Best 20 Gauge Shotguns of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

The 20-gauge shotgun is likely to be extra well-liked now than it ever has been. From a historic perspective, it will be tough to say {that a} bigger variety of hunters shoot a 20 right now than a technology in the past due to the general decline in hunter participation, however there isn’t any doubt that the very best 20 gauge shotguns have loved a resurgence within the final decade. That’s resulting from a wider availability of premium shot materials, like bismuth and tungsten.

The variety of bismuth choices (and Kent Tungsten-Matrix) have introduced previous firearms again into the fold, sub-gauges specifically. TSS masses have additionally energized the 20-gauge as a result of hunters can kill geese and turkeys on the similar distances their fathers did greater than 30 years in the past with a 12-gauge. Plus, the elevated efficiency of sabot-style slugs made the 20 a favourite of deer hunters in conventional shotgun-only states earlier than straight-wall rifles turned authorized. Coupled with the very fact it’s a lighter platform and sometimes produces much less felt recoil than a 12, it’s not stunning extra hunters and shooters are choosing a 20-gauge shotgun.

How I Picked the Best 20 Gauge Shotguns

It’s not possible to shoot each 20-gauge shotgun ever constructed to find out which fashions are “best.” However, I do have in depth expertise taking pictures a mess of 20-gauge shotguns. I coupled that information with a lot of books I’ve learn devoted particularly to shotguns, 15 years value of interviewing shotgun and shotshell producers, and looking with a number of the finest shooters on the earth to reach at this record of finest 20-gauge shotguns. All of the weapons within the record have confirmed themselves within the subject. You will discover that almost all of those sub-gauges are beneath $3,000, so they’re attainable for many shooters. There is one exception, the RFM Venus, which is a premium side-by-side you’ll be able to customise in most of the similar methods a bespoke shotgun is fitted to a person shooter, so that you’ll pay somewhat additional for these options.

Best 20 Gauge Shotguns: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Fausti Caledon

Key Features

• Action: Four Locks
• Capcity: 2
• Chamber: 2¾- and 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Chrome-lined metal
• Barrel size: 26-, 28-, or 30-inch
• Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F
• Sights: Metallic entrance bead
• LOP: 14½ inches
• Weight: 5.8 to six.2 kilos
• Cost: $2,200

Pros

• Incredible motion energy coupled with a number of the most exactly manufactured shotgun barrels on the earth

Cons

• Fausti shotguns may be exhausting to search out, however that’s bettering

Fausti divides its shotguns into two classes—Core and Boutique. The former are much less ornate and cheaper, which is the class the Caledon—Fausti’s introductory shotgun—falls into. The latter are constructed for magnificence and performance. But if you happen to don’t care about fancy aspect plates and engravings, save the cash and purchase this Italian over/beneath. I’ve dealt with many different break-action shotguns on this value vary and none of them come near the Caledon. Transitions between the metal receiver and barrels to the walnut inventory and fore-end are flawless. There is not any stiffness within the motion once you open it for the primary time; not the case for any out-of-the-box over/beneath I’ve examined at this value level. The four-lock system strengthens the motion in order that the gun is not going to break down after firing numerous rounds over a lifetime of taking pictures. 

Fausti, which celebrates its seventy fifth anniversary this 12 months, builds all of its firearms in-house and has modernized its manufacturing facility inside the final decade. Three sisters—Barbara, Giovanna, and Elena—took the enterprise over from their father Stefano and have stylishly branded Fausti in a fashion solely the Italins can. The look of their weapons could be very European. They have smooth strains and precision engineering which are complimented by a magnificence few different gun producers can match. And Fausti barrels are world-renowned, which is why a number of gun makers purchase their barrels from Fausti.

Best Inertia-Driven Semi-Auto: Benelli M2 Field

Key Features

• Action: Semi-automatic 
• Capcity: 3+1
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Crio metal
• Barrel size: 24-, 26-, 28-inch
• Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F
• Sights: Red bar entrance
• LOP: 14⅜ inches
• Weight: 6 kilos
• Cost: $1,399

Pros

• Upgraded bolt-system that eradicated the “Benelli click”

Cons

• Inertia weapons just like the M2 generally battle to cycle gentle goal masses

If you’re a duck or turkey hunter, there are few auto-loaders that rival the Benelli M2 Field, which is likely one of the finest 20-gauge shotguns of all time. The shotgun has been a workhorse because it debuted within the late Nineteen Eighties and is a favourite amongst guides throughout the nation resulting from its gentle weight and reliability. Benelli improved the performance of the M2 this 12 months by updating the bolt system with a small inside spring that ensures the shotshell is at all times despatched into battery—the Ethos and Super Black Eagle 3 have the identical bolt. Benelli shotguns use a rotating bolt head, and former to this spring design, the bolt head would generally not totally rotate to make sure a strong lockup with the shotshell. When that occurred the shooter would hear a click on once they pulled the set off—the sound of the firing pin putting nothing—and the shell wouldn’t fireplace. That’s now not at challenge. 

