I want a light weight 20 gauge upland gun - suggestions?

totaldla · November 10, 2009, 04:28 PM

This gun will get used in the field - it won't be a safe queen. I love the 20 gauge - 3/4oz out of a 20 is the same as 3/4oz out of a 12, and the 20 should be much lighter, thinner and easier to carry. I won't spend over $1000. I'm looking for ideas from Quail, Chukkar and Grouse hunters - thanks.

oneounceload · November 10, 2009, 04:47 PM

pump, semi, SxS or O/U? For under 1,000 there are some light 20's out there, from Franchi al-48's to Ugartechea's and in between - all running somewhere around 6 to 6-1/4 pounds. What action style do you want?

BigJimP · November 10, 2009, 05:35 PM

Under $1,000 I would probably recommend a Browning BPS pump gun, Hunter model, with a 28" barrel .....good light gun...

We've discussed this before / but I don't like a gun under 7 1/2 lbs ....even in the field - but I do have a Benelli Super Sport 20ga, semi-auto, that is 6.2 lbs so it would meet your criteria / but not your budget. Benelli has other offerings in 20ga - but under $1,000 will be a problem ...

You might find a Ruger O/U 20ga for under $1,000 - or maybe a used Browning Lightning series O/U in 20ga - but they're probably up around 7 1/2 lbs so too heavy ... A used Rem 1100 or 11-87 might meet your needs in the semi-auto category ...

PetahW · November 10, 2009, 05:55 PM

Franchi 48-AL, 5 1/4 lbs in 20ga/24" or 26" bbl:

.

zippy13 · November 10, 2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by totaldla

I love the 20 gauge - 3/4oz out of a 20 is the same as 3/4oz out of a 12, and the 20 should be much lighter, thinner and easier to carry.

If you're planning on delivering 3/4-oz on your upland targets, how about considering a 28-ga? 3/4-oz is the "standard" load for the 28-ga, the "standard" for a 20-ga is 7/8-oz. Typically, a 28-ga will give you better 3/4-oz patterns than a 20-ga. With a 28-ga you'll have a sweet shooting, light weight rig that you can carry all day.

williamd · November 10, 2009, 06:38 PM

Rem 870.

Waterengineer · November 10, 2009, 07:05 PM

You have already been told some fabulous ideas. I will through out another.

Ithaca M 37 lightweight in 20 or 28 bore. Something different - and classic. Your friends would probably have one and it meets the budget requirement.

COK · November 10, 2009, 07:22 PM

A few years ago I was looking for the same thing and ended up with a Benelli Montefeltro, it's my favorite upland bird gun now.
Very light to carry around.
Lot's of good guns today to pick from , the Benelli has worked out well for me.

oneounceload · November 10, 2009, 08:23 PM

7-1/2 pound guns are fine for flat land quail hunting with carts. For chukar hunting in the mountains, where everything seems to go only uphill all day, it's rocky, and you're walking for 6-8 hours, along with food, water, etc., give me something light for the dozen shots or so.

totaldla · November 10, 2009, 08:28 PM

I see the Benelli Montefeltro is $1100 and the Franchi AL 48 is $800. Both are light weight. Both recoil operated. Why is the Benelli Montefeltro worth the additional $300?

rc · November 10, 2009, 08:49 PM

I personally love 20s also even though I don't have a problem handling 12s. I like the size and effectiveness of a 20 for bird hunting and have no complaints for quail and dove. I agree a 20 makes a great mountain hunting shotgun where weight is such a concern. I even love 3" 20 for pheasant hunting where 12 still has a slight edge. I also love 20 for skeet!

I have a youth BPS and because it's all steel it's still heavy with the 22" barrel and doesn't balance and swing that well. I bought a CZ 720 (made in Turkey) with a 26" barrel and after cutting the stock and installing a better pad to fit me right, the gun handles and swings great but lacks some smooth handling in terms of the safety and feel of the trigger. It does function well and you can buy nearly identical Turkish made guns with other brand names on them for around $300 or sometimes less. Mine has been very reliable once it was broken in. However, it's no lighter than a friends Beretta Ureka automatic in 12 guage. Another good lightweight gun is the 20 guage mossberg 500 with 26" barrel if you like pumps. There are a lot of autos in 20 that would be great hunting shotguns from Remington 1100s to Franchis, Brownings and more. Ultimately, what you do with your gun will determine which model would be best.

jaguarxk120 · November 10, 2009, 08:56 PM

I would take a real hard look at the Franchi AL48, very light fast swinging, a lot of gun for the money.

The Benelli is inertia operated and felt recoil is less. The Franchi is recoil operated (just like the Browning A5) and you will feel the recoil a bit more from the long recoil operation.

darkgael · November 11, 2009, 05:48 AM

That Franchi looks nice, very nice.
You might also look at the Benelli Nova - 6.5lbs. I have one that I take out regularly for grouse.

