12 gauge is the most common and versatile shotgun chambering, used for everything from hunting to home defense to clay target sports.

The 12 gauge is a shotgun bore size rather than a single load — it fires a wide variety of shells, from birdshot and buckshot to slugs, which makes it extremely versatile. Recoil is generally stout compared with smaller gauges and varies considerably with the specific load and the weight of the gun. Ammunition is widely available and inexpensive for common target and field loads. Its power and shell variety make it a mainstay for waterfowl and upland hunting, home defense, and shotgun sports such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays. It suits shooters who can manage more recoil and want one platform that handles many tasks.

General information about this caliber — not a recommendation for this specific firearm.