Model Suggestions For A "Fighting" 20 Gauge

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medic68

medic68

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Asking the Forum for it's suggestions on 20 gauge brands and models to build a "fighting" 20 gauge for a 12 year old. Not looking to add a chainsaw or death ray laser to it, just a practical, easy manual of arms shotgun. Appreciate your thoughts and time.
 
Browning BPS or Micro are worth a look. Bottom eject, 20in barrel, and a great hunting gun on top of it all. Something they can shoot a lot and hunt with is a big gain.

I should have been more clear, the Upland version is the one I like. Sized to a 20ga with a straight stock.
 
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I'm in the process of making an older 1100 20 gauge a "fighting shotgun" The thread is "Dedicated closet gun". My circumstances may be and probably are completely different than yours but it might be worth a look. I have to admit, my curiosity is piqued regarding the combination of a 12 year old and a "fighting shotgun".
 
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In this order; 870, 500, 37(Ithaca, not Win.!) , 12/1300, BPS. A BPS 20 ga. is a boat anchor. I like the action, but way too heavy. I, too, am curious about the reasoning behind this.
 
I'm partial to the 870 express youth model but readily admit to a bias. I have one. Mine is in stock form with a slip on pad. other add ons include several extended chokes and sling swivel mag cap. That's it.

A slug barrel with iron sights would be nice to have and they seem to be more common than other barrels in the 870 20 ga.

Factory butt pads spells 'ouch my shoulder' and a limbsaver bolt on recoil pad would make the 870 a nice gun that most anyone can handle.
 
+1 on the 500. I saw some 18" 20 gauges cheap on the web the other day, they'd be perfect for what you want. Can't remember where they were at though. Buds maybe?Add a butt cuff or side saddle and you're good to go.

Double +1 on your reasoning. No offense intended, just curious.

Mac
 
There have been several reports on local news outlets of "boy/girl shotgun competitor grabs competition gun and shoots intruder" a child SHOULD be introduced to firearms as early as the parent/guardian feels they're ready. If a child shoots skeet or three gun or something else with Mom or Pop than I'm all for them having their own dedicated equipment and wait for it.... Under THEIR control in their room. Now to answer the question the Rem 870 or Mossberg 500 youth models will work well, there are other fine shotguns out there domestically made and even some foreign but the first two will have more aftermarket support than anything else out there. What kind of build is the kid? If they are not new to firearms I'd even skip the 20 and start them on 12 ga with reduced loads and work on up as/if needed.
 
Youth model 870 with a wood or laminated stock and an 18-20" barrel. With rifle sights if you can manage it.
 
My wife has an 870 compact model. I would trust my life to it. And can custom it to fit any means. I have a 11-87 in the same size and gauge. I have not shot alot with it to see if i would trust my life to it yet.
 
To answer a number of queries about a 20 gauge fighting shotgun for a twelve year old let me say this, while many Americans are teaching their children to be tolerant of other cultures, those same cultures are teaching their children how to make IED's, field strip various weapons, and kill anyone without their same belief systems. Many of us "rural" folk get the kids to church every Sunday, eat at the table together, teach our children how to slaughter and dress farm animals, hunt and fish; American kind of stuff. One of the overriding issues today is the encroachment of drugs and the related violence. I grew up in a house that was never locked, didn't have a key till I moved out and took my induction physical. There was never a worry about safety then. That's not the case now. My sons and daughters have been brought up with various firearms. Truck guns, hunting guns, personal protection weapons. They've watched me for years come home from work, take a duty belt off, secure the weapon and start my chores. One of the duties and responsibilities of my children (both male and female) is to protect each other, their friends, community and the family. The twelve year old has demonstrated that he is mature enough to handle learning the task and I will provide him with the tools to accomplish the mission. I appreciate the responses to my question.
 
I didn't see any mention of a budget. On the higher end, Browning's Silver line of gas-guns are very soft shooters. My wife has the "Micro-Midas" model in 20ga, and it is a great gun. Around 6.5lbs, balances nicely, and soft on the shoulder. The trigger is heavy, but probably not the worst thing...

One thing to be aware of though, is there is little drop in the stock. If he has a long neck or needs more drop (like I do) then I'd look at the Remington/Beretta/Benelli lineup, as they tend to have more drop from the factory than the Browning/Winchester/FN/Mossberg lines...
 
