 37 twenty gauge, great little gun, and light as a feather!!!

[@monkeymonk2278]

I appreciate how Paul considers people who don't yet know the basics. This is very important, and he teaches both the basics and more advanced weapons knowledge very well. It is fun for me to watch every video Mister Harrell produces, even when he is explaining the simple things, because I know there are those who do not yet know much of anything about firearms, and i know they can learn well from him. Thank you, Sir!

[@Thorsaxe777]

Logistics and use is the factor here. I believe as you do, Power isn't always the determining factor when you consider who is going to shoot it, also Defensive loading is effective in the 20 as well. Recoil and recovery is also something to take to the table as the 20 is lighter in recoil and faster handling than the 12. I believe it to be a Good choice in an all-around shotgun for whatever use you have at hand. Good video Paul and Merry Christmas, Wishing the new year brings in Prosperity and peace to you and your family. Dave.

[@paulwhite959]

And frankly, shot for shot, I'd take #4 or larger buckshot shell over just about any common handgun round. 12 gauge is measurably better but I'm not sure if it's meaningfully better, particularly at household ranges.

[@johnwunder3521]

how about, use what you got.4, 8 ,10 ,12, 20, 16, 28, 14, .410 .......unless your like me...any excuse to buy another gun..

[@D33Lux]

You missed the very rare and forgotten, but effective European 24 gauge.

[@Antoninorosetta]

@@johnwunder3521 I like the way you think!!!

[@thegeth4293]

Would you recommend 20 gauge for a womab whos never shot a gun before? Im looking for a gun for my mom, and i cant find any short .410 puml shotguns still in production

[@brendena.7866]

Wow I just bought a 20 gauge mav 88 for hunting and home defense! Glad Paul can show such great presentations on the true, in the field, data.

[@PPISAFETY]

What a pleasure to watch a well thought out presentation based on facts, not unsupported opinions. I am fine with using the 20 gauge loaded with Number 3 buckshot for defense, but can't quite wrap my head around 20 gauge birdshot in that role if the shot is one of the smaller sizes. This is based solely on a single case I responded to years ago as a paramedic in which a man had been intentionally shot at a range of about 20 feet with 20 gauge Number 8 birdshot while wearing a heavy wool coat of the style that the Navy used to call a "Pea Jacket" with a sweater underneath. Although he had some superficial wounds to his face and neck from a few pellets, none of the pellets penetrated his clothing. I know this was much smaller shot than used in your test, and farther away, but perhaps cases like this might give rise to the erroneous opinion that "birdshot won't penetrate skin". I personally am not going to volunteer to stand in front of a 20 gauge loaded with anything.

[@PaulHarrell]

I shot the bird shot at a distance of ten yards, 30 feet. The real thing is there is a LOT of difference between no. 4 bird shot and no. 8

[@PPISAFETY]

Yes, I just noticed the distance. I got feet and yards confused for a moment. It's hell getting old!

[@tomswinburn1778]

Tom, it beats the alternative.

[@armyofshea7941]

Excellent discussion here. It’s a shame most people who claim knowledge of firearms think ‘birdshot’ is the end of the description. I have always thought Turkey loads would make great home defense rounds, but really never based that on anything other than how hard they kick from the bench and how much hurtin’ they put on a turkey. Think I need to make myself some meat targets and test my theory.

[@Antoninorosetta]

@@PPISAFETY I just turned 80. I feel your pain!!!!

[@mattanderson9765]

Very high quality instruction delivered in a very respectful narrative. Plus his meat targets are awesome!

[@mozzberg590]

Paul Harrell puts out a video, I stop what I'm doing to watch.

[@TwentytenS4B8]

The fact that this video is titled "Part 1" makes me excited because I know there will be yet another Paul Harrell video coming real soon.

[@robertbates6057]

Clean up on isle 4 lol

[@GunSam]

My dad always kept a Savage Stevens 20 gauge with the poly choke in his bedroom closet.

[@geraldstephens7481]

71 very disabled I gave my 12 gauge to a good friend and kept my 20 gauge. shooting from the hip to avoid rein jury to damaged neck is my preferred idea of home protection indoors. My 4'11 inch wife has not tried it but she has a 38 smith with ladies ammo. She also is a great shot with a pistol especially a 22. Number 4 shot is a devastating 20 gauge and I wonder about a short barrel for indoor home protection for the wife.

