The Underrated, Underestimated 20 Ga.

[davisd9]

I would like to get one, as I would like something smaller/lighter and easier to maneuver the woods with but still capable of hitting good shots out to 30-35 yards.

I don't know where to start really.  I was really digging the Thompson Pro Hunter, but not so sure about the $800 price tag on a single shot. I don't want to spend too much, as I am not sure how much I will enjoy shooting the 20 gauge over the 12 I have now. I also have two young boys that can take advantage of the 20 gauge later in life so its not a waste of money, but no need to dump 1K into a build.

I don't care if its pump or semi.  But I would love something with the sureshot stock, drilled/tapped for a scope/red dot.  I really want something I can hydro dip. So coming out the box with a camo finish doesn't matter to me. Any way... now I am rambling on.

If all your looking for is 30-35 yards out of a 20 gauge that is very easily obtainable with very little effort. 40 yards is a very realistic goal with a 20 gauge with very little effort, again. HTL will make the job much easier and you probably would need a very expensive choke to get there.

The Shurshot stock is only available for Remington's, so if you want that stock that's the way your going to have to go. To keep it small and light, I'd recommend a used youth 11-87 or a youth 870 with the 21" barrel. I doubt you'll find a 20 with the shurshot already on it, so you'll have to order one as well as have the gun drilled and tapped if a scope is something your interested in. I've got a youth 11-87 with an SSX that puts up mid 130's with Hevi 13 7's all day. It's like carrying a toy.

there is an 870 youth at my local Wallyworld for $249.00. So you are telling me that the 870 youth will fit the sure shot stock? I am pretty sure I have seen in a couple places that the sure shot only fit the 870 12 gauges and 11/87's. If people can confirm for me that the youth 270 fits I'll buy it this week.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/145093/remington-shurshot-stock-and-forend-remington-870-20-gauge-synthetic-black


Sent from the Strut Zone

[OldSchool]

Don't you know that a 20 ga is barely enough gun for rabbits, for crying out loud.

I'm a huge 20 ga fan. I've been carrying a 20 ga Ithaca Featherlight for over 35 years, and I don't plan on switching to something bigger any time soon.

MK M GOBL hit the nail on the head, in my opinion. Like pretty much everything else, It's all about the money. The 12 ga reigns supreme, and until the manufacturers see enough consumer demand (profit potential) for more options in 20 gauge choke tubes/accessories, unfortunately, we'll see less available for it.

Bob

[Greg Massey]

the 12 ga. mount will not fit the youth 20 its to big. look on amazon this is what you want B Square remington 870 youth 20 ga, express LT shotgun saddle style mount, matte black finish it comes with the scope mount and you can still see your iron sights.. The price is around 44.25 shipped and the fit is great..i have mine on my youth 870 with the simmons pro diamond scope..

[Greg Massey]

Do not run a ported tube with the heavies ... call the people at Trulock and they call tell you what works and what doesn't.  Trulock has a lifetime warranty and if your not satisfied with it within 60 days you can return it for exchange or refund...

[cramerhunts]

Thanks for the info! I'll pick up a B Square mount.

[davisd9]

Hevi Shot you can use ported or non ported.

Fed HW or any shell with FCW they recommend a non ported choke.


Sent from the Strut Zone

[OldSchool]

The 20GA, to me the perfect shotgun, light, well balanced and hard hitting, hunted with a 20GA my entire life, never felt the need for a 12GA.

I'm a senior now and have downsized to just two guns, my Remington 700 BDL .243 and my near new 20GA 870 Wingmaster, a plain barrel gun with full choke, 2 3/4 chamber. My Wingmaster is built the old way, a 20GA barrel on a 12GA frame, vintage 1965, to me the best balanced 20GA I ever owned. She's an excellent squirrel gun, pheasant gun and throws a good turkey pattern out to 30 yards with Remington HV #6's.

I wholeheartedly agree.  I've used mine on everything from woodcock to a couple black bears. It's an old friend that I wouldn't part company with for anything.



Bob

[tree-rat sniper]

After reading this I had to chuckle a bit, this past deer season my cousin's 12 yo son hunted with us for the 1st time (under his grandfather's watchful eye).  He was struggling dragging grandpa's back-up gun around, a scoped, slug barrel 1187 12 ga. (probably around 10-11 lbs).  When we crossed a fence, I handed him my Affinity compact 20 & he was amazed at how light it was (probably 1/2 the weight of the 1187).  He told me that his other grandpa said that "a 20 ga wouldn't kill anything!"  To which I replied "well you tell him that I've killed just about every game animal around in Iowa with a 20!"  To add the exclamation point, I shot a large meat-doe on the next drive.  A one shot kill that dropped nearly in her tracks, it was also the only deer of the day!