JAshley73 said:
I didn't see any mention of a budget. On the higher end, Browning's Silver line of gas-guns are very soft shooters. My wife has the "Micro-Midas" model in 20ga, and it is a great gun. Around 6.5lbs, balances nicely, and soft on the shoulder. The trigger is heavy, but probably not the worst thing...

One thing to be aware of though, is there is little drop in the stock. If he has a long neck or needs more drop (like I do) then I'd look at the Remington/Beretta/Benelli lineup, as they tend to have more drop from the factory than the Browning/Winchester/FN/Mossberg lines...
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Sir, I appreciate the reply. I am open budget-wise. My intention is to "buy one and be done", something he'll use, keep, and pass to his son or daughter.
 
medic68 said:
To answer a number of queries about a 20 gauge fighting shotgun for a twelve year old let me say this, while many Americans are teaching their children to be tolerant of other cultures, those same cultures are teaching their children how to make IED's, field strip various weapons, and kill anyone without their same belief systems. Many of us "rural" folk get the kids to church every Sunday, eat at the table together, teach our children how to slaughter and dress farm animals, hunt and fish; American kind of stuff. One of the overriding issues today is the encroachment of drugs and the related violence. I grew up in a house that was never locked, didn't have a key till I moved out and took my induction physical. There was never a worry about safety then. That's not the case now. My sons and daughters have been brought up with various firearms. Truck guns, hunting guns, personal protection weapons. They've watched me for years come home from work, take a duty belt off, secure the weapon and start my chores. One of the duties and responsibilities of my children (both male and female) is to protect each other, their friends, community and the family. The twelve year old has demonstrated that he is mature enough to handle learning the task and I will provide him with the tools to accomplish the mission. I appreciate the responses to my question.
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Well alrighty then. Get him anything that's been suggested above. Personally, I would suggest a standard weight 20 ga. 1100 modded as necessary to fit.
 
I'm glad you started this post. I too am looking for a 20ga for my daughter to teach her to shoot. A 12 will probably be too much for her -recoil wise- even as she gets older, and I want to see her with a quality gun she can do many things with throughout her life: small game hunting, target, rodents. And like the original poster, I have no problems showing her how to use it for defensive purposes as well. I pray it never happens, but if she must she'll have a capable longarm she'll be cofident with.
 
medic68 said:
To answer a number of queries about a 20 gauge fighting shotgun for a twelve year old let me say this, while many Americans are teaching their children to be tolerant of other cultures, those same cultures are teaching their children how to make IED's, field strip various weapons, and kill anyone without their same belief systems. Many of us "rural" folk get the kids to church every Sunday, eat at the table together, teach our children how to slaughter and dress farm animals, hunt and fish; American kind of stuff. One of the overriding issues today is the encroachment of drugs and the related violence. I grew up in a house that was never locked, didn't have a key till I moved out and took my induction physical. There was never a worry about safety then. That's not the case now. My sons and daughters have been brought up with various firearms. Truck guns, hunting guns, personal protection weapons. They've watched me for years come home from work, take a duty belt off, secure the weapon and start my chores. One of the duties and responsibilities of my children (both male and female) is to protect each other, their friends, community and the family. The twelve year old has demonstrated that he is mature enough to handle learning the task and I will provide him with the tools to accomplish the mission. I appreciate the responses to my question.
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You are doing the right thing.
 
Years ago I picked up a used 870 Wingmaster 20 gauge that a previous owner had cut down to 18.25". It is an excellent "fighting" shotgun. It resides in my wife's side of the bed.
 
I’m actually considering taking on a similar project, but mine isn’t going to necessarily be a dedicated fighting gun, but a kind of shotgun I call a ground blaster. A gun dedicated to non flying targets.

With a rifled barreI and slugs, I expect it to fill a similar role to a large bore PCC. There are Lyman molds available that can cast slugs for cheap.

I’m going to look for a used Remington 870 wingmaster or pre-magazine dimple express for mine.
 
Bought my 12 year old a H&R partner youth 20 ga. It's a copy of a Remington 870. Finish is way better than my 870 Express for sure. Doesn't have the flash rust problem. Has a little heft for a 20 ga but doesn't kick to much with 3 inch buckshot either. Has a 21 inch barrel and 12.5 inch LOP stock.
Bought on sale from Sportsmans Warehouse for 120.00
 
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