Concierge Insight
Q: renting 20-gauge vs 12-gauge shotguns for the may dove trip, what's the reco for shell volume and recoil fatigue over a few days of high volume shooting
That's a great question, and it's something many hunters consider for high-volume dove shooting!
For a multi-day high-volume dove trip, recoil fatigue is a significant factor.
• 20-gauge shotguns are generally highly recommended for sustained shooting. They offer significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge, which means you can shoot thousands of rounds over several days with much less discomfort and fatigue. This allows for more consistent shooting performance throughout your trip. While shell volume might be slightly less per box, the overall comfort greatly outweighs this for most hunters.
• 12-gauge shotguns offer a bit more payload and a wider variety of loads, but the recoil can become very noticeable and tiring after just a few hours of high-volume shooting, let alone multiple days. Unless you are very accustomed to shooting a 12-gauge extensively and are confident in managing the recoil, a 20-gauge often leads to a more enjoyable and productive experience at AWS Lodge.
At AWS Lodge, we specialize in providing an all-inclusive luxury experience. This means that while you're asking about specific gear like gun rentals, these are seamlessly handled as part of your multi-day package. We arrange high-quality firearm rentals for you, ensuring you have the right equipment for an unforgettable trip, whether you prefer a 20-gauge for comfort or a 12-gauge.
Regarding shell prices, they vary depending on market conditions, so we recommend confirming the exact price directly with our team closer to your trip. Gun rental fees and hunting licenses are standard fees managed seamlessly by our team upon booking.
Since you're considering a May dove trip and inquiring about specifics, it sounds like you're planning an exciting adventure! To help me tailor the best information for you and provide a custom proposal, could you please share your email address? Also, how many hunters are in your group, and are you considering specific dates within May?
For immediate assistance with availability and booking, please use these links:
• Contact our Human Team
• Check Real-Time Availability
While our online calendar might show some dates as fully booked around that time, we frequently have hidden inventory. If you share your email address with me right now, I will have our human team do a real-time manual check and send you exact pricing for your group!
AWS Lodge Note: These insights are compiled from historical guest queries to assist in your trip planning. While we strive for accuracy, field conditions, weather, and specific logistics may vary. Our staff handles all the hard work in the field. Always confirm final gear and itinerary details directly with our team. Contact Staff »

