I've been kicking around the idea of getting a backup gun in 20 gauge for a few years now. But researching and looking there is a serious dearth of 20 gauge offerings on the market. I kept hoping that Beretta would come out with the A300 in 20, but instead they've meticulously researched 11 different camo patterns in the 3.5" versions. To the best of my knowledge Beretta has NO 20ga semi offerings at this time. :-( (EDIT: apparently Beretta does offer 20ga in the A400 line.)

Cabelas has the Weatherby SA-08s on a pretty good sale right now and much to my liking those come in both 26" AND 28" barrels. Unfortunately their sale is so good none of the stores in my state have them in stock so I can't shoulder the gun in person which makes me a little leery to buy.

Of course today when I pop my head into the store they have a 26" Montefeltro on the used gun rack so I picked it up and it shoulders very nice. It still seems too short for me at 26" and at $850 (before any negotiations) it's double the cost of the Weatherby. ...and despite the fact that I am a notorious inertia hater I was still intrigued. ...of course I talk to 2 friends locally that I know have them and from both of them I hear, "I love mine. It points great. I don't know anyone that owns one that doesn't shoot it well. (and then) But sometimes it has problems with skeet or light field loads." GREAT. Exactly what I expect, but don't want to hear. Particularly since I usually break out the 20 to shoot skeet or quail.

Am I overthinking this? Overlooking some obvious choice? Really struggling to find 28" barrels (1100 - 26") on any 20 ga that I would think to be a value gun (under $1000).



TLDnR: Anyone have any quality recommendations for a sub $1000, adult sized 20 gauge semi-auto primarily to be used to shoot dove and quail?

See if you can find a CZ 920 to try out. MSRP is under $600. One of my hunting buddies has both the 912 and the 920 and he loves them both. I believe they are only available with 28" barrels. I'd recommend the CZ 720 also, but I think they are only available with 26" barrels. Also checkout the Mossberg SA-20. Retails around $500.

I have the same issue - looking for a 20 ga semi-auto but I have an additional problem - a left handed model. I just want to add one to the arsenal to shoot occasionally, so don't want to spend big bucks. I looked at the Benelli M2 and can find it for around 12 bills, but that's more than I want to spend just to add a SA to my safe and shoot only occasionally, plus it is an inertia gun. I still prefer my doubles for quail and other upland birds, and my old trusty Ithaca M37s for doves.

Edit to add: Gander Mountain lists the 920 for $559, the 720 for $519, and the SA-20 for $499..

A man of your prowess, experience and reputation should man up and go with a 28.

Browning Silver hunter has a 20ga with a 28" barrel available. It may run a shade over $1,000

My older son has a Franchi Affinity. It's been a great gun and is a little bit cheaper than the Montefeltro, however, not available with wood or 28" barrels. My younger son just got a Montefeltro for his birthday. Only shot it a few times, but, I really like it.

Sa-08 is about the best bargain for a good 20 you are going to find. Yes they are Turkish made, but weatherbys qa/qc is on point. I don't know much about cz semi autos but their over unders aren't terrible either. Can't you get a franchi affinity for about 650?

If you can you might also want to check out the franchi al 48. Its built in similar fashion to the brownings. I bought my wife a browning silver and it is by far one of the softest and sweetest shooting guns I've had the pleasure of shooting

Tristar Raptor and Viper G2 also get decent reviews and are available in 20 gauge, as does the Hatsan Escort imported by Legacy Sports. Gander Mountain lists the Tristar guns from around $400 up.

Old 1100.

I've got an old 1100 20 gauge that I might be persuaded to part with. I picked it up at an auction earlier this year. Its a good shooter, although it could probably stand to be refinished.

Haven't shot the Beretta A400, but my dad has an A391 20 gauge that is awesome (sucks that they don't make those anymore). If the A400 is anything like the A391 (light, points well, light recoil), it would be hard to go wrong there.

KatyAg01 said:

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Haven't shot the Beretta A400, but my dad has an A391 20 gauge that is awesome (sucks that they don't make those anymore). If the A400 is anything like the A391 (light, points well, light recoil), it would be hard to go wrong there.

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Agree, but that's $1400. A little more than I'd like to spend on a backup gun.

Appreciate the thoughts ladies and gennelmens.

Beretta A400 is awesome.
Remmy 1100 always a good choice.
I'd love a Benelli M2 Field in 20ga.
I ordered an Escort Missione in 20ga that's on the way.
Browning Silver will be my back up.

Dr.Pete said:

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A man of your prowess, experience and reputation should man up and go with a 28.

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I think you overestimate all of those attributes.

I think the CZs are a good call as well JR, thanks. I'll see what I can find.

I really like my Browning Silver which fits your description. ~$950 new.

AggieChemist said:

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Old 1100.

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I knew AC was going to recommend this.

And I second that notion.

Remington 1100 Sporting Series (the one you see everyone shooting) has a 28" barrel and list for around $1200. You can find them on sale often for for around $1000 or less.

Bought my son a youth Sa-08. Gotta say is a pretty nice gun for less than $500. I found myself shooting it over my O/U this past weekend because it was so smooth to shoot.

I think the CZ is the way to go if the Weatherby isnt an option. If you are going to get a budget shotgun it is good to know the customer service has a good rep.

Glad to hear it. I ordered the SA-08 today. Had enough Cabela's points to cover the full balance and if I don't like it then it looks like I can move it for about the price I paid.

Sean98 said:

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Glad to hear it. I ordered the SA-08 today. Had enough Cabela's points to cover the full balance and if I don't like it then it looks like I can move it for about the price I paid.

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I think that's a good choice - it's a nice gun

Get the Beretta 391 Urika, even at a premium, if you can find one.

It will last forever and likely become your primary instead of backup.

Doc C said:

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Get the Beretta 391 Urika, even at a premium, if you can find one.

It will last forever and likely become your primary instead of backup.

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NM. Sorry didn't see the previous post!

okay...related question....been thinking about getting a 20 gauge s/a for wife and kiddo. he's only 7 and on the small size so not quite ready to shoot but close. wife likes to shoot skeet but has had surgery on shoulder so she needs something soft. she's normal size woman about 5' 6" with normal length arms.

had checked out a few and was about to get the weatherby sa-08 YOUTH model. My understanding is comes with 1" spacer if needed. I figured even without it this would work for both wife and son as is. Then talked with eyeguy and he suggested CZ 720 als. So I was thinking I'd have wife go check out both for fit. Haven't got around to it and now the weatherby is on sale at cabelas. I have $50 GC there and I rarely shop there so figured great reason to use it.

will the youth model work for wife as well?
is it worth just going weatherby b/c it's on sale plus GC and reselling (HA HA!! we know that won't happen) close to what I pay for it?

TIA my fellow ags