help me dress a 20ga

[9mmepiphany]

after toting are a remington 870 12ga at work for to last 25 years, i decided to get my son somthing different to learn with. i'm picking up a 20ga mossberg 500 for a chunk under $100 from a local pawn shop. i really like the mossys i've handled better than the 870.

the question then comes up, does the 20ga take a whole different set of accessories that the 12 ga. i'm thinking mag extensions, synthetic furniture, etc...

i know the lords of shotgun wisdom here can share some of their knowledge here...thanks in advance

please don't recomend that i stick with a known quanlity (remington) or gauge...my saiga 20 needs company in the closet

 

[Smoke]

Nothing wrong with a Mossberg. It will serve your son well...and his son if taken care of.

Skip the add ons adn use the money to buy ammo and range fees. Then let the kids decide on cool stuff. Lot less accessories for 20ga than for 12 but if you look hard enough there is stuff out there.

I've never looked for extensions and the like for Mossys but even the 20ga 870 gear is scarce.

Enjoy your gun and your kid.

Smoke

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Get the metal safety and the ghost ring sights if your son wants a surface to surface shotgun. if you don't go with the sights, at least get the safety.


And make sure the gun fits him. There are threads about this.

 

[sm]

Lots of Ammo Dad!

I agree with Smoke and Andrew, gun fit is a priority, the safety is a must.

Forget add ons, Eye and Ear Protection, lessons, training and LOTS of ammo. Heck better to find a used MEC single shot reloader learn that gun well than anything one can add onto it.

Good shooters are made - not born - Misseldine

Shooting well is earned by doing and learning - not bought off a shelf - Anon.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

Forget add ons, Eye and Ear Protection, lessons, training and LOTS of ammo.

I think you forgot to put a "buy" in there somewhere.

 

[sm]

OOPs

Yeah Dad since you are Buying....


Thanks Andrew -

Hey I missed out on a Dad doing stuff this like for me. My theory is - even though I'm 49 - "us kids gotta stick together" no matter the age.

I only knew one grandparent and she died when I was 5. Count yourself lucky - you should hear what I suggest to Grandparent's to spoil grandkids..."Get the complete set" , "cheaper to buy ammo by the case", "I bet the 4 reloaders you just bought [thud] would fit right over there", " oh no a 28 ga Beretta is just perfect for your 13 yr grandaughter"....( he actually bought her one !) .

 

[mnrivrat]

About the only thing made for the 20 ga. is composite stocks.

There is no practical way to extend the mag with the 500 design. I don't think they make side saddles for the 20 ga. either.

The factory plastic safety button should be replaced as has been mentioned. Also mentioned were ghost ring sights but I'm not sure they are made for the 20 ga. either - maybe they are.

My 500 in 20ga. has served me well and the only thing on it is composite vs wood and a metal safety button. Nothing wrong with the wood either, but as I have said before - I like composites for there durability and low maintenance. I have three barrels for mine including a vented rib youth length ( I forgot the actual length - 26 " ?) with screw in choke (mod), a 24 inch smooth bore slug barrel with iron sights, and a 18 &1/4 inch plain barrel with front bead for HD and pest control.

 

[Andrew Wyatt]

The 20 gauge should have the same hole pattern as the 12. the factory rear should go on with no problems. if not, the holes can be drilled and tapped.

 

[mnrivrat]

Thanks Andrew !

I have to admitt I have little experience with the ghost ring sights - I might have to do something about that one of these days .

I have gotten by pretty well with just the bead but have heard good things about the ghost ring sight system.