Best 20 gauge Home Defense/outdoor range gun

Mummer · January 14, 2006, 05:21 PM

I know, I know: 12 gauge is the best for dropping thugs. But I just do not like the kick of it all. So, can you fine folks steer me toward the best choice in a 20 gauge to be used for outdoor range practice and, God forbid, a home defense situation? Price is not much of a concern. Reliability is key. Availability of accessories is semi-important. I don't have a preference as to pump or semi-auto. Thanks a lot!

Lee Lapin · January 14, 2006, 07:11 PM

Heavy loads in a lightweight 20 ga. can deliver more felt recoil than some 12 ga. guns with light loads.

If you are recoil sensitive get a semiauto gas gun like a Remington 1100. They come in 20 ga. too...

lpl/nc

Mannlicher · January 14, 2006, 08:32 PM

I dunno about best, but for some time, I have been using a Mossberg 500C for things like that. It came with a pistol grip and an 18 inch barrel. By buying a regular stock, and a 26 inch barrel with choke tubes, it became an all around little shotgun. Parts switch pretty quick, and I think it makes a good HD shotty, and it is also not bad at all when hunting squirrel or birds.

Georgian · January 14, 2006, 11:17 PM

I recommend an 870 Youth Model. Very handy, quick to shoulder, recoil is manageable, and everything works fine for me.

David Berkowitz · January 15, 2006, 04:08 PM

Keep in mind that you are mixing two very different purposes. The best HD guns will not be very good for outdoor range shooting and visa versa.
If price is really not an issue, get two guns. Really.
With some training, your Fabarm will be a great HD gun. I think Benelli is the best, but you won't see any difference.
For outdoor range work, buy something heavy. It will absorb recoil better. My wife uses a Remington 870 Wingmaster Trap model with no problem.
Some ranges rent shotguns. Try to find a range that does that and actually shoot a variety.

BoltWorks · January 16, 2006, 09:58 AM

I recomend the 870 "turkey camo" gun. It comes with a synthetic camo pattern stock, 21' barrel. I put a mag extension on mine, and it screws right in. There are NO "dimples" in the 20 gauge to remove. It is a great multi-use platform.

January 14, 2006, 05:21 PM	#1
Mummer Member Join Date: January 13, 2006 Posts: 15	Best 20 gauge Home Defense/outdoor range gun I know, I know: 12 gauge is the best for dropping thugs. But I just do not like the kick of it all. So, can you fine folks steer me toward the best choice in a 20 gauge to be used for outdoor range practice and, God forbid, a home defense situation? Price is not much of a concern. Reliability is key. Availability of accessories is semi-important. I don't have a preference as to pump or semi-auto. Thanks a lot!

January 14, 2006, 08:32 PM	#3
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	I dunno about best, but for some time, I have been using a Mossberg 500C for things like that. It came with a pistol grip and an 18 inch barrel. By buying a regular stock, and a 26 inch barrel with choke tubes, it became an all around little shotgun. Parts switch pretty quick, and I think it makes a good HD shotty, and it is also not bad at all when hunting squirrel or birds. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

January 14, 2006, 11:17 PM	#4
Georgian Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2004 Location: SE Georgia Posts: 208	I recommend an 870 Youth Model. Very handy, quick to shoulder, recoil is manageable, and everything works fine for me. __________________ ~"Speak softly and carry a big stick"~T. Roosevelt God Bless

January 15, 2006, 04:08 PM	#5
David Berkowitz Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 1999 Location: Yucaipa, CA USA Posts: 214	Keep in mind that you are mixing two very different purposes. The best HD guns will not be very good for outdoor range shooting and visa versa. If price is really not an issue, get two guns. Really. With some training, your Fabarm will be a great HD gun. I think Benelli is the best, but you won't see any difference. For outdoor range work, buy something heavy. It will absorb recoil better. My wife uses a Remington 870 Wingmaster Trap model with no problem. Some ranges rent shotguns. Try to find a range that does that and actually shoot a variety. __________________ David You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.

January 14, 2006, 07:11 PM	#2
Lee Lapin Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2004 Location: SE NC Posts: 1,239	Heavy loads in a lightweight 20 ga. can deliver more felt recoil than some 12 ga. guns with light loads. If you are recoil sensitive get a semiauto gas gun like a Remington 1100. They come in 20 ga. too... lpl/nc

January 16, 2006, 09:58 AM	#6
BoltWorks Member Join Date: December 2, 2005 Posts: 89	I recomend the 870 "turkey camo" gun. It comes with a synthetic camo pattern stock, 21' barrel. I put a mag extension on mine, and it screws right in. There are NO "dimples" in the 20 gauge to remove. It is a great multi-use platform.