Switching to a 20 gauge

[GunRunner]

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
 

[Dr Juice]

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

[10th Legionaire]

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.

[Brian Fahs]

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.

[Lcmacd 58]

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

[mcw3734]

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.

[davisd9]

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!

[Swampmonkey]

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.

[3bailey3]

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.

[bbcoach]

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!

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.     

[davisd9]

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!

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.

[Notsoyoungturk]

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.

[bbcoach]

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!

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!

[davisd9]

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!

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.

[paboxcall]

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.