Whitebridges Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) Good evening all. This year i've switched from using a 12 bore O/U for game shooting to a Ceasar Guerini 20 bore. We often have a pop at the pigeons roost shooting at the end of the day and for this I like to use a Semi-Auto. I have an old B2000 browning in 12 guage which I really like but I don't want to be messing about with different ammo. So does anyone have any first hand experience of 20 guage auto's for this job? I've seen quite a nice Tenkys Beretta s/h but it was so short in the stock, I need something about 14 3/4. Not too fussy about budget for the right gun.I like the idea of a Benelli for ease of maintenance and cleaning. I've never owned a 20g S/A so i'd welcome any help and suggestions. Thanks a lot in advance. Edited November 8, 2011 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 I have a 20g Teknys and it is brilliant. Really fast handling for those snap shots and a joy to carry. The only downside as with all autos is finding the empty cases. I use 28g/no6 homeloads and get some good rangy shots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 I bought a Franchi 620 for my nephew when he was about 12.He loved it,and after using it for a while so did I.Fantastic piece of kit.Franchi are very underated in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) Twitchynic was using a lovely semi on Sunday, huffhuff borrowed it and is now looking for one for his self. Not sure what the make is but I will find out, it is mentioned in the almshoe shoot thread, fabarm comes to mind but not sure, I will get back to you, thats if Nic or Ben don't beat me. terry Fabarm XLR Composite sorry it is a 12g. Edited November 8, 2011 by bakerboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) Winchester SX3 20g, their fantastic and have proved themselves to be one of the best out there. If i had the money and looking for a 20g auto i would definitely buy one, and personally i like the 20g in Wood but not the 12g (honestly, i dont know why though) :lol: Benelli's do look good, very light and have slightly less maintenance but they come at a higher price than the SX3's and have much more recoil Personally I'd go for a Winchester SX3, I love them, eventhough i dont own one but i just wish that i could afford one and get a 12g 3 1/2" camo and a 20g Wood stock :good: Edited November 8, 2011 by Simon123 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kermitpwee Posted November 8, 2011 Report Share Posted November 8, 2011 (edited) I have a Benelli Woodcock 20bore with 24 inch barells. The tightest choke it comes with is half, it is a beaut and yes they are as good as they say. Edited November 8, 2011 by kermitpwee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 I have a 20g Teknys and it is brilliant. Really fast handling for those snap shots and a joy to carry. The only downside as with all autos is finding the empty cases. I use 28g/no6 homeloads and get some good rangy shots. SIH yes, i've had a Teknys in a 12. I was a sporter and a bit of a lump. As I mentioned earlier the 20 bore I looked as was so short in the stock it put me off. Agree with you very nice guns. I think they look neater than the A400's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 I bought a Franchi 620 for my nephew when he was about 12.He loved it,and after using it for a while so did I.Fantastic piece of kit.Franchi are very underated in my opinion. Looks nice and the price is right, for love nor money there are few Franchi dealers in this neck of the woods. I'd like to see the 20 bore in the flesh so to speak. Thanks for your post. Twitchynic was using a lovely semi on Sunday, huffhuff borrowed it and is now looking for one for his self. Not sure what the make is but I will find out, it is mentioned in the almshoe shoot thread, fabarm comes to mind but not sure, I will get back to you, thats if Nic or Ben don't beat me. terry Fabarm XLR Composite sorry it is a 12g. Tha's a booger Terry. I hope to catch you at the next Norfolk "Do" brother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2011 Thanks to all that replied. She's given me Saturday morning to go gun hunting so anymore drop dead certainties might save my ***. I've done a bit more research and I like the Benelli Rafaello, but how much? Who stocks these? I reckon a Beretta Urika 2 wouldn't be too bad either. All the gunshops I look at on the web are eh, average at best. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrowningDJC Posted November 10, 2011 Report Share Posted November 10, 2011 Stick with wot you know - Browning! I have a browning fusion 20 bore which i can safely say is the best 20 bore auto ive ever shot! Hard to come by but if you can find one snap it up. Second hand browning gold's can be had at a reasonable price also, this would handle very much like a 20 bore version of your 2000. Although, i also have a couple of browning 2000's and it will be hard to find a modern semi of the same quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2011 (edited) Stick with wot you know - Browning! I have a browning fusion 20 bore which i can safely say is the best 20 bore auto ive ever shot! Hard to come by but if you can find one snap it up. Second hand browning gold's can be had at a reasonable price also, this would handle very much like a 20 bore version of your 2000. Although, i also have a couple of browning 2000's and it will be hard to find a modern semi of the same quality. I had a look round today and picked up some nice Benelli, Browning and Beretta S/A's both in 12 and 20 bore. To be honest I was disappointed in the Maxus (black Composite)and know what you mean about the B2000. I would'nt want to lose mine for the pitance they sometimes go for. Anyway I bought a very nice 20g Beretta A391 Urika 2 gold field 28in M/C in near on immaculate nick. Toddled off to the clay ground and stuck a 100 or so through it - brilliant gun. Should be perfect for what I want it for. I appreciate everyone's opinions and advice. Thank you. Edited November 12, 2011 