Turkish Made 20GA Shotgun “Hands-on” Information Request

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Jobber

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I am researching the purchase of a youth 20GA semi-automatic shotgun.
The Turkish made ones are in an attractive price range.
I have found [4] major manufacturers who have their own models, but they also supply shotguns for USA companies.
I would appreciate any actual owner information, which could be furnished.
Looking for: reliability, durability, construction quality, etc.

Thanks.

Armsan Shooting Authority – A620, P620, Phenoma 20 (manufacturer models)
> Mossberg SA-20
> TriStar Viper G2

ATA Arms – VENZA, CY (manufacturer models)
> Weatherby SA-08

Huglu Hunting Firearms Cooperative
> CZ 720 G2 Reduced Length

Hatsan Arms Company – Escort (manufacturer models)
 
I have several AKUS made SxS's, marketed as Dickinsons but also the manufacturer of the former S&W Elite Gold and Kimber Valier. I have also shot several Webley & Scott O/U made by AKUS. The DeHaan guns - improved Huglu o/us and sxs - were also quite decent. The Turks can make a good gun. But, just as the Spanish before them, they also make guns to price points determined by their distributors. And a price point gun may have problems. So, if choosing a Turkish semi-auto, it may well be flawless, but to be sure, I recommend choosing one that has well documented, strong customer service in the US. To that end, the Mossberg and (not mentioned in your list) the Weatherby SA-08, also available in a youth model, would seem to offer a good combination. I am unfamiliar with CZ customer service in the US, but I understand the CZ 720 has a reasonably good reputation.
 
I own several SA-08’s, used to own a SA-20 and a CZ 720. One of the SA-08’s is a youth model and the 720 was a youth model. IMO fit, finish, overall quality etc. is outstanding on the SA-08 and SA-20. The CZ 720 wasn’t as svelte as the others and had an atrociously heavy trigger, but it always worked.

I’m a big fan of CZ rifles and handguns, I own a number of both, but not of their semi-auto shotguns. CZ customer service is fantastic in my opinion though. Weatherby customer service has been great when I’ve used it. I used Mossberg customer service once and it was not a good experience. It could have been a one-off though and I’m willing to give a company the benefit of the doubt once. It didn’t keep me from buying a 930 two barrel combo a couple of years later that I was happy with, in fact if I purchase another semi-auto 20 gauge it will be a SA-20.

I know enough TriStar owners that I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable purchasing one.
 
I have a Tri-Star “Raptor”, 20ga.
It’s the Youth version with 24”bbl. Bought at Walmart last year, on sale.

I bought an Adult stock from TriStar. (Camo, synthetic).
I’m crazy about it. It’s exactly what I was wanting.
Shoots very good, and has digested nearly all the reloads I’ve fed it. Some that it cycled, I wasn’t sure it would. (Bad crimps).
I bought several additional choke tubes, as it only came with one. It uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil-choke pattern tubes.. Carlson tubes are MUCH cheaper than TriStar chokes.
 
I purchased a CZ1012 earlier this year and finally was able to send to CZ warranty/repair department. Service was fine. Reaching a person to facilitate the return was the hard part (2x emails, waiting on hold for over an hour x2).

Barrel was machined wrong - wad was building up between the barrel and chokes.

CZ replaced the shotgun.
 
PS. Should add, I am happy with the outcome of the return. Manufacturing oooops can happen to any manufacture. Glad that CZ recognized the issue and stepped up to the plate.
 
CZ customer support is second to none!
In 2004, my wife purchased an Armscor (Huglu) 20ga sxs for me as a 25th anniversary gift.
It shortly developed a problem with the auto trigger doubling.
I first took it to a Browning authorized repair rep who couldn’t fix it. I eventually had the LGS it was purchased from send it back to Armscor for warranty repairs. 9mos later, I stopped by the shop to inquire about the gun (not first time...) The owner said he’d follow up on it. A month later, I got a call that my gun had come in.
When I got to the shop, the clerk handed me an 8710 form. I asked why?
He then related the story. Armscor had gone defunct. CZ decided to take over importation of the line. Upon receiving all of Armscor inventory, my gun was included. The gun had been sent back to Turkey for Huglu to sort out. The gun was scrapped, and a new gun was sent to replace it. Problem was, they didn’t know who’s gun it was till my dealer called the CZ-USA front office. I even got my fitted Pachmayer Old English pad I’d had installed on my gun (required cutting off stock to shorten).
The replacement is Branded CZ, came in new box, with complete set of choke tubes (5)! Wood is even better too. Talk about a stand-up corporation!

Only Beretta, Smith&Wesson, and Leupold have done by me as well as CZ.
I now own several CZ products.
 
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I picked up a Tri- Star Raptor in 20 Ga. for our County 4-H Shooting Sports Trap program. Quite often a kid would come in with Dad's old duck gun, a 30" 12 ga., and it would be way too big and long for them. The Tri- Star was small and easy for them to shoot. I even shot a few rounds with it. Recoil was less than a 12 ga., and it breaks birds. I wouldn't recommend it for a dedicated Trap shooter's gun, I don't believe the longevity is there, but for a beginner's gun, or a casual hunting gun, they are a decent option.
 
