opinions needed on 20 gage

[njhunter11]

I'm looking for suggestions on a 20 gage shotgun for rabbit hunting. I'm a college student so my price range isn't that great. I know buying used guns saves money, but right now i'm just looking for some models to do research on. What would you recommend for under $400?

[Pagrizz]

For under $400.00 you can get a new Remington 870 or a new 500 Mossberg.Remington's 870 is my favorite. There are some Winchester's in that price range also.Check out some local gun shops for some good used ones,but if you have $400.00 to spend get you a new one with a warrenty.

[BigBuckDown]

You can't go wrong with the Mossberg 500. Great starter gun. Actually, I got one (12 ga.) when I turned 12 and that is still the shotgun I use today. I mostly hunt with my rifle or flintlock, but that 500 is still my scattergun and slug gun. :thup:

[ACEarcher]

Yeah agreed. Those good 500's, 870's are good stand bys. An used one should be in the range of $200-$300. If you are new to shooting and wanna become a really good shot and don't laugh at this. Get a single shot H&H break open shotgun. You only get one shot. That makes you consentrate so hard. If you know you have a follow up shot you tend to be a lil more trigger happy. That single shot H&H will only run you $100-$150. You'll also be saving ammo in the long run with the single shot too. After you become very skilled at upland shooting then pick up a pump or auto-loader. Just my opinion.

[njhunter11]

Yeah agreed. Those good 500's, 870's are good stand bys. An used one should be in the range of $200-$300. If you are new to shooting and wanna become a really good shot and don't laugh at this. Get a single shot H&H break open shotgun. You only get one shot. That makes you consentrate so hard. If you know you have a follow up shot you tend to be a lil more trigger happy. That single shot H&H will only run you $100-$150. You'll also be saving ammo in the long run with the single shot too. After you become very skilled at upland shooting then pick up a pump or auto-loader. Just my opinion.
I actually own a H&R single shot and a Ted Williams model 200, my problem is they are both 12 gages which seem to be a bit over kill for rabbit. The guys i hunt with all use a 20 gage or 410.

[BigBuckDown]

The H&R is a great gun, too. Definitely practice, practice, practice with it before you take to the fields. Your sight picture is very different that what you would have with the vented rib barrel on the Mossberg.

I almost picked up a .410 H&R at Nock Sport shop last year for just over $100. I was just looking for something to bust up some targets with, and thought the 410 would be perfect.

[Bandit1]

I personally would go with an 870 express 20 ga. That way you will have a gun that you can buy a slug barrel for later if you desire...I think I remember them being advertised at Dicks as well as other places for around 275.00

[Setterman]

I would ditto the Rem. 870 recommendation in 20 ga. You can add a slug barrel later on and shoot deer with it. Pretty versatile setup when you're on a budget. I agree with you, used guns are an economical way to go but used 20's tend be more than used 12's.

[Nitrous SwampRat]

just checked Harrys used gun list. they have a mossberg 500 in 20 gauge with 24" barrel. didnt specify if had chokes or not. list price was $300.

I have the same gun...parents got it for when i was 16, 34 now. still have it. awesome gun for birds and bunnies. mine likes #6 remington high brass out of the IC tube. its a dream to carry all day.

Nick

[njhunter11]

Thanks for the recomendations guys

[Makoman]

I have an IGA/Stoeger double barrel in like new condition I will let go for $300.00. Shoots both 2 3/4 and 3 inch shells. Choked modified and modified.

[swab1985]

Look around you should be able find something for that price... I just picked up a remington 1100 20ga for my girlfriend for 450 bucks used and its in MINT condition... She LOVES that gun, she is worse than the bird dog, I pick a up a gun and she is geared up before I am :D:eek:

[jross]

You can pick up a Mossberg 20 combo smoothbore/cantilever rifled, barrels for what you would pay for an 870 at Dick's. The Rem rifled barrel costs near as much as the Mossberg combo.

[njhunter11]

thanks jross, i'll have to look into it

[BigBuckDown]

Also, if you are in the area check out the consignment racks at Cabelas. I was there last night and saw a lot of 20's.

[Perazzi]

Don't be so set on a 20.A 12 with an open choke and alight load is very close to a 20.Get a 870 12gauge with chokes and you can use it for everything.Skeet,trap,deer,ducks,rabbits,geese(eve rything)get the 20 after you have a pump or auto 12.I love 20,s don't get me wrong but if you are on a budget I would get a 12 first.I know you will always use the 12 for something the rest of your life.I shoot 10,12,16,20,28,and 410's so I love them all but the 12 with all the various loads it can do everything.JMHO:thup:

[njhunter11]

I already have a 12 and have used it on about a dozen hunts, now i'm ready for a 20 and then a 410 after a few years.

[IMR]

I bet it will turn into more than just the Rabs. Then you're going to need a bit more- like a 12, or a 16 ! A standard ounce and an eigth 16 will throw a shot load like a 20 mag but with less recoil. A light 12 load does the same, but you have more 12 ga. options. You can find heavy shot in both, which you may need if you hunt the brush and thorny areas. Consider the single shot as above- it will teach you to be a better shot. I prefer pump over auto's- easier to deal with, often lighter in the field all over hill and dale all day. Or just use an accurate scoped air rifle.

[WoodsHunter]

Remington 1100, 12 or 20 gauge which ever one you can handle best...

[Esetterman]

You can pick up a Mossberg 20 combo smoothbore/cantilever rifled, barrels for what you would pay for an 870 at Dick's. The Rem rifled barrel costs near as much as the Mossberg combo.

but there is a reason why an 870 is Americas gun go with the remington is the best gun for the money!!!!

[edemi1]

if you are looking for an o/u the stoeger is a good choice. we have one (my son now uses it) with at least 2000 rounds thru it and no complaints.

small game, upland birds, ducks, and deer with sabot, there is no need for anything more than a 20. with the sabot, i think it's the best choice for deer going. i shoot sporting and other clays with it too, no problem. with some of the longer shots (real long) i switch my load/choke if its important. i also have many gauges (like many on here im sure), and for the last 3 years, my 20's have been my go to guns, lighter to carry all day, and to me more fun and challenge.

e

[Setterman]

If you want to be a one-gun person, go with a 12, for it will do anything, especially the big stuff. I have 12's but use them only for specific cases now. If you reload for the 12 you can make it do anything, and you can concoct light loads for kids to use in lighter 12's that will make them look like whizbangs on a skeet field without a sore shoulder. Most of my upland gunning I do with my light 20's today. They can be carried all day and they are lively. With the right loads, the gauge is more than potent. I reload 3/4 oz. loads for my kids and they can shoot a light 20 all day if ammo remains available. I'm a big fan of the 16 for upland gunning, but unless you have some light older guns and reload, it's a limited proposition in terms of load variety and gun selection. Also, I recommend that everyone reload, for you can get the most out of the gauge you are using.

[njhunter11]

wow this thread is from October...i'm not trying to be a one gun person i am trying to expand my options. I already own two 12 gages and wanted a 20 to add to the arsenal, thanks for the advice though.

[Esetterman]

I reload 20, 28, and 12 gauge ... you can also save a lot of $$$ specially with the hunting loads and gauges like a 28