In the market

[jwk]

For a new shotgun. I'll use it mostly for turkey but I'm sure it will get some other use with small game. I was never much of a shotgun guy and never really owned a decent one.

• I'm trying to decide between 20 or 12 gauge. 
• Semi Auto or Pump.
• Brand: been checking out Franchi, Mossberg. 
• like to keep it around $1200 or lower.

Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations I'm open to any brand.

[Dutch]

I went from a 12 pump to a 20 semi. No regrets. My brother the bird hunter usually uses his 28. He says if yer on, yer on, no need for the extra pellets. I'm seeing his point while pheasant hunting

[CoureurDeBois]

I use a Winchester 1300 pump 12 gage 3 inch mag with #5 shot for turkey. I know a lot of hunters have gone to TTS in 20 gage but I’ve haven’t been impressed.
For pheasant I have used 20, 16, and 12. Probably the 16 gage more than the others. I can see using the 20 behind a good pointing dog. The majority of my pheasant hunting has been with a beagle or a mutt that flushes. That usually means longer shots, so the 16 or 12 has served me better over the years, usually in a side X side.

[jwk]

Thanks guys, I see more than a few shotguns with the pistol grip. Anyone have any pros or cons for them on shotguns?

[Deleted]

For Turkey I still like a 12. Actually I like a 10 more. For wingshooting it doesn't matter as long as you aren't talking waterfowl

[Deleted]

Feb 21, 2024 7:52:33 GMT -5 jwk said:

Thanks guys, I see more than a few shotguns with the pistol grip. Anyone have any pros or cons for them on shotguns?

They're strictly turkey guns. Not for running/flying game

[Loggy]

If looking to buy just one to be used for upland, small game, turkey & waterfowl..... definitely consider a gas operated semi.

I bought a Browning Gold 12 ga 3.5"  semi about 15 years ago chambered for 12 ga 2.75"-3.5" shells. It's a gas vs inertia operated semi which significantly softens recoil on 3" & 3.5" heavy load shells. A 2.75" is like shooting a 410. A very versitile shotgun serving muliple needs. Browning has some excellent semis but will be a few hundred above your price range.  I would look at the Winchester SX seies which is really the same gas operated platform as my Browning and can be bought for $1000 & less depending on finish etc. Browning & Winchester(same company) semi's are mfg at same facility. Pretty sure still made in Belgium and assembled in Portugal.

[Deleted]

Screw in chokes mean more than gauge does. As long as you're bigger than 410

[Dutch]

Feb 21, 2024 7:43:45 GMT -5 CoureurDeBois said:

I use a Winchester 1300 pump 12 gage 3 inch mag with #5 shot for turkey. I know a lot of hunters have gone to TTS in 20 gage but I’ve haven’t been impressed.
For pheasant I have used 20, 16, and 12. Probably the 16 gage more than the others. I can see using the 20 behind a good pointing dog. The majority of my pheasant hunting has been with a beagle or a mutt that flushes. That usually means longer shots, so the 16 or 12 has served me better over the years, usually in a side X side.

This kid used a 20 gauge with TSS on this turkey. He shot it at 64 yds, not what I'd recommend, but you can see how effective that stuff is.

[ridgecommander]

Feb 20, 2024 13:50:16 GMT -5 jwk said:

For a new shotgun. I'll use it mostly for turkey but I'm sure it will get some other use with small game. I was never much of a shotgun guy and never really owned a decent one.

• I'm trying to decide between 20 or 12 gauge. 
• Semi Auto or Pump.
• Brand: been checking out Franchi, Mossberg. 
• like to keep it around $1200 or lower.

Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations I'm open to any brand.[/div

If you can afford TSS, 12s and 10s are becoming obselete for turkey. No need for that larger and heavier gun with brutal recoil with turkey loads when the 20 with TSS accomlishes the same thing. For small game, the 20 with lead will do just fine as well. Unless one is into waterfowl, 12 and bigger are not needed. If buying TSS is an issue, then I would opt for the 12 if you have to shoot lead for turkeys.

