Any reason why a 20 GA cannot be an "all-round" firearm?

S

Splaker

Member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Toronto
Hey folks,

I've posted a lot of questions of late as I am trying to better inform myself of firearms, particularly shotguns.

As the question states, is there a reason why one couldn't use a 20 gauge shotgun (more specifically, a semi-auto) for all game (save for moose and bear)? I find myself hunting a bit of everything right now.. I enjoy turkey and deer hunts but I also like grouse and rabbit since the seasons tend not to coincide. So, what I would like to consider is the "ultimate" light-weight, all-purpose gun, and from what I've read, it seems to me that a good 20 GA fits the bill...

At this time I am choosing to own only one gun (plus a crossbow), and I want to trade or sell my Nova Pump for the simple reason that it's too heavy for a rabbit/grouse hunt (I often go out for 10+ hours as I enjoy the hiking aspect of that type of hunting as much as the hunt itself).. but it sure puts a strain on the arms and back (8lbs) and it's not easy to swing in deep cover.

The Benelli 20 Ga Ultra-lights, Montefeltros, etc.. seem to be ideal for everything.. a cheaper alternative would be the Weatherby SA series (20 GA - 6lbs). All these guns are 6lbs or less...

So, would you consider it foolish to go with a light 20 ga for all of the above game and effectively/efficiently take even the biggest buck down with them?

I look forward to your input! Thank you in advance...

Rob
 
I can't see any reason for a good 3inch chambered 20 gauge couldn't fulfill this role.
Of course at the upper end of it's use, say geese and non-toxic shot and any big game animal with the appropriate slug would have to be carefully chosen shots within effective range. And some sabot slugs with rifled barrels have a very good reputation for harvesting whitetailed deer. One small wrinkle, one should forgot about buckshot in this sub gauge, except for maybe varmints very very close up, such as foxes or coyotes. It's a superb upland game tool with the right birdshot load. Others on this board use it on migratory birds over decoys with much success every fall.
But why not? I say yes, within reason and in the right hands.
Myself, for a long day in our northern forests after bunnies and grouse, 9 out of 10 times it's the Ithaca/SKB 20 gauge O/U that accompanies me.
 
The 20 will serve all the needs that you have outlined albeit with some caveat....

For deer hunting, a slug hurled out of a smoothbore barrel (with a bead only) will present constraints in terms of effective shooting distances + the requisite accuracy at longer ranges (beyond 60-70 yards).

20ga payloads (both birdshot, slug) will be smaller in size in comparison with its elder brother, the 12.

Having said that, there shouldn't be issues and the sub-gauge won't be a showstopper if one can plan and hunt with the limitations in mind.
 
There's nothing wrong with a 20 gauge shotgun. I know several women who only use 20 gauge, and they hunt deer every year with them. I don't know why you would want to confine yourself to one firearm. If you allowed yourself two firearms, you could keep the one you plan on selling, and then purchase an NEF shotgun, one that is single shot and can change barrels for different hunts.
 
Last edited:
300Spartans said:
If you allowed yourself two firearms, you could keep the one you plan on selling, and then purchase an NEF shotgun, one that is single shot and can change barrels for different hunts.
Click to expand...


I have one of those NEF single shots. They're a great firearm, and it's a joy to carry. Mine's in 12ga though. Keep in mind that in order to switch barrels on the NEF, it has to be either sent to the factory to be fitted, or you have to buy one that is manufactured as part of a matched set. The Rossi's may be the better bet. They do make a 20ga/44 Mag, 20ga/223 and a 20ga/243. That may be just the beast you're looking for.

However, the 20ga/44 Mag, is in a youth sized stock. I'm sure an aftermarket or factory replacement is out there.

However, Mossberg makes the 500 in a 20ga with interchangeable barrels: a 26" field and a 24" slug. I do believe this would give you the most bang for your buck.
 
300Spartans said:
There's nothing wrong with a 20 gauge shotgun. I know several women who only use 20 gauge, and they hunt deer every year with them. I don't know why you would want to confine yourself to one firearm. If you allowed yourself two firearms, you could keep the one you plan on selling, and then purchase an NEF shotgun, one that is single shot and can change barrels for different hunts.
Click to expand...

