Lightweight 20 ga shotguns

[eagle24]

I'm looking for a lightweight 20 ga shotgun for squirrel hunting with dogs. I usually carry a .22, but at times a young dog needs the squirrels knocked out to it, and I need to carry a shotgun. Especially late season when the squirrels seem to timber out more often. What would be good choices in a used pump or autoloader $500 or less? Need mod choke. I have been looking for an Ithaca 37, but have been unable to find one that wasn't overpriced. Any other ideas? TIA

 

[rbernie]

Lightweight, as in sub six pounds? Franchi 48AL (in your budget if used) or Benelli M2 Field (not ever gonna be in your budget).

If you can abide a six-to-seven pound gun, then a Mossy 500 is probably your best bet. My oldest runs a 870 Express in 20ga and it's probably closer to 7lbs than six, but it handles it well and is his and my preference.

 

[rcmodel]

Check out the Mossberg Super Bantam.

https://www.mossberg.com/product/sh...per-bantam-500-super-bantam-all-purpose/54210

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/.../14660/Mossberg+54210+500B+20+3IN+22+ACCU+SYN

5 1/4 pounds, sling swivels, choke tubes, adjustable LOP stock.

It don't get no easier to carry then that.

rc

 

[jmr40]

I'd look at this. With a 24" barrel it is just over 6 lbs. Street prices at around $400 and unlike most other pumps it comes with studs for a sling and 3 choke tubes. Over $50 extra on most of the others.

http://www.benelliusa.com/nova-pump-field-shotgun

 

[rbernie]

I probably should confess that I left the Nova/SuperNova off of my list because it has a character trait that I cannot abide: trying to rack the slide before releasing the trigger will cause the action to lock up and the only CoA to unlock it is to first release the trigger and then push forward and pull rearward on the forearm. Unlike most other pump guns, unlocking is not SOLELY a function of the forearm position once the hammer has dropped. I've seen a few well-worn SuperNovas that didn't do this (and the Stoeger variant doesn't do this), but I could not get my 20ga Nova to change behavior despite tens of thousands of rounds of trying.

I cannot abide that, but it may be a small nit to others.

 

[eagle24]

Thanks for the replies. The Benelli doesn't appeal to me. I just don't care for the less traditional look. Length, weight, sling swivels on the Mossberg are all a plus. I may try and find one I can put my hands on and see in person. My preference is still for the Ithaca if I could find a good used one for the right price. I know what I would be getting in the Ithaca. I don't mind one in good condition but with wear (even considerable wear), but the ones I have found so far were more in the abused category than just wear. I might consider upping my budget a little if I found a Remington 1100 LT-20 in decent shape.

 

[45crittergitter]

The 20 ga. Benelli Montefeltro is about as good as it gets, period. 5.5#. Sling studs will be a DIY proposition involving an expensive magazine cap (~$60?). Don't try the barrel clamp type sling mount from Uncle Mike's. You won't get this for $500 though. Second choice would be the Ithaca 37 or Remington 17 (same gun). The Remington will be in 2-3/4" only. Frankly, my advice is bite the bullet and get the Montefeltro, especially if there is a possibility of shooting birds.

 

[PabloJ]

Second hand Wingmaster LW with mahogany stock. These were made in 1970s.
Next week I'm picking up 20ga Ithaca 37 with 28" Mod and 26" IC VR barrels. Yes, these are difficult to find.

PS. If you don't mind limited ammo selection old vintage (fixed choke plain barrel) 16ga Ithaca 37 is fine choice. These weigh about 1/4lb more than 20ga of same vintage.

 

[25cschaefer]

Franchi 48AL, hands down.

 

[jeepnik]

I've owned a Franchi 48L 20 since the 70's. It will work just fine. Then again, a properly loaded .410 will also work just fine.

 

[DM~]

Remington also made some 870LW (light weight) 20ga. magnums, and they are REALLY nice pump guns. I haven't weighed mine, but it's light and really handy, I'm not sure how many years they made them though?

Mine has a 20" deer slayer bbl, with iron sights and I really like it.

DM

 

[Water-Man]

I've got an Remington 870 Express Combo 20ga. It weighs 6.5lbs. and handles well.

 

[jaguarxk120]

The Franchi with a 28 inch vent rib barrel and wood stocks comes in at just 6 pounds.

A 24 or 26 inch barrel gun will be slightly lighter.

 

[Kingcreek]

Ithaca model 37 featherweight or a franchi in 20g.

 

[thunder173]

Imho RC hit it spot on. My wife and I both use Mossberg pumps. Mine is a Bantam Model 500, hers is the even smaller Model 510 , both 20 gauge. Hard to go wrong with them. Ymmv

 

[farm23]

I have hunted birds with a 20ga Ithaca 37 featherweight for over 60 years and it still shoots great. The new ones are expensive but maybe you can find a used one.

 

[d2wing]

Franchi 720 here. Also Remington Lt-20.