[@tombrown8800]

I've always felt that the 20 gauge was adequate for defence when loaded with buckshot . Thanks for confirming that for those who had doubts (?). Looks like larger bird shot can be ok if it's what you have, I''ll stick with buck. BTW what's with the 46 down votes? Maybe just anti-gun folks? If you don't like Paul's conclusions (demonstrated !), show your video of why .

[@stephenyoung8069]

You always say I could talk for hours about.... I am telling you I would love to see 2hr long videos where you go into insane detail about things. I think most of us would.

[@Julian-bq9qv]

I just have to salute you for braving that bone freezing cold just to do this review. Thank you!!

[@charliedee9276]

I have used a 20ga 870 deer hunting since having a total shoulder replacement on my dominant side, have never had a problem with lack of power. After seeing the damage done to a deer I am 100% confident in its ability to stop an intruder.

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

I know I'd shoot my chronograph doing that!

[@1958johndeere620]

Yup, I would have it blown to bits.

[@dannyh9010]

I always wonder how he avoids shooting it.

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

He's a better shot than most -- WAY better than me.

[@nbt3663]

I was amazed he did that. That's a man who knows what he is shooting.

[@justinjacinto4350]

I always think he’s gonna shoot that thing it’s amazing he’s never hit it

[@Incab]

I've used only a 20G for 30 years (borrowed a 410 on occasion) and never found myself wanting for whatever I was using it for. Nice vid. Glad to see my 20G getting some love. Thanks for the vid.

[@catyear75]

Great comparison and presentation! 20GA seems like a good choice for the elderly , who are unfortunately often targeted by predators ...

[@catyear75]

Oh, and Merry Christmas Paul!

[@john-paulsilke893]

28ga would be even better but it seems to be obsolete now.

[@sethtenrec6476]

catyear75 .... 5.56 also easy to handle for the elderly and highly effective.

[@R32R38]

A while back Paul did a Meat Target test with birdshot out of a 28 and the results were mediocre.

[@keepall3818]

Or a 10ga when you can’t find your glasses.

[@travzworld]

rest up Paul thank you for sharing all your knowledge, it has helped me tremendously

[@jameshutchins3396]

This answered a lot of questions for me. Thank you so very much! I have always been a fan of the 20ga. And had settled on it for one aspect of home defence. This gives me some confidence in that choice. Again thank you sir!

[@FergusScotchman]

The meat target is the best indicator I've seen yet of effectiveness in actual tissue. 20 Gauge with 4 buckshot. Good load for a home.

[@WhatsCookinToday]

Thank you Paul, for coming out in the cold for our education and entertainment! By far my favorite channel!

[@Sedan57Chevy]

20 Gauge is a great caliber. First gun I ever had was a 20 gauge. There might be better options in some situations, but you can't go wrong with a good, pump-action 20 gauge shotgun. My only advice would be to avoid super ligh-weight youth models: with stout rounds, they'll kick as much as a full sized 12 gauge!

[@chrisjones6002]

Isn't good ammo harder to find in 20 gauge? I can't say I've ever looked but I don't really remember seeing it often.

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Absolutely, there's a smaller selection, it's harder to find, and more expensive when you do find it. Pre 2012/3 ammo apocalypse, I always had a hard time finding 20 gauge slugs at any of my local stores. That being said, most people who buy one of these for home defense can get a box of buckshot or two, keep them around for actual home defense; and then just practice with the birdshot that is readily available. 20 gauge ammo is harder to get than 12 gauge, but that's really just because 12 gauge is the most common form of ammunition out there, I think. Easier to find good 20 gauge than it is something like .357 SIG or 10mm in stores.

[@vincedunn9983]

Sedan57Chevy shorter barrels on the 20 gauge kick just as much as a full choked 12 gauge. First gun my daughter shot, an 19" barreled 20 gauge with short brass bird shot.

[@D33Lux]

To Chris Jones and others, reloading is a great option to reduce costs and you can custom your own powder loads and shot. Just some friendly advice. I load for an old European 24 ga, and have #4 buckshot for home defense. Its a good pumpkin smasher.

[@Antoninorosetta]

@@chrisjones6002 Chris, try going on line for 20 gauge!!!! I buy a lot of hunting ammo on line. They've got some great prices!!!

[@cuttheknot4781]

Excellent job as always, Paul. You have the heart of a teacher and the mind of a professor. Oh, Please forgive the sound of my keyboard as I'm sitting at home on my ass typing. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@merlemorrison482]

Years ago I found a dead man in the woods - his safety was defective & the 12 ga Browning Auto 5 went off when he dropped it - WW #6 low brass load - hit right on top of his heart - the hole looked like it went all the way through, but probably didn't. Bird shot went through a LOT MORE than his skin.

