What is the best all-around 20 gauge shotgun?

Question

I am a new hunter and I am looking for a good 20 gauge shotgun. I am so confused about what type and brand to get. I am looking for a shotgun for all types of shooting...like target, deer hunting, small game, etc. Also can you use rifled slugs, and other loads in any shotgun? I really need some advive, please help and thank you!

I am confused about chokes.....what is the deal with chokes?

Answer 1

Best is always a matter of personal preference. However, the Remington 870 is the #1 selling pump gun sold in U.S. history and is considered the best all around shotgun, best upland gun, best turkey gun, and best waterfowl gun (according to Field & Stream poll). It is widely known for durability and reliability and would be a nice choice for anyone who wants a gun that will perform for generations.

Answer 2

I am a Certified NRA Firearm Instructor and hunt all the time here in Alaska. Many people feel that the smaller the bore the less recoil they will feel, but that is not the case. Most new Shotgun shooters should use the 12 ga. The shotgun will weigh more and the loads when selected correctly will be of the same felt recoil or less to the shooter. Whit the wide range of hunting you want to do the 12 ga. is an excellent shotgun. The Remington 870 is the best shotgun hands down. Many have copied this design including Mossburg. The 870 also has a lot of accessories. If you are a smaller person you can buy the youth model to fit you better, and they even make left hand model too.

My suggestion is to contact a local gun shop (not Walmart or some box store) and ask the clerk who teaches NRA shotgun courses in your area. You do not need to own a shotgun to take the class and you'll find out more about the terms, types, loads, shot and other confusing things when first looking at shotguns. Once you take the course (one day long) you can go back to that local gun shop and make a wise purchase.

Answer 3

i think that the 20 gauge is good for home defense, especially because it is not as powerful as a 12, so it is less likely that a pellet will go through a wall. on the other hand, i think that for hunting, the a 12 gauge would be a better choice, i think that just because until you know that everytime you pick up the rifle it is going to shoot right where you want it to, it is better to create a bigger hole in the animal, because it will be better at getting the animal on the ground so that you dont have to track it. i also have not ever heard about a 20 gauge slug. a slug is what you will want for deer. i have a Mossberg 930 which is a semi-automatic shotgun in a 12 gauge that comes with an interchangeable barrle, so that i can go between a gun that shoots pellets, and a gun that shoots slugs, and though i havent really checked, i believe that the slug barrel is rifled, so that will make it much more accurate than a smooth barreled slug gun. in all, i say that even thought the 20 gauge would be a ittle bit better for home defense, you should go wih a 12 gauge if you are going to be hunting

Answer 4

Best 20 Gauge Shotgun

Answer 5

I have the Mossberg 500 field/deer combo and love the gun. It is a 20 gauge pump action shotgun and I can go small game hunting with the 20. But it also comes with the deer combo. It is a 12 gauge slug barrel that I can put onto the gun to go deer hunting. If I where you I would get that gun to start out with unless you want to spend more money and get two guns!

Answer 6

If you like a pump action, the Rem 870 Wingmaster. For an autoloader I like the Rem 1100 or the 11-87 (which I own in 12 ga). As to chokes, they are to control the spread of the shot pattern. Full choke is the tightest with modified more open, improved even more open & cyl bore the most open of the chokes. As for shooting slugs for deer, etc. you will need a slug barrel. The additional barrel can be purchased from any gun dlr.

Answer 7

To start with I suggest a 12 guage, this will give you many more options in ammo and barrles.

Unless your state requires hunting with shotgun slugs, I would suggest you buy a rifle for deer hunting. Slugs don't have a long range.

There are several good brands of shot guns, 12ga and 20ga, that will fit your needs. It depends on how much money you have to spend.

Check out the major brands like benelli, mossberg, and remington. Find the one that fits you best, The stock is the right length, one that when you bring it up to fire, the sights automaticly are lined up for you.

You can't go wrong with a major brand, and don't buy it at walmart or kmart, they only have the low end models. Its kind of like a plain jane camaro or an IROC, pay a little more and get some extras(vent rib, better stock, ect.) If you have a Bass Pro or Cabella's superstore you can check out a bunch of guns before you buy.

Answer 8

First, you can't ask what's best and leave it at that. Best would be a bespoke gun from one of the classic English houses like Holland and Holland or Purdey. Just hustle on over, plop down maybe US$150,000 and they'll make you the perfect shotgun. I'd recommend you not use 20 ga. slugs for deer. It's too limiting.
If you're going with the 20, then a light, handy side-by-side is the classic and a thing of beauty. I'd recommend you try to find a shop or gunsmith that has a "try" to get the dimensions of fit that would be perfect for you, then shop for the best deal on something that comes close to the right fit. You'll shoot a well-fitted gun better than one that doesn't fit well, even if the latter is in every other way a better gun.

Answer 9

Remingtom 870 is a great bargain for a great gun. You will probably want to also purchase a slug barrel with it for deer hunting. Also, the 870 is a pump shot gun so it is very rare to have any jamming problems. When you purchase, check to see if the shot barrel (the one you use for targets, birds, small game) has a removable choke tube. You will want to use a modified choke for most hunting situations, however, for turkeys you will want to use a full choke. Choke is the constriction of the shot pattern. No choke has a very wide pattern and used for very close in shooting. Full choke has a very tight pattern and has more knock down power. Modified will be your best choice in most hunting situations.

Answer 10

Best Shotgun For The Money

Answer 11

Regardless of the brand the most important thing is that the shotgun "fits" you. Go to a gun shop and handle various brands within your price range. You want the gun to come up to your shoulder naturally and without much adjustment.
I agree w/everyone that the Remington 870 is the way to go especially for someone getting into hunting. Good luck in your search.