Can someone recommend a decent 20 gauge over/under for dove? Looking for longevity/quality and not necessarily interested in beauty/style. Modified choke? (I dove hunt 2-3 days per year so choke needs to accommodate a crappy shot).

This gun will mainly be used for dove.

I currently shoot a Remington 1100 auto for dove but looking to get something else so I can pass down that auto to my son.

TIA

CZ has a nice suite of O/U's that won't break the bank.

I have a CZ Drake and Redhead and really like them.

CZ would be my recommendation.

You could look at Yldiz or Stoeger, but they aren't nearly as good on fit and finish, and are heavier.

I shoot modified on my bottom barrel, IC on the top. Shoot the bottom barrel first. Pretty sure those are the chokes on my gun anyway, mine has fixed and I haven't looked in a while.

Given you want an OU for dove hunting would suggest you get one with ejectors vs extractors.

What's the budget?

If you are a bad shot, why do you think a gun will make an improvement? I would look at a 20 gauge auto-loader like a Beretta A400, so that you can still have that 3rd shot for your miss count!?? Will have to admit I saw a really nice CZ auto-loader this weekend in Albuquerque and it almost came home with me. I am usually a Beretta/Browning guy, but that was an amazing feeling gun.

If you are after an O/U though: (The sky is the limit here but I would look at a field grade gun.)
Beretta Silver Pigeon 20ga
Browning Citori 20ga - older ones are great. Newer ones come with absolute **** customer service.
SKB
Perazzi?
Rizzinni?

I have a buddy selling a slightly used Browning Citori with crazy nice wood. But I believe it is a 12 ga. I will have to confirm that, if you are possibly interested?

if anyone has a CZ 20ga they would like to rehome, please let me know. looking for one for my gf / myself when shes not hunting with me.

After you get your new gun, go shoot sporting clays 2-3 times in August before dove season starts. You're probably not leading enough or not following through on your shot. The more practice reps you get the better you'll be in the field.

With my A400 I use Modified for EVERYTHING. Duck/Clays/Dove/Upland, doesnt matter. My O/U I'll generally shoot M/IM but it also depends on what the dove are doing and if it is passing shots or we're busting them close coming in for water/food.

I wouldn't worry too much about chokes until you feel confident that you're leading and following through.

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If you are a bad shot, why do you think a gun will make an improvement?

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sometimes fit makes a big difference, and sometimes you can get a "good enough" fit without anything custom. Watched a guy in our office go from terrible (40s-50s on a round of sporting clays) to a 70s average just by getting a new gun that happened to fit him better.

OP - I usually dove hunt with a 20ga Ruger Red Label and highly recommend finding one if you don't mind used. For chokes, you'll want something with screw in chokes so you can adjust to how the birds are flying. Some days I've got in IM/full and some days I have in skeet chokes. If I had to have fixed chokes, then I'd probably look for IC/M or M/M for dove.

I shoot modified over IC in my OU for pretty much all hunting and sporting clay shoots. However I also keep my light mod with me as I will swap it in place of either IC or M depending on bird presentation.

I got a Yildiz o/u in 20g several years ago and it has held up nicely. Has ejectors, nice wood stock and affordable. I ended up giving it to my son just because, and he likes it too.

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I would look at a 20 gauge auto-loader like a Beretta A400, so that you can still have that 3rd shot for your miss count!??

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lol @ the guaranteed 3rd shot miss. i'm a strong contributor to the statistical dataset to back up that conculsion.

RK said:

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I would look at a 20 gauge auto-loader like a Beretta A400, so that you can still have that 3rd shot for your miss count!??

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lol @ the guaranteed 3rd shot miss. i'm a strong contributor to the statistical dataset to back up that conculsion.

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There is a poster on here that is the most impressive third shot I have ever seen. It is quite amazing!

ttha_aggie_09 said:

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RK said:

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I would look at a 20 gauge auto-loader like a Beretta A400, so that you can still have that 3rd shot for your miss count!??

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lol @ the guaranteed 3rd shot miss. i'm a strong contributor to the statistical dataset to back up that conculsion.

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There is a poster on here that is the most impressive third shot I have ever seen. It is quite amazing!

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What can I say, true sportsmen give their fowl two warning shots first!

ccard257 said:

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OP - I usually dove hunt with a 20ga Ruger Red Label and highly recommend finding one if you don't mind used. For chokes, you'll want something with screw in chokes so you can adjust to how the birds are flying. Some days I've got in IM/full and some days I have in skeet chokes. If I had to have fixed chokes, then I'd probably look for IC/M or M/M for dove.

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Ditto on the Red Label. Mine is Mod over IC, fixed. I use it for dove (usually Mod first) and quail (IC first). I've had it for almost 40 years - zero problems, and it has always been one of my favorites. The wood is beautiful - understated elegance.

Winchester 101.