Jack-of-all-shotguns?

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  • cosermann

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    Aug 15, 2008
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    … I'm leaning more towards 20ga, mostly because my older son, wife, daughter can handle it. …

    I thought that too, many years ago, before Rob Haught popularized the push-pull technique. It makes the very 12 manageable. (Not to mention that since many 20 ga guns are lighter than their 12 ga counterparts - resulting difference in recoil isn’t as much as many think.)

    So, anyway, back in the day, I picked up a youth 20 for just the reason you state. Fast forward to today - it’s a non-issue. Took my teenage daughter to a defensive shotgun class and she was fine shooting a 12 ga all day long. Put a shorter pull stock on a 12 and away you go.

    See:



    Frankly, I can’t see myself ever buying another 20 ga. YMMV.
     
    Last edited:

    Mgderf

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    Not a bad bit of advice in any thread. An option that I haven’t seen is the venerable Savage mod 24 a single shotgun over a single rifle bbl. But I don’t know about the availability or cost. They make many combinations. 1936/2006 Welcome Home and best of luck.
    A true model 24 will set you back more than $400 for an example in fair to good condition.
    Excellent condition or odd caliber combos can go for $800+.
    They are making a newer, cheaper version with a plastic stock.
    It's called the model 42, and it's not cheap either.

    I have to agree with the Mossberg suggestions.
    I like the tang safety and the guns just work.
     

    jwamplerusa

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    I would suggest researching one of these options. Couple the cantilever rifled barrel with an inexpensive red dot and you have a potent combo for the money.



    More options here
     

    Mij

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    In the corn and beans
    A true model 24 will set you back more than $400 for an example in fair to good condition.
    Excellent condition or odd caliber combos can go for $800+.
    They are making a newer, cheaper version with a plastic stock.
    It's called the model 42, and it's not cheap either.

    I have to agree with the Mossberg suggestions.
    I like the tang safety and the guns just work.
    Yep, I like the Mossy, just trying to bring out something different. Heck I like the 870’s to. Haven’t even seen a 24 in a few years. But I know they are out there. Then the old Savage, Stevens double, side by side. But then again those are probably getting steep also.
     

    Mgderf

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    Yep, I like the Mossy, just trying to bring out something different. Heck I like the 870’s to. Haven’t even seen a 24 in a few years. But I know they are out there. Then the old Savage, Stevens double, side by side. But then again those are probably getting steep also.
    The model 24's have had a cult following for years now.
    Not exactly sure why, but you just can't find a cheap one anymore unless the seller doesn't know what they have.
    I have one in .22lr/.410bore. Can't remember the letter designation right off the bat.
    I would love to have a .22wmr/20ga and I think they even made a .243/12ga.
    Alas, they are out of my price range now.
     

    Mij

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    In the corn and beans
    The model 24's have had a cult following for years now.
    Not exactly sure why, but you just can't find a cheap one anymore unless the seller doesn't know what they have.
    I have one in .22lr/.410bore. Can't remember the letter designation right off the bat.
    I would love to have a .22wmr/20ga and I think they even made a .243/12ga.
    Alas, they are out of my price range now.
    I’m thinking 24s maybe
     

    thefinnnwi

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    I would suggest researching one of these options. Couple the cantilever rifled barrel with an inexpensive red dot and you have a potent combo for the money.



    More options here
    I'll definitely check these out. Looks like a good option, I'll have to see what I can find locally once I get back to NWI in March, if not this might be worth getting shipped to a FFL.

    Thanks!
    - Tim
     

    gregkl

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    Hello again,

    I appreciate everyone's input. When it comes to versatility of rounds, in the past I handloaded rifle and pistol, and I'm looking at getting into handloading shotgun when I get back to the states. That should open the door to tailored loads, plus a new hobby for me. My hobbies have been fairly limited here in Japan, so I'm looking forward to getting out from behind the keyboard and out of this concrete city and back to the woods/range/infront of the press.

    I'm leaning more towards 20ga, mostly because my older son, wife, daughter can handle it. My older son is turning 13 in a few months, but he is very tall and thin (He'll bulk up on an American diet, I'm sure of it! lol). A 12ga at this point would be a little much for him, and I want to ease him into shooting (likewise for my wife and daughter). I can recall hearing about my mothers first experience shooting, and it made her gun shy for the next 20+ years. Too large of a gun for her to handle led to bad first shooting experience.

    When I get back stateside, I will check out some of the models that were suggested. Being in the Navy, I'm very familiar with the Mossberg 500. I've looked into the Maverick 88 at length, and it looks like a nice introductory pump for me to get, so I will consider that as well. Looking at the prices on those Mavericks as well, I might be able to get a 12ga and 20ga as well.

    Thanks again for the input!

    Take care.
    - Tim
    Sounds like a good plan!
     

    diver dan

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    Jan 21, 2013
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    I had when I was rabbit hunting a remington 1100 in 20 gauge, 3 inch chamber . It was heaven to shoot , good for turkey , pheasant , quail and no recoil .They have deer barrels for it as well . Good luck and welcome back.
     

    phatgemi

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    Oct 1, 2008
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    I suggest you will need at least two shotguns. How else will you hunt with son/wife. Buy a 12 for you and 20 for them. Used pumps wont break the bank. Congrats on retiring (assuming) from the Navy. I spent three years in Japan myself. Welcome home.
     

    thefinnnwi

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    I suggest you will need at least two shotguns. How else will you hunt with son/wife. Buy a 12 for you and 20 for them. Used pumps wont break the bank. Congrats on retiring (assuming) from the Navy. I spent three years in Japan myself. Welcome home.
    Yeah, I'm thinking two as well. I retired (medically) after 15 years. Body couldn't cut it anymore. Where in Japan were you?
     

    bdybdall

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    Probably any of the shotguns mentioned will work. Take a tour of pawn shops/small gun shops in the area where you choose to live. You never know what you will turn up. As for your family, your son sounds like he has arms long enough to handle a full size shotgun but what about your wife. If she has a smaller stature, she might need a different gun. I bought my wife a Browning BPS way back when I was shooting skeet regularly. It was uncomfortable for her to shoot until it was cut down.
     

    sell33

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    Aug 6, 2013
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    I’m really surprised everyone is lobbying for a 12 gauge. I hunted with 12 gauge for years and have only grabbed the 20 gauge the last few years. The only type of hunting I prefer 12 gauge for anymore is waterfowl. And even then I am sure 20 would cover most Duck hunting, but if geese show up I’m glad to have 12. 20 gauge is much more pleasant to shoot and will easily handle everything you mentioned.

    I do agree with everyone saying find a used pump gun somewhere. Single shots kick significantly more in my experience. A rifled slug barrel makes a 20 gauge great for deer. I used to shoot my Mossberg 500 out to 200 yards before I switched to rifles and sold it.
     

    bwframe

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    My vote is 12 gage.

    Semi-auto 12 gage with target loads rivals 20 gage in apparent recoil. Especially if you study up and maybe even take a class on how to shoot it.

    Tiny Lena Miculek is a world champion...

     

    ws6duramax

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    Nov 21, 2011
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    My vote would be for an 870 or Mossberg 500 in 20 gage. If you were a waterfowl hunter, I'd say go with a 12 gage .

    I have a few shotguns of each and RARELY pick up my 12 gage. Deer, rabbit, turkey and squirrel all get the same treatment.... 20 gage! There might be a little better ammo selection in 12 but you're not a dire hunter, so I don't imagine you would even notice.

    My thought process leans more towards lighter recoil. If someone develops bad habits from heavy recoil, it's extremely tough to correct. This would especially true if you plan on teaching your kids.
     
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