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Old April 15, 2012, 01:51 AM   #1
terrell
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new shotgun

I Plan on Waterfowl hunting And i need a semi automatic 20 gauge shot gun.... any ideas ???
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Old April 15, 2012, 08:41 AM   #2
Dave McC
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Most waterfowlers use 12 gauges, with a smattering of 10s.

Were I waterfowling with a 20 semi, it would probably be a Beretta.
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Old April 15, 2012, 01:40 PM   #3
BigJimP
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Depends on your budget ...and most importantly what "fits you" -- so it hits where you look...( not all shotgun dimensions are the same ...in drop at comb and heel ...or length of pull ).

If you want a gas gun ...Beretta has a few ...

If you want an Inertia gun ..Benelli has a few...

20ga semi auto I like personally / that has a lot of adjustabilty --- so it can be "fit" ...it has shims where stock meets receiver...and drop in changeable comb inserts and recoil pads that snap in and out ...is the Benelli supersport in a 20ga. It has a shiny barrel and a bright receiver...but you can cover it with tape ...to break it down / but Benelli has typical waterfowl guns available in 20ga as well....but most of us would not use a 20ga for waterfowl ...to me, that's a 12ga game with steel or non-toxic shot.

Last edited by BigJimP; April 16, 2012 at 12:21 PM.
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Old April 15, 2012, 05:55 PM   #4
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You might want to do a review, and then compare 20ga waterfowl loads with what's available in 12ga, before you buy a 20.

.
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Old April 15, 2012, 06:07 PM   #5
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I'd go with a 12 but if you MUST go with a 20 fine by me. Either way read this...

http://www.browning.com/products/cat...?webflag_=008b

Just make sure you're a really good shot and don't drop your gun!
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Old April 16, 2012, 04:46 AM   #6
Anthony66
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first time reply, but I've been shotgunning for years. The Beretta 3901 would fit the bill. $600 at most of your local big box sporting stores.
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Old April 16, 2012, 04:43 PM   #7
Sigowner
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Do you sit on decoys on jump ponds? If they're not close in I would opt for a 12ga....doesn't make a difference which of the old stand-by manufacturers you opt for. Personally, I like Remington and either pump or semi-auto are great. I always used a modified choke but smaller bore and distance seem to demand a full bore for me.
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Old April 16, 2012, 06:07 PM   #8
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As the others have opined, you're better off with a 12-ga. Since the advent of the non-toxic shot requirement for waterfowl, the popularity of 20-ga guns has waned significantly. The opposite has happened, the 10-ga is enjoying a resurgence.
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Old April 16, 2012, 06:57 PM   #9
Hansam
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I was going to suggest a 10 gauge but figured the OP may get turned off of shotguns if he actually shot one...

Personally I can still bring down the ducks (I'm not a goose hunter) with a 12 and steel shot so I'm going to keep with a 12... 10 might actually be a bit too much gun for what I want to do with it.
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Old April 17, 2012, 08:51 AM   #10
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There are a lot of choices out there - what is your budget? (And yes, go with the 12 for waterfowl)

Browning, Beretta, Benelli, are arguably, the top three in semi auto guns
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Old April 17, 2012, 09:33 AM   #11
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Another option, if you can find one is a Saiga.
Another option is a Stoeger. Some say the quality is horrible, but my over and under is flawless.

As for the 10 gauge comment, I doubt the op wants one if he's looking for a 20 gauge. And in my opinion, opposite of what everyone says almost, the 10 gauge doesn't kick all that bad. Yes, it's much harder than a 12 gauge but it's still very bearable. I shoot 8-10 yards every now and then without getting too sore.

I don't like recommending guns I haven't dealt with but since you are looking for a 20 gauge I'm guessing you want a light gun with low recoil? What about the Winchester autos with the fiberglass barrels? I've never shot or even handled one, but I think this is something you should look into.
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Old April 17, 2012, 09:36 AM   #12
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I'd start and end my search with either Beretta or Benelli. Just have to decide if you want gas operated or inertia.

I'd also move up to a 12, it can always be downloaded.
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Old April 17, 2012, 09:51 AM   #13
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Quote:
first time reply, but I've been shotgunning for years. The Beretta 3901 would fit the bill. $600 at most of your local big box sporting stores.
I am selling one of those (plug done)



Why the 20 gauge in the first place??
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Old April 17, 2012, 10:03 AM   #14
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Don't let the bore size fool you, with the right load and hoke combination you can anything with a 20 you can do with a 12 when it comes to ducks. If it was me I would buy the synthetic SX3 20, LOP adjustable, Drop and Cast adjustable, speed load, overbore, and has Dura Touch to protect the finish.


Browning Silver 20:



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