Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Seriously considering a switch from my semi automatic 12 gauge to a 20 gauge for the coming season.
Any advise from you guys that have made the switch?
What gun would you recommend?

Gunrunner
 :gobble:

I haven't done so, but I know plenty of hunters who have made the conversion. With today's ammo opportunities, I can understand the desire so that it would be an easier carry. That being said, a well tuned 20 can out shoot a so so 12. Go for it and good luck

I put together a 20 gauge 870 last fall. I haven't patterned it yet but I'm leaning towards carrying it for at least a few hunts this year.

I built a remington 11-87 youth model 20 a couple years ago. IC .555 and some handload tss #9. Had it dipped and installed a vortex venom red dot.

I killed some birds with it. Shoots unreal patterns.

It will be my grandsons one day.

I went to a 20 3 years ago. You'll like the outcome especially with the new ammo that's available.

I made the switch several years ago from a Remington SP-10 (10-gauge) to a 20-gauge as my primary gun and very happy with it. The advantage for me is being lighter and more comfortable for those long sits and balancing on your knee. Experiment to find the right choke tube while shooting TSS #9 shot and it will make clean kills out to 40 yards. Easily.

I purposefully went with a Remington 11-87 because it's a gas gun and somewhat heavy. Some folks may assume a 20-gauge means a softer shooter, but not so if you buy a lightweight model, especially with a 'youth' stock.

Not that it has anything to do with the gauge itself, but I would also suggest mounting a red dot sight.

I have turkey hunted with a 20 gauge for around ten years now. One year I felt the need to go nostalgic and hunt the ole 12 gauge again. Got what I needed and went to pattern the gun and after one shot I decided against that plan. Never felt under gunned with the 20. I say go for it!

Made the swap 2 seasons ago. Never looked back. Franchi 20ga turkey with pistol grip and Leopold delta point pro sight. Rob Robert's choke. Apex 9's. It'll do the job on any ethical shot you could make with a 12.

I have had my M2 20 gauge for about 10 years now and love it! Last year I got and set up a ATI turkey/fowl under and over, really like it! both will see time in the woods this coming season.

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2025, 02:10:04 PMI have turkey hunted with a 20 gauge for around ten years now. One year I felt the need to go nostalgic and hunt the ole 12 gauge again. Got what I needed and went to pattern the gun and after one shot I decided against that plan. Never felt under gunned with the 20. I say go for it!

This statement about switching to a 20 is pretty amazing to me.  I may be wrong but I believe you were an 835 and Hevi-13 7's guy around 2010, that was putting up some AMAZING 350 pattern numbers.  Plenty of firepower IMO (I use an 835 and Hevi 7's still).  Why the change?  AMMO?  Lighter gun?  Interested in reason or reasons for the switch.     

Quote from: bbcoach on January 26, 2025, 02:30:55 PM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2025, 02:10:04 PMI have turkey hunted with a 20 gauge for around ten years now. One year I felt the need to go nostalgic and hunt the ole 12 gauge again. Got what I needed and went to pattern the gun and after one shot I decided against that plan. Never felt under gunned with the 20. I say go for it!

This statement about switching to a 20 is pretty amazing to me.  I may be wrong but I believe you were an 835 and Hevi-13 7's guy around 2010, that was putting up some AMAZING 350 pattern numbers.  Plenty of firepower IMO (I use an 835 and Hevi 7's still).  Why the change?  AMMO?  Lighter gun?  Interested in reason or reasons for the switch.     

Lighter gun, do not trust Hevi to produce reliable ammunition, tired of chasing lots, easier to hold up the 20 for longer periods in the heat of the moment, do not get a headache while checking my guns, etc. I loved the 835 with Hevi 6s and it served me well, but as Ecclesiastes teaches, there is a season for all things.

Switched to a Beretta A300 20g with a Holosun 507C and an Indian Creek .555 with TSS 9s.  I have never looked back.  Don't feel that I am sacrificing anything without the 12 ga.

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2025, 02:34:27 PM

Quote from: bbcoach on January 26, 2025, 02:30:55 PM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2025, 02:10:04 PMI have turkey hunted with a 20 gauge for around ten years now. One year I felt the need to go nostalgic and hunt the ole 12 gauge again. Got what I needed and went to pattern the gun and after one shot I decided against that plan. Never felt under gunned with the 20. I say go for it!

