Talk Me Further Into this Shotgun Purchase

[Magsrgod]

Although I'm more of a lurker than a poster, this has always been my favorite corner of the internet so naturally, when I need enablement on a questionable firearm purchase, this is where I turn.

I've been eyeing a new shotgun for no *real* reason, which as we all know is the best possible reason. My current stable consists of an original Browning Maxus 12ga/3"/28" and a Mossberg 535 12ga/3.5"/28" with a 22" turkey barrel. The Maxus handles duck duty, and the 535 sits in full turkey mode with a red dot, so between the two, I'm genuinely covered. But any self-respecting firearm enthusiast understands that "covered" and "done buying guns" are very different concepts.

As I've gotten older, the idea of a versatile 20ga has become increasingly appealing and conveniently, I now have a built-in justification. My son is 7 and currently in the .410 phase, but kids grow fast, and before I know it he'll be ready to step up to a 20ga. I'm specifically looking at the Weatherby Sorix in 28". It would shine on ducks and upland birds, it's tapped and drilled so a red dot drops right on for turkey season, and most importantly it slots neatly into my current lineup without being a pure duplicate of anything I already own.

So... where exactly is the flaw in this logic? Asking for a friend. (The friend is me)

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Your logic seems based in reality and flawless to me! Buy the gun!

 

[JMRhino]

I think that is perfect logic. 20ga is the proverbial this porridge is just right option. I have always believed that a .410 bore was more of an advanced shooter's shell due to the tight bore constriction and reduced shot count which can be frustrating for novice shooters. I am not much of a waterfowl hunter but 20ga goes with me for everything else except turkey and you can probably even do that now with the TSS loads...

 

[Magsrgod]

I think that is perfect logic. 20ga is the proverbial this porridge is just right option. I have always believed that a .410 bore was more of an advanced shooter's shell due to the tight bore constriction and reduced shot count which can be frustrating for novice shooters. I am not much of a waterfowl hunter but 20ga goes with me for everything else except turkey and you can probably even do that now with the TSS loads...

That was my idea with Turkey. Normally I use the Longbeard XR #6's but moving down to 20ga I might wince real hard and try the TSS loads. I know multiple people who have switched to the #9's and swear by them now.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Nothing wrong with a 20ga for your son or you. Have seen my son drops turkeys at 45-48 yds with TSS loads but the Winchester Long Beard #6 does about as equally well to 40-45 yds. Works closer too

 

[KinleyWater]

Forgive me for saying so, but son is working a .410, and you own two 12 gauge, then you simply must round things out with a 20 gauge and then a 28 gauge. For completeness, of course.

All kidding aside, I have two 20 gauge: one set up for upland, and the other for hominid. I am in the market for a third, at the moment, and I personally think the 20 is highly underrated. Though it is often let down with ammunition selection and availability. However, for your stated interest, those should not be an issue.

*EDIT* Make that three and looking for a fourth. I suppose forgetfulness isn't all so bad.

 

[Blkram]

Well, you came to the right place for enablement...so I'll give the assist!
Just Do It!

No need to justify the logic...you want it, so go for it!

Personally, I always liked the 20 ga over the 12 gauge, except for using a slug gun for bear watch work (which mine does sole duty for).
I bought my 20 ga (LH Rem 1100) for the odd duck or goose hunt just to have a little bit more than the smaller gauges. (Plus it has gorgeous wood!) And because I liked shooting the 20 ga for clays and skeet when I did get out to play those games with my friends and the only pump or semi the club had suitable for lefty's were 20s.

I grew up learning to hunt ruffies and snowshoe hares on my grandparents farm with a Winchester 37A in .410 so have some sentimental history with the smaller gauge, but have to say after trying the 28 ga for upland birds, I have become a real fan of the 28!
My wife took possession of my beautiful Rem 1100 Sporting 28, so I ended up replacing it with a Benelli Ethos, and also have a Winchester 37A, and now a CZ Bobwhite G2 in 28 gauge to just to have a choice for some added adventure!

 

[Magsrgod]

Well, you came to the right place for enablement...so I'll give the assist!
Just Do It!

No need to justify the logic...you want it, so go for it!

Personally, I always liked the 20 ga over the 12 gauge, except for using a slug gun for bear watch work (which mine does sole duty for).
I bought my 20 ga (LH Rem 1100) for the odd duck or goose hunt just to have a little bit more than the smaller gauges. (Plus it has gorgeous wood!) And because I liked shooting the 20 ga for clays and skeet when I did get out to play those games with my friends and the only pump or semi the club had suitable for lefty's were 20s.

I grew up learning to hunt ruffies and snowshoe hares on my grandparents farm with a Winchester 37A in .410 so have some sentimental history with the smaller gauge, but have to say after trying the 28 ga for upland birds, I have become a real fan of the 28!
My wife took possession of my beautiful Rem 1100 Sporting 28, so I ended up replacing it with a Benelli Ethos, and also have a Winchester 37A, and now a CZ Bobwhite G2 in 28 gauge to just to have a choice for some added adventure!

You know this reminded me of one absolute key component of this decision… my son is left handed and this 20G has the ability to me somewhat ambidextrous with the safety and charging handle being able to operate in both left / right hand configuration.

I purchased the Midnight Marsh color a few hours ago. Thank you all for the encouragement and support in with this difficult decision, this is what good support groups are for.

 

[jimbires]

this thread reminds me of when I bought an inline , and everything needed for muzzle loader shooting , from a local gun shop . I told the counterman , I need this like a hole in the head . he says , I've worked here for years , need has very little to do with what gets carried out of here .

 

[salmonchaser]

I love well balanced 20ga guns and back in the old days, before the toxic shock ban, I had no problem killing ducks and geese with one. As noted by JMRhino the 410 is the most ill behaved of all current shotgun chamberings. I would suggest you get your son a well balanced 28guage. A few weeks ago I was shooting on one of Tucson Traps and Skeets sporting clays courses. I was shooting by myself so I was moving along pretty quick, caught up with a group of about 8 people. This particular stand is known to be pretty tough. Shooting was a kid perhaps 10 or 11. Had a 28 ga. Dad was a good instructor and was explaining how the birds fool you, slowing, dropping and curling back and away. No wonder I never hit anything at this station. Then the second bird comes like a missle underneath. They started on the high curling bird; First bird he just nicked it, breaking off a piece. Second bird he fractured it solidly, third forth and fifth just dust. His dad showed him the second bird, kid just nodded. Dad reminded him it’s a report double, “ I know Dad” the high bird dust, the low missle, dust. Five times in a row.
Dad commented to one of the guys, he’s too small for a 12 I almost ruined him, a 28 will do any thing a 20 will do-only better.
I’m guessing it was more about the kid than the gun but he certainly didn’t mind the recoil of the 28. Perhaps you should get one of those as well,

 

[Magsrgod]

I looked into jumping straight into a 28 gauge for him. He's currently 7 but turns 8 at the end of the year. I was unable to find a 28 gauge that had a length of pull that would work on a kid that young. Most everything I found was Bantam sized and looks to be more around early teen sizing. The .410's are the only ones that go real short with the LOP.

TriStar has a pump .410, Mossberg has a Super Bantam pump 500 and Rossi has the Tuffy that's a break action .410. The Tuffy was the one I was really looking at, just based on size and weight.