20G or 12G Experienced opinions appreciated

[357MAGNOLE]

If you have experience on the 20 give me your thoughts please. I am considering picking up a dedicated turkey gun and thinking a 20 might be the way to go.  What kind of results could I expect in comparison to my SX3 12G? Slight drop off, drastic? None?

What is/are the best 20G models under that $1000 mark.  I have until the fall to make a decision really, no rush. If I can catch a end of season sale at a big box store that would be even better.

[Fieldturkey]

I have hunted with a 20 for the last 5 years and would not go back. Set it up properly and it will do all you need it to.

[Strick9]

I almost went the 20 ga route, but in the end I figured why not just go 12.

20 guage is lighter for sure but thats the only pro I could find.

12 well you can built it light and short, Huge variety of ammo usually found on most retail stores, shoot 2-3/4s if you want or 3.5 if you want.

If I had equip set up to hand roll 20s that may have swayed the decision a bit more.

If you decide 20 that Weatherby PA 459 get good reviews. I do wish the 12 guage PA had a little more overbore but folks pattern well with it as is. The Franchi also catches my eye in the 20s.

[30_06]

Next year I will be running a 20ga exclusively. Have been using one on and off for years. It's lighter, doesn't recoil as much, my kids can shoot it when they go with me, and I don't give up any range.

[turkey_slayer]

If you hand load the 20 will out perform any factory 12ga load.

[CrustyRusty]

If you use the gun for waterfowl, I would suggest a 12. Sure you can use a 20 for waterfowl, but for that purpose the 12 is a clear advantage.  For a dedicated Turkey gun I like the sx3 universal hunter in 20 if you want to go that route.

[357MAGNOLE]

If you use the gun for waterfowl, I would suggest a 12. Sure you can use a 20 for waterfowl, but for that purpose the 12 is a clear advantage.  For a dedicated Turkey gun I like the sx3 universal hunter in 20 if you want to go that route.

I have the SX3 Waterfowl addition, just thinking of keeping it strictly a waterfowl gun.

Then picking up another for a dedicated turkey gun.  Looking at the SXP, SA-459, Stoeger M3020

I would love another SX3 but dont need to drop the $$$ on one plus chokes and new loads. I already have 6 boxes of 12G Longbeard XR #6 3" ready to go for next year. So 12G is still clearly in the picture. But the idea of a slightly smaller, lighter and easier to maneuver SG for the woods here is tempting. I spent a good bit of time this morning dodging tree branches and cleaning bark out of my Indian Creek choke.

[CrustyRusty]

My buddy has the sa459 turkey model.  I shot it at trap just for fun and it ran flawlessly. For a dedicated turkey gun that gun in 20 would be hard to beat

[357MAGNOLE]

My buddy has the sa459 turkey model.  I shot it at trap just for fun and it ran flawlessly. For a dedicated turkey gun that gun in 20 would be hard to beat

That is what I am thinking, I am having a hell of a time finding one locally to put my hands on though.

[howl]

Kinda hard to answer appropriately, because I already have a 20ga I use and I don't believe in dedicated turkey guns. If I lost all my guns in a boating accident, and had to buy replacements, I would figure on a 20 for my main gun and a 12 for back-up and foul weather. I could do both of those under a thousand, easy. This would be to suit me, your preferences might make it otherwise.

[SCDieselDawg]

If it was my only turkey gun I would go for a 12.  But seeing as you already have one, the 20 will be a good fit.  I'm partial to my 20 gauge Franchi Affinity. 

[357MAGNOLE]

Thanks for the replies thus far.  I am on the look out for a SA-459 in my local area.  Talked to big box stores, they said I wont see any more coming into stock until next spring more than likely.  I just refuse to buy something without holding it first.

I can use the SX3 up until next spring no issue, but for trekking the woods next spring I want something with a shorter barrel for sure. One of those deals where plenty of research would have helped from the get go.  Either way I have a great waterfowl/dove/squirrel/rabbit gun no doubt. Should last me many years and I don't doubt all the reports on the quality of the SX3. I shot some target loads the other day, cycled great but best part, it barely recoils at all.

[owlhoot]

Go for the 20 , low recoil slim and light with fed heavyweight 7 it will whack some toms as far as we need to shoot. Plenty to chose well under a grand. A nice double with 2 choke choices would be neat?

[KYTURKEY]

I see everybody talk about shorter barrels and such. I have no problem with a longer barrel. My 870 has a 28" barrel. I am buying a new gun within the next few weeks. It too will have a 28" barrel. That is just my preference. I like a longer barrel. If I am going they the woods, the majority of the time I am carrying the gun in my hand and not over my shoulder. Unless I'm climbing a steep hill, and then it is strapped  across my body so I can use both hands to hold trees to help climb.

Patrick

[357MAGNOLE]

The terrain here, although not rocky and super steep.... Requires me to use a sling and put the gun on my back so I have both hands free. I can see a 24" barrel being a world of difference for me.

I just worry about how that affects patterning at 40 yards. Never had a shorter barreled gun, but people here dont seem to be having any problems.