What can you hunt with a 12 gauge shotgun?
Isabella Ramos
Updated on April 29, 2026
A hunter who owns a high quality 3″ 12 gauge shotgun with interchangeable choke tubes, such as a Remington 870 or a Mossberg 500, can hunt virtually any type of small game or bird, including rabbit, squirrel, quail, dove, grouse, ducks, geese, and turkey.
Can you shoot a deer with a 12 gauge shotgun?
Shotguns used for deer or bear must be 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, or 20 gauge and shoot slugs or #1 or larger buckshot. 10-gauge and 12-gauge shotguns using slugs may be used to hunt elk, goats, sheep, or moose.
What shot size for rabbit and squirrel?
Rabbit and squirrel 6 lead shot has been the go-to shot size for rabbits and squirrels for as long as anyone can remember. For higher treetop squirrels, larger shot like No. 5 shot is perfect. Many hunters prefer also the even-larger No.
Can you hunt small game with a 12 gauge?
12-gauge shotguns have bigger shells than 20-gauge shotguns, so they throw more pellets and they typically kick harder. But if you’re also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge.
Can you hunt squirrels with 12 gauge?
The larger the gauge, the more power the gun packs. Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a . 410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting.
Is a 12 gauge shotgun more powerful than a 20 gauge?
A 12 gauge shotgun load is heavier and delivers more power than 20 gauge ammo does. As a result, a 12 gauge is typically better equipped to take larger game. You do sacrifice some things for that power 12 gauge shotguns have more recoil than 20 gauge and the firearm itself is more of a burden to carry.
Can a 12 gauge shotgun be used for hunting?
12 gauge shotguns are very popular for hunting and self-defense. The 12 gauge is viewed as a versatile shotgun: it has the power needed for deer and turkey hunting, but still works well at the long ranges needed for geese and ducks. You can hunt small game using a 12 gauge by using smaller ammunition.
What is a 1212 gauge shotgun good for?
12-gauge shotguns are perfect for small game when loaded with the right kind of birdshot. There are different sizes of birdshot, which are numbered according to size. The smaller the number, the bigger the size of pellets in the shell.
What is the best 12 gauge shotgun for self defense?
Rock Island Armory VR60 AR Style Semi-Auto Shotgun 12 Gauge 3″ Chamber 20″ Barre… Rock Island Armory VR60 AR Style Semi-Auto Shotgun… Century Dynamics PK-12 Tactical Semi Auto Shotgun 12 Gauge 3″ Chamber 18.5″ Barr… Century Dynamics PK-12 Tactical Semi Auto Shotgun
What is the velocity of a 12 gauge shotgun shell?
Hornady 12 Gauge 3-Inch Shell, BB, 1300 Velocity, Shot At 25 Feet. You might think “BB” means a small toy gun for children, but a 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with BB shot, which measures .18 inches, is an effective hunting load.