I'm looking for a lightweight 20 for bird hunting. I 'm a single barrel guy have a 11-87 and 870 both in 12ga . what would you guys look at thanx DwG

Easy. Round knob Light Twenty humpback with a ventilated rib.

I started using an old Franchi 48AL last year and I'm never going back to a heavier gun. It think it's about 5.5 lbs. I think of all the years I lugged an 1100 around and wish I found this gun about 30 years ago.

I like my older 1100 Lt 20 with a 26" barrel but I like 1100s and it's not that light at 7&1/2lbs. I've used the Benelli Montefeltro and Franchi 48AL They're both good guns, and under 6lbs in 20 gauge. Last time I checked the Franchi costs considerably less than the Benelli.

If you decide to continue with the 870/1100 route, and want a lightweight gun, look at the LW models rather than the standard receivers with stepped down barrels.

Myself, I prefer to carry my old Beretta Silver Snipe. Super light weight, easy to carry all day long.

The Benelli Montefeltro is a sweet gun in 20 and well worth the money IMO. I bought mine used but in minty shape for $600.

Ithaca 37 Featherlight. If you can find an Ultra-featherlite that would be better yet.

I'll second the votes on the Benelli Montefeltro.

I don't think it can be beat, especially if you can find a clean used one for $600-800. They shoulder like a dream, are so light you sometimes forget that you are carrying anything, and are very versatile. I've used mine for pheasants, bobwhites, doves, turkeys, and grouse. As to dependability, the mechanical action cannot be beat. I don't clean mine nearly as much as I should, but honestly have never had it jam on me... can't say that about many autos. A bonus for me is the low "field" rib too. I cannot seem to warm up to the ribs on the SBE's and M series guns.

If you are bent on a gas operated gun and looking for a deal, the old Browning B2000 is another gun that is real light and handles real well. Not quite as versatile as the Benelli, needing different barrels for 2 3/4" vs 3" loads, and you have to keep them clean. They are a nice gun however and not as popular with collectors as A5's. Sometimes you can find real nice ones for $350-$450. If deer are on the menu, slug barrels were made for these too!

Good Luck!

I'm stuck on the Howa made Smith& Wesson m3000's myself. with the exception of a couple differences inside the action they are damn near the same as an 870 (just better )

I will say this though...I packed my 12ga all over the place, killed alotta birds with it. BUT soon as I rounded up a 20ga the big 12ga got stuck in the corner of the safe. They are both the same gun but the 20ga frame just carries and handles sooooooooo much nicer.

Thanx so much I did look at a used Franchi and did like it I'm hoping to trade off a 870 12 I have to offsett the cost. DWG

I've been using a Charles Daly 20ga auto for a few years, duck and upland and like it alot. One thing nice it uses Rem choke tubes. It has been very reliable.

This is a youth model, I painted the stock.


There are the Stoeger 2000 and the new Weatherby autos that are a little less expensive.

erich

Opening day of Kansas pheasant season found me carrying my Ithaca 37 Featherlite, 1949 edition. Killed 2 roosters and had shot in a 3rd that some others helped on.

For an auto, I'm fond of my Beretta 391, but don't have a 20. A buddy had a Benelli Montefeltro when we were in high school, I was envious then.

If you like you're 11-87 and shoot it well I would go 1100 in 20. I also shoot an 11-87 and have my feelers out for a 20 just for grouse.

These are good shotguns and often overlooked.

I have used an Ithaca ultra feather lite for years, I love how they handle. I have one complaint, significant recoil even from lighter loads. I recently bought a weatherby SA-08 in 20 gauge. Its as light as my Ithaca, recoil is minimal as the gas operation does its job and it handles very well. Lots of rounds through mine with no issues. To top it off the price is very reasonable.

My X has a Ithaca Ultra-Fretherlight English that I gave her, what a sweet little 20ga.

erich

I had a Franchi 20 gauge, but it didn't fit me and a young woman has it now. She loves it. I switched to a Weatherby SA-08 20, which fits me and weighs very little. My new shoulder couldn't take 12 gauge recoil any more.

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlite Mod choke 20 gauge with 7 1/2s.

Guess I'll have to cast a vote for the Ithaca 37. I have one from 1957 in 16 ga. with a 28" barrel that weighs in at 6.25 lbs. I really like it.

Another vote for the Ithaca 37. I have had a 20 gauge since the early '70s and I recently bought a vintage 16 gauge Ithaca. My son has the 12 gauge. I am looking at the idea of getting their new 28 gauge.

Yesterday afternoon, my son and I enjoyed a quail hunt. I used a Franchi 48AL in 20 ga. and carrying and shooting that shotgun was a pleasure.

I'll third, fourth or fifth the Ithaca 37! The 20ga in these is the shotgun version of a Kimber Montana. I have somehow ended up with two in 12ga, a 16ga and a 20ga. Can't beat em.

I have a newer model 26" Wingmaster, and really like it. But I have been looking at the 16 gauge Ithaca, which I'm told is built on a 20 gauge frame...It might be the perfect sharptail gun.