20 ga. for pheasants

[ricelake5]

I am looking at the browning line for a over under shotgun. I really like the look and feel of the 20 guage 525. My only concern is being under powered for the south dakota pheasants. I currently use a Benelli M2 12 ga. It is a good shotgun but I want a quality over under to use also. I am looking for input from people who currently use a 20 guage for pheasants and if they would recommend them.

[Brent]

You'll be fine with a 20 gauge. I used a 20 gauge for the last 5 years for pheasant and duck hunting. The only 12 gauge I had access to was a hand me down so the quality was a little less and it kicked like a son of a buck. But honestly I used a 20 gauge and even shot my first goose with it 2 years ago. I own a Benelli 12 gauge now, but I will still bring it along to shoot a little with.

A 12 gauge and a 20 gauge will have the same knock down power (given the same load, i.e. 6 shot MAG 1 oz etc.), just the # of BBs will be different. I'm a better shot with my 20 gauge right now still since I am not used to the 12 gauge yet. But yes you should not have any trouble killing birds with a 20 gauge.

[ricelake5]

Am i reading this right that a 20 guage will have the same ballistics just less shot count in a 3" magnum lead?

[Mark]

If you like the fit and feel of a 20 ga., like the light weight and the lively swing of a 20 ga., then by all means buy the 20 ga. It seems like almost all gauge shotshells are loaded to about the same velocity. In competition loads this is around 1200 FPS, hunting loads are in 1300 + FPS. (Trapshooters are limited to 1200 FPS by the ATA.) With velocity being equal, the next focus is on shot weight. Twenty ga. competition loads are usually around 7/8 oz., twelve ga. about 1-1/8, although my good friend uses 1 oz. loads for 16 yards, and laughs at me for using 1-1/8. (I need all the shot I can get out there.)

For hunting loads you can get 1 oz. loads in a 20 ga @ 1300 FPS +. You can also get 1-1/8 oz. in a 3 inch roman candle for your 20 ga. @ 1300+. If you're not bored to tears yet, you have noticed that you are consistantly 1/4 oz. shot less than a 12 ga. load, all other things being equal. This debate over a quarter ounce of shot has gone on for the entire time I've been shooting.

The 20 ga. is lighter, faster swinging, and much more pleasant to carry for an entire day hunting. Twenty ga. proponents wouldn't trade that for 1/4 oz. of shot.

There are more choices for shotshells, components are cheaper, shells are cheaper, and some of the older shooters with failing eyesight and worn out reflexes feel more comfortable with that 1/4 oz. going out the barrel.

If you ever want to shoot competitively you will probably want the 12 ga. If you just want the gun for hunting, I don't know if you will ever regret the decision to go with a 20 ga.

I hope this helps.
Mark

[Todd G.]

I use a 20 gauge shotgun quite often on pheasants. I am also partial to the 16 gauge. But, in all honesty, the 12 gauge gives benefits. Especially when you are hunting late season birds at longer shot distances.

You can get 1 1/4 oz. 20 gauge loads that will reach velocities in excess of 1200fps. That's a pretty respectable pheasant load. But, if you're going to shoot a 12 gauge load in a 20 gauge gun, its going to punish you on the shoulder and cheek. So, I generally revert to 1 1/8oz. loads of number 5's. I also hunt over pointing dogs and try to limit the distance of my shots.

Yes, it is true the shot performance of a 20 gauge is the same as a 12 gauge. However, as noted, you have fewer pellets. With closer shots, this isn't much of a concern. However, as the shots get longer, the pattern spreads out, and the number of pellets in the outter portion of the pattern becomes less. With a 20 gauge, this is more significant than a 12 gauge. So, you need to be mindful of your shots, and your own shooting limitations.

I love the 20 gauge for pheasants. It will definitely kill birds. Just respect its limitations with more distant shots.

[ricelake5]

I really wanted to get a Browning 16 ga. over under but they are so hard to find and with the limited areas that you can find ammo for them I decided against it. if it wasn't for the fact that i really like the 525 20 ga. i would most definately get another 12.
Its a new year, I have a new 10 week old lab, so I figure I should get a new shotgun. thanks for the input everyone

[bowboy185]

I live in baker montana and all i hunt birds with is a 20ga. and i have never been disapointed i shoot a full choke with 6 shot 2 3/4in. remington nitros and its great. i also hunt geese with my 20ga. and I shoot 2 shot 3in. mags and 9 times out of 10 ill get them.

[Rock Horn 1]

Ricelake5,
I too made the jump to a 20 ga. this year. I had always wanted a side by side and I found a Cz with english stock that really seemed to fit me well, so what the heck... I deserved it. Seems like a really nice gun for the money and so far I couldn't be happier. No scientific evidence or ballistics here, but I shure seem to be killing Pheasants with it just as well if not better than with my old 870. The bonus is I can carry it all day and it doesn't wear me out.
Congrats on your new pup, and good luck with your gun purchase.

Good Hunting,
Larry

[Pacman]

I shoot an Ithaca Skeet and Skeet OU. Have done so for over 20 years. My favorite shot is copper clad. I enjoy eating birds that are not full of bbs.

[hunter168908]

hey guys ya my lil bro just got a 20ga. for xmas and we have brought him pheasant hunting and he loved it and wants to go rabbit hunting which we will but this spring i would like to try turkey hunting and i have a feeling if he sees me going he will want to go what i'm asking is could u turkey hunt with a 20ga. and if so u would u size 654 shots right. he is 12 do u think he is to young to go turkey hunting when did u all shoot your first turkey. well i would like to know more about turkey hunting w/ a 20ga. just wondering what u guys think let me know plz. thx

[rooster52]

I shoot a remington 20 auto and have hunted ducks,pheasant ,turkey ,and a bunch of other small game and have never felt under guned. Took a bunch of Kansas late season birds the last couple of years.if that 20 feels right ,go for it!!

[ricelake5]

I know its stupid buy i have struggled getting over the "12 ga" mentality. People have been taking game with 20 ga. for years, its the same with new guns and choke tubes. My dad has picture books full of game taken with a 30" barrel with a full choke. they didn't care and didn't know that if game is close you should be using a modified or improved choke. They just went out and did it..... anyway i will stop rambling

[bowboy185]

Im 14 and i use 20 and 12ga for turkey all the time i just use a 3in. mag with 2 or 4 shot lead and it works great. I have heard of people who use a 3 in. turkey slug but i have never used them.

Good luck
Stetson