An Overview of Rifle Gauges
Brief History
The rifle gauge is a unit of measurement used to refer to the bore diameter of a shotgun or long gun. This became an established benchmark in the 19th century, and today there are four main gauges of firearms: 12 Gauge, 16 Gauge, 20 Gauge, and 410 Gauge. Each has its own unique characteristics that make it suitable for different types of shooting.
12 Gauge
The 12 gauge is the most popular shotgun caliber in the world due to its versatility and power. It can be used for everything from recreational shooting to hunting large game animals, although it’s often considered too powerful for small birds like quail or pheasant. It’s also the most popular home defense choice for many people.
16 Gauge
The 16 gauge is a relatively uncommon caliber today, but it was once quite popular for hunting small game and birds. While it’s still used in some parts of the world, its popularity has been largely eclipsed by the 12 and 20 gauges.
20 Gauge
The 20 gauge is the most popular choice for small game and bird hunting due to its lighter recoil as compared to the 12 gauge. It’s also seen some use in home defense, although it has less power than the 12 gauge.
410 Gauge
The 410 gauge is the smallest of all the shotgun calibers. It has very light recoil, and is often used for small birds and other small game animals such as rabbits and squirrels. Some people also use it for target shooting due to the low recoil.
Overall, rifle gauges are important measurements when considering a firearm purchase or attempting to find the right type of shell for a specific application. Knowing the different types of gauges and their uses can help you make an informed decision when selecting a shotgun or long gun.
So whether you’re looking for home defense, small game hunting, or just target shooting, it’s important to be aware of the various rifle gauges and choose one that best suits your needs.
Note: This article should not be copied verbatim and should only be used as background information. It is also important to note that this article may not reflect all proper safety measures, please research and follow the correct safety protocols when handling firearms. Please use caution when using firearms.
