Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns 20ga. Semi auto under $700

Well, I procrastinated too long and missed out on a smokin deal for a Benelli Montefeltro. So now I’m looking again. Have looked at both Weatherby’s, Mossberg SA-20, and Stoeger. Nothing really excites me so far! Just wondering what the “Fire” crowd likes in this category. Only restriction is it needs to be light weight (under 6.5lbs) for carrying in the pheasant fields.

Thanks for your replies in advance!!

Elk Country

I like the Weatherby SA-08 in synthetic. It is 3” with changeable chokes and its easy to carry all day. I give $350 for it so I didn’t cry when I tripped and had to drop it. I Also have a 1100 Lw fixed barrel which was $300.

Neither are the quality of my citori but they didn’t cost as much either.

Franchi Affinity.

you like vintage classics?

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/16500308

The 20” 11-87’s that walmart had on clearance weight in at 7lbs or under...

another vote for 1100 LT or LW 20 (used, they can be had for well under $700)

The SA -08 is a good gun to look at. An SX3 or SX4 would be another one to look at.

Another vote for a franchi affinity. Very similar to benelli and mine doesnt miss a beat.

Mine works great. But it feels like it weighs a ton compared to my Benelli Montefeltro in 20 ga.

Friend has one of the Weatherby SA-08, that’s quit impressive for around $550.

Still, the Montefeltro is the cat’s ass when it comes to lightweight 20 ga autos. Mine almost points itself.

We bought a Mossberg SA-20 and it's turned out to be a great little shotgun. It was between the Weatherby and the Mossberg. After shooting both we went with the Mossberg.

hows the bolt release button on that sa20? kinda hard?

This is the way I decided to go. Randy Wakeman over on Shotgunworld.com, reviewed them and was highly impressed and even called it the BEST 20ga. semi auto under $500 he's ever tested!
I found a wood stocked 26" SA-20 at a LGS for $350. The action bars were rubbing a little on the wood forearm, but a little time with a file and problem solved! Now the action is butter smooth and has fed everything I've put in the magazine.
It even comes with shims and 5 chokes! Not bad for a $350 gun.

I still wish I would have gotten the Montefeltro, but I'm also very happy with the SA-20!

Elk Country

One thing to consider is that shooting a really light shotgun is harder than using a normal one, and switching back and forth can change how well you connect with birds.

For me it happens at right under 7lbs, It takes me a 1/2 box of shells to adjust to the the lighter or heavier gun when I’m pulling up.

i bought a tri star raptor handy little gun, thats been ago after working 1 bug out of it

My son has a 1187 Compact that has been performing pretty well. It is relatively new, so the jury is still out.

X2,,,,Franchi Affinity

I had a buddy buy his son a Weatherby SA-08 20 gauge for his smallish son, basically a Berretta 390 auto design made in Turkey. In my Opinion the Beretta model 303 and 390 are still the best gas auto's ever made.

pattern it. make sure it shoots straight. had a buddy get one of those sa20's and it was 1' right of center at 21 yds.
the factory threaded the choke threads into the bbl non concentric. that's why I never suggested it to you earlier. good luck.

I’ve got the Tristar stamped version of the referenced Mossberg. Mines the dressed up “Bronze” version. Zero function issues other than it doesn’t like “low recoil” AAs, my fault, not the guns.

Trigger was horrendous, 7.5 lbs. I put the mcarbo spring in that is often recommended, it did little, if anything. Time for some stone work.

As several others already recommended, get a Franchi Affinity made by Benelli and little difference from the Montefeltro. If you can find a used Beretta Urika in your price range...also a good choice!