Looking for a decent beater 20 gauge pump?

A while back I found a used 20 ga 1100 on GB for a song, there may still be some decent deals on “experienced” 870 20 ga still around.

Stay safe.

Maverick 88s are great. I have a 12 gauge, it’s great and didn’t cost much either.

For a kid’s shotgun I prefer a semi. Started one child with a SA-08 Youth and the other with a Mossberg Bantam. I wish I’d have started both on a semi. I like the Bantam quite a bit better than the Maverick 88 Youth if you go pump. They seem to be a more solid shotgun.

For what you want I think an 88 or mossberg 500 would do just what your looking for.

My first real gun was an 870 express in 20ga. Shot many a clay, some quail, and turkey. Its now my HD gun.

Lots of "beater" 20 guages out there., and easily affordable.

Youth model 20 guages are exceptionally fun and functional. And even in this period of panic, 20 guages are available so you can take your time on selection I would think. How about a TriStar 20 in youth. A piece, I think, your kids will cherish for a long, long time.

I have to agree with cbd1, above, GAS OPERATED semis for youth are a good bet, especially for the girls in your family. Don't turn them away from the shooting sports by having them fire recoil heavy firearms, and even a 20 gauge can be punishing to a slender person.

That maverick 88 20 gauge is just about perfect for beating up on. I had one in 12 that i used for about 6 months of field/trap/skeet shooting. I really did a number on that gun but it kept on shooting through the sand mud and water. Shot it a lot and never had any issues, easy to clean too. Mossberg parts are relatively cheap and easy to find and the maverick doesn't cost in the first place. I'd say its just about perfect for a kid to knock around and if mine can take heavy shooting I'm sure yours can take light.

I don't even have to think about this one, 870 Express is what "I" would choose for sure...

DM

I'll go with the gas semi for young kids IF the stock fits

George P said:

I'll go with the gas semi for young kids IF the stock fits

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True.

Stoeger SA3020 would be worth looking at. It's an inertia operated semi auto. I have heard great things about them. Right now you will probably have limited choices due to inventory shortages.

One thing that I have noticed over the years is that some 20 gauges do have more kick than others. It all depends on if they use a 12 gauge receiver or a smaller dedicated 20 gauge receiver.

I currently have an old Savage/Stevens 20 gauge pump that kicks worse than my 12 gauge Mossberg 500. I had an old Marlin bolt action 20 gauge goose gun with 30" barrel and that thing was so light that it hurt to shoot no matter what type of shell/load you used.

Macchina said:

... and also buy something my kids can use.

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Several others have recommended a gas-operated semi for kids. I heartily agree with them.

When my younger daughter got interested in shotguns, I picked up a S&W 1000 in 20 gauge, and had it cut to fit her with a comfortable recoil pad. It worked well for her. That same gun has been a gift that keeps on giving as an entry point for young shooters.

Since this past fall, that same gun has been making the rounds with my dove hunting buddies as their kids are getting into shotguns. It has been a complete game changer for them. One guy had bought a 20 gauge O/U for his sons a year or two ago, and they refused to shoot it after their first shots. Both are now enthusiastically shooting the semi auto. I'm sure that some day they will get use out of the O/U, but for now that S&W has been the difference between his sons shooting and not shooting.

Everything about the setup of that gun makes it easier for a younger shooter. The shorter length of pull eases handling. The gas-operated action removes some and spreads out some recoil impulse. The generous recoil pad also smooths out the recoil. All of this reduces distraction and lets a young shooter focus on the fundamentals of shooting accurately.

Do you have a gun club close by with a youth trap league? I see a few youth guns going for sale as the kids grow out of them. Some great deals out there.

Rex in OTZ said:

Stevens Mod# 258B bolt action 20 gauge shotgun w/3rd box magazine.

Id seen one for sale minus tha magazine with a broken plastic butt plate, light stock scratches, light surface rust.
$39

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That sounds just sweet.