Benelli did take a threat by altering the ergonomics of the M2 in 2023. The largest distinction is the fore-end is tapered, and never as skinny because it was on the unique mannequin. The new M2s additionally don’t have the entire similar recoil discount expertise within the inventory that earlier fashions did. This is to maintain the worth down and create a transparent delineation between the M2 and pricier SBE 3, which can be provided in 20 gauge (The M2 pictured above has the recoil discount expertise included). The jury continues to be out on whether or not Benelli loyalists just like the “upgrade.” Turkey hunters will definitely respect the brand new 24-inch barrel possibility. The solely solution to get an M2 20-gauge in that barrel size earlier than was to purchase the Performance Shop variant, which prices $3,000, greater than double the Field.

Best Gas-Driven Semi Auto: Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus

Key Features

Action: Semi-automatic

• Capcity: 2+1
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Steelium Plus
• Barrel size: 28 inches
• Chokes: C, IC, M, IM, F (prolonged)
• Sights: Red bar entrance
• LOP: 14¼ inches
• Weight: 6.72 kilos
• Cost: $1,929

Pros

• Combination of a gas-driven working system and Kick-Off recoil discount makes this gun a pleasure to shoot

Cons

• It’s an nearly $2,000 auto-loader that prices $500 greater than the Benelli M2

When you construct one of many finest 12-gauge semi-auto shotguns on the earth, it is smart to ship it in a 20 as effectively, which is strictly what Beretta has performed with the A400 Xtreme Plus. There are a number of delicate upgrades to the 20 that the 12 doesn’t have, together with a professional sequence lifter the Italian gunmaker first designed into its 1301 tactical shotgun. Once you chamber a shotshell, the load gate stays within the up place, making it simpler to slip the subsequent two shells into the journal tube. Beretta additionally included a steelium barrel, sometimes reserved for his or her high-end over/unders, into the A400. The forcing cones are 12.5 inches lengthy to enhance patterns downrange. Beretta’s Kick-Off recoil system, a sequence of hydraulic shock absorbers within the buttstock and pistol grip, together with a micro-core recoil pad, make felt recoil  a non-issue even with heavy turkey ammo. A stepped rib will lead your eyes to a crimson bar entrance sight, and the A400 comes with 5 Optima prolonged chokes (C, IC, M, IM and F). 

There are rubberized grips within the palm swell of the inventory and fore-end. More shotgun makers are incorporating this function into their artificial auto-loaders and it’s a sport changer for anybody who hunts in foul climate due to the quantity of added grip it presents. You by no means have to fret concerning the gun slipping, even once you’re taking pictures it. A shim package is included for adjustment of the 14¼-inch inventory. One factor that’s lacking from the 20-gauge is the straightforward, quarter-turn fore-end cap featured on the 12-gauge variant. With the 20, it’s a must to unscrew it like a bottle cap.

Best Over/Under: Browning Citori Hunter Grade I

Key Features

• Action: Boxlock
• Capcity: 2
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Chrome-lined metal
• Barrel size: 26- or 28-inch
• Chokes: IC, M, F
• Sights: Silver bead
• LOP: 14¼ inches
• Weight: 6.9 kilos
• Cost: $2,180

Pros

• It’s a comparatively reasonably priced, well-made over/beneath you’ll be able to move all the way down to the subsequent technology of hunters

Cons

• The Hunter Grade I solely comes with three chokes, so it’s a must to purchase extras if you wish to have a extra versatile shotgun.

It’s almost not possible to have a finest shotguns record with out together with John Moses Browning. The Citori was launched in 1973 as a cheaper alternative to JMB’s famed Superposed. At the time, many shooters scoffed at discontinuing the Belgian-made Superposed for Miroku’s Citori—the Japanese gunmaker nonetheless continues to supply the Citori for Browning. But greater than 1,000,000 of the weapons have been constructed during the last 50 years, and the Citori has etched its personal legacy in double gun historical past. It has loved a half-century run as a result of Browning mixed high quality with affordability and over/beneath loyalists shortly took discover. There are few break-actions that price lower than $2,500 with the form of clear wood-to-steel end and superior performance the Citori displays. You should buy over/unders for cheaper, however it’s uncertain they’ll final lengthy sufficient at hand all the way down to your kids, after which your kids’s kids. The Citori turns into a household heirloom the second you buy it.