This statement about switching to a 20 is pretty amazing to me.  I may be wrong but I believe you were an 835 and Hevi-13 7's guy around 2010, that was putting up some AMAZING 350 pattern numbers.  Plenty of firepower IMO (I use an 835 and Hevi 7's still).  Why the change?  AMMO?  Lighter gun?  Interested in reason or reasons for the switch.   

Lighter gun, do not trust Hevi to produce reliable ammunition, tired of chasing lots, easier to hold up the 20 for longer periods in the heat of the moment, do not get a headache while checking my guns, etc. I loved the 835 with Hevi 6s and it served me well, but as Ecclesiastes teaches, there is a season for all things.

Understand ALL the reasons exactly.  I, on the other hand, have been fortunate enough to have purchased enough of the early GREAT shooting lot number HEVI 7's, love the gun and patterns I'm getting and can't see changing for a couple of birds each year.  Thanks!

Quote from: bbcoach on January 26, 2025, 02:46:39 PM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2025, 02:34:27 PM

Quote from: bbcoach on January 26, 2025, 02:30:55 PM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2025, 02:10:04 PMI have turkey hunted with a 20 gauge for around ten years now. One year I felt the need to go nostalgic and hunt the ole 12 gauge again. Got what I needed and went to pattern the gun and after one shot I decided against that plan. Never felt under gunned with the 20. I say go for it!

This statement about switching to a 20 is pretty amazing to me.  I may be wrong but I believe you were an 835 and Hevi-13 7's guy around 2010, that was putting up some AMAZING 350 pattern numbers.  Plenty of firepower IMO (I use an 835 and Hevi 7's still).  Why the change?  AMMO?  Lighter gun?  Interested in reason or reasons for the switch.   

Lighter gun, do not trust Hevi to produce reliable ammunition, tired of chasing lots, easier to hold up the 20 for longer periods in the heat of the moment, do not get a headache while checking my guns, etc. I loved the 835 with Hevi 6s and it served me well, but as Ecclesiastes teaches, there is a season for all things.

Understand ALL the reasons exactly.  I, on the other hand, have been fortunate enough to have purchased enough of the early GREAT shooting lot number HEVI 7's, love the gun and patterns I'm getting and can't see changing for a couple of birds each year.  Thanks!

Nothing wrong with that.

Bought a "used," but never left the house, Mossberg 500 Super Bantam in 2019. Added a Burris FF3, an IC .555 and run 2.75" Foxtrot straight 8s.

I get why most people are switching to sub gauges. Lightweight is probably the main reason, along with better sub gauge Turkey shell offerings hitting the market. I'm not trying to sway you away from the mighty fine 20 gauge, but I wanted to let you know the move I made to find a lighter option. I have the new Browning Sweet 16. I topped it with a Burris FF3, put a Briley Custom .600 Turkey Choke in. I shoot Fox Trot TSS 1-7/8 oz loads. The 16 only shoots 2-3/4 shells so the recoil is minimal. Most of the TSS companies make real good 16 gauge loads. The Gun patterns unreal, and at around 5.5 pounds, it's a dream to tote through the woods. I don't feel like I'm sacrificing any fire power when I tote this Gun in the field. Again, the 20 gauge is a fantastic option, just wanted to let you know about the new Sweet 16. Handles like a charm... Good luck...

I have only carried 20 gauge for the past few seasons. I shoot TSS 9's and they haven't let me down and pattern great.  The advantages are lighter gun, easier carry, softer recoil.  The one disadvantage if you will, if TSS is expensive.  One could choose Longbeards in 20 gauge I'm sure, but I don't see them on the shelf often and have not tried them.
Check out the 29 gauge pattern photos on in that forum on this site.  Lots of good info on chokes there.  The .562-.575 range seems to be the sweet spot for most.
I've been quite pleased with my Mossberg SA 20.  Check 'em out.

I was a 12 gauge guy for years and as TSS was coming on board with members sharing information and patterns on the forum, I switched to a 20 gauge with TSS and now I use a 28 ga. Have also carried a 410 with TSS on a few hunts. My overall choice is either the 20 or 28 ga with TSS

I have a 20 gauge setup with Long Beard XR number 6s and have killed turkeys with it also...

So you will enjoy the sub gauges.

