Remington 12 gauge vs 20 gauge for young shooters
A first shotgun for a young person is a safety, training and fit decision as much as a gauge decision. Comparing Remington 12 gauge and 20 gauge options can narrow the field, but neither bore size automatically makes a firearm suitable for a child.
Shotgun gauge describes the bore, not the projectile size or a firearm’s age rating. The familiar 12 gauge has an 18.5 mm bore, while 20 gauge has a smaller 15.6 mm bore. The 12 usually carries a heavier payload, often in No. 7, 8 or 9 shot, and the 20 frequently uses No. 7.5, 8 or 9 shot.
For young shooters, the key considerations are recoil, ammunition weight, balance, stock length and the activity being trained. A compact 20-gauge model may feel easier to shoulder, but a light target load in a well-fitted 12 gauge can also be comfortable. Adult supervision, coaching and suitable protective equipment remain essential.
Australian families must check state or territory requirements before buying or using any firearm. The Remington Firearms Store catalogue includes shotguns, rifles, handguns and ammunition, but its firearms shipping process uses a customer’s chosen Federal Firearms Licence dealer in the United States. That arrangement is not an Australian retail purchase or a direct export service.
What gauge actually means
Gauge terminology can mislead novice buyers because a larger gauge number represents a smaller bore. The 12 gauge is therefore the larger of these two shotguns and is often chosen when a wider range of loads or greater shot capacity is wanted. The 20 gauge holds less shot and powder in a typical cartridge, which generally reduces felt recoil.
Reduced recoil is not a safety guarantee. It depends on the complete load, including shot weight, powder and projectile, as well as the firearm’s weight and balance. A full-power 12-gauge load can recoil more than a light 20-gauge load, while an unusually heavy 20-gauge load will not feel especially mild.
Neither gauge dictates muzzle velocity by itself. Barrel length, action, ammunition and intended use all affect performance. Recoil should be assessed with the exact cartridge and model under the guidance of a qualified instructor or gunsmith rather than from the gauge number alone.
Where 12 and 20 differ
A Remington 12 gauge offers broad versatility for clay targets, bird shooting and general range work. Common ammunition is easier to source in many Australian gun shops, and target organisations often schedule events around 12 gauge. Its extra payload can also suit driven bird scenarios where more pellets are useful, provided the range and application call for them.
A Remington 20 gauge usually produces less recoil and can reduce shoulder fatigue for smaller shooters or extended sessions. It is popular for compact over-under and pump-action designs and is often used for smaller game and lighter target work. The trade-off is less total payload, fewer pellets and ammunition that may cost more because it is less commonly stocked.
For junior shooters, clay sports may favour a dependable 12-gauge shotgun that is easy to reload and matches event rules. Upland bird or small-game work may point toward 20 gauge when recoil control and portability matter most. The gauge should follow the activity, while suitable ammunition and safe handling remain non-negotiable.
Choosing for young shooters
Fit is more important than gauge. Check the stock length, grip, weight, balance and trigger reach against the young shooter, with the firearm unloaded and under adult control. A smaller bore does not guarantee a smaller overall gun, and a short adult model can still be badly proportioned for a child.
A practical purchase includes a supervised lesson, a clear loading and unloading routine, locked storage for the firearm, secure ammunition storage and a suitable range. In Melbourne and Sydney, urban storage and access to licensed clubs or approved ranges can shape the choice as much as recoil does.
Online stock information can prevent wasted trips and rushed decisions. The store’s guide to estimated dispatch date explains how to check fulfilment timing for an order, which is useful when comparing models before arranging delivery through an authorised dealer.
Australian buying and training realities
Gun law in Australia is state and territory based. Licence categories, permit requirements, minimum ages and rules for minors differ across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory. A young person may shoot under supervision without buying a firearm, but local conditions must be confirmed before an order or range visit.
Everyday use also has a distinctly local character. Many Melbourne and Sydney shooters plan around licensed club days and travel to rural venues because public transport and secure firearms transport make carrying a shotgun impractical. Approved safes, unloaded transport and locally prescribed storage rules are central to planning.
The ammunition market is equally local. Purchases commonly require an appropriate licence or permit and background checks, and dealers may have different stocks of 12- and 20-gauge ammunition. Pricing is affected by exchange rates and freight on imported cartridges. Some conservation areas and wetlands restrict lead shot, making compliant non-toxic ammunition a practical consideration.
Payment security deserves attention for any unfamiliar online transaction. The site’s guidance on secure payment habits can inform safer banking choices, although it does not replace firearms policies or licensing checks. Advertised cryptocurrency or military discounts likewise need eligibility review, and eligible ammunition or magazine direct shipping should not be assumed to include Australia.
Making a practical comparison
Model specifications decide the outcome. A 20-gauge version of one Remington pattern may be shorter or lighter than its 12-gauge counterpart, but this is not guaranteed across every action or series. Compare the listed dimensions and weight rather than assuming that every compact 20 gauge is a youth model.
| Consideration | Remington 12 gauge | Remington 20 gauge | Importance for a young shooter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal bore | 18.5 mm | 15.6 mm | The smaller bore does not guarantee a smaller firearm |
| Common shot sizes | No. 7, 8 and 9 | No. 7.5, 8 and 9 | Select ammunition suited to the activity and recoil tolerance |
| Payload and recoil | Greater capacity and often more recoil | Lighter loads and often less recoil | A qualified instructor should approve the load |
| Australian availability | Usually broader in gun shops | Often narrower and potentially more expensive | Check local dealer stocks before choosing |
| Typical strengths | Versatile for clay, birds and general range work | Compact handling and lighter recoil for extended sessions | Training, fit and intended use should outweigh gauge alone |
The cost comparison should include shells, target loads and any accessories the young shooter actually needs. A cheaper firearm paired with harder-recoiling ammunition may be a false economy, while paying more for a 20 gauge does not help if ammunition remains difficult to obtain locally.
Use the Remington Firearms Store catalogue to shortlist suitable shotguns, then review current stock, product specifications, shipping, cancellation and refund policies. Creating a customer account supports order tracking, while the advertised 24/7 support can help resolve fulfilment or policy questions. Eligibility for any cryptocurrency or military discount should be checked before checkout.
Australian buyers should start with a locally licensed firearms dealer and confirm Commonwealth and state or territory import requirements before attempting an overseas purchase. For a young shooter, prioritise an adult-approved training plan, a properly fitted model, appropriate shells and secure storage. The strongest choice is the firearm an instructor has cleared, an adult can control and the young shooter can handle comfortably.