Pete

PetahW · November 11, 2009, 08:38 AM

[I see the Benelli Montefeltro is $1100 and the Franchi AL 48 is $800. Both are light weight. Both recoil operated. Why is the Benelli Montefeltro worth the additional $300?]

You're also paying for the engineering in the Benelli.

As posted above, the Franchi is the same barrel-shuffling design (albeit with modern materials) as John Browning's A5 design of 100 years ago.

The Montefeltro has what Benelli engineers call Inertia Drive, wherein a spring-loaded bolt interior absorbs the recoil during cycling - first introduced in the Benelli M1, IIRC.

.

totaldla · November 11, 2009, 03:23 PM

I just ran across the Mossberg Model SA-20 Semi-Auto Shotgun. Relatively low-cost autoloader that tips the scales right at 6lbs. It seems new - I don't know a thing about it beyond a couple of reviews. Half the cost of the Franchi.

jaguarxk120 · November 11, 2009, 03:33 PM

You will find that the Mossberg may suit your needs now but later you will find that the Franchi is better made. Where Mossberg use's plactic parts in certian locations, the Franchi use's metal. Also the Franchi has wood stocks and the Mosberg has plastic.

totaldla · November 11, 2009, 07:32 PM

I'm not sure wood is an advantage. I live in a wet climate and a lot of my upland hunting is going through briars that would scratch up a nice wood stock. I don't feel nearly as bad about nerfing up a synthetic stock. As I said in the OP, this isn't going to be a safe queen.

But you bring up a good point about construction quality. I'm pretty sure the Franchi AL 48 will out live me. I'm not so sure about this Turkish-made Mossberg SA20. My American made Mossberg "rattle-master" 500 will live forever, but this imported auto is new - not much history.

oneounceload · November 11, 2009, 08:15 PM

The Franchi has been around for 61 years - a proven design (even older) and company.

I would suggest trying one to see if you like the recoil - both the amount and the type that is typical from a gun like this.

javven · November 11, 2009, 08:28 PM

If you'd be OK toting a double - take a look at DeHaan's SXS offerings. I have seen, handled and shot several examples - they've all been great.

I will second (third?) the AL-48. It's a total joy to shoot. In my hands it points well and recoil was not a problem.

I would also look at an 870 in 28ga. If this was going to be volume-shot I'd suggest you stay with 20, due to the cost (!) of 28ga cartridges. However... for bagging birds ammo is seldom a big part of the expense. If you think you might hunt gobblers with it stay with 20ga, IMO for the additional payload.

totaldla · November 11, 2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javven

If you'd be OK toting a double - take a look at DeHaan's SXS offerings. I have seen, handled and shot several examples - they've all been great.

I will second (third?) the AL-48. It's a total joy to shoot. In my hands it points well and recoil was not a problem.

I would also look at an 870 in 28ga. If this was going to be volume-shot I'd suggest you stay with 20, due to the cost (!) of 28ga cartridges.....

I don't mind a light weight double - I currently use a 1936 LeFever "Nitro Special" 20ga which tips the scale at 6lbs. I don't see how a Franchi is going to recoil much more than my SxS. But my SxS is getting a little tired and I think it's time to turn it into a wall hanger.

I know that there are lots of 870 fans out there, and I don't mean to start a war, but the 870 is a pretty mediocre shotgun. Heavier than it needs to be and a rust-master. I'd rather get a Mossberg 500 over an 870 just because there is less to rust and the safety is on the tang.

If 28ga was more popular, or if I reloaded, then I would seriously consider a 28ga. But I recently checked on 28ga ammo and the prices are nuts. The 20ga is really the smallest practical bore in use today in the US. I can get non-toxic shells for a 20ga, and there are more and more managed wildlife areas requiring non-toxic shot.

rc · November 11, 2009, 09:46 PM

Sounds like from your response that a mossberg 500 crown grade with 26" barrel will do everything you need. Just change the safety with a steel aftermarket one to minimize problems in the field. The 500 is a great gun with a long following. The only time they malfunction is when you are shooting nearly straight up. Then a shell can fall out of the port when you pump the gun. A problem that can be said for other models as well. The 500 also does not have the carrier in the way when loading shells as in the 870 and others. You might consider getting the dual barrel package with bird and buck barrels. rc

totaldla · November 11, 2009, 10:24 PM

Wow! I see that the SA-20 is priced between $450 and $550 - way too much for a Mossberg anything. The Franchi at $700 is looking better and better

zippy13 · November 12, 2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steeven09

i need to buys guns but cant ........ any suggestions to buy o good quality gun

Greetings, steeven09 and welcome aboard,
I'm not quite sure what you're asking. Are your firearms purchases hindered by financial or legal problems? You might get a better response if you start a fresh thread with a specific question.