12 gauge has its place and a lot of people still enjoy hunting with them. I may even still carry my old 12 gauges on a few hunts.

Make it under 6 lbs.  otherwise I do not see the point!  I had a part break on my 20ga this spring, carried my 12 for the last hunt and only two days, 1lb heavier is shockingly noticeable!

Me personally would buy a Benelli ultra light!

M2 (prior gen) since 2017.  Lots of birds to prove it works. 1 situation where 12 might have been the ticket. TSS ammo.

Good luck!

I've switched but still carry the 12 occasionally. I've got 2 20 gauge set ups for turkey.

Retay Gordion and Winchester SXP. I got the Winchester so when I go to liberal states I have a legal gun as the retay is semi auto and has a pistol grip.

Quote from: mcw3734 on January 26, 2025, 02:05:44 PMI made the switch several years ago from a Remington SP-10 (10-gauge) to a 20-gauge as my primary gun and very happy with it. The advantage for me is being lighter and more comfortable for those long sits and balancing on your knee. Experiment to find the right choke tube while shooting TSS #9 shot and it will make clean kills out to 40 yards. Easily.

I purposefully went with a Remington 11-87 because it's a gas gun and somewhat heavy. Some folks may assume a 20-gauge means a softer shooter, but not so if you buy a lightweight model, especially with a 'youth' stock.

Not that it has anything to do with the gauge itself, but I would also suggest mounting a red dot sight.

To me the only real reason to make the switch is weight and comfort. If your not buying a moderate weighted gun your wasting your money.

I agree the very light guns kick way too much. I had a 510 in 20 gauge and got rid of it. It kicked worse than a 12 gauge and the BPS 10g I typically have hunted with.

As far as performance, the 20 gauge will do well if you put your work in. You select the right tube and load for your style and situations. In no way will it out perform a 12g or 10g equally set up. Not going to happen!

So, if you are to the point that you want to shell out your money and you already own a reliable weapon do so for the right reasons.

I carried my sons M2 pretty much all season last year with the exception of a day or two in WV. I am almost ready to start shooting a Gordion I bought myself. 4#s of weight does make a difference.

Not to say I will never pack the BPS again, it is awesome.

I switched from a 3.5" 12ga. Best move I ever made turkey hunting.  20 is more than enough, weighs and kicks less.

You won't regret it. Find one you like.  With ammo and chokes, they can all be made to out shoot any 12 ga shooting 5 or 6s.

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Switched to a Winchester SX3 20-ga for anything that flies from big birds to little birds quite a few years ago.

TSS is a game changer along with the gun being way lighter!!

Some little birds a few weeks ago.

Shoot a good load of tss 9s and you will never know the difference except it's lighter to pack around.

I was a 12/3.5" magnum lead guy for many years. A friend let me try his 20 with the old federal heavy 7's and my life changed. I bought a Stoeger 2000 and fit a Sumtoy .562 to it and life was good. I love the 28 gauge so I tried a SA28 with #9 TSS and that was it for me. I just bought myself a Benelli SBE3 last fall and used it for ducks, with bisbuth, and TSS for turkeys. This is my all around gun. Gun is 2.5 pounds lighter and I have never been " undergunned". Lots of good subgauge guns out there. The Stoeger is great for the $$, the Benelli M-2 is sweet as well. THe SBE is an awesome gun as well. But a good 870 or a Stevens 301 is just as good if it fits you and your set up throws a good pattern. Find a gun that fits you and set it up the way you want it. Have fun with the process and go kill some birds. You will be happy you went" small", lol. Z

Bought a SBE3 20ga two years ago after carrying a 12ga forever. New TSS and lighter weight were the main reasons for the change. The 20ga is a pleasure to carry and works well for me out to 40 yards.

Switched to a 20 gauge Franchi Affinity youth stock last year. Burris FF3, kicks turkey choke, and apex tss 9's. Easier carrier and patterns better than my 12 ever did.

been shooting 20ga for a while now and love them. I have a Remington 21" 870, a Mossberg 500 Bantom and a compact 301 Stevens at the time. I had one 12ga left in the safe. It's a 21" 870 that I've had it for a LONG time. Killed lot's of gobblers with it but age and bad shoulders made it too heavy with too much recoil. My son was just a small boy when I bought it and he was with me at the time. He loved to go to the gun store when he was little because the store owner always give him candy. Anyway, this past Christmas I gifted it to him along with all the chokes and a big load of ammo. A fellow told me a long time ago that "you don't need a sledgehammer to kill an ant" makes more sense the older I get. And for what it's worth, I can't see any real difference in how dead the birds are compared shooting them with that old 12 versus the new 20's. keep your shots within reason and you'll be a happy hunter.

