Hey all, so just to be clear and kinda shamed to say… but I don’t know much about shotguns now days. I have used them and broke them down after hunting years ago (single shot .410 which I loved but was taken… have shot 20 and 12 gauge) also taken a few game birds (grouse and geese)… but I have never really gotten into bird and/or short range big game hunting. I have always for the most part hunting wise been into big game hunting with rifles.
I have been into muzz hunting and enjoy that.
But recently my 16 year old son has got the hunting fever on any and every game animal. Been looking at 20 gauge shotguns as at his age… want him something he can shoot repeatedly and not hurt too much… I know some 12 gauges can kick pretty good. He wants to get into bird and waterfowl hunting… our season is coming fast.
I am asking for your opinion on what 20 gauge to literally pull the trigger on?! This will be used for grouse, duck, geese, and I’d like one too that can also do short range big game hunting… but that’s not a problem if not.
I have done a ton of research and have 3 in mind… one mainly… but I would like to hear what some of your thoughts and experiences are with what you hunt with and what you would recommend. ( I don’t want to sway any opinions with the 3 I’ve been reading about).
These shotguns will be put thru their paces… so need a reliable, tough and effective one for sure. The weather can be not so pretty here especially during the winter months.
Let me note, we will be buying 2 shotguns. My son at his age is wanting to go hunting and hang out with his old man… I am all for going and hunting… and supporting his additional hunting interests. I feel I am never too old to learn a bit more and he’s a great young man. And with all the negativity in this world… if hunting is his passion… I’ll support
Thanks for sticking with me and any suggestions are welcome!
Ha, I do have to share… he and his buddy are talking about getting into trapping as well… but that’s another subject!
Wow lots of good info in this thread. I guess I'll drop my 2 cents.
1st, I don't do a ton of shotgun hunting. Basically just opening day of dove season these days.
However, I am setup so that I could hunt dove, duck, and deer/hogs with buckshot or slug (not sabots though).
I only own one 20ga I inherited last year, but if a brand/model of shotgun works well for 12ga then I think it would do so for 20ga but definitely double check when buying.
Shotgun weight will definitely help with recoil as it does with any firearm so beefier overall shotgun in either gauge will have less felt recoil, just figure out how much walking you may be doing and if the weight of the shotgun will affect you. I do little walking when hunting with mine so weight is not an issue.
Ease of use. I prefer pump shotguns over semi auto because I like it to work, I like it to be easy, and I don't like the idea of a jam wrecking my hunt or bagging game. Yes semi auto shoguns will jam on you, probably brand/model combos than others. I prefer the reliability of a pump.
Next, what game are you after? It sounds like any and all. This would have me going with the biggest chamber I could get based on my area and game.
I don't mind 3.5 inch shells if going after deer or pigs, I like the option of more buckshot to throw at them.
I most often shoot 2 3/4 inch shells since I'm after dove most of the time.
My main shotgun is a 12ga Benelli Nova I got for a steal many many years ago because it was missing a mag spring. It runs shells all the way up to 3.5 inch so I have 1 shotgun that can do dove, duck, deer, and hogs. Basically I can do any hunting I want for my area. If I bought a rifled barrel then I could do sabot slugs so I'm in good shape for flexibility. Also, the quality and function of this shogun is flawless.
So I'm definitely one for getting the tool that best fits your needs in this case, and then just getting a well known reliable and trusted brand/model.
I also own a 12ga Mossberg Maverick 88 as my cheapo toss around, extra/backup shotgun. There is a major difference in feel between it and the beefier Benelli. I've had zero issues with the Maverick but it's purpose is a 2nd shotgun for others to use when dove hunting and skeet shooting, or if I need it in a pinch and I didn't have to break the bank to get it.
My 20ga is Remington 870 likely from the early 80's or older. I took it out this past September on opening day of dove season but didn't get a single dove in range. I fixed a magazine spring issue, cleaned it up, and tested function & firing and it is good to go now. Just haven't bagged any game.
If you want a 20ga and have good reason for it then go for it. Just get the best fit for your function that you can.
Personally, I would recommend going for a 12ga that checks the boxes because it is more flexible, can have less recoil due to being bigger, and AMMO is cheaper and more readily available.
AMMO availability and price is also a real thing these days and will be from now on.
Last note, I think a pump action would fair way better for you since you mention the shotguns needing to handle some action. A shotgun that jams and/or cannot always function when you need is no better than carrying a stick with you when it comes to firing at things lol.
I hope some of this may help :D
