H&R 20 ga Tamer?

[SpookyPistolero]

Howdy folks-

I've been hunting for a good general purpose camp gun. Any decent examples have been strangely elusive at all my local shops, so I can't handle enough of them to decide what I want. I've been considering a 12 ga, but I don't want to end up with something that kicks my teeth out every time I squeeze the trigger. The .410 is the opposite problem I worry, where it might get me some small game, but won't be nearly enough to comfortably deal with modest social occasions.

What about a single shot .20? Anyone have any experience with teh H&R 20 ga Snake Tamer? Looks to be pretty compact and rugged, another H&R rifle I have has pretty good fit and finish (or enough for this type of task, anyway).

But my biggest question is does this particular caliber and configuration kick like a mule? It's not that I'll be putting 200 rnds a week through it, but I'd like something I can shoot comfortably and not be left beaten and frustrated.

Thoughts, comments, snide remarks?

 

[rcmodel]

Well, they supposedly weigh 6 pounds, so that in combination with the thumb-hole stock should mitigate recoil pretty well.

I would think if you stick with light upland 7/8 oz loads for killing beer cans, it wouldn't do any permanent bodily injury.

3" Mags & slugs might be a different story though.

rc

 

[SpookyPistolero]

That's my thinking too, so far. I of course have no intention of using 3" loads in it however! Slugs will likely be used intermittently though. Didn't know if there was a specific consensus or any experiences with 'normal' loads, be they slug, buck, or shot.

 

[Dave McCracken]

I've mentioned this before, but here goes....

A co worked long ago had obtained a used 20 gauge H&R. He wanted a light versatile gun for woods running with more utility than most handguns but quite totable.

He......

Pruned the barrel back to about 20" and installed a bead.

Skeletonized the stock,installed a good pad and reduced the size of the forearm. The wood was refinished low gloss and the metal done in some kind of phosphate finish like Parkerizing. A black elastic ammo carrier on the stock held three field loads, one slug and one 3 buck.

It weighed 5 lbs at most and redefined the term, "Hard Kicker".

Still, for something carried lots and shot little, it was nigh perfect.

Oh, yes, a trigger job was done also.

Both he and I shot it one day at the range. With field loads it was tolerable for us veteran shooters, but Rottweil Brenekkes took commitment.

HTH.....

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Thanks Dave, sounds like it was a mule. Wonder if a hearty pad would help enough.

I have a depressingly stupid question. I just noticed it's a full choke. Slugs cannot be fired in a full choke, correct?

 

[rcmodel]

Of course they can.

Slugs can be fired in any degree of choke because they are hollow and soft so they can squeeze down. They offer less resistance through a full choke then a tightly packed charge of hard shot that can't move out of the way of each other.

You may not get as much accuracy as you might get with a cyl bore, but then again you might.
Just have to try it.

rc

 

[plumberroy]

The tamer is modified choke.mine shoots slugs good at 50 yards
Here is what I did to the tamer to make it a good all around woods gun. I put a choate adult shotgun stock and a choate store arm fore arm on it. gun ends up 34 inches long and 5.14 pounds.. with sling with the long fore arm and sling swivil on the end it carries low going through the brush

you will need to find a 3/8 24 x 4 1/2" bolt because the bolt in the tamer stock is too long
I saw the tamer stocks in my good junk box the other day. after digging through the box I came up with enough parts to put this 410 together. the tamer stocks work better on a 410 to me
Roy

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Thanks for the info guys!

Plumberroy: How's that guy re-done 20 ga kick in it's current configuration? That's very literally exactly what I was looking for, so I'm glad I know to hunt down a choate stock set.

Edited to add: Is this what you used there?
http://www.riflestock.com/catalog_p...ductCode=33&ProductSubCodeID=200&NewProduct=0

 

[plumberroy]

It has some recoil with slugs because of being light. it is much better than the original stock. yes that is the stock I used. I ordered mine from midway
I carry it a lot and shoot it a little so I'll put up with a little more recoil in exchange for light and handy. I don't think a healthy adult would have a problem with the recoil of the gun
just remember you will need a new bolt for the stock 3/8 fine thread x4 1/2 inches long the one in the tamer stock is too long it will lock the hammer at the least if you use it
Roy

 

[Dirty Bob]

I suggest the Youth Synthetic stock model, with choke tubes. Mine came with a Mod. tube and weighed 4 lbs., 12 oz. It was OK with target loads, but a slug round made me feel like I was being punched in the face. Ouch!

I replaced the short, synthetic buttstock with a wood one from Gun Parts Corp. I also bought a brass Enfield buttplate, but haven't installed it yet. I'm using a slip-on Limbsaver pad over the bare wood butt, and it feels much better than before. Buck and slug kick with authority but are now manageable, and target loads are no big deal.

What I've got now is a compact shotgun with a short barrel and screw-in chokes. I bought an IMP CYL tube for under $20 for slugs. Results have been encouraging, though I've shot more buck than slug, so far. Good little gun!

All my best,
Dirty Bob