One of the extra primary Citori’s in a lineup of numerous variants, Browning’s Hunter Grade I is constructed on a boxlock motion. It doesn’t function any fancy aspect plate designs or receiver scroll work, however does have nearly all the pieces else you want in a 20-gauge. It’s gentle sufficient at 6.9 kilos, has a vent rib barrel, checkered fore-end and pistol-grip inventory. It does have an inertia set off, so if the primary shotshell doesn’t fireplace, neither will the second. This mannequin solely comes with IC, M, and F flush-fitting chokes. It could be splendid to have a five-choke set that included cylinder and light-weight modified come customary, so shooters might take full benefit of the 20-gauge’s ballistic functionality. But you’ll be able to at all times purchase these individually.

Best Side-by-Side: RFM Venus

Key Features

• Action: Boxlock
• Capcity: 2
• Chamber: 2¾- or 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Demi-bloc
• Barrel size: 25 to 30 inches
• Chokes: Fixed of 5 interchangeable
• Sights: Brass or ivory bead (or no bead)
• LOP: Custom
• Weight: 6 kilos
• Cost: $3,299

Pros

• RFM presents a totally customizable side-by-side for a fraction of bespoke shotgun costs

Cons

• Customizing a gun and delivering it to the shooter takes longer than shopping for a side-by-side off the shelf

Italian gunmaker RFM offers a novel service, constructing customized break-actions which are considerably cheaper than bespoke shotguns. Buying a bespoke gun can be a way more prolonged course of than ordering a customized side-by-side just like the Venus, as a result of a bespoke firearm is particularly match to your actual physique measurements. If you don’t have the time or cash to commit to a bespoke shotgun, RFM’s à la carte shotguns are your subsequent best choice. The Venus may be bought by Upland Gun Company and is constructed customary on a boxlock motion and demi-bloc barrels. The base mannequin consists of hand engraved receiver, checkered inventory, and fore-end, an English grip inventory, double triggers, extractors, concave barrel rib, customized inventory size, fastened chokes, and a tough case.

It’s as much as the shooter what else they need to add to the Venus. You can choose from a number of wooden, Cerakote, and artificial finishes, barrel lengths (from 25 to 30 inches), double, single, or single-selective triggers, ejectors or extractors, detachable chokes, engraved aspect plates…the record goes on. Every improve prices a number of hundred {dollars} extra, however you get to determine how a lot the gun will price, and making your choices is all a part of the enjoyable.

Best Pump: Remington 870 Wingmaster

Key Features

• Action: Pump
• Capcity: 3+1
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Chrome-lined metal
• Barrel size: 26- or 28-inch
• Chokes: IC, M, F
• Sights: Twin bead
• LOP: 14 inches
• Weight: 6.5 kilos
• Cost: $900

Pros

• Unmatched sturdiness and reliability in a pump-action shotgun

Cons

• This gun is now not in manufacturing, so that you’re going to pay nearly $1,000 for a used pump

Many will say the Mossberg 500, Browning BPS, or the host of pump-action shotguns that got here earlier than the Remington 870 Wingmaster debuted in 1950 are simply pretty much as good or higher than this repeater. But none of these weapons offered over 11 million models, and till they do, the 870 stands alone. The receiver is constructed from a strong block of billet metal and the bolt operates on a pair of dual-action bars that slide ahead and backward because the shooter pumps the fore-end to eject a spent hull and ship a brand new spherical into the chamber. A checkered walnut inventory and fore-end with satin end mix seamlessly into the metal receiver. The 3-inch 870 is simple to interrupt down and clear. Simply unscrew the fore-end cap and the barrel and fore-end may be eliminated. Most Wingmasters by no means fail on account of being soiled, however if you happen to do drop this pump within the mud or get it soaked, you’ll need to do a  fast subject strip and wipe down. You don’t need that blued metallic to rust. 

Best Single Shot: Stevens 301 Turkey

Key Features

• Action: Break-action
• Capcity: 1
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Chrome alloy metal
• Barrel size: 26 inches
• Chokes: Extra-full
• Sights: Raised single bead
• LOP: 13.8 inches
• Weight: 6 kilos
• Cost: $227

Pros

• Built for turkey hunters, however can be utilized for a number of pursuits and coaching.

Cons

• Hammer weapons may be difficult for brand spanking new shooters.

Sub-gauge single pictures, just like the Stevens 301, have change into well-liked amongst critical turkey hunters in the previous couple of years resulting from their gentle weight, affordability, and the problem of realizing you solely have one shell to kill a strutting spring tom. A brief size of pull (13.8 inches) and barrel size (26 inches) make this a really maneuverable gun for the turkey woods. The 301 has a detachable high rail for mounting an optic, permitting shooters to be extra exact with a crimson dot or scope. This is a good possibility for brand spanking new shooters. They can purchase the goal shortly and trust that the payload shall be despatched within the path of their aim-point. Since it is a hammer gun, it’s necessary to know that there isn’t any cross bolt or tang-mounted security. When the hammer is cocked, the gun is “off safe.” To return the gun to protected, it’s essential to both fireplace it or ease the hammer backward along with your thumb, evenly press the set off, and slowly transfer the hammer and set off ahead. The 301 solely comes with an prolonged turkey choke, however there are many aftermarket choices if you wish to use the gun for different taking pictures pursuits.

