Any recommendations for a 20 ga gas semiauto for a guy with a fouled up neck?

I have severe arthritis in my neck and it has been suggested I get a 20 ga gas gun instead of a 12 ga gasser.

Any suggestions? I am a duck and dove hunter but the duck load recoil is what I'm concerned about.

Thanks...Bexar

 

If you shoot proportionate loads in a proportionately lighter gun the results on the back end won't be that much different. What are you shooting for a 12 now? A good recoil pad and a heavy gun are your best friends. A Remington 1100/11-87 in 12 or 20 will give about as soft a recoil punch as anything you can get. They are not especially light, and that big steel action sleeve assembly really soaks up and spreads out the recoil force. Simple physics.
I wish you luck. I am starting to have problems with my neck.

 

I shot an 11-87 twelve and now have a SuperX2 twelve. I haven't shot it in several years. I'm trying to re-learn to walk and if I can I want to start bird hunting again.

 

I was going to suggest the 20ga Remington with 12ga frame often called Skeet B, but that would be a chore to lug around in bird woods unless one does shoot at passing birds from a peg like an Englishman. In such situations weapon of choice is vertical or horizontal two barrel gun with single barrel weapon being frowned upon by fellow shooters.

 

I shoot 3/4oz reloads running about 1210 fps in both my 12 and 20. My 12 will have less recoil because it is 1.5# heavier than the 20.

Shoot the heaviest gun you can with the lightest loads that will work the gun. If your neck is THAT bad, maybe duck loads are no longer an option......

A gas gun will reduce the "felt" recoil, not necessarily the "actual" recoil as the gas action willl spread the recoil pulse over a longer period of time.

 

Beretta A400 20ga.

 

The 11-87 20ga would do you fine. If you wait to buy it between August 1 and December 31st there will be a $40 rebate. I base this on past rebate offers which always start on August 1.

 

Remington 1100 or a Beretta of some sort would be my recommendations. The one that fits you the best will also be the one less hard on your neck. Gas operation for sure and pick the brand that fits you best. I wish you luck on your final choice. Come back and tell us what you chose!

 

How about a Mossberg SA-20? My 930 SPX is the softest shooting 12 ga I've ever fired and it's usually with 00 buck. I would imagine the 20 ga would be wonderful.

 

How about a Grecoil Recoil Reducer? http://www.graco-corp.com/
I'm having one installed on my BT99 trap gun. Several friends already have them and love them.

 

When I did the ballistics calcs comparing the Remington 1187 sportsman 12ga vs the lighter 1187 20ga, I found that with Remington buckshot the 12ga actually produced less recoil force with slower recoil velocity. Go figure.

 

GraCoil

Brownell's has several different recoil reducers: ( http://www.brownells.com/shooting-accessories/recoil-parts/recoil-reducers/index.htm )

In your case, I would recommend one regardless of which gun you settle on. A lot of us distinguished gentlemen have significant spine issues, and the less shock you deliver, the better off you are.

 

1100 LT20

A joy to shoot

 

Beretta.

 

With the Kick-off recoil pad. Softest recoiling shotgun out there.

 

I have an 870 Remington in 20 ga and I feel no difference in recoil between my 12 gauge over/under and the 20 gauge.

 

The 1100 in 28 gauge is built on a 20 frame. If that ammo is too expensive, then reloading down to 28 gauge levels as I previously mentioned should do OK for you

 

3rd'ing the a400 xplor action 20ga with kick off. I own one and everybody who has fired it comments that it is the lightest recoiling shotgun they've ever handled.

 

Not sure if this would be an option for you but have you tried a push/pull grip. Think of it like stretching a bow pushing forward with support hand while pulling back with your trigger hand. Think proactively about stretching the rifle while you shoot. Also perhaps getting the butt pad off your shoulder and more towards centerline of your chest can help with the recoil. I was taught these techniques in a tactical shotgun class and we fired off several hundres rounds of birdshot, 0000 and slugs over the course of the day and I had no bruising or soreness at all. Awkward at first but with a little practice it works fine. Not sure if hunting would be different. Whatever you do best of luck to you. I hope you can continue to enjoy your sport.

 

I had a Winchester SX3 in 20 gauge. It had a significant recoil with a 3 inch load.

I have a Beretta 302 clone but have only shot it with 2 3/4" loads. Compared to my 12GA OU with target loads it had only marginally less recoil.

So I would recommend you hit the pawn shops and find a used field grade Citori that weighs about 8 or 81/2 pounds. Then put a limb saver or some other really good recoil pad on it. Weight soaks up recoil much better than anything.

Good luck and post back here what you end up doing!

 

My back and neck are a mess. Sorry to hear you're a member of the same club...

I use a Remington 1100 20 gauge on 12 ga frame. 2 3/4" shells. Feels a bit heavy to carry at first, but not so bad when you get used to it. And the heavier frame helps absorb recoil. I've slipped a Limb Saver on on it when I shoot anything hotter than #7 birdshot...that helps too.

Your mileage may vary, but I'm pretty happy with this setup.