Pump 20 ga

[Mossberg88]

My girlfriend's dad is asking me my advice about buying either a 20 ga. or .410 and I only have experience with 12 so any advice will be much appreciated.
I believe the intended use is bird hunting.

-Mossberg

 

[oneounceload]

Quite a difference between a 20 and 410, even for birds. A little more information would help.

 

[Mossberg88]

i'd lean more towards the 20 gauge because the .410 might not be enough umph. so i guess 4-550$ range what would be the best way to go.

 

[ArmedBear]

Well, that depends.

Remington, Mossberg, Ithaca, Browning, none of them will break. They're all good, functional guns.

Some are heavier, and recoil less. Some are lighter, more pleasant to carry around all day, and quicker on target.

20 Gauge pumps vary from 5.5 to 7.5 lbs. for similar guns. Then there's gun fit and personal preference.

Depends on what you want.

 

[Mossberg88]

i'd say the main focus point would be lighter weight and diminished recoil.

 

[ArmedBear]

To clarify, what I meant was, all else being equal, a lighter gun will be more pleasant to hunt with, but will kick harder. A heavier gun will get heavy after some time in the field, but will be more pleasant to shoot.

For example, the Browning BPS and the Ithaca Ultralight 37 are very similar guns, but the Browning weighs well over 7 lbs., but the Ithaca well under 6. In that case, the Browning is a lot less expensive, but personally I wouldn't be too interested in a 20 that weighs as much as a 12 Gauge Mossberg 500 does, for hunting on foot. For dove shooting, it would be nice.

 

[oneounceload]

lighter weight means increased recoil - function of physics.

A 410 semi, like AB's dreaded 1100, will have about the least recoil out there, albeit it will weigh about 7#, which isn't TOO heavy, unless you're schlepping it uphill all day (which doesn't sound like the plan).

Again, what birds? If you're talking about getting rid of crows and starlings, the 410 is fine - if you're talking about pheasant, that's another thing altogether.

 

[ArmedBear]

I don't dread the 1100. I just didn't have any interest in keeping one around.

Judging by the wall of used 1100s at one local shop, I'm not alone.

 

[oneounceload]

Understand.... ; however, their 28 and 410 semis, especially for targets where trekking isn't in the offing, are about the best for low-recoil and fun.

 

[devildog32713]

hahaha, get a Mossberg (500, 535 ATS) in 20 gauge, can't go wrong with a Mossberg.

 

[Mossberg88]

hahaha i have 3 too many mossbergs, although i do love them especially for their price in comparison. my issue is i have no experience whatsoever with any gauge other than 12 so it may as well be a foreign language, especially when comparing makes/models.

 

[Bud Tugly]

A .410 will work for birds up to the size of grouse and out to 20 yards or so, but it should have an IC or modified choke unless he has a high frustration level. It's pretty limited and shouldn't be used for any type of long range shooting or you will risk wounding instead of making ethical kills.

A 20 gauge is far more versatile, especially with a variety of screw-in chokes, and can be used for birds up to the size of pheasants and ducks. Some even use them for turkeys with extra-full chokes. If you stick to 7/8 oz low brass loads the recoil isn't too bad.

Lots of folks really like the 28 gauge for upland hunting. I've never used one but it's a nice compromise for low recoil and effective range between the .410 and the 20.

If he's new to shotguns he should really try out several different brands before just jumping in.

 

[Mossberg88]

Well after all i've seen from everyone, I think i'll go with the 20 gauge.

So what would be the public opinion on make/model?

 

[the rifleer]

I have a mossberg 500 20 gauge. its a good gun with now problems. I shoot it as well as my friends with 12 gauges.

 

[ArmedBear]

So what would be the public opinion on make/model?

I was quite serious the first time. If you get a Remington, Mossberg, Ithaca, or Browning, it will serve you well, probably forever. You really have to go and handle some and see what you like. Pay attention to fit, trigger feel, balance. The one you like best will be the one you will be glad you own, for a long time.

 

[frankge]

Bought my wife the 870 20 in pink mossy oak (nothing says I love you like a pink shotgun)... she started shooting trap with me. I got it for the price and I have an 870 tactical. Its lighter than the semi-auto but the way the stock is shaped against a womans body she had the edge digging into her shoulder. Recoil wasnt the problem, fit was. I just got here a recoil pad but have not tested it. One guy suggested that I bore a hole and fill it with some shot to absorb some recoil. Stock is synthetic so I have to see if it can be fit to her - shes 5' 2". I reload so Ill be putting some reduced recoil shells together for her once she burns through the case. Was thinking about getting the black stock so my son can use it and not get makde fun of at the range

 

[Al LaVodka]

Mossberg makes one too and it comes with a length-adjustable stock. 20 ga. And that ain't a .410.

There are bolt-on/slip in recoil reducers. If the lass is shooting Trap which requires a great deal of actual shooting, the added weight will help swing as well and could be put on/in only then...

Al

 

[chas08]

Since you are already familiar with Mossbergs. I vote Mossberg 20ga. if you are buying new. My 20ga pump is an Ithaca Ultrafeatherlight, and it does "thump" you pretty good because it is so light. The recoil is comparable to that of a 12ga. in a similar loading. 20ga. does not necessarily equal light recoil.

 

[45crittergitter]

Definitely a 20, and I'd lean toward the Ithaca.

 

[oneounceload]

My one difference from AB would be that the SHOOTER needs to go and try them out....it's still a personal thing, and what looks and feels good to you might not to the gent who is older

 

[Ozarkrick]

I bought a Mossberg 500 bantum youth model four years ago for my son - $169 at walmart. It has a 22" vented rib barrel with three chokes and its very light and fast. He loves it. Shoots skeet, sporting clays, and hunts with it. As he grew, we got the full size adult stock for $28. My wife and I both shoot it (alot). It is one of the most fun guns I have ever owned. Very reliable, cheep, easy to use. I own 11 shotguns (most cost over $1K), and this is the one that is most used. You cannot go wrong with this gun.

 

[ArmedBear]

My one difference from AB would be that the SHOOTER needs to go and try them out...

Oh, yes, definitely. Not a difference of opinion at all. Just poor writing on my part.