Thanks for all the comments, I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. My continued research has found:

Weatherby SA-08 (by ATA Arms)
Very high comments. The SA-08 dual valve gas system - one for light loads and the other for heavy loads. If the possibility of changing parts in the field happened, how much trouble it could present (lost parts??). It also has a single slide bar for the bolt, and I have not been able to find any reviews.

CZ 720 G2 (by Huglu)
cdb1 comments coupled with R. Wakeman’s review make this a pass.
https://www.randywakeman.com/CZ72020GaugeAutoloadingShotgun.htm

Escort Raider (by Hatsan)
I was very intrigued with the detachable box magazine design. The USA distribution 20ga comes only with an 18” barrel and [5] round magazine. The problem being no one knows how to order additional magazines. My interest is slipping.

Mossberg SA-20 & TriStar Viper G2 (by Armsan)
> The SA-20 gets rave reviews everywhere, but I contacted Mossberg regarding a simple product question. Their "end of story" response was, “Unfortunately we do not have that information off hand." I then explored their website. The SA-20 had no accessory or parts pages. Is this shotgun their ugly step-child? I am not left with a warm fuzzy for Mossberg,and I am not an owner yet.
> Viper G2 also had good reviews, but it’s hard to find detailed info on this model. I was considering the 24130 model, 24” barrel. It comes with both a youth and adult stocks and a 2” barrel extension. Seems like a lot "stuff" for the price?
 
SA-08:
The situation of changing pistons in the field has never arisen for me. All the loads I shoot in it take the light piston. The heavy piston is for Buckshot, Slugs, etc. and I don’t anticipate ever making a change in the field. It is very easy and quick to change pistons though and carrying an extra piston would be no biggie for me. Obviously YMMV.

SA-20:
My limited experience with Mossberg customer service doesn’t inspire confidence but it wouldn’t keep me from purchasing a SA-20. It has two advantages over the SA-08 IMO, they cost less and only have one piston to worry about. The piston issue is moot for me as explained above and theoretically gives the advantage of being able to shoot the lightest loads to the heaviest with no cycling problems. Also my experiences with Weatherby customer service have shown their people are very good and have a lot of knowledge, there is a cost for that though.

CZ 720:
I’m an avid reader of Randy Wakeman even though I don’t particularly care for him as a person. His review came out after I’d sent my 720 down the road but it eerily mirrored my experience. On the other hand CZ customer service is on par with Weatherby.

TriStar:
Never held or shot one but would purchase one if a Weatherby or Mossberg wasn’t available.
 
The Weatherby SA-08 seems to be liked by many. Personally, I prefer their SxS with DT, but that is me.
 
Jobber said:
Weatherby SA-08 (by ATA Arms)
Very high comments. The SA-08 dual valve gas system - one for light loads and the other for heavy loads. If the possibility of changing parts in the field happened, how much trouble it could present (lost parts??). It also has a single slide bar for the bolt, and I have not been able to find any reviews.
Click to expand...

'Lost parts'... I bought my SA 08 from a friend who hasn't a clue where the heavy piston is. I Haven't bothered to source one because the light piston is all I need. Changing it is about as hard as unscrewing the mag nut and removing the barrel and piston. It still flings empty shells a good way.

The single action bar is a non issue. This same design is used in other firearms, namely berretta, and has stood up well in my experience.

Cant go wrong with this gun IMO. I'm a little bias in this view. Just hit a 25 at skeet with it Saturday. 1st one with the weatherby so WTH... we shot my hat.
 

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I know it's been awhile on this thread. There have been personal distractions in life.
My original search was a light recoil shotgun, for moderate use at best. This lead me to 20ga's, semi-automatic and economically priced.
I ended up purchasing the TriStar Viper G2 youth model 24130. It's reviews were more than acceptable and it had the most "pieces" for $'s.
Below are two sets of data, one from TriStar, YouTube reviews and/or vendor websites; the other is from my personal examination of the shotgun. I though others would be interested in the information.

TriStar Youth Models General Description: 3” gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun that allows you to shoot light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads interchangeably. Shim kits standard. Removable choke system uses Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil Threads, includes three choke tubes (IC, M, F), choke box, and wrench. Anodized Receiver and endcap, highly durable injection molded stock and forearm coated with “Soft Touch” finish for better feel. Rubber Recoil pad, swivel studs, fiber optic sight and shim kits standard.
Features: (Tri-Star Viper G2 model 24130)
• Manual E-Z Load Magazine Cut-Off
• Vent Rib w/ Matted Sight Plane
• Anodized Receiver and End-cap
• Fiber Optic Sigh)
• 5 Round Magazine (Shot Plug Included)
• Quick Shot Plug Removal
• Chrome-lined Chamber and 24” Vent Rib Barrel
• 2” Barrel Extension
• Oversized Bolt Handle and Release (Not on model 24130)
• Swivel Studs
• Youth & Adult Stocks
• “Soft Touch” on Stock and Forearm
• 3 Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil (Standard) Style Choke Tubes (IC, M, F)
• [4] Shim kit (tapered & various thickness)
• Five Year Warranty

