Suggestions for a good entry level 20gauge for 3gun for a small female? And other Qs

[Brenainn]

Let me start off by saying I don't know the first thing about 3 gun. I don't really shoot shotguns and only occasionally shoot my rifles. I don't know if I'll be shooting 3 gun anytime soon, but I'd like to get a shotgun that would work if I decide to shoot competitively with it.


And my main question:
Can anyone give me some good suggestions for a good entry level/low priced 20 gauge that can be used in 3 gun (up to capacity spec.) that doesn't have a HUGE kick? I can't afford really high end stuff, so a basic shotgun would be what I'll end up getting when I find a deal. I am not built to be able to affectively hold up most shotguns I've tried, so I sort of never really thought I'd ever mess with them. However, If you guys can point me in the right direction, I might be able to find something that will work.

The only reason I say 20 gauge is because I am only 4' 11'' and I'd like to start out there - is it true though that 12 gauges have less of a kick than 20?

And some other questions:

1.) Can I shoot a .22 cal rifle such as a 10/22 in 3 gun? If so which division?
2.) What division can I shoot my carbine AR?
3.) What rifle, shotgun and pistol combinations are allowed and in which divisions?
4.) Are you limited to a particular gauge with shotgun?
5.) What is the least complicated, easier division to start out in if you are completely new?

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[jdh]

Here is one that is almost perfect right out of the box.

http://www.remington.com/products/f...exclusives/model_870_express_7-shot_20-ga.asp

 

[mp510]

If you want a more affordable option, and a more traditional stock layout, look at a 21" Remington 870 Youth Express. It even has the advantage of swapable chokes if ever decide you want to hunt or try clays or something with it.

http://www.remington.com/products/firearms/shotguns/model_870/model_870_express.asp

 

[sargenv]

I would seriously look at any of the Remington 1100 shotguns in 20 gauge. There is a local gent that uses one effectively in open class. Things can be adapted to work... but all in all if you shoot in limited or tactical, there are many 1100's still out there for use/conversion to use for 3 gunning.

10/22's are not allowed for 3-gun unless it's one of the rare .22 rimfire multi gun matches that might be put on by a local club. We had some success at our club last year with a rimfire multi gun match. It was a bit different.

Carbine AR can be in any division. You don't say which caliber so I can't tell you if you will shoot minor or major. I think minimum caliber for major is a 26 caliber gun. If you have iron sights, you shoot limited, One piece of glass or optic, you shoot tactical, more than one piece of glass and a bi-pod and other acoutraments, and you shoot open.

Generally If any of the guns are open guns, you shoot open, if all of your guns have iron sights, you shoot limited, if your rifle has one piece of glass or optic and your shotgun and pistol have iron sights, you shoot Tactical. In certain matches, if you shoot a 30 caliber rifle with Iron sights, a 12 gauge pump shotgun and a handgun (revolvers count too) of 44 caliber or above with oron sights, you shoot Heavy Metal.

Personally I like Tactical Division. Limited handgun and shotgun, A scope of some kind on a semi-auto rifle. Shooting a rifle with iron sights much past 100 yards is a pretty good challenge and even a 4 power scope will help tremendously. I've seen it where people come out and bring their M1A and they do fine when targets are close.. but get them trying to hit a very hard to see 8" plate at 150 yards or more with the light not favorable and they are just burning ammo.

12 gauges CAN have less kick than a 20, but you need to have the right loads for it. If you can find the loads that are 7/8 of an ounce of shot at like 1250 fps, they can be downright friendly.. Generally though for 3 gunning you'll want a 1 ounce load at about 1200 fps. I've been using my 870 (20 gauge) with a +4 mag tube for 3 gunning for fun.

 

[Brenainn]

Thanks for the links. I'm liking the grip handle on the Remington 870. I think the grip would make things a little easier to handle.

So limited seems to be the newbie friendly division? What would be the shortest barrel length that I could get away with and still have OK accuracy? I'm just thinking it would be easier to handle, but common sense tends to make me think it might be MORE to handle with a shorter barrel?

How do you find a happy medium between a shotgun that is too light (lots of kick) and so heavy I can't hold it up?

So, I don't need to buy a shotgun to match a particular division? It sounds as if they will all fit in any division, and things can be added or taken away to make them custom to a particular division. Is this right? Also, capacity isn't something I need to worry about?

Basically I don't want to buy one and find out it's only good for Limited, and then have to go get something else to shoot open if I choose to one day.

Oh, my carbine is .223

 

[Zak Smith]

Limited and Tactical division shotguns are the same.

Most people shoot Tactical because it allows them to use an optic on their rifle.

If I were going to go 20ga, I would look for a Benelli M2S90 in 20ga with the right barrel length, and then get an extended mag tube from Nordic Components.

 

[Zak Smith]

I just spoke to Tim @ Nordic Components, who runs the Benelli M2 Field in 20ga. He said that John Paul (owner JP Rifles) and Bruce Piatt are also shooting 20ga right now (Piatt with a Remington).

The hot setup for 20ga is a Benelli M2 Field, 24" (#11097 or 11087 [camo]), and then get an extended magazine tube from Nordic Components.

The 20ga M2 Field is smaller and about a pound lighter than the M2 in 12 ga.