Best Slug Gun: Savage 220

Key Features

• Action: Bolt
• Capcity: 2+1
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Carbon metal (rifled)
• Barrel size: 22 inches 
• Sights: None (Picatinny rail included)
• LOP: 13¾ inches
• Weight: 7.34 kilos
• Cost: $699

Pros

• Ideal weight for a 20-gauge slug gun to maintain you correct and mitigate felt recoil.

Cons

• It’s rather less related with the rise of straight-wall rifles in conventional slug gun states.

Now that they’re authorized, straight-wall rifles are all the trend for whitetail hunters in lots of conventional slug gun states. But for hunters nonetheless in shotgun-only zones, the Savage 220 is likely one of the best-20 gauge shotguns for deer looking. The bolt-action 220 presents excellent accuracy if you happen to pair it with a top quality scope. Depending on what sabot you shoot by the 220’s rifled barrel (24:1 twist), the Savage has the ballistic functionality to carry its personal out to 200 yards towards most straight-wall deer rifle/cartridge mixtures. However, you’ll possible be extra correct and in step with a straight-wall. 

The 220 is constructed with an adjustable Accu-Trigger so you’ll be able to tweak the creep and pull weight of the set off to suit your taking pictures fashion. The inventory may also be adjusted for size of pull and comb peak. There is a two-round removable field journal do you have to want follow-up pictures, and the load of the gun (7.3 kilos) is heavy sufficient to maintain you regular when a deer walks inside vary. That weight will even assist dampen recoil, however the gun isn’t so heavy that you just really feel such as you’re lugging a ship anchor to the treestand each morning.

Best Value: Mossberg 500 Hunting All-Purpose Field

Key Features

• Action: Pump
• Capcity: 5+1
• Chamber: 3-inch
• Barrel kind: Matte blue metal
• Barrel size: 26 inches
• Chokes: IC, M, F
• Sights: Dual bead
• LOP: 13.87 inches (fastened)
• Weight: 7 kilos
• Cost: $504

Pros

• Versatile shotgun that can be utilized for looking, clay taking pictures, or private protection

Cons

One of the primary causes the Mossberg 500 has rivaled the Remington 870 for thus lengthy is because of its versatility. There are so many variations of the five hundred that if you happen to purchase one, you’ll be able to swap in a shorter barrel to make it a home-defense gun or an extended barrel for entice taking pictures. The receiver is drilled and tapped so as to add a high rail (not all 870s included this function till not too long ago), and the security is tang-mounted, which caters to each left and right-handed shooters. Remington’s 870 has a cross bolt security. 

The 500 is barely extra cheap than Remington’s Wingmaster and new Fieldmaster, however it’s additionally not fairly as effectively made. There is a bit more “rattle” within the 500, which signifies that it doesn’t run as clean as an 870. However, once we examined the 12-gauge model of this gun a number of years in the past to determine which pumps and semi-autos have been the finest duck looking shotguns, it narrowly misplaced to the 870, principally as a result of the fore-end didn’t slide back-and-forth with ease. But contemplate that militaries everywhere in the world depend on the Mossberg 590A in fight, so it’s a confirmed platform. 

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a number one authority in testing and reviewing looking gear, fishing deal with, weapons and taking pictures gear, and far more. We have greater than a century-long historical past of evaluating merchandise, and we’re now bringing that experience to on-line opinions. Our editors are skilled outdoorsmen and girls, and most significantly, we’re educated journalists. We prioritize subject testing and goal knowledge when reviewing merchandise. We conduct interviews with gear producers and engineers in addition to out of doors specialists in order that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising doesn’t affect our gear opinions and it by no means will. While we at all times focus our protection on standout merchandise—as a result of we would like our readers to concentrate on the most recent and biggest gear—we additionally cowl the failings and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts

It’s possible the very best 20-gauge shotguns will proceed to rise in reputation. It might presumably surpass the 12-gauge at some point if shotshell makers can ever discover a solution to make premium non-toxic choices, like TSS and buffered bismuth, extra reasonably priced. Many hunters have already shelved their 12s in favor of the 20, which is smart as a result of the sub-gauge is simpler to hold afield and may sufficiently kill any sport successfully as long as you don’t take pictures at prolonged ranges. The solely time I need a 12-gauge in hand over a 20 is when longer pictures are required. Otherwise, I’m blissful to go together with the sunshine platform the 20-gauge presents.