buymore · November 12, 2009, 04:54 PM

I got my SA20 NEW for $380 OTD It has been flawless for over 500 rds so far. All I have used it for is TRAP at the 16 yd lne, but no problems. It is Turkish made, but a clone of a Beretta 3XX series. They make a 26" version and a 28" version. I have the 28" version and I like it. Recoil (or lack of) is wonderful! You should be able to get for under $400 I would think. Suggested retail is an unreal figure! If your local Walmart handle firearms still, ask them if they can order it......most of them will. Good luck!

totaldla · November 12, 2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buymore

I got my SA20 NEW for $380 OTD.....

Well I'd have to see if WallyWorld can get it cheaper, but a quick Google shows that the prices have definitely risen.

November 10, 2009, 04:28 PM	#1
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,295	I want a light weight 20 gauge upland gun - suggestions? This gun will get used in the field - it won't be a safe queen. I love the 20 gauge - 3/4oz out of a 20 is the same as 3/4oz out of a 12, and the 20 should be much lighter, thinner and easier to carry. I won't spend over $1000. I'm looking for ideas from Quail, Chukkar and Grouse hunters - thanks.

November 10, 2009, 06:38 PM	#6
williamd Senior Member Join Date: March 13, 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 801	Rem 870. __________________ "Outlaw guns and only outlaws will have guns!" Unfortunately, we may be moving in that direction. NRA Benefactor, Conservative!, VN '64-'65. Never sell a gun or a car ... and retire rich!

November 10, 2009, 08:49 PM	#11
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	I love 20s tooo!!!! I personally love 20s also even though I don't have a problem handling 12s. I like the size and effectiveness of a 20 for bird hunting and have no complaints for quail and dove. I agree a 20 makes a great mountain hunting shotgun where weight is such a concern. I even love 3" 20 for pheasant hunting where 12 still has a slight edge. I also love 20 for skeet! I have a youth BPS and because it's all steel it's still heavy with the 22" barrel and doesn't balance and swing that well. I bought a CZ 720 (made in Turkey) with a 26" barrel and after cutting the stock and installing a better pad to fit me right, the gun handles and swings great but lacks some smooth handling in terms of the safety and feel of the trigger. It does function well and you can buy nearly identical Turkish made guns with other brand names on them for around $300 or sometimes less. Mine has been very reliable once it was broken in. However, it's no lighter than a friends Beretta Ureka automatic in 12 guage. Another good lightweight gun is the 20 guage mossberg 500 with 26" barrel if you like pumps. There are a lot of autos in 20 that would be great hunting shotguns from Remington 1100s to Franchis, Brownings and more. Ultimately, what you do with your gun will determine which model would be best.

November 11, 2009, 05:48 AM	#13
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	20 ga. That Franchi looks nice, very nice. You might also look at the Benelli Nova - 6.5lbs. I have one that I take out regularly for grouse. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

November 10, 2009, 04:47 PM	#2
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	pump, semi, SxS or O/U? For under 1,000 there are some light 20's out there, from Franchi al-48's to Ugartechea's and in between - all running somewhere around 6 to 6-1/4 pounds. What action style do you want?

November 10, 2009, 05:35 PM	#3
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Under $1,000 I would probably recommend a Browning BPS pump gun, Hunter model, with a 28" barrel .....good light gun... We've discussed this before / but I don't like a gun under 7 1/2 lbs ....even in the field - but I do have a Benelli Super Sport 20ga, semi-auto, that is 6.2 lbs so it would meet your criteria / but not your budget. Benelli has other offerings in 20ga - but under $1,000 will be a problem ... You might find a Ruger O/U 20ga for under $1,000 - or maybe a used Browning Lightning series O/U in 20ga - but they're probably up around 7 1/2 lbs so too heavy ... A used Rem 1100 or 11-87 might meet your needs in the semi-auto category ...

November 10, 2009, 05:55 PM	#4
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	Franchi 48-AL, 5 1/4 lbs in 20ga/24" or 26" bbl: .

November 10, 2009, 07:05 PM	#7
Waterengineer Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Aurora, CO and Palm Beach, FL Posts: 863	You have already been told some fabulous ideas. I will through out another. Ithaca M 37 lightweight in 20 or 28 bore. Something different - and classic. Your friends would probably have one and it meets the budget requirement.

November 10, 2009, 07:22 PM	#8
COK Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2002 Posts: 173	A few years ago I was looking for the same thing and ended up with a Benelli Montefeltro, it's my favorite upland bird gun now. Very light to carry around. Lot's of good guns today to pick from , the Benelli has worked out well for me.

