20 Guage HD Models?

[556A2]

I'm looking for a good HD model shotgun in 20 guage for my girlfriend. I took her out with me to pattern my 870, and 00 buckshot was a bit too much for her. Even the lower recoil 00 was a bit too much for her. I'm thinking that a 20 guage would be better, but I have heard the 20 guage can be just as bad for recoil in buckshot loads. So these are my questions:

A. Would it be better to go 20 guage, or maybe go for a 12 guage gas-operated shotgun instead?

B. The only pump 20 guage that seems to fit so far is Mossberg's 500 Persuader in 20 Guage (18.5 inch barrel, 6 shell capacity). Are there any more options out there for 20 guage shotguns especially in a Remington? (I'm a Remington Kool-Aid Drinker BTW )

C. Are there any other things/ that yall can recommend?

She is a shooter, so she will practice. She just doesn't like a lot of recoil.

 

[ArmedBear]

20 gauge guns tend to be lighter, so they can have nasty recoil, also, unless you reduce the load significantly. 20 gauge defense loads tend to have smaller shot, but that doesn't reduce recoil.

Gun fit matters, of course, as does a recoil pad. Also, if you just want an HD gun, Knoxx makes a serious shock absorption system that isn't too expensive. Gra-coil is a good system, too, but more money still, and tailored to field/clay use.

See if you can try guns before you buy anything!

 

[sm]

Best Kept Secret is a 1100 in 20ga.

Bone stock, with fixed Skeet, Improved or Mod barrels - I know for a fact too many folks have these, have had these, hoarded these.

Ditto Beretta 303s in 20 ga as well.

Most of these folks started with a 1100 or 303 to learn Skeet, and /or to hunt. From Tyros to ladies.

I'm talking folks that had to have a reliable gun to compete, and one they may run 600 rds a week for practice, and used to shoot 100 rds in 12 ga events, and 100 rds in 20 ga events - plus shoot offs for prizes. Add entering doubles events.

I'm talking shooters - not talkers.

Some have proven the ability to hit a 4" target running 55 mph, quickly to also be beneficial for deer with slugs, varmits, and I am not worried about any other critters.
These guns handle and tote very well.

Where folks get into trouble is messing with ports and dwell. Semi's need a certain something to run -I won't get into, just do not go whacking and hacking on what works.

"Just a danged old skeet/ bird gun - honest".

 

[Fred Fuller]

As has been said, the 20s tend to be lighter weight guns, so they kick harder with full house loads- all you're apt to find easily in buck and slugs, unfortunately. IF you are willing to pay for it, there are alternatives, or once were at any rate- see the page at http://www.wadwizard.com/ammopage.htm for possibilities for #4 buck loads of reduced recoil 20 ga. ammo.

As to the gun, see-

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express_combos.asp

Used to be there was a 20 ga. Youth Express gun, 21" vent rib barrel w/tubes, short stock- was near perfect from the factory. You might be able to find a used one, they do turn up from time to time. Don't see it listed any more at the Remington 870 page. Was a youth turkey gun too at one time, don't see it either. Note that the Combo is available in 20 ga., that'll get you a 20" rifle sighted barrel (get the smoothbore!) for HD and deer as well as a 28" VR barrel with tubes for small game/wingshooting/clays. You will likely have to get the stock shortened, shouldn't be a big deal. Get a premium pad put on when you do though.

As Steve said, often a 20 ga. 1100 is a good bet. Again, there used to be a 20 ga. Youth model offered, 21" VR barrel, short synthetic stock- don't see it now. Might find one used if you look hard.

Important thing is to let her shoot various options and pick her own gun. Note that the most important aspect of 'feel and fit' is apt to be stock length, most factory stocks are too long for smaller statured shooters. Also keep weight off the front of the gun, no magazine extensions etc to make it harder to heft and hold up. No short fore-ends either, smaller folks need all the forearm they can get so the police style forarms are out.

I'd be willing to bet she can manage a properly fitted-to-her 12 ga. 870 with low recoil loads if she is properly coached into good form with it. My 5'4" wife has no trouble with any of several around the house here. All have 12.5" length of pull stocks, full field type fore-ends, 18-20" barrels, no mag extensions and 4 round SideSaddles.

Don't give up on it, it can be worked out...

lpl/nc

 

[648E]

I like this:



870 20 gauge Express Youth Deer Gun

Available from Wal-Mart for around $310. They should also have a 21" vent rib version with Rem-Chokes for $240ish. I would prefer a synthetic version if possible, but that's just me.

Now of course some folks may call me a wanker for this, but I'd add a +2 magazine extension.

Please note: Magazine capacity is not an acceptable substitute for practice. Even so, nobody has ever been killed because their shotgun held 2 extra rounds.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Better hurry up and call in an order for the magazine extension if you want one:

"Status: Available Only 4 Available!"

lpl/nc

 

[anotherinkling]

1300 Defender in 20ga.

If you want a good 20 gauge HD gun, take a look at the Winchester 1300 Defender in 20 gauge. Matte black, Tru Glo front sight, 8 shells in the tube, 18 inch barrel. I have one and love it. I've shot it alongside a Mossberg 590 12 gauge. Recoil's much better, and it's a very fast pump.

Look at the Winchester site below. Though the title says "12ga", you'll see in the description that it comes in 12 and 20. You should be able to find one for around $300, less if used. The only downside is that there aren't nearly as many aftermarket parts as you'll find for Remingtons and Mossbergs, though I think it's one of the better HD shotguns out of the box. If you like, the pistol grips for the 12 gauge 1300 fit just fine on the 20 gauge.

http://www.winchesterguns.com/prodinfo/catalog/detail.asp?cat_id=512&type_id=104&cat=012C

 

[pauli]

as has been mentioned, make sure the 12ga FITS her, and has a recoil pad worth the name, before ruling it out.

that said... i do dearly love my 20ga mossberg.

 

[sarge83]

Ditto on the Winchester 1300 defender .20 gauge. I have had one for several years and keep it beside the bed. Bought mine new for $250 in the late 90's.

 

[JNewell]

Chiming in to agree on fit and perceived recoil. I shoot 20s and 12s and for the most part recoil feels the same...but the 12s are generally a pound heavier, give or take a bit. Now, with that in mind, she might find handling a lighter gun easier even if recoil is the same -- something else to think about.