The internet loves to argue that anything less than a 12 gauge is inadequate. The practical reality is different: the gun that gets practiced with is the one that works. If a spouse, partner or older teenager in your household flinches at a 12 gauge and won't train with it, the 20 gauge solves a real problem.
The guns
Stevens 320 Security 20ga
18.5" · 5+1
Maverick 88 20ga
22" · 5+1
| Stevens 320 Security 20ga | Maverick 88 20ga | |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 18.5" | 22" |
| Listed capacity | 5+1 | 5+1 |
| Strength | Short, security-configured | Mossberg-built, simple |
Specs from product listings as of 2026-09-17.
Why 20 gauge recoils less
Recoil is driven mostly by how much mass you throw and how fast. A 20-gauge shell typically carries a lighter payload than a 12-gauge shell, so it generally produces less recoil in a gun of similar weight. The trade is fewer or smaller pellets per shot. At the distances inside a home, that trade is usually acceptable if you choose the right load.
The load matters more than the gauge
Birdshot is designed for birds. For defense, use buckshot. In 20 gauge, #3 buckshot is the most common defensive choice. Selection is thinner than in 12 gauge, so buy it in advance, function-test your gun with it, and pattern it at the distances in your home. Our buckshot buyer's guide covers patterning.
Stevens 320 20ga vs Maverick 88 20ga
The Stevens is the more purpose-built option — its 18.5" barrel keeps it handy indoors. The Maverick's 22" barrel is longer than ideal for hallways but it's a straightforward Mossberg-family pump; many owners add an accessory 18.5" barrel later. If handling in tight spaces is the priority, the Stevens wins on paper; if you value the Mossberg ecosystem, the Maverick.
Alternatives worth weighing
If recoil is the core problem, a 9mm pistol-caliber carbine recoils less than any shotgun, holds more rounds and shares ammunition with a handgun. For many households it's the better answer.
Whatever you choose, add a weapon light.
Frequently asked questions
Is 20 gauge enough for home defense?
With suitable buckshot at in-home distances, 20 gauge is widely considered capable. A gun you'll practice with beats a bigger one you avoid.
What 20 gauge ammo should I use?
Buckshot sized for 20 gauge — #3 buck is the common defensive choice. Avoid birdshot for defense.
Is 20 gauge ammo harder to find?
Selection of defensive loads is narrower than 12 gauge, so buy and test your load in advance.
Does 20 gauge kick much less?
It generally recoils less than comparable 12-gauge loads because it launches a lighter payload, though gun weight and load choice both matter.
Keep reading
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