Build your ultimate 20ga HD

Bender · February 18, 2000, 05:12 AM

After doing a little research and discovering that I don't like recoil too much, I am now toying with the idea of a 20 gauge instead of a 12. I don't even like shooting next to the guy with the 12 gauge. I do like weapons that point fast so a light 20 is starting to look real nice. I know that all the accessories are mainly designed for the 12, but how far can we go with the 20 gauge? Rem ,Win, or Moss? SureFire? Sidesaddle? Vang Comp? Mag Extension?

Dave McC · February 18, 2000, 06:36 AM

There are ways of dealing with recoil and to many folks a light 20 still kicks like a 12. But if you insist...

Choate made and may still make a 2 rd extension for the 870 in 20 ga.

The 870 Express Youth model with its 21 in bbl or the 20 slug bbl makes a fast handling little HD tool. The shorter stock aids a fast mount and use by those of smaller stature w/o loss of utility by larger folks.

Another good 20 is the Ithaca 20. It's hard to find, but it's a Browning design and an excellent weapon.

If nobody makes a sidesaddle for the 20, they should. Besides the extra rounds, the weight will tame recoil no end.

Shok · February 18, 2000, 02:29 PM

Bender,

I'd go for a 12guage. Add weight to the gun. I have synthetic stock and it is barrel heavy. I put a pound of shot in the stock. Recoil is less and is balanced.

Not all ammo is the same. Some will kick more then others. Usually less shot and/or slower muzzle velocity will have less recoil. You can even get reduced recoil slugs.

There are tons of different types of recoil pads for the stocks. Put a heavier softer one on.

Whats wrong with shooting next to someone with a 12guage? Don't you use hearing protection?

I believe in the long run you would be happier with a 12gauge.

Shok

muleshoe · February 18, 2000, 03:19 PM

If your talking about home defence I would think the 20ga. is plenty. I don't think it would matter much to the perp if it's 12 or 20 if it's a 10 or 15 ft. shot. Even 10 or 15 yards ain't gonna make a hill of beans difference. IMO if your more comfortable with the 20ga. recoil, then get get it. In a real emergency situation you probably won't be worrying about recoil but it'd be one less thing on your mind. Practice, practice , practice. If you have a wife, have her practice too. She'll probably like the 20ga. also.

Shok is right. You shouldn't goof around too much reloading. We were young and indestructable, remember those days? We once found some ball bearings that were just perfect size to roll down a 20ga. barrel. A little extry red-dot and those things would sail right through a 16" tree. I had an old H&R single around for our "experimental" stuff. I wouldn't recomend this, sure was fun back then.
Oops. The reloading comment came from a different thread.

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bullet placement is gun control

[This message has been edited by muleshoe (edited February 18, 2000).]

February 18, 2000, 05:12 AM	#1
Bender Member Join Date: January 29, 2000 Posts: 18	After doing a little research and discovering that I don't like recoil too much, I am now toying with the idea of a 20 gauge instead of a 12. I don't even like shooting next to the guy with the 12 gauge. I do like weapons that point fast so a light 20 is starting to look real nice. I know that all the accessories are mainly designed for the 12, but how far can we go with the 20 gauge? Rem ,Win, or Moss? SureFire? Sidesaddle? Vang Comp? Mag Extension?

February 18, 2000, 06:36 AM	#2
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	There are ways of dealing with recoil and to many folks a light 20 still kicks like a 12. But if you insist... Choate made and may still make a 2 rd extension for the 870 in 20 ga. The 870 Express Youth model with its 21 in bbl or the 20 slug bbl makes a fast handling little HD tool. The shorter stock aids a fast mount and use by those of smaller stature w/o loss of utility by larger folks. Another good 20 is the Ithaca 20. It's hard to find, but it's a Browning design and an excellent weapon. If nobody makes a sidesaddle for the 20, they should. Besides the extra rounds, the weight will tame recoil no end.

February 18, 2000, 02:29 PM	#3
Shok Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2000 Location: IOWA USA Posts: 204	Bender, I'd go for a 12guage. Add weight to the gun. I have synthetic stock and it is barrel heavy. I put a pound of shot in the stock. Recoil is less and is balanced. Not all ammo is the same. Some will kick more then others. Usually less shot and/or slower muzzle velocity will have less recoil. You can even get reduced recoil slugs. There are tons of different types of recoil pads for the stocks. Put a heavier softer one on. Whats wrong with shooting next to someone with a 12guage? Don't you use hearing protection? I believe in the long run you would be happier with a 12gauge. Shok

February 18, 2000, 03:19 PM	#4
muleshoe Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2000 Location: Mills County, IA Posts: 410	If your talking about home defence I would think the 20ga. is plenty. I don't think it would matter much to the perp if it's 12 or 20 if it's a 10 or 15 ft. shot. Even 10 or 15 yards ain't gonna make a hill of beans difference. IMO if your more comfortable with the 20ga. recoil, then get get it. In a real emergency situation you probably won't be worrying about recoil but it'd be one less thing on your mind. Practice, practice , practice. If you have a wife, have her practice too. She'll probably like the 20ga. also. Shok is right. You shouldn't goof around too much reloading. We were young and indestructable, remember those days? We once found some ball bearings that were just perfect size to roll down a 20ga. barrel. A little extry red-dot and those things would sail right through a 16" tree. I had an old H&R single around for our "experimental" stuff. I wouldn't recomend this, sure was fun back then. Oops. The reloading comment came from a different thread. ------------------ bullet placement is gun control [This message has been edited by muleshoe (edited February 18, 2000).]