I've been bit by the 20ga bug and am looking for a semi-auto to add to my collection. It will probably be a turkey hunting only type shotgun. I will most likely have some type of optic on it, probably a scope. Would prefer 24" or shorter barrel. I have several different chokes for a Remington but thats not a showstopper. I like the idea of having a pistol grip stock, but again not a showstopper. Would like it with a factory camo finish, but doesn't have to have that. I will be using some type of HTL shot.
What is everyone's likes/dislikes for folks that have already been down this road?
http://www.mossberg.com/product/shotguns-autoloading-mossberg-international-sa-20-sa-20-turkey-thug/75782 (http://www.mossberg.com/product/shotguns-autoloading-mossberg-international-sa-20-sa-20-turkey-thug/75782)
dawei- do you own one of these? What do you like or dislike about it?
Lot of people like that gun posted in the link...Hopefully more will chime in!!
Weatherby SA 459, just a better version of the Mossberg SA20. I have them both
I was skeptical about spending the extra money on a Benelli M2. However, it's now my favorite gun to hunt turkeys. It points great, light weight, and recoil is nill.
Awesome little guns. My other choice was the Weatherby SA-08
I have a Weatherby SA-08 youth model. Its a good shooting gun and functions well. The prices are very competitive. If I had to do it over again I would get a more popular make/model. Finding accessories for it...well they don't really exist. Without having it drilled and tapped forget about optics. Recoil pad will have to be generic slip on. I got a slotted rail to mount optics that mounts to vent rib it will not work. I can go on and on.
Good luck on what ever you decide.
The specialty turkey SA models like the Moss SA-20 Turkey Thug and Weatherby sa-459 come drill and tapped with a pic rail. They also have recoil pads. They are both sweet guns.. but the Weatherby has some touches and add ons the mossberg doesn't have.
I have a Benelli Nova 20 ga., full camo with a 24" barrel. It is of course a pump gun but if I was in the market for a new semi-auto I would choose the Benelli M2 with full camo and the same 24" barrel.
Thanks for all the comments, I have been leaning toward the Weatherby SA 459. I didn't want to jump too soon and wish I went a different direction.
To the SA-459 owners, is the front sight removable? It looks pretty big and ugly sticking up, and if I'm using a scope I think it would get in the bottom of my sight picture.
I have 7 turkey guns & have shot many many more ! Benelli M2 is my all time favorite. With the right shot/choke combo it will hang right with the 12's !
Weathersby SA 459 looks like a winner to me,it is basically all ready set up for turkey hunting right out of the box.
To answer the question above... yes the big blade sight up front is removable. I actually ended up liking it.. and left it alone.
And yes.. this gun is right out of the box a turkey crusher. So nice to carry. It needs nothing but a sling.. even the factory turkey choke it comes with is real good.
Quote from: FL-Boss on April 30, 2014, 08:50:12 PM
To answer the question above... yes the big blade sight up front is removable. I actually ended up liking it.. and left it alone.
And yes.. this gun is right out of the box a turkey crusher. So nice to carry. It needs nothing but a sling.. even the factory turkey choke it comes with is real good.
I'm almost sold on buying one. What thread choke does it take?
Beretta / benelli
Quote from: wirtbowhunter on April 30, 2014, 08:23:08 PM
To the SA-459 owners, is the front sight removable? It looks pretty big and ugly sticking up, and if I'm using a scope I think it would get in the bottom of my sight picture.
One screw & it's off! Simple as that! I took mine off & put a tru glo tru brite red dot site on it. Love the gun & set up.
I just got the Franchi Affinity 20ga APG camo Chrome lined barrel, love that it only weights 5.5 pounds.
I picked up a Mossberg sa-20 Turkey Thug. I am impressed with it.
POI was dead on with the sights, I didn't think I'd like them but they grew on me after shooting a couple hundred rds through it.
I started with some 3 inch lead Turkey loads, and then changed the choke to imp cyl to run a few slugs just to break it in.
I was impressed with the factory choke and Federal lead 6's. Also shot a nice group with Remington slugs.
I ran 7 boxes of dove loads, 7/8 ounce #8's through it and it ran fine, even with the cheap steel federals after my break in rounds. It will see some time on doves here shortly.
I'm sure the SA-459 is nice but the SA-20 mossy will be in my safe for awhile. Worth a extra look!!
I have both guns.. can't go wrong with either. The SA-20 will give you more flexibility ... you can use it for deer, dove, etc.
take a look at the Franchi's
Quote from: FL-Boss on April 29, 2014, 09:32:40 PM
Weatherby SA 459, just a better version of the Mossberg SA20. I have them both
Seen this model for less than the SA-08 at Cabela's
Well, I started this thread several months ago and today I finally pulled the trigger. I have handled a bunch of different guns. After much looking fondling, and reading online I purchased a Franchi Affinity. I can't wait to see what it will do, but it is smooth and feels good pulling up to my shoulder.
Great choice and a super gun. The one I had shot a carlsons 575 and heavyweight 7s awesome
Also looks good cerakoted :)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/06/40ab4bf46dbb6b2556f010e9d34ca992.jpg)
(http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/06/a719ccffda84348e4018d918fa9b6413.jpg)
I shot the new Affinity tonight with the factory full choke.
40 yards
Fed HW 7's
180 in 10"- point of aim is off. I'll have to get that straightened out somehow, but wow.
(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d52/Wirtbowhunter/Affinity_zps5d15dfa9.jpg) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/Wirtbowhunter/media/Affinity_zps5d15dfa9.jpg.html)
W O W 'S. RIGHT , ALL YA NEED IS A REAL GOOD RED DOT AND U ARE GOOD TO GO :icon_thumright:
I didn't think you were suppose to shoot anything buy lead from a benelli full choke?
That Franchi is a nice looking little gun. Does it come drilled and tapped?
Reynolds, your gun is a thing of beauty! I love it. :icon_thumright:
Does the Benelli M2 only come chambered up to a 3 inch?
Quote from: Ocoee Ridge Runner on October 14, 2014, 04:50:46 PM
Does the Benelli M2 only come chambered up to a 3 inch?
Do you know of a 20g that shoots a 3.5"?
Franchi Affinity