Picking a 20 gauge - Maybe Mossberg SA-20?

[Bidwell]

Looking to pickup a 20 gauge semi automatic for upland, duck and maybe geese and deer. Still relatively new to shotguns. I do have a 12 gauge pump, but that's pretty heavy to lug around for miles looking for quail. I'd like this 20 gauge to be as light as possible. Budget is up to 800.

There's a Mossberg SA-20 Compact Bantam at Sportsmans for around 600, does anyone use this model? I like the 5.5 lbs. They also have a non compact as well. I'm open to any other suggestions. I'd like to keep the weight to roughly 6.5 pounds-ish

 

[z987k]

Looking to pickup a 20 gauge semi automatic for upland, duck and maybe geese and deer. Still relatively new to shotguns. I do have a 12 gauge pump, but that's pretty heavy to lug around for miles looking for quail. I'd like this 20 gauge to be as light as possible. Budget is up to 800.

There's a Mossberg SA-20 Compact Bantam at Sportsmans for around 600, does anyone use this model? I like the 5.5 lbs. They also have a non compact as well. I'm open to any other suggestions. I'd like to keep the weight to roughly 6.5 pounds-ish

I was just about to buy one until I saw they recommend a minimum of 15/16oz loads in 20. Which means it's a field gun only, no targets or clays with the standard 7/8oz loads 20ga is known for.
I e-mailed them to ask about it and they said it may not cycle 7/8's which means it's a pile of trash IMO. I wasn't willing to try one if the warranty wont cover the most common 20ga load in existence.

Still looking for a compact(ideally 12.5" lop) gas semi auto 20 that is less than 1k that will guarantee the cycle of 7/8 loads.
The weatherby sa-08 won't either.

The cz 720 compact will, but it's got a 13" lop for the compact and I want to get one in hand to see see if it'll fit before we pull the trigger on it. To date only the really short 12.5's have fit just right. But for some reason, everyone that makes one(under1k) thinks that we want a youth shotgun, but only want to shoot heavy loads in it.

 

[Bidwell]

I was just about to buy one until I saw they recommend a minimum of 15/16oz loads in 20. Which means it's a field gun only, no targets or clays with the standard 7/8oz loads 20ga is known for.
I e-mailed them to ask about it and they said it may not cycle 7/8's which means it's a pile of trash IMO. I wasn't willing to try one if the warranty wont cover the most common 20ga load in existence.

Still looking for a compact(ideally 12.5" lop) gas semi auto 20 that is less than 1k that will guarantee the cycle of 7/8 loads.
The weatherby sa-08 won't either.

The cz 720 compact will, but it's got a 13" lop for the compact and I want to get one in hand to see see if it'll fit before we pull the trigger on it. To date only the really short 12.5's have fit just right.

Oof, good to know... This would primarily be used for hunting, but I'd like to do some clay pigeon shooting for practice occasionally as well.

 

[z987k]

Oof, good to know... did you ever end up picking up a 20 gauge? This would primarily be used for hunting, but I'd like to do some clay pigeon shooting for practice occasionally as well.

Not yet. I've been looking. Like I said the cz at the moment is looking best. I might see if Bass Pro will order one and then just not accept it if it doesn't fit.
No one stocks youth, compact or women's shotguns in Alaska with the exception of a couple pump actions.
I guess women and kids don't hunt birds here or something.

If you want a full sized gun, there's a handful of turkish stuff that'd work for you, but at your budget I'd probably look at an a300.

 

[Bidwell]

Not yet. I've been looking. Like I said the cz at the moment is looking best. I might see if Bass Pro will order one and then just not accept it if it doesn't fit.
No one stocks youth, compact or women's shotguns in Alaska with the exception of a couple pump actions.
I guess women and kids don't hunt birds here or something.

Sorry getting tired, I had just re-read that part about the cz, will check it out tomorrow. Appreciate the input. Looks like the Mossberg International SA-20 handles the 7/8 oz as well. I really like cz's so I'd probably take that over a mossberg.

 

[z987k]

Looks like the Mossberg International SA-20 handles the 7/8 oz as well.