[@jshepard152]

But we all know buckshot penetrates deeper, so choosing a round that might penetrate versus one that will is still a foolish choice.

[@ericvonsiebenburg548]

Excellent, intelligent, plain-spoken, objective presentation. I was a cop, sitting in a pizza place on a 10-7 and a guy shoots at me with a 22 pistol. I had just truned my head to look at him because when people saw him aiming the gun they all ducked for cover and that bought my attention to that direction in the store. I saw the huge muzzle flash but didn't hear anything. The bullet grazed the back of my neck and then I heard this loud bang. In what seemed like the midst of the muzzle flash-fireball, the bullet buzzing by and the bang I fell to the floor, my chair scooting out from under me. My feet, flying upward, took down the table. I was alright but my ears were ringing. The perp ran and was gone. As I raised myself up off the floor my hand got cut on some broken glass on the floor from a soda bottle that went down as the table went over. When the people rushed over to help me they thought I was shot in the hand because of the blood there. My point in the telling of this anecdote is that one shot from a .22 caused absolute chaos in that little pizza place. It put me on my ass on the floor even though I wasn't even hit. A single direct blast from a 20 gauge shotgun at close range will create such chaos at the recieving end, I sincerely doubt that a second shot would even be necessary. If a doped-up perp was still standing, following shots to the face would take out the eyes. Blind perps stop what they were doing in any case. I'm grateful I was not shot at with a 20 gauge.

[@PaulHarrell]

Very good point. Please post a comment like this on our presentation on .22 rifles for home defense. Thanks.

[@michaeltaylor2705]

Nice Video , I own a couple of 12 gauge long guns but , recently bought the Mossberg Shockwave & because of recoil I went with the 20 gauge ( Old Arthritic hands ) & with 000Buck I feel the 20gauge will be a viable defensive load . Merry Christmas !

[@Seekingtruth-mx3ur]

Michael Taylor how would a 20 gauge fair for a person with 2 bulging discs in lower back?

[@Antoninorosetta]

@@Seekingtruth-mx3ur I've hunted ducks and doves with a 20 gauge Ithaca most of my hunting life!!!! If the birds were flying, I usually got my limit!!! Now, when I hunted geese, I used my trusty 12 gauge model 37 Ithaca!!

[@crlguitar1]

I bought a 20 gauge for home defense because I thought it better for my spouse as the recoil would not knock her down as easily as a 12 gauge gun might. It would still put a world of hurt on the target if 'God forbid' that ever happened. At age 13 I had just graduated from .410 to 20 gauge while hunting when a farm boy friend invited me to fire his 12 gauge and I ended up with a nice black and blue bruise on my shoulder because I hadn't placed the butt firmly enough against my arm. Experience is a great teacher! My friend had his gun on full choke too... Still remember the ache.....Decades later.

[@minerblue9641]

Are you sure he didn't put a 3" shell in it and said it was the same as the other round.

[@cavtroopermunoz]

I judge everything now by the meat target. Merry Christmas to Paul and all his viewers

[@cleonmain1291]

I use 20 gauge shotguns for upland hunting almost exclusively so I am familiar with it. I also have a pump 20 gauge slug gun for home defense. It's lighter and quicker handling than a 12 gauge. Less recoil means faster recovery between shots too. The #3 buck 20gauge load is up to HD applications. Remember not to be using both 12 gauge and 20 gauge at the same time due to danger of a catastrophic barrel obstruction by a 20 gauge being dropped in a 12 gauge barrel. Thx for the video.

[@wju425]

As always Paul, I've enjoyed your very informative videos. For a long time I've heard that a 20 gauge can produce 3/4 the energy and with just 1/2 the recoil of the 12 gauge. Yeah, it serves your home defense very well especially when you have 5 shots on hand.

[@thebrucechannel8061]

Good comparison, thank you...after several shoulder surgeries I tend to like my Remington 20 gauge with 00 or #4 Buck, would definitely get the job done on anyone breaking into my place 💥👍

[@terriblecj]

I certainly wouldnt want to be on the wrong end of a 20ga., no matter what size shot! I do use an Ithaca model 37 20ga. and would trust my life to it if necessary.

[@xfallofmanx]

I started with a breach loading NEF .410 when I was a kid learning how to hunt and it was my firearm for a while. Eventually, I moved into a 20 gauge Mossberg and never really felt the need to move up. I mean, I’ve got rifles and I’ve got pistols but as far as shotguns, personally, 20 gauge is the sweet spot for me.

