Summer Project

[crenshawco]

I need some advice fellas.

I have decided to start a 20 gauge project this summer. I have been doing a good bit of reading this past week, and I am going to go with a Mossberg Super Bantam or a Remington 870 youth. I like the idea of a Knoxx stock but if I am going to carry a 20 I want it to be light and maneuverable.

With that being said, I am after a solid 40 yard pattern gun. I am really wanting to run Federal HW 7's through whatever gun I choose. So, do any of yall have any insight on the 870 vs. the Bantam running Fed. HW 7's?

I am not taking on the project of handloading TSS right now so the Federals are my next best option. Any advice would be appreciated

[mudmasher]

I can't speak for the Super Bantam but I have two Remington 870 compacts and both are capable of killing a turkey out to 40 yards. They both have 21" barrels and are set up with RSF chokes. They average 155 hits in the 10 with Hevi 13 # 7's. They don't do as good with the Federal Heavy #7's but still get a good hunting pattern with an average of 133 hits in the 10 at 40 yards. I haven't tried any other types of shells so I can only speak for the #7's.

[gophert]

I just finished my 2nd 870 20 project a few weeks ago.  I made one for my daughter and liked it so much I had to have another for myself.  I can tell you that finding a Knoxx stock for the 870 20 is going to be your biggest hurdle.  They are not made anymore so Ebay is your only option for now unless you get lucky and find one tucked back in a local gun store.  The last one I bid on on ebay went for $160+ so they can get pricey. 

I opted to go with the ATI adjustable stock that fits the Remington 7600 rifle.  The receiver size is the same as the 870 20 and all I needed to do was take off some of the inside of the mount with a dremel tool.  This stock is MUCH LIGHTER than the knoxx.  Here is a link on ebay for the one you would need. 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATI-Remington-7600-Six-Position-Shotgun-Pistol-Grip-REM7100-/170819510520?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27c5a2e0f8#ht_1058wt_987

[gobblergls]

I can't speak for shooting Federals out of the Super Bantam, but the Knoxx stock added 9 ozs. to the overall weight compared with the factory plastic stock and a slip-on pad over the factory pad.
Double pads on the Mossy absorbed the recoil very well shooting 1 5/8 oz. of TSS.  I assume it would do the same for the 870.  The ATI is probably lighter because of the absence of a recoil absorption spring, etc.

[gophert]

I can't speak for shooting Federals out of the Super Bantam, but the Knoxx stock added 9 ozs. to the overall weight compared with the factory plastic stock and a slip-on pad over the factory pad.
Double pads on the Mossy absorbed the recoil very well shooting 1 5/8 oz. of TSS.  I assume it would do the same for the 870.  The ATI is probably lighter because of the absence of a recoil absorption spring, etc.

I have never shot Mossy's, but there may be more availability of the Knoxx for the them.  I am not sure if the 12/20 are interchangeable.  Perhaps someone will chime in on that.  As far as the ATI vs the Knoxx....the Knoxx is just better made, plain and simple.  Its a much heftier product, but because of that it does add weight.  I have yet to shoot the gun with the ATI so I cannot comment on the recoil.  Comparing my 2 870 20's, one with the Knoxx recoil stock and the other with the ATI, the ATI is considerably lighter which will make recoil slightly more, but its a trade off for what you want in the woods. 

[gobblergls]

The 12 gauge Mossy Knoxx will fit on the 20, but a quick dremel tool modification must be done to allow the slide release to work properly.  It's described in a thread.  Gil

[gobblergls]

Here's the thread on modifying the Knoxx to fit the Super Bantam
http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,22675.0.html

[Eric Gregg]

If you have problems finding that Knox, i would recommend going with Remington's shur shot stock.
You will have to order from them directly, but I have it and it is worth it.

[JUGHEAD]

I need some advice fellas.

I have decided to start a 20 gauge project this summer. I have been doing a good bit of reading this past week, and I am going to go with a Mossberg Super Bantam or a Remington 870 youth. I like the idea of a Knoxx stock but if I am going to carry a 20 I want it to be light and maneuverable.

With that being said, I am after a solid 40 yard pattern gun. I am really wanting to run Federal HW 7's through whatever gun I choose. So, do any of yall have any insight on the 870 vs. the Bantam running Fed. HW 7's?

I am not taking on the project of handloading TSS right now so the Federals are my next best option. Any advice would be appreciated

Hey pal...I've got a Mossy Super Bantam ordered myself as we speak, but I have no idea about the Feds in it.  I'm gonna shoot TSS 9's myself.  But, my son's 870 compact does fantastic with the Federal 7's and the Tru Glo .550 choke averaging around 160 in the 10" circle at 40 yards.  I would guess that if you bought that same combo, it would do awesome.  I just decided to go with the Super Bantam because it's already camoed and already tapped for the Fastfire III.

[crenshawco]

Thanks for all the replies so far. I am leaning toward the Remington right now. It seems like they are getting better patterns with the fed hw just from reading through old threads.