It does not. Some people have had some luck. Some people modify the springs. Read Mossberg's manual on it.
And here's what I got as a response directly from Mossberg.
"Good afternoon. The SA-20 likely won't cycle those 7/8 oz loads as they are below the recommended ounce weight. The gun is made for 1 oz or heavier for the 2 3/4". Armsan is the manufacturer of the gun, we import and sell them. Thanks. "
I don't hate Turkish shotguns. But I hate one's that fail to deliver the most basic thing. Cycle the most common load for gauge.

A 20ga that doesn't cycle 7/8 is like an AR15 that won't cycle nato spec 5.56. Worthless pile of garbage.

 

[Bidwell]

It does not. Some people have had some luck. Some people modify the springs. Read Mossberg's manual on it.
And here's what I got as a response directly from Mossberg.
"Good afternoon. The SA-20 likely won't cycle those 7/8 oz loads as they are below the recommended ounce weight. The gun is made for 1 oz or heavier for the 2 3/4". Armsan is the manufacturer of the gun, we import and sell them. Thanks. "
I don't hate Turkish shotguns. But I hate one's that fail to deliver the most basic thing. Cycle the most common load for gauge.

A 20ga that doesn't cycle 7/8 is like an AR15 that won't cycle nato spec 5.56. Worthless pile of garbage.

Ah I see. I was searching around online and I thought there might have been a difference with the "international" branded version but I do see they are the same. Very misleading too since they say its also for target shooting, which I take as clays, on the sportsmans warehouse site.

 

[z987k]

Ah I see. I was searching around online and I thought there might have been a difference with the "international" branded version but I do see they are the same. Very misleading too since they say its also for target shooting, which I take as clays, on the sportsmans warehouse site.

I guess nothing says you can't shoot expensive shells at clays.

 

[Loper]

Looking to pickup a 20 gauge semi automatic for upland, duck and maybe geese and deer. Still relatively new to shotguns. I do have a 12 gauge pump, but that's pretty heavy to lug around for miles looking for quail. I'd like this 20 gauge to be as light as possible. Budget is up to 800.

There's a Mossberg SA-20 Compact Bantam at Sportsmans for around 600, does anyone use this model? I like the 5.5 lbs. They also have a non compact as well. I'm open to any other suggestions. I'd like to keep the weight to roughly 6.5 pounds-ish

If you aren’t tied to a semi auto, the Savage/Stevens 555 is light and handy. It’s an over/under that weights under 6 lbs. it also comes in a short, compact oackage.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/shotguns/savage-arms-stevens-555-compact-black-semi-gloss-20-gauge-3in-over-under-shotgun-24in/p/1477462

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Beretta a300 ultima, I paid 750 for mine in April, it has been great so far. I am not a fan of the Turkish guns.

 

[Ringbill27]

I’d look pretty hard at the Winchester SX4 in 20ga. I have the 12ga and been a work horse for the 6-7 years I’ve had it. I’ve handled the 20ga and it’s a very sleek and light Shotgun.

Edited: If you are looking for a light weight quail gun I’d look hard at the CZ upland ultralight in 20ga (5.9lbs). I have the 12ga and it’s a dream to carry all day. I’ve been beating the crap out of it for 5-6 years including duck hunting. I’m quickly realizing that third shot is a waste and I shoot the O/U in the duck blind better than the auto.

 

[sanpedroranch]

I have one and it’s been great. Wife used it before upgrading. I’ve run cheap 100 rd value pack Fed and Win 7/8 oz all day dove hunting. It’s extremely soft shooting. If you can find an A300 within $200 of the Mossberg it’s a far better value. I bought mine probably 10 years ago or more for less than $400 otd. At that price they were a steal. Take a look at the Winchester SX4 as well.

 

[camelcluch]

My experience with CZ wasn’t great. I bought a compact for my kids. One shot, first shot blew the gun up. Mag tube completely bent, cracked stocked and a bunch of other damage. I shot a 2 3/4” 7/8 oz tss load that was no more than a target load. CZ did fix everything but told me the gun wasn’t made to hunt with. I sold it a bought a Beretta A300.
I also own a Franchi that won’t load shells into the magazine due to a very poor design.
Maybe look at a Winchester SX4 but what do I know?

 

[Davidson51]

At that price point, I'd personally look at the Beretta A300 Ultima like a couple other guys have said. I own a few A400s and my experience with them in the field and at the range has been great. I don't personally own an A300 but my buddy does and likes it.

