The 20 is only versatile until you compare it to the 12 - which can do everything the 20 can and far more.
I could be wrong but I don't think Browning ever made a scaled frame 28 gauge and the Citori frame is already quite deep compared to a lot of other o/u guns so it sort of empathizes the size a bit. A lot of people like the heft of the 20 gauge frame and find the scaled 28 frames too light and whippy.
....... except weigh less.
The 20ga is a better balanced gauge for grouse and woodcock.
There are 12 gauges with aluminum frames that are almost as light as a 20 but they handle poorly. Meanwhile scaled 28 gauge frames are not common and found more often on more expensive guns. Most 28 gauges are built on 20 gauge frames so the gun isn't lighter and the ammunition's more expensive with limited selection. 20 gauge for the win.
There are 12 gauges with aluminum frames that are almost as light as a 20 but they handle poorly. Meanwhile scaled 28 gauge frames are not common and found more often on more expensive guns. Most 28 gauges are built on 20 gauge frames so the gun isn't lighter and the ammunition's more expensive with limited selection. 20 gauge for the win.
There are 12 gauges with aluminum frames that are almost as light as a 20 but they handle poorly. Meanwhile scaled 28 gauge frames are not common and found more often on more expensive guns. Most 28 gauges are built on 20 gauge frames so the gun isn't lighter and the ammunition's more expensive with limited selection. 20 gauge for the win.
If you mean kick like a SOG, when you say "handle poorly", I suspect you're right.
If you are competing with the 28, you can shoot light loads I the 12 that will kick very little. I agree they can belt you a little with stout loads.
....... except weigh less.
The 20ga is a better balanced gauge for grouse and woodcock.
Yes sir. Once upon a time in a galaxy far far away I used to wield a Baikal sxs IJ-58 like a used lollipop stick in South Saskatchewan.
Not so anymore. So if I desire a full day afield &
the bears are safely tucked away into thier dens,
it's a 20 or 28 gauge mostly for me.
IMO Beretta solved the handling and weight problem with the 12 ga explor action.
I have a 6lb 3oz sxs 12ga. It weighs less than my scaled framed 20ga sxs
I have a 6lb 3oz sxs 12ga. It weighs less than my scaled framed 20ga sxs
I’ve had three 12 gauge SxS down around there. Two are English and the third is German. Interestingly, the barrel lengths are all different. 26”, 28” and 29”.[
I would love to try a 12 with 29’s that is that light.