Mulliga
Member
Can my 26" 870 Express 20 gauge handle these games? Or would it be better to purchase a 12-gauge?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
20 gauge for bunker / 5-stand ?
- Thread starter Mulliga
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Yes it can.
Find some different loads for different target presentations and go for it. I rarely pick up a 12 ga unless there is money on the line.
Most of my shooting is with the 28ga and 20ga. AA makes a 1oz target load that is pretty potent on clays. When I shoot 12ga it is almost always a 1oz or even a 7/8 oz load.
It don't matter what you shoot, but how well you can get on the target.
Find some different loads for different target presentations and go for it. I rarely pick up a 12 ga unless there is money on the line.
Most of my shooting is with the 28ga and 20ga. AA makes a 1oz target load that is pretty potent on clays. When I shoot 12ga it is almost always a 1oz or even a 7/8 oz load. It don't matter what you shoot, but how well you can get on the target.
TrapperReady
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Hmmm... two different beasts.
For 5-stand, it would be fine. I often shoot 5-stand throughout the hunting season, merely to keep in practice. When doing so, I will frequently use a 20ga, and my scores don't seem to suffer much (maybe 1 or 2 fewer hits per 25 on average).
Bunker is THE game which I would dearly love to try. As I understand it, the clays tend to come out faster than regular trap, and at a variety of heights. A rapid second shot is often the key to success. For this particular game, I have a feeling that a 12ga would hold a reasonable advantage over a 20ga for most shooters.
Frankly, if it's the gun you've got, and you are comfortable with it, I'd try it first. If you can shoot with a friend (and borrow their 12ga for a few rounds), then that might be the best way to find out.
Then again, if you're looking for an excuse to buy a new gun, who am I to discourage you?
For 5-stand, it would be fine. I often shoot 5-stand throughout the hunting season, merely to keep in practice. When doing so, I will frequently use a 20ga, and my scores don't seem to suffer much (maybe 1 or 2 fewer hits per 25 on average).
Bunker is THE game which I would dearly love to try. As I understand it, the clays tend to come out faster than regular trap, and at a variety of heights. A rapid second shot is often the key to success. For this particular game, I have a feeling that a 12ga would hold a reasonable advantage over a 20ga for most shooters.
Frankly, if it's the gun you've got, and you are comfortable with it, I'd try it first. If you can shoot with a friend (and borrow their 12ga for a few rounds), then that might be the best way to find out.
Then again, if you're looking for an excuse to buy a new gun, who am I to discourage you?
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
Not ideal for either, but doable.If the idea is to have fun with the shotgun you have, you're set.
Bunker is limited to those 24 gram loads. That's a skosh less than 7/8 oz. They'd work for 5 stand too. I'd use 7 1/2s for bunker and 8s for 5 stand unless you reload, then it'd be 8 1/2s for 5 stand.
Both require fast second shots. Your shucking will improve dramatically.
Bunker is limited to those 24 gram loads. That's a skosh less than 7/8 oz. They'd work for 5 stand too. I'd use 7 1/2s for bunker and 8s for 5 stand unless you reload, then it'd be 8 1/2s for 5 stand.
Both require fast second shots. Your shucking will improve dramatically.
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