 

[Bidwell]

My experience with CZ wasn’t great. I bought a compact for my kids. One shot, first shot blew the gun up. Mag tube completely bent, cracked stocked and a bunch of other damage. I shot a 2 3/4” 7/8 oz tss load that was no more than a target load. CZ did fix everything but told me the gun wasn’t made to hunt with. I sold it a bought a Beretta A300.
I also own a Franchi that won’t load shells into the magazine due to a very poor design.
Maybe look at a Winchester SX4 but what do I know?

That's wild, good to know

 

[Bidwell]

If you aren’t tied to a semi auto, the Savage/Stevens 555 is light and handy. It’s an over/under that weights under 6 lbs. it also comes in a short, compact oackage.

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/shotguns/savage-arms-stevens-555-compact-black-semi-gloss-20-gauge-3in-over-under-shotgun-24in/p/1477462

Thats actually a good deal. I had sort of written off break actions a long time ago since most I've seen are too expensive. 5lbs on the dot is hard to argue with. Not to derail this thread too much but I'd be curious to hear some pros/cons of this vs semi auto. Two choke sizes could be interesting. But don't think I'll be swapping barrels with this either. I like the idea of putting on a rifled barrel for deer hunting.

 

[Macintosh]

I think for what you are looking for, buying used is a solid idea that get you a better quality gun. Cycling everything from light to heavy loads has always been a limiting factor with autoloaders. My impression is that some of the less expensive options give up a bit in this regard.
Fwiw agree 100% on cycling 7/8oz loads. Same reason I wont buy a 12 ga auto that wont cycle 1oz loads, I expect to practice.
I dont own an a300, but I have an older 3901 which is a 20-year old predecessor of the a300. My 12ga cycles everything from 2oz turkey loads to 7/8oz reloaded target loads. Id expect a 20ga to do what you want. A300 isnt real expensive compared to others and is likely going to be reliable with a wider variety of ammo than some of the bargain options.

 

[Bidwell]

I think for what you are looking for, buying used is a solid idea that get you a better quality gun. Cycling everything from light to heavy loads has always been a limiting factor with autoloaders. My impression is that some of the less expensive options give up a bit in this regard.
Fwiw agree 100% on cycling 7/8oz loads. Same reason I wont buy a 12 ga auto that wont cycle 1oz loads, I expect to practice.
I dont own an a300, but I have an older 3901 which is a 20-year old predecessor of the a300. My 12ga cycles everything from 2oz turkey loads to 7/8oz reloaded target loads. Id expect a 20ga to do what you want. A300 isnt real expensive compared to others and is likely going to be reliable with a wider variety of ammo than some of the bargain options.

The A300 is looking like a good option right now, and ill keep an eye out for used as well. Wasn't really expecting the issue with cycling lower power rounds but makes perfect sense.

 

[Thinkingman]

The fit is going to break more clays than the name on the side...Unless of course, it doesn't function which is exactly what happened to a fried who had to have the latest Benelli SBE.
I would look at the Win SX4. Same gas system as Browning without the price tag.
They make an upland version which is very nice but not sure about pricing.
I also like the Browning chokes.

 

[Loper]

Thats actually a good deal. I had sort of written off break actions a long time ago since most I've seen are too expensive. 5lbs on the dot is hard to argue with. Not to derail this thread too much but I'd be curious to hear some pros/cons of this vs semi auto. Two choke sizes could be interesting. But don't think I'll be swapping barrels with this either. I like the idea of putting on a rifled barrel for deer hunting.

Pros
Super lightweight- makes it great for a long day carrying in the field

Simpler - no gas system to worry about or clean, could be helpful if shooting a lot or in cold weather

Two Chokes - could be helpful shooting on the wing if you miss your first shot and need a tighter choke to reach out further as the bird is flying away

Wood and Blued - a classic stock and barrel finish if you want that

Cons
Super Lightweight - increases the felt recoil

Double Barrel - only 2 shots vs 3 (or more) depending on the use

Barrel Swap - can’t change to a rifled barrel with an O/U (that I’m aware of).

Wood and Blued - might not be resistant to dings in the stock or weather resistant as a synthetic cerakoted shotgun


There’s probably several more Pros and Cons but these are the ones that came to mind at the moment.