Haha, don't have a problem with the 12ga, but my ole bones like the softer recoil of the 20. PLUS I've never needed a 12 for anything I've hunted. I think that one reason the 12 is so prevalent for HD over the 20 is that you can find a lot more loadings/specialty ammo for the 12. I've read that a lot of larger departments are going to the 20 for women and smaller statured men and not having any problems.