Features – Not Identified by TriStar:
• LOP (Nominal) = 12-1/2” Youth / 14”Adult Stock
> Youth Model Includes Slimmer Forearm
• “Soft Touch” Stocks - “Grippier” Feel, Especially Wet
• Stock walls are approx. 3/32” thick & “bosses” for recoil pad mounting are approx. 5/16”
• Shim kit – dimensions nominal
> Cast Spacer - 0.070” (L) x 0.050” (R)
> #65 - 0.100” (T) x 0.055” (B)
> #55 - 0.050” (T) x 0.075” (B)
> #50 - 0.055” (T) x 0.100” (B)
• Recoil Pad Thickness (Nominal) = 7/8” Youth / 1” Adult
> Adult - Medium Soft density rubber compound, with “X” hatch pattern perforations
> Youth - Medium Hard density rubber compound, with single slanted chevron pattern perforations
> Recoil pad mounting holes are 3-3/4” CL/CL – non-industry standard
• OAL (without 2” extension) = 43”Youth / 44-1/2” Adult
• Weight (Empty) = Youth 6.13 lbs / Adult 7.0 lbs
• Gas actuation, piston components are located in the barrel cylinder (mounting lug)
• Ventilated Rib = 7mm (0.274”) Wide
• Fiber optic front sight is 0.09”Ø x 0.55” long – no mid-sight
• Receiver Dovetail = 12.45mm (3/8” USA / not Weaver) wide nominal x 120mm (4.75”) lg nominal
• 20ga Choke Constriction Ø (measured with caliper, actual OD may vary +.0000's):
> Full (v) – 0.5925” / Ref. Browning Invector Ø 0.594”
> Modified (vvv) – 0.6080” / Ref. Browning Invector Ø 0.605”
> Improved Cylinder (vvvv) – 0.6165” / Ref. Browning Invector Ø 0.609”
• Instruction Manual:
> Some areas are overly detailed, and others are lacking
> Printing is very small
> The photos are too small to understand what is being illustrated
> General Part Assembly diagram is too small, to easily identify shotgun putting together

ONLY ON Viper G2 Youth SR Sport model 24161 (parts order shipping $7.50)
o Oversized Bolt Handle P/N B0920T $20.25
o Oversized Bolt Release Toggle Plate P/N GI4B-SR $19.95
 
I have a SA-08 20ga. Deluxe . I've had it 3 years now , maybe around 100 shells through it . It feels like the spring is getting weak in the shell release lever . Sometimes it releases the shell from the magazine hard like when new , I just stared noticing it sounds weaker sometimes and doesn't release on a couple of occasions . This next part is normal operation of my gun . You have to use the shell release lever to unload your gun and work the bolt twice for each shell that is not in the chamber . I am not use to a gun operating like that . Also if you pull the trigger after you have unloaded it , like I do after I finished hunting , you have to take the safety off to load it . The bolt will not open and you cannot load through the magazine and shell lifter if the safety is on and the trigger uncocked . You still cannot load the magazine with the safety off and a un-cocked trigger . You have to load the first round through the chamber , then the shell lifter will unlock so that you can load the magazine . Once you take the safety off and open the bolt , it will lock open and then you can put the safety back on and load a shell in the chamber , close the chamber and load the magazine . I don't like this for a young hunter that might forget to put the safety on before closing the bolt .

I hunted with a friend of mine and his daughter ( county deputy ) Sunday and she was using a TriStar 20ga. youth Raptor . She shot twice at a rabbit and got it . I told her how I had to unload my Weatherby and she said she had to do the same to unload hers .
 
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I own many Hatsan pellet rifles. They are very nice and quality built they all feel like rifles unlike so many other pellet rifles.

If their shotguns are as well built if definitely look into them.
 
Milkmaster said:
I bought the Tri-Star G2 Silver in 20ga. I have been very pleased with the reliability and ease of cleaning. Plus that silver is one pretty gun.

View attachment 884543 View attachment 884544 View attachment 884545 View attachment 884546 View attachment 884547 View attachment 884543 View attachment 884544 View attachment 884545 View attachment 884546 View attachment 884547
Click to expand...

The gas system and other parts look very similar to the old Valtro made Weatherby SAS, which was, more or less, a copy of a Beretta design. Very simple, very solid. Can't say I love the big branding on the receiver but otherwise it's a good looking gun! The Turks can build a good shotgun if the price is right. Enjoy!
 
I have a selection of semi-auto shotguns from Beretta, Benelli and Franchi. Last spring, I was itching for an inexpensive .410 to play with at the skeet club. I tried a Tristar Viper G2. No regrets... it has done nothing but impress me so far. Time will tell if it's as good a value as I think it is.
 
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