A 10 gauge shotgun is a firearm that is commonly used for hunting. It is also used for shooting clay pigeons and targets.A 12 gauge shotgun is a firearm that is commonly used for home defense and for hunting.It is also used for shooting clay pigeons and targets.
Difference Between 10 gauge shotgun vs 12 gauge shotgun
Overview
10 Gauge Shotgun:
A 10 gauge shotgun is a type of shotgun typically used for hunting large game, such as deer and wild boar.It is a large bore shotgun, meaning that its barrel is wider in diameter than other shotguns, usually between .775 and .795 inches.It is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including buckshot, slugs, and birdshot.
It is generally considered to be the most powerful type of shotgun available, and is often used for long-range shooting.
12 Gauge Shotgun:
A 12 gauge shotgun is a type of shotgun typically used for hunting small game, such as birds and rabbits. It is a medium bore shotgun, meaning that its barrel is narrower in diameter than other shotguns, usually between .720 and .740 inches.It is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including buckshot, slugs, and birdshot.It is generally considered to be the most versatile type of shotgun available, and is often used for short-range shooting.

Barrel
The 10 gauge is the larger of the two, and is often used for larger game hunting and competition shooting.The 12 gauge is the most popular shotgun size and is used for a variety of hunting and shooting activities.Both shotguns have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing the right shotgun for the job.
The 10 gauge has a larger bore diameter and is capable of firing a heavier payload than the 12 gauge.This makes it ideal for larger game hunting, such as waterfowl and turkey, as well as for shooting long-range targets.It is also a popular choice for competition shooting, as it is able to fire larger shells with greater accuracy.
The downside to the 10 gauge is that it is heavier and more expensive than the 12 gauge, and it is not as widely available.The 12 gauge is the more popular of the two shotgun sizes and is used for a variety of hunting and shooting activities.It is lighter and more affordable than the 10 gauge, and is more widely available.
The 12 gauge is capable of firing a wide range of shells, from light target loads to heavy magnum loads.It is also a popular choice for home defense, as it is capable of firing both light and heavy loads.The downside to the 12 gauge is that it is not as accurate as the 10 gauge, and it is not as suitable for larger game hunting.
When choosing the right shotgun for the job, it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each size.The 10 gauge is ideal for larger game hunting and competition shooting, while the 12 gauge is more versatile and suitable for a variety of shooting activities.Both shotguns have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on the intended use.
Receiver
10 Gauge Shotgun:
A 10 gauge shotgun is a type of shotgun that is typically used for hunting or sporting purposes.It is a larger bore shotgun that is capable of firing larger shot sizes than a 12 gauge shotgun.It is a popular choice among waterfowl hunters, as it is capable of firing larger shot sizes that are more effective against waterfowl.
It is also popular among trap shooters, as it is capable of firing heavier shot sizes that are more effective for breaking targets.
12 Gauge Shotgun:
A 12 gauge shotgun is a type of shotgun that is typically used for hunting or sporting purposes.
It is a smaller bore shotgun that is capable of firing smaller shot sizes than a 10 gauge shotgun.It is a popular choice among upland bird hunters, as it is capable of firing smaller shot sizes that are more effective against upland birds.It is also popular among skeet shooters, as it is capable of firing lighter shot sizes that are more effective for breaking targets.
Stock
10 Gauge Shotgun:
The 10 gauge shotgun is a large-bore shotgun that is primarily used for hunting large game such as deer, wild boar, and turkey.It is also used for sporting clays and trap shooting.The 10 gauge is the largest bore size available for a shotgun, and as such, is considered a specialty gun.
It is available in both pump-action and semi-automatic models and is typically loaded with 3-inch shells.
12 Gauge Shotgun:
The 12 gauge shotgun is the most popular shotgun in the United States and is used for a variety of purposes such as hunting, clay target shooting, and home defense.
It is available in both pump-action and semi-automatic models and is typically loaded with 2 ¾ inch shells.The 12 gauge is a great all-around shotgun and is capable of taking down medium to large game such as deer, wild boar, and turkey.