November 10, 2009, 08:23 PM	#9
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	7-1/2 pound guns are fine for flat land quail hunting with carts. For chukar hunting in the mountains, where everything seems to go only uphill all day, it's rocky, and you're walking for 6-8 hours, along with food, water, etc., give me something light for the dozen shots or so.

November 10, 2009, 08:28 PM	#10
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,295	I see the Benelli Montefeltro is $1100 and the Franchi AL 48 is $800. Both are light weight. Both recoil operated. Why is the Benelli Montefeltro worth the additional $300?

November 10, 2009, 08:56 PM	#12
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	I would take a real hard look at the Franchi AL48, very light fast swinging, a lot of gun for the money. The Benelli is inertia operated and felt recoil is less. The Franchi is recoil operated (just like the Browning A5) and you will feel the recoil a bit more from the long recoil operation.

November 11, 2009, 08:38 AM	#14
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	[I see the Benelli Montefeltro is $1100 and the Franchi AL 48 is $800. Both are light weight. Both recoil operated. Why is the Benelli Montefeltro worth the additional $300?] You're also paying for the engineering in the Benelli. As posted above, the Franchi is the same barrel-shuffling design (albeit with modern materials) as John Browning's A5 design of 100 years ago. The Montefeltro has what Benelli engineers call Inertia Drive, wherein a spring-loaded bolt interior absorbs the recoil during cycling - first introduced in the Benelli M1, IIRC. .

November 11, 2009, 03:23 PM	#15
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,295	I just ran across the Mossberg Model SA-20 Semi-Auto Shotgun. Relatively low-cost autoloader that tips the scales right at 6lbs. It seems new - I don't know a thing about it beyond a couple of reviews. Half the cost of the Franchi.

November 11, 2009, 03:33 PM	#16
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	You will find that the Mossberg may suit your needs now but later you will find that the Franchi is better made. Where Mossberg use's plactic parts in certian locations, the Franchi use's metal. Also the Franchi has wood stocks and the Mosberg has plastic.

November 11, 2009, 07:32 PM	#17
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,295	I'm not sure wood is an advantage. I live in a wet climate and a lot of my upland hunting is going through briars that would scratch up a nice wood stock. I don't feel nearly as bad about nerfing up a synthetic stock. As I said in the OP, this isn't going to be a safe queen. But you bring up a good point about construction quality. I'm pretty sure the Franchi AL 48 will out live me. I'm not so sure about this Turkish-made Mossberg SA20. My American made Mossberg "rattle-master" 500 will live forever, but this imported auto is new - not much history.

November 11, 2009, 08:15 PM	#18
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	The Franchi has been around for 61 years - a proven design (even older) and company. I would suggest trying one to see if you like the recoil - both the amount and the type that is typical from a gun like this.

November 11, 2009, 08:28 PM	#19
javven Senior Member Join Date: October 23, 2009 Posts: 195	If you'd be OK toting a double - take a look at DeHaan's SXS offerings. I have seen, handled and shot several examples - they've all been great. I will second (third?) the AL-48. It's a total joy to shoot. In my hands it points well and recoil was not a problem. I would also look at an 870 in 28ga. If this was going to be volume-shot I'd suggest you stay with 20, due to the cost (!) of 28ga cartridges. However... for bagging birds ammo is seldom a big part of the expense. If you think you might hunt gobblers with it stay with 20ga, IMO for the additional payload.

November 11, 2009, 09:46 PM	#21
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,767	Sounds like from your response that a mossberg 500 crown grade with 26" barrel will do everything you need. Just change the safety with a steel aftermarket one to minimize problems in the field. The 500 is a great gun with a long following. The only time they malfunction is when you are shooting nearly straight up. Then a shell can fall out of the port when you pump the gun. A problem that can be said for other models as well. The 500 also does not have the carrier in the way when loading shells as in the 870 and others. You might consider getting the dual barrel package with bird and buck barrels. rc

November 11, 2009, 10:24 PM	#22
totaldla Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2009 Location: SW Idaho Posts: 1,295	Wow! I see that the SA-20 is priced between $450 and $550 - way too much for a Mossberg anything. The Franchi at $700 is looking better and better

November 12, 2009, 04:54 PM	#24
buymore Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 257	I got my SA20 NEW for $380 OTD It has been flawless for over 500 rds so far. All I have used it for is TRAP at the 16 yd lne, but no problems. It is Turkish made, but a clone of a Beretta 3XX series. They make a 26" version and a 28" version. I have the 28" version and I like it. Recoil (or lack of) is wonderful! You should be able to get for under $400 I would think. Suggested retail is an unreal figure! If your local Walmart handle firearms still, ask them if they can order it......most of them will. Good luck!