Really no need to lug the extra weight around, anymore.
In the last decade or so, shotshell technology has enabled the 20 gauge to do in 2020 what no 12 gauge would do 15-20 years ago.
Shell recommendations please. I bought one of the 21" 870 youth guns in 20 a few years ago. Love how easy it is to carry around, but even after adding an aftermarket extra full tube the patterns I've gotten aren't impressing me. I used it one year, never got a chance to use it and went back to my 12. I have an older 12 ga Benelli M-1 with 24" barrel. The gun is pretty light at 7 lbs and the 24" barrel is fairly compact. I'd feel good about a 40 yard shot with it, but the patterns I've gotten with the 20 don't look good past 15-20 yards.