ByNEF do you mean the single shot New England Firearms guns? I'd rather have more than one shot at the ready... just personal preference..

The Weatherby does make a very light 12 GA (6.5lbs?) for the same price as the 20ga.. that could do the trick! 6.5 is pretty darn light.. I'd prefer 6 for upland, but its at least 1.5 lbs lighter than what I'm using now..

Thanks for the input so far!
 
I have more than one firearm, but only one shotgun. It's a 20gauge O/U and as far as I am concerned it does everything that I need it too with a couple of quick choke changes.
 
I am thinking about the option of going with the Mossberg 12 ga 3 in 1 combo and then adding the 20 ga (be it a semi-auto or hinge).. The Mossberg's offer excellent value with the 3 barrels and the 20 ga could still be had for under $500 I suppose.

Thanks for the input folks.. I think some of you plante d a tiny bit of doubt in my mind about exclusively going with a 20 ga.
 
The 20 isn't a good choice for an all-round firearm. Other than being available in lighter guns there is nothing the 20 gauge does that the 12 gauge doesn't do better. There is a greater selection of shells for the 12 gauge, more options and improved performance in every category. That doesn't mean the 20 can't be pressed into service but it will never match the 12 for all-round performance.
 
My 16 bores pattern better with 1 1/8 oz than my 20 bores do with 1 1/4 oz 3 " magnum loads. The 20's long shot string is the problem. The 20 is not a 12 or 16 for that matter. Will it work? Yes but not efficiently.

Darryl
 
The 20 is great for small game and turkey: and even slugs for deer if proper range is observed. I question why you would want to limit yourself to this as a deer gun though. Unless you have a problem with the 12g recoil, it's slug energy is far superior to the 20, especially at extended ranges. Basically, why swing a small hammer when you can hit them with a sledge. The shock factor improves the speed of a clean kill imo. The 12 is the general purpose shotgun if you are only to have one.
 
A 20 gauge is not a 12 certainly I agree with that. But many of our American friends down south prefer a 20 gauge with a rifled barrel for deer only.
Look at the specs of 20 gauge Winchester Supreme Gold Partition sabot: a .451 diameter 260 grain hollow point at 1900 fps with the 2 3/4 inch version. If your 20 gauge can switch barrels from rifled to smoothbore, that's one damn fine flat shooting tool for whitetails,
(literally .454 Casull ballistics) and your smoothbore barrel reserved for upland game and migratory over decoys.
I have more 12s than 20s no doubt about it, and a stash of 12 bore Brennekes also.
 
When I was a kid all I had was a double barrelled .410 my godfather gave me for my 9th birthday. I used it to kill every bird type we hunted, including a couple of geese. I shot and killed a whitetail with it too, the rules were a little different 40 years ago, lol...

I see no reason a 20 gauge cannot be a great all around gun!
 
Farva said:
However, Mossberg makes the 500 in a 20ga with interchangeable barrels: a 26" field and a 24" slug. I do believe this would give you the most bang for your buck.
Click to expand...

:agree: This will be the ticket you want, no doubt: you get a choked barrel for birds and a rifled for proper slug accuracy. :agree:

Brutus said:
If your 20 gauge can switch barrels from rifled to smoothbore, that's one damn fine flat shooting tool for whitetails,
(literally .454 Casull ballistics) and your smoothbore barrel reserved for upland game and migratory over decoys.
Click to expand...

Good to know!!! :cool:
 
Last edited:
Scamaniac said:
The 20 is great for small game and turkey: and even slugs for deer if proper range is observed. I question why you would want to limit yourself to this as a deer gun though. Unless you have a problem with the 12g recoil, it's slug energy is far superior to the 20, especially at extended ranges. Basically, why swing a small hammer when you can hit them with a sledge. The shock factor improves the speed of a clean kill imo. The 12 is the general purpose shotgun if you are only to have one.
Click to expand...

I shoot the 20 because i shoot that particular gun very well.
I don't shoot at extended ranges with it, and have found enough deer at short range that it is not a problem.
I can shoot geese with no problem with a 1oz charge of steel in my 20, and it handes the smaller shot charges better for upland than a 12, that's why I use it more.
However, I shoot a 28 for upland far more than my 20, and when I do use a 12 it's with hammer guns and black powder.
Cat
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom