[hoyt0008]

I am looking for a new shotgun for small game and am considering a stevens model 512.Was wondering if anyone has any experience with these good or bad just curious before I spend the money.Also wondered everyones opinion wether to go with a 12 or 20 gauge?

 

[jim stemler]

12 ga is cheaper to shoot.that would be a good gun for small game hunting.

 

[hunt/fish365]

I don't think a 12 would be cheaper to shoot. Most times they are about the same price.

I didn't look at the specs of the gun, but I would guess the 12 is heavier. Even if they are built on the same frame the 12 will be a lot more muzzle heavy normally. I have 2 12 gauge guns, and one 20. The 12's are a really nice 1100, and a Mossberg 500. The 20 is a beat up savage 67 pump. The 20 gauge see the light of day way more than the 12's.

Put it this way. I probably hunted small game about 10-12 days this year. The 500 still has the slug barrel attached from last year (2 minute swap). The 1100 made it out once, and only because I figured I should use it. It was the first time in about 3-4 years. I remembered after about a mile of walking why I never use it.

I'm thinking that the 20 will get one more walk tomorrow.

 

[duckman76]

For small game the 20 will do anything the 12 will. The only thing I use my 12 for is waterfowl and turkey. As far as ammo cost, there is no price differance for 12 and 20. If you get into 16, 28, and .410 you will see a big jump in ammo cost.

 

[octagon]

.410 prices for ammo is ridiculous these days

 

[glock3540]

.410 prices for ammo is ridiculous these days

When I buy them, I buy the Winchester Super Speed shells they sell at Walmart. They are the same hulls as AA's. A 25 round box is around $9. They also sell the Remington Game Loads for around the same price but there is only 20 shells in the box.

I saw a guy at our club carrying a Savage 512. I can't comment on how it shoots but it looked like a nice gun.