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Switching to a 20 gauge

Started by GunRunner, January 26, 2025, 01:33:19 PM

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b wilt

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.

Kytomgetter

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

runngun

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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Blessed are the peacemakers for they are the children of God.

tracker#1

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...

Kylongspur88

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.

Marc

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.
Did I do that?

Fly fishermen are born honest, but they get over it.

Hunter32

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.

PharmHunter

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.