[@coocoocachooglin]

@@xfallofmanx I started with and loved my Grandpa's old Winchester 37 single shot break-action .410 when I was growing up. I got a lot of game with that shotgun.

[@xfallofmanx]

@@coocoocachooglin my grandaddy said "If you cant get it with a single shot you don't need another shot you need more training. A single shot firearm forces you to think about what you're doing." As a dad now myself I cant help but understand exactly what he was trying to teach me.

[@jrdeckard3317]

Excellent video. Thoroughly prepared and expertly delivered.

[@BOMNN]

my boss caught me watching paul again

[@phantomspaceman]

Maybe he's getting a call from HR soon, who knows these days.

[@NCrdwlf]

Damn bosses.. hope he is cool.

[@jeffshackelford539]

He likes Paul too.

[@Karch.Dah-Veed]

So helpful. Thanks. A friend gave me a .20 gauge about 15 years ago, and I bought all kinds of shells for it. Now I feel like I'm kind of stuck with that gauge, so it's nice to learn that it can get the proverbial job done.

[@LouStoriale]

My 15 year old nephew ran down, ambushed, shot, tracked and dragged out a young but decent 8 point buck - 20 gauge smooth bore with slug and it blew its heart into smithereens. His first time deer hunting...ever. 20 gauge proven effective.

[@mwillblade]

The heart is some good eating.

[@georgekershner6626]

Bought my son a bantom Mossberg 20 on his 8 th birthday, he's since outgrown it and in the Marines, I love that little gun. I don't use buckshot unless for house but got 12 box fed for that . I use it for a slug gun for deer, and screw in turkey choke in spring , leave scope on for both. The other thing I like it's small and light getting in a ground blind or walking thru brush.

[@craigmurley5115]

Hi Mr. Harell, I am a new subscriber to your channel, and I love your factual get-to-the-point topics and demonstrations with firearms, with a touch of dry humor thrown in! I have been catching up and have watched a lot of your older videos, and even though I have been a long time shooter, I have to say sir that I have already learned quite a bit from you, and made some solid and practical changes! Thank you! I hope you have a Great holiday season!

[@OGSontar]

I use a 20 gauge with birdshot for home defense. I have people on all sides of my apt. and the reduced penetration is very important.

[@cmaugle]

Great stuff as always Paul, thanks.

[@davidcole333]

This is extremely helpful to me in my research for the right home defense shotgun. Thank you so much.

[@revolverguy651]

Great video. I'm am very confident that the 20 gauge is plenty powerful enough for home defense. While I prefer 12 gauge, it has way to much recoil for my wife. She shoots the 20 gauge much more effectively. No doubt that buckshot from either will quickly stop a threat

[@raypaget815]

Thank you Paul. Common sense and practical evaluations make for a first-class presentation.

[@Fellowrser]

Paul is the shit

[@Jean.34]

Well if you don't like him, unfollow his channel. He does his best to provide us with more knowledge of different guns. He deserves a thank you message at least rather than cursing.

[@Fellowrser]

WW 34 no no that's slang for he's awesome sorry lady you might be from uh another generation lol

[@Jean.34]

FellowRser oops I am really sorry. I miss understand the slang term. Am not an American, perhaps that is the reason. My apologies

[@kennethlucas7473]

Only if you're an expert. Lol

[@nicerperson1]

You might hear "That is sick!" which also carries the same amount of approval. Kids huh! I'm glad I was never one.

[@eddiecastle4482]

Your videos are so informative and professional but not boring.

[@georgejohnsmith]

There should not be a "but" in your comment. :-)

[@tombob671]

I use 20 gauge , perfect for us old guys

[@farwalker3672]

Tom Burgess I like a youth model 20 gauge shotgun with number 4 birdshot for self defense. Less recoil and more maneuverable and the wife can handle it as well.

[@Mister_Belvidere]

Unless you're hunting an angry bull moose, I'm sure that 20 gauge will serve you just fine.

[@phytorx1]

I gave an 870 tactical 20 gauge to my wife for Mother's Day and its great. Nothing says love and trust like arming your wife.

[@joefw2446]

" Nothing says love and trust like arming your wife." So very true sir...

[@rjonzen34]

20 is plenty

[@kennethburton1115]

The first home defense gun I bought for my wife was a 870 junior 20 gage. It works great for her with her smaller size body.

[@OUT0fEXILE]

I made this same argument on one of the Reddit gun subs a while back when someone asked about a first home defense shotgun. I got downvoted into oblivion and called a moron.

[@kayok07]

Drew Arnold Reddit is for people who don't know firearms that's your first mistake the second was giving a crap about said people 20 gauge is definitely a good beginners shotgun it's what I started with and have killed hog,deer, and Turkey with so I know it can handle people no problem

[@OUT0fEXILE]

kayok07 I never said that I cared haha

[@Clipazine]

I use reddit a lot, and honestly the gun discussion there is utter garbage most of the time. On reddit in general, people regurgitate the same views over and over with little allowance for alternative views (perhaps partially because of the upvote/downvote system), and the vast majority of the gun related content on reddit is politics, boring gun pictures, and people asking what [gun related thing] to buy. For discussion about the intricacies of firearms usage I find that old school forums are better for that.

[@ryanfielder2057]

Clipazine you nailed it. I love gunnit but like you said, it’s the same old arguments over and over again. No wonder no new person wants to get into guns; they get chased out of town for trying to learn and ask questions!

[@Impreza-bj5jh]

Ryan Fielder Yes exactly! Like most redditors, they have such a superiority complex

[@elsea8901]

My first gun was a 20gauge and was bought for me by my dad for hunting...thank you Paul, 🌲MERRY CHRISTMAS🙏 🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

HI Paul, Great video as always! I had a single shot 20 ga that an older friend left to me when he died, and even though it was single shot I still loved it......also I was 18yrs old then and living in Mass, that was all that was legal back then.Also I have a Mossberg Shockwave if you’d like to use it in a future video presentation.

[@Graydog-sx6le]

Kratos SonOfZeus the single shot 20 is a super good shooter. There’s a video where Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch runs one and its smooth and there is a continuum of fire that I found impressive. That ol’ single shot would serve you well.

[@Kratos_God_of_50_BMG]

It was a Steven’s Single shot and an old friend of my fathers ( they served together in Korea) left it to me when he passed away. Great gun though, like you said, reliable and a real workhorse. People underrate single shot shotguns......but like almost every firearm, they have their uses!

[@andrewwillis4911]

Excellent presentation. Not only informative, well displayed.

[@Leonardokite]

Wow, you really beat that meat! The one thing you didn't mention or demo was how a shotgun almost acts like a slug at real close distance. Definitely an effective weapon.

[@erebus38]

I've been the proud owner of a used Mossberg 500 C 20 gauge since this past mid July and love it! So far it seems to be pretty much a good firearm for the intended uses I've bought it for, though I'm thankful that I've actually never had to really use it in a home defense type of circumstance and hope that I never will. Anyway, it's still best to always have it and not need it than to not have it when you really do need it most!

[@winnon992]

I’ve got an old Mossberg I’ve had since the early seventies. It still worked fine but looked like crap. I stripped it and repainted it with Brownells AlmiHyde . Just like new, ready for another 50 years ! There’s no telling how many shells have been fired thru it !

[@youknowit1916]

Just bought a 20ga : perfect!

[@andrewjohnston4127]

Love the tom baker pic 😁

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

You Know It... Tom Baker was the greatest Doctor! Enjoy your 20, I had one (sawed-off pistol grip, totally illegal) back in the '90s in my train hoppin' teens, saved my life a coupla times. Gonna check out yer channel, I'm a BMXer.

[@campingman1942]

People don't realize that a 20 gauge loaded with number 3 buckshot is a bad guys worse nightmare , because it can be manuverd in close proximities try swinging that 12 gauge long barrel around in a hallway 🤔 and 12 buckshot got one hell of a kick so follow up shots might be a little hard my 20 gauge 5+1 shots can be manuverd around like a sawed off shot gun and even with #3 buckshot the recoil still makes it easy to make the follow up shots dead on , and if I need to toss it to my wife she can handle it without worrying about it being to heavy and the buckshot kicking it out of her hands...... PERFECT personal protection for home protection 💪👍.

[@toddy2519]

Thank you, Paul, for another great, informative video! I keep a Mossberg 500, 20 gauge loaded with No.4 buckshot next to my bed. The barrel was professionally shortened to 19-inches with a red ramp sight installed.

[@ChowMien123]

Same thing here! number 6 birdshot no problem 👏

[@don7406]

Thank you for debunking some of the silly myths about shotguns. Great video.

[@skylordsix]

I'm a very recent subscriber, and I love your videos. The common sense and no BS you show are like a breath of fresh air.