cpaulc Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 My current 686 special is a bit on the heavy side for my liking now that I've had several walked up days. I know that I could always buy a field\game version which would be lighter, or switch back to a 20g. I learnt using a silver pigeon 20 when taking school kids to a clay shooting lesson, I just used the same gun and got on just fine with it. I'm reasonably slight and they seem (to me anyway) to fit me and my hands better. Besides the lack of heavy (32g+) cartridges, and costs anything else to consider? Anyone else downsized ? Thoughts welcomed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 I've downsized to a 20 gauge Franchi Alcione One. It's not that light at 6 3/4lbs but enough lighter than a 12 to be quite noticeable and far more pleasant to carry. Unlike a light 12 its made properly and doesn't have an ali receiver. I shoot clays by the hundred using 24 gram loads and pigeons in numbers using 28 gram loads. There aren't many areas where it isn't up to the job and despite shooting significant numbers of shells recoil is never an issue. I used to own a 20 gauge Silver Pigeon but that did seem to kick a bit, maybe being sub 6lb was a little too light for the loads I use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattSoanes Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Shot a 12b for 20 years before going to a 20b, it's all I own now and put in the right place with the right load will kill as well, if not better than a 12b IMO. I kept my 12b for 18 months after buying my first 20b but after barely using it in that time sold it on. If funds allow I'd suggest doing the above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest cookoff013 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Modern shells are so good these days there is very little difference. I shoot 12 because I can go from 21grams to 66. Often I have used 36g loads on game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpaulc Posted February 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Sounds I like a plan, have one of each for a while. But not sure if funds or fiance would allow! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
welshwarrior Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 No a 20 bores a girls gun. Man up I use a 28 bore it's lighter 😜 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suffolkngood Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 DON'T DO IT.....................get a 28 bore instead. If you like Beretta SP then get the 28 on the smaller 28 bore action ( not the 28 on the 20 bore action). Pair it up with 21-24 grammes of shot and you'll never look back. I had a 20 bore EELL and bought a SP1 in 28 bore on a whim and never picked up the 20 bore again.........sold the EELL in the end as I never used it. You won't regret it......I promise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 I have been without a 20 bore for about 7 years and have just bought a very nice mk 60 with 30 inch barrels . There is absolutely no difference in killing power between a 20 bore and a 12 bore . I like the way the light 20 swings and is super for decoying . Hadn't shot one for about 7 years and managed to shoot 37 pigeons with it on my first outing for 46 cartridges and I managed to take feathers out of most of them . Harnser. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbiep Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 I swapped to a 20 bore towards the end of last season, as I was getting considerable backache after lugging the 12 all day. Shot with the 20 all this season, and loved it. I still own the 12, but it's just a foxing gun now - 42g of BB is all it ever sees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpaulc Posted February 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 (edited) Top replies everyone. Many thanks for your input Edited February 2, 2015 by cpaulc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveT Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 Ive ended up using a 16 (non of this common or garden 20 muck) this season. Really like how light it is and hit as much as I would with a 12. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spot.ontheroad Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 I shoot a 12g B725 mostly but I shoot better with my Cynergy 20. Sometime wonder why I bought 725. Definitly no difference in killing power provided you put the lead in the right place. Go 20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpaulc Posted February 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 Next question then: anyone selling a multi choke Beretta, browning or miroku 20g, I'm looking sub £800 really and don't Ming about scratches etc as long as the action is sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alycidon Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 If you are a decent shot or shoot birds at close range then go for it. I nearly got to that point myself but I reduced my shooting instead. The best shot I know uses a 20 to devasting effect on anything within 50 yards or more, in the right hands they kill as well as any 12. Beretta 20s are lovely bits of kit, I did handle a 525 Browning the other week, as a died in the wool Beretta man it handled nicely, I would happily have shot it. A Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrDaveO84 Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I'm looking at doing the same thing, I have 4 12b but do a lot of walked up/rough shooting and I love the way a 20b handles it suits me for some reason very whippy. I can't see the difference really there's the same amount of lead in a 28g 20b as a 12 if you shoot them in the right place all that matters. I have a 2012 b525 Its a grade one but has lovely wood so if anyone fancies a swap for a 20 let me know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobba Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I bought my Miroku MK 60 6 yrs ago. Had it multi choked by Nigel Teague and at the same time some minor stock adjustments (cast/drop). For my age and build it is ideal in balance and weight. Latterly the chance of a Beretta SP 20 bore came along. Back up the road to Nigel Teague's to have the stock fit matched to the Miroku. Both really good guns. Do all I ask of them with 28 grm 6's. By preference I would not now venture back to a 12 bore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benny witch Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 Hi all I have a Lincoln premier gold 20 bore that I was going to trade in .bought it for my sons last year but neither of them interested now. it's as new would consider a swap for a browning or beretta in a 12 or just a cash sale would make the difference up in a swap deal . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theshootist Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I bought a boxlock 20b a few years ago with nice long barrels. A 20 bore side by side is very light and despite being big I found had really sharp recoil using 28g of no 6. I now have a 16 bore for when I want a lighter gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snow white Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I only use 20 for game crow pigeons.got two game guns semi auto and a pump huspower not a lot gets missed with any of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie&bezza Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 I bought a macnab highlander 20 a month ago and it's a lovely gun and feels so sleek in your hands but I still haven't put one shell through it yet ! So can't really give input sadly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitsinhedges Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 20 gauge is also a gauge that is worth reloading. You can make shells much more cheaply than store bought and the empties are quite easy to come across unlike the smaller gauges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kyska Posted February 3, 2015 Report Share Posted February 3, 2015 Downsizing is the wrong word, refining is the term. I've never looked back, I still have a 12g, but I absolutely love my 20. It may just be me, but the longer range pattern on 'my' guns, the 20 pips it. I'm surprised they're not the calibre of choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougall Posted February 4, 2015 Report Share Posted February 4, 2015 ideal walk about/hide gun......for clays still prefer 12g but interestingly and without conscious effort now have 3 20g and just 1 12g......think its part of a maturing shooters progress?!.......dont see it as a downsize see it as evolution and part of keeping my shooting interesting...and my cabinet full! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpaulc Posted February 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 20, 2015 Gone and found one. It took me a while, but I've got myself a Medalist, I know its not a real browning but I'm not too fussed, its fits OK and is (so far) nice to use. I've got FAC on the way so I think I may have to decide on shifting my Beretta now to make room for a rifle or 2. Thanks for all your advice and thoughts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted February 20, 2015 Report Share Posted February 20, 2015 (edited) Years ago it was the fashion for gun makers to make light weight, short stocked 20 bores. Their market was youngsters and ladies. A lot of these guns were made for purpose and were suited to light weight loads. The guns often weighted five and a half to 6 pounds. Obviously such guns were hopeless in the hands of gorilla man. He often pooh poohed these guns. The modern 20 bore is a completely different tool. It can cope easily with 28g loads, often comes as standard with 14-15 inch lop and weighs over 7lbs. A veritable "mean machine". I hope I haven't put you to sleep......zzzzz Edited February 20, 2015 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.