Bought a Weatherby AS459 about 9-10 years ago.  Have never not killed the bird I shot at with it. 140ish in the 10" at 40 yards.  I liked it so much I bought a bunch of the Federal Heavyweight #7 and have enough for a lifetime (when it was rumored to be discontinued, I bought a bunch at a crazy good price).  Got a wild hair two years ago and bought a side by side, double trigger CZ bobwhite but never got a good enough POA that I felt good with either barrel.  Found a discontinued CS Mallard in 20 and mounted a Holosun sight and the POA of the two different chokes and barrels were perfect.  It is a double trigger, so 20 and in gets the imp mod, and 21 and out gets the turkey choke.  Honestly did not need it, just wanted it.

Results of the Mallard:  https://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php?topic=117429.msg1180794#msg1180794

Set up a youth 870 I already had for my daughter.  Also poison at 40 yards. 

I will be using my 20 gauge 870 turkey and TSS this year. I switch it up every year between my SuperMag with 3 inch shells and 2 SP-10's. The SuperMag has too many memories to retire. Enjoy them all and they all perform equally under 40 yards.

I made the switch last year to a Winchester SX4 20gauge and it was lights out. I gave it to my son and traded for a Benelli M2 in 20 gauge and I'm going to set it up for me. Jebs headhunter and Apex#9 in both

I have so many turkey guns that I really enjoy!!! But last few years I switched to a Remington Model 870 20 gauge, that I added a MagPul pistol grip stock and foreskin. Plus 562 Sumtoy choke tube.  Also set up a 28 gauge Semi auto.  Reason= I gained weight "Got fatter" so I had to lose weight somewhere!!!!
You will not be under gunned!!! I also reload TSS.  Not chasing numbers just dreams!!!!

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My 12 gauge turkey guns have been retired for a few years now collecting dust in the safe. I'm running an 870 Youth 20 gauge that I customized and 2 O/U 20 gauge guns. I roll my TSS loads. Patterns at 40 yards are amazing. However, I would not use a 20 if using lead factory loads. Just me...

I like packing my 870 20 gauge on public land and in the national forest where I'm walking a lot. It's also a hell of a lot nicer to shoot with your offhand than the 12 if a bird decides to get sneaky.

Quote from: Dr Juice on January 26, 2025, 01:43:03 PMA well tuned 20 can out shoot a so so 12. Go for it and good luck

A well tuned 12 ga. will generally out-preform a well tuned 20 ga...  A well tuned 20 ga. with the right loads and premium high-density shot will certainly out-preform most 12 ga. guns shooting lead though.

I have a twenty gauge, and will likely switch to it when I am out of 12 ga. Hevi-shot (probably have 2 more seasons).

The 20 ga. is lighter in weight, but I have found when shooting stout loads, that felt recoil is as much or more than 12 ga. loads, due to the lack of weight not absorbing recoil...

And...  Living in CA where we cannot mail order ammo, those 12 ga. loads are difficult to find, and sold at a very premium price.

With the right loads and chokes you are not giving up much as far as patterns and killing efficacy, and carrying a lighter gun is very appealing...  I prefer the 20 ga. for chuckar and quail, and feel I am more effective due to being able to get that lighter gun on birds faster.

The biggest advantage of the 12 ga. currently is the larger availability of different loads that suit your needs.

I doubt you'll regret with the ammo available these days. I've known a few guys who have made the swap and none have picked their 12 gauge back up for turkey hunting.

Can't ever imagine going back to carrying a 12ga.  Think I made the switch in 2010 or 11.  Lots of good options out there.  I have 870, M1, and SBE3 20 ga dedicated turkey setups and love them all.  The 870 was my first.  The autos are nice and even lighter so I've gravitated toward carrying those more.  The 28 gauge is a nice option too, and my boys both started with a Tristar .410 that I'll shoot on occasion.  TSS changed the game for the subgauges.