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted November 12, 2011 Report Share Posted November 12, 2011 Congratulations with the new gun purchase mate, I hope it's exactly what your looking for ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 (edited) Congratulations with the new gun purchase mate, I hope it's exactly what your looking for ;) Cheers Simon, i've not come across the Winchester in a 20 bore. Very highly rated gun, seen and handled a few in 12g and they look feel the business. I'm very happy with the gun I decided on here she is, should do the job I hope. Stripped her down this evening and fairly idiot proof which is a major plus from my point of view. Put her on the scales and 6lb 5oz. Happy days. Edited November 13, 2011 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 What a beauty, you'll have some great sport with that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eredel Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 She's a beauty!! Where locally did you go to find a selection of second-hand semis if you don't mind me asking? Eric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon123 Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 She looks like a beauty mate, And at the weight she weighs it will feel like your carrying a Tesco carrier bag all day :lol: Stripping down only take's a bit of common sense, and you'll be fine :good: And again, Congratulations with your purchase, and let's all hope you enjoy the times which you have to come in the future with your gun ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 13, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 What a beauty, you'll have some great sport with that Fingers crossed SIH, this ones a good 'un I think. Didn't miss a beat when i tried her out, so we'll see. She's a beauty!! Where locally did you go to find a selection of second-hand semis if you don't mind me asking? Eric. I've been half looking for a while, tried 3 "gunshops" in Norfolk and two in Suffolk. It's always a bit of an experience going in to a gunshop, but the difference is getting sound advice from a gunsmith. I wouldn't shame the useless but by all means PM me if you want to know more. She looks like a beauty mate, And at the weight she weighs it will feel like your carrying a Tesco carrier bag all day :lol: Stripping down only take's a bit of common sense, and you'll be fine :good: And again, Congratulations with your purchase, and let's all hope you enjoy the times which you have to come in the future with your gun ;) I got the strip down sorted thanks, cheers and thanks for your trouble to post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anser2 Posted November 13, 2011 Report Share Posted November 13, 2011 Congratulations on your new 20 S\A Whitebridges. I have often thought about getting one , but the price of 20 bore shells for serious pigeon shooting always put me off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2011 (edited) Congratulations on your new 20 S\A Whitebridges. I have often thought about getting one , but the price of 20 bore shells for serious pigeon shooting always put me off. It's a good 'un anser. You're right about the cost of carts though through the roof. I have got a load of the old Eley CT 28g 6's which I bought at the right money, should give me a bit of time before How've you been getting on with the pigeon? I had a few days after the harvest and had four days in the thirties or thereabouts. Two were in North Norfolk and i was happy enough. I've got loads of OSR with not a pigeon on it, most of it is in flower.Daft weather. Edited November 14, 2011 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted November 14, 2011 Report Share Posted November 14, 2011 Thats one very nice looking Gun. I hope it does everything you want it to do, I just hope is doesn't do it on the 11th Look forward to meeting up again Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 14, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2011 Thats one very nice looking Gun. I hope it does everything you want it to do, I just hope is doesn't do it on the 11th Look forward to meeting up again Terry Cheers Terry,me old mate Harnser swears by his 12 guage version so his views were a factor. It'll stay in tha cabinet on the 12th, actually I'd like to borrow yours again 2/2 I think Looking forward to having another crack and meeting some of the Herts buoys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted November 14, 2011 Report Share Posted November 14, 2011 Cheers Terry,me old mate Harnser swears by his 12 guage version so his views were a factor. It'll stay in tha cabinet on the 12th, actually I'd like to borrow yours again 2/2 I think Looking forward to having another crack and meeting some of the Herts buoys. 32" Barrels Browning GTi Sporter Ultra. You are welcome to use it, we will have to share it, as I like to miss in the usual style:lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted November 15, 2011 Author Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 You were cracking them good last time Terry and fast at cramming the shells in! I'm sure it's gonna be a cracking gig again, and the pub was marvellous afterwards as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted November 15, 2011 Report Share Posted November 15, 2011 Yes, all us Herts boys are looking forward to the day out. I am sure Alan will make the day as special as is possible. Looking forward to meeting up with all my new friends again. Cheers Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted December 4, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2011 (edited) Look forward to seeing you a week today Terry. Well pleased with my purchase (#13 post). Last Saturday we were in the rough stuff walking up pheasant and then went roosting. Flawless. Had a few birds over deeks yesterday and didn't miss a lot. Been feeding 20g 28g no 6 Eley VIP in there, no jams nothing. Come's recommended, brilliant hide gun. Edited December 4, 2011 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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