i'm looking into rabbit hunting and clay shooting.it seems like all three are similary priced in ammo and gun so whats the best choice?oh and my gf is recoil sensitve
Id say 12 or 20. Get a semi auto there is a noticeable difference in recoil. I can shoot my 12 with low power target loads all day and not have and sore shoulder in the least bit. 20 may be better for her though.
Personally, for every day hunting or messing around, I prefer 16 ga. You can shoot high energy and get the same effect as midrange 12 ga. and shoot low energy 16 ga. and get med to high range 20 ga. recoil is not bad. I've always owned a 16 ga., but recently bought a Browning BPS hunter model in 16 ga. and LOVE it. I have nothing but positive rating on it. My friend also bought one about the same time and he is impressed as much as I am. The only thing I would shy away from is the Winchester shells, I've never had good luck with Winchester in a 16 ga., I can't explain why, but they're no good for 16ga.
This. 12 might be too much recoil, 16 is hard to find shells for, and .410 is hard to hit with unless you're a good shot. Can't go wrong with a 20 semi, it's practically all-purpose.
Pop's got me an 870 Express in 20 Ga. when they first came out and I've been outshooting him and my older brother since. From geese to woodcocks it's more so about your ability to shoot than the gauge of your shotgun.
20 gauge I quite manageable in most heavy shotguns. My daughter is 11 years old and less than 100 lbs and can shoot a Remington 870 pump in 20 gauge all day.
I've transitioned to 20ga because of a shoulder injury that refuses to heal. I can use the 20ga for practically everything including home defense. If I really wanted to try for some high flying Canadian geese,I could use 3" game loads.