Auto 20 guage preference

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Truxy

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Looking to buy a semi auto 20 guage for trap. Was thinking SX4. Any opinions on that gun vs others
 
Largely depends on your budget but if I was looking for a really nice sporting/field fun in a 20 (and semi) it would be between a Benelli M2 or a Beretta A400 xcel.

But I would buy an O/U over both.

The M2 is a great shotgun though, light with excelllent fit and ergonomics. The Beretta is much prettier.
 
With a 20ga for sporting clays you are looking at about a 1/4 ounce difference in shot weight (7/8 vs 1 1/8).
This is considering most popular over the counter shells. If you can shoot the both break targets just fine.

Modern 12ga semis with target loads shoot pretty light if recoil is the issue.
If it’s shooter size make sure you pick a gun that has a nice slim 20ga frame. They handle so nicely.
 
CBCAN said:
With a 20ga for sporting clays you are looking at about a 1/4 ounce difference in shot weight (7/8 vs 1 1/8).
This is considering most popular over the counter shells. If you can shoot the both break targets just fine.

Modern 12ga semis with target loads shoot pretty light if recoil is the issue.
If it’s shooter size make sure you pick a gun that has a nice slim 20ga frame. They handle so nicely.
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Yep - especially the part about the frame size - some makers use or used same size frame for all gauges. I happen to have become enamoured with 28 gauge for the past few years - can see some makers make their "28" using a 20 gauge frame - likely saves them some coin - apparently many buyers might not notice the difference. Standard load for 28 gauge is circa 3/4 ounce of shot, although many hand load recipes for 7/8 ounce shot and 1 ounce of shot - some "over lap" very possible between various gauges - I presume one can buy different loads if you do not hand load - latest "flat" that I bought is Federal "Heavy Field Game Load" - 28 gauge, 2 3/4" - one ounce #6 lead shot. Ought not to be a ton of difference to standard 20 gauge?
 
The SX-4 is a very reliable gun, if it fits you, it's great value for the money. But I also wonder why a 20 for trap, since a 12 gauge gas operated semi with 1 ounce loads, will have mild recoil.
 
16 to 22 yard trap my scores are the same with 12 and 20 ga. The targets that didn't break were because I shot it wrong not because I used a 20 instead of a 12. A 12 is heavier and generally swings smoother and is easier to keep moving. A scaled 20ga is trimmer often lighter and easier to shoot longer for those of us with supporting arm shoulder injuries.
 
It really depends on what you’re looking to do. I shoot a Benelli sbe 2 a lot. For sporting clays I use a Benelli Super Sport. For a lot less $, I’ve seen very good shooters with a Mossberg 930 (12) and a Weatherby S20. Budget and end use are important but do not overlook fit! A poor fit will cause lots of frustrations with missed clay. Been there done that. Good luck.
 
stubblejumper said:
The SX-4 is a very reliable gun, if it fits you, it's great value for the money. But I also wonder why a 20 for trap, since a 12 gauge gas operated semi with 1 ounce loads, will have mild recoil.
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I have an SX3 Sporting in 12 ga for a few years and love it.
My shooting buddy has the waterfowl SX4 in 20 ga and I shot it a few times...I absolutely loved it !!
So friggen much so, that a couple yrs ago, I bought the new SX4 Composite 20 ga Hybrid for my "ahem" youngest grandson to shoot some Sporting Clays with. :) This little gun is an amazing shooter ! Recoil seems very low, slick working unit. Only complaint is, as a reloader, it THROWS the MT hulls a block away....lol
 
As you say you are only shooting trap, it also opens up a number of older models which would be ideal for your purpose. Now you don't have to worry about steel shot, choke tubes, or handling all kinds of shells. Remington 1100s are about as soft-shooting as you can get, and most people seem to shoot them well.
 
Anyone have experience with the Mossberg SA-20 ?

I understand it is a Turkish made thing under Mossberg's label.

Been reading various reviews, but it seems that spares are not really available in the way they are for mainstream Mossberg guns.
 
Wallenstein said:
Anyone have experience with the Mossberg SA-20 ?

I understand it is a Turkish made thing under Mossberg's label.

Been reading various reviews, but it seems that spares are not really available in the way they are for mainstream Mossberg guns.
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A friend bought a compact for his daughter, and another friend bought the full size for himself, both have worked well at skeet. They are basically a Weatherby SA08.
 
Grouse Man said:
As you say you are only shooting trap, it also opens up a number of older models which would be ideal for your purpose. Now you don't have to worry about steel shot, choke tubes, or handling all kinds of shells. Remington 1100s are about as soft-shooting as you can get, and most people seem to shoot them well.
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That would have been my thought too.
 
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