20 Gauge Shotguns Part One: Home Defense

[@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!

[@WillowGardener]

So glad this archive of Paul's work exists. I find myself rewatching his videos whenever I need a refresher--they're so information-dense and yet easy to understand and entertaining. Rest in peace.

[@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.

[@jacobrodesh9019]

So what was the first rifle you chose?

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@Bones6987]

To all your friends and family You Sir Are a true one of a kind We all are so blessed to have you as our mentor and friend We all love you and we all hope to see you some day again Rip Paul

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@myideas8548]

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

[@CanoeKayakFishingAdventures]

RIP Paul. You are missed.

[@celadus_springer_reviews.]

This range sounds absolutely majestic! ,rip paul.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@hailtothe_rooster1572]

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

[@RedMeatWhiskeyNeat]

Paul Harrell was a national treasure.

[@ussayyed]

GOD bless you Paul Harrel.

[@jaxonczapla]

RIP Paul Harrel I found your channel through the video you posted letting your audience know youve passed on, Legend status

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@wlp6200]

RIP Paul, a true Legend. You will be missed.

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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!!!

[@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

[@jrfizix]

Thanks for enduring 7*F. For science!

[@travzworld]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mattanderson9765]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@stuartnsharpe]

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

[@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.

[@kurtwpg]

I think the biggest weakness is range, Because #2 or #3 buck loses energy a lot faster than 00, so with the 20 gauge you're pretty much limited to slugs past about 40 yards.

[@blackpowderfirearmenthusia3194]

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

[@brianlinville5420]

I use monarch 20 gauge #1 buck it work just fine rip paul

[@Stevenowski]

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

[@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 👏

[@00coyote60]

I recommend a Remington 870 youth 20 gauge to most of the women / new shooters who want a self defense gun. This includes my wife. I have a 12 gauge, but am completely confident with the 20. When I have had to put down an animal, I have always relied on my 20 gauge 870.

[@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

[@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.

[@GunSam]

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

[@jrdeckard3317]

Excellent video. Thoroughly prepared and expertly delivered.

[@WhatsCookinToday]

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

[@Julian-bq9qv]

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

[@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.

[@davidcole333]

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

[@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

[@180SecondIdeas]

I've used the word "gauge" my entire life...and I know lower gauge is a larger size....but not until today did I know why. Good work here, brother.

[@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.

[@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 💥👍

[@cmaugle]

Great stuff as always Paul, thanks.

[@andrewwillis4911]

Excellent presentation. Not only informative, well displayed.

[@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!!!!

[@raypaget815]

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

[@RamblinAround]

Paul, I've heard it said that a when shooting slugs, a 20 gauge shoots flatter than a 12 gauge at distance. The theory being, that the 20 gauge slug has less frontal area to slow it down and a bit less weight as well. Have you ever tested this before?

[@opscontaylor8195]

That would be an interesting test.

[@jeffreyleonard7210]

Good question. What I learned today is that an ounce-for-ounce load comparison, the 12 flew faster than the 20. At distance? I could only guess that maybe the load from the 12 would spread out more due to the larger barrel diameter. But would the shot from the 12 ga slow down faster than the same sized shot from the 20? See? You have a good question.

[@ericeller9165]

I know this is an old thread, but I've been interested in the rifled 20 and 12 gauge bolt-action offerings past and present. A test of one or more of these platforms would command my attention.

[@SmokingGun4570]

@@ericeller9165 I don’t get the point unless you can’t hunt with a rifle where you live

[@ericeller9165]

@@SmokingGun4570 You've guessed it, rifles are prohibited unless muzzleloading and shotgun season is very short. It's all bow here. Highly inhumane. The desire of the state to see game suffer in death pretty much keeps me from purchasing license and tags. I just don't want to participate if I can't get a gun tag.

[@mikemyers8538]

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

[@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

[@eddiecastle4482]

Your videos are so informative and professional but not boring.

[@georgejohnsmith]

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

[@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.

[@GTGallop]

Good discipline on automatically racking the slide with each shot! I need to work on that.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@elsea8901]

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

[@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

[@GOxHAM]

Thank you Paul for investing your time, energy, and experience, in sharing with us these gold nuggets of yours.

[@mozzberg590]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@SCUBAelement-Intl]

Good explanation I had never heard the correct answer of dividing a pound of material into portions before.

[@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 .

[@kurtwpg]

No, not anti-gun people. 00 Buck meatheads who hate anything that challenges their notions.

[@ProthoPectore]

thank you Mr. Harrell for the information on where the 12 gauge and 20 gauge got their names from....from the amount of lead a pound could be divided into. neat.

[@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!!

[@Thafuface]

Can't....stop....watching.......Paul Harrell .....videos...... Thumbs up man. Informative and Entertaining.

[@warpartyattheoutpost4987]

Birdshot will penetrate skin.... I know from personal experience. Back in my teens, I was across the backyard 'n halfway over the fence when Amanda's Dad unloaded on me after I snuck outta her window after one of our "secret meetings".

[@Aliyah_666]

@@ToyotaNutjob oh yeah you know just the old casual attempt...just tryna graze it on by lol

[@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.

[@CDAWG199313]

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

[@grendel6258]

You really provide a much needed public service for gun enthusiasts, I thank you.

[@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.

[@tombsandtemples]

Paul's videos are the best. Haven't heard anyone explain "gauge" like that ever.