Trigger
10 Gauge Shotgun:
The 10 gauge shotgun is a large bore shotgun that is typically used for hunting waterfowl and turkey.It is often used by professional shooters and hunters due to its power and accuracy.The 10 gauge shotgun is known for its high recoil and is often used with a recoil pad.
It is capable of firing a variety of loads, including magnum loads, which are used for hunting large game.
12 Gauge Shotgun:
The 12 gauge shotgun is the most popular shotgun used for hunting and shooting sports.
It is considered to be the most versatile shotgun due to its ability to fire a variety of loads, from birdshot to slugs.The 12 gauge shotgun is known for its accuracy and power and is often used for hunting small game, such as rabbits and squirrels.It is also used for shooting sports such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays.
Forend
10 Gauge Shotgun:
The forend of a 10 gauge shotgun is typically made of wood, plastic, or metal, and is designed to provide a comfortable grip and support for the shooter’s hands.It also helps to protect the shooter’s hands from the heat of the barrel.
12 Gauge Shotgun:
The forend of a 12 gauge shotgun is usually made of wood, plastic, or metal, and is designed to provide a comfortable grip and support for the shooter’s hands.It also helps to protect the shooter’s hands from the heat of the barrel.The forend on a 12 gauge shotgun is typically wider than that of a 10 gauge shotgun, which allows for more control and stability while shooting.
Overall
10 Gauge Shotgun:
A 10 gauge shotgun is a shotgun that fires 10 gauge shotgun shells, which are larger than 12 gauge shells.
It is typically used for hunting large game animals, particularly waterfowl.The 10 gauge shotgun is more powerful than the 12 gauge shotgun, and is often used by experienced and competitive shooters.
12 Gauge Shotgun:
A 12 gauge shotgun is a shotgun that fires 12 gauge shotgun shells, which are smaller than 10 gauge shells.
It is typically used for hunting small game animals, such as birds and rabbits.The 12 gauge shotgun is less powerful than the 10 gauge shotgun, but is still capable of taking down small game with proper aim.It is also a popular choice for recreational shooting and home defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 10 gauge and a 12 gauge shotgun?
The main difference between a 10 gauge and a 12 gauge shotgun is the size of the bore. A 10 gauge shotgun has a bore diameter of .775 inches, while a 12 gauge shotgun has a bore diameter of .729 inches.
This difference in size affects the amount of shot that can be loaded into the gun, as well as the amount of recoil generated when the gun is fired.Generally, 10 gauge shotguns are more powerful and have more recoil than 12 gauge shotguns.
2. What type of ammunition is best suited for a 10 gauge shotgun?
For a 10 gauge shotgun, the best type of ammunition is typically a 3.5-inch magnum shell. This type of shell is capable of firing a variety of shot sizes and payloads, making it a versatile choice for a variety of hunting and sporting applications.
The 10 gauge is also capable of firing larger shells such as the 3.5-inch magnum and the 4-inch magnum, which are best suited for larger game.For a 12 gauge shotgun, the best type of ammunition is typically a 2.75-inch or 3-inch shell.
These shells are capable of firing a variety of shot sizes and payloads, making them a versatile choice for a variety of hunting and sporting applications.The 12 gauge is also capable of firing larger shells such as the 3.5-inch magnum and the 4-inch magnum, which are best suited for larger game.
What type of hunting is best suited for a 12 gauge shotgun?
12 gauge shotguns are best suited for hunting larger game such as deer, wild boar, and turkey. They are also well-suited for upland game birds such as quail, pheasant, and grouse.12 gauge shotguns are also commonly used for waterfowl hunting, as they are capable of firing larger shot sizes than 10 gauge shotguns.
Final Word for 10 gauge shotgun and 12 gauge shotgun
There is no clear winner when it comes to 10 gauge shotgun vs 12 gauge shotgun. Both have their pros and cons.The 10 gauge shotgun is more powerful and can shoot larger rounds, but the 12 gauge shotgun is more versatile and can shoot a variety of different rounds.Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what you plan to use the shotgun for.