Pistol grips are great for turkey hunting because you can hold the gun with one hand if you want to quickly shift your position, scratch some leaves or grab anoher call, which is difficult with a conventional grip. Pistol grips are not so great for small game hunting though. There is a tradeoff.

[Dutch]

Freaking TSS is expensive, but effective

[dougl]

I like light shotguns and no need for a 12ga even for turkeys.Fit is the most important thing and many shotuns now come with shim kits for adjusting the stock to fit.I have 3 Franchi affinity semi's,which are inertia operated,rather than gas operated.Unloaded they weigh about 5.5 lbs,fit me and my son.We use tss loads for turkeys and 3' MAGS WITH 5 SHOT FOR PHEASANTS.

[jwk]

Thanks guys, lots of great info here. I'm not looking to do any waterfowl hunting so I am leaning towards the 20ga now. It would also be nicer for my grandson to shoot.

[Dutch]

Feb 21, 2024 10:46:36 GMT -5 jwk said:

Thanks guys, lots of great info here. I'm not looking to do any waterfowl hunting so I am leaning towards the 20ga now. It would also be nicer for my grandson to shoot.

Oh yeah, in that case go with the 20. Put a scope on it and splurge with TSS. Grandpa can spoil the boy, in a good way. 🙂

[CoureurDeBois]

Feb 21, 2024 7:58:07 GMT -5 @moosemike said:

Feb 21, 2024 7:52:33 GMT -5 jwk said:

Thanks guys, I see more than a few shotguns with the pistol grip. Anyone have any pros or cons for them on shotguns?

They're strictly turkey guns. Not for running/flying game

Get what you like and feels goods. I have 4 SXS , a Winchester model 12 , Two Winchester model 1300, and a Browning model B-80 semi, they all have pistol grips.
Never had a problem using them on running or flying game., neither has anyone else in my family.

[Deleted]

Feb 21, 2024 11:35:10 GMT -5 CoureurDeBois said:

Feb 21, 2024 7:58:07 GMT -5 @moosemike said:

They're strictly turkey guns. Not for running/flying game

Get what you like and feels goods. I have 4 SXS , a Winchester model 12 , Two Winchester model 1300, and a Browning model B-80 semi, they all have pistol grips.
Never had a problem using them on running or flying game., neither has anyone else in my family.

He's talking about AR-15 style grips

[CoureurDeBois]

Feb 21, 2024 14:02:27 GMT -5 @moosemike said:

Feb 21, 2024 11:35:10 GMT -5 CoureurDeBois said:

Get what you like and feels goods. I have 4 SXS , a Winchester model 12 , Two Winchester model 1300, and a Browning model B-80 semi, they all have pistol grips.
Never had a problem using them on running or flying game., neither has anyone else in my family.

He's talking about AR-15 style grips

If that’s what he means, then NO. He definitely doesn’t want that.

[jwk]

Feb 21, 2024 17:30:07 GMT -5 CoureurDeBois said:

Feb 21, 2024 14:02:27 GMT -5 @moosemike said:

He's talking about AR-15 style grips

If that’s what he means, then NO. He definitely doesn’t want that.

Thats what I meant. I see the difference now.

[jwk]

Thanks for all of the input everyone it was very helpful. I ended up ordering this.

[Dutch]

Feb 23, 2024 8:12:20 GMT -5 jwk said:

Thanks for all of the input everyone it was very helpful. I ended up ordering this.


View Attachment

SWEET

[Deleted]

Great choice

[dougl]

my favorite shotgun of all time.I have two barrels.One has rifle sights and a turkey choke and the other just a bead

[fleroo]

My brother the bird hunter

Probably a Fly Fisherman too.

[jwk]

Love the Troubadours!

[Loggy]

Franchi makes fine shotguns! Cut my teeth in 1964 on a J.C. Higgins 12 ga pump my dad bought me as my first gun and it's been 12 ga's ever since. Hope your new Franchi 20 ga meets all your expectations!