Shotgun Advice

[Mathieu18]

Soooo… few years ago I got a 20ga Mossberg Persuader, 500 Series with an 18.5” barrel and a fixed stock (don’t use the pistol grip). It was for HD at the time, but in todays world, I’d like a shotgun for hunting etc. Got into looking at barrels, but realized I can get a Maverick 88 with 26” barrel for the same price as a new barrel (or very close anyway). As I understand Mossberg says they’re swappable within gauge and capacity (5+1).

In hindsight I wish I’d gotten a 12ga, but I didn’t. I don’t have a ton of ammo but a few hundred rounds of bird and 70ish buck/slug and as best I understand 12 vs 20ga, the difference in energy is tolerable (for me).

To that end I’m thinking of grabbing the Mav 88, mostly use the barrel for hunting but would then have a backup receiver too. I guess the question then, is that a mistake and I should just add a field 12ga and keep the 20ga for HD. Anything else I should consider? Always appreciate the advice here.

 

[Jmoser]

Can't speak to Mossberg models or quality but if bbls are $$$ I'd grab the 2nd gun.

As for hunting - upland game a 20 ga is all you need, some fantastic ammo options in 3 inch that rival a 12.

Big waterfowl or buckshot loads need a 12.

 

[NCFubar]

The saying 1 is none and 2 is 1 comes to mind. A 2nd shotgun makes decent sense if in your budget.

I would also like to point out that ammo and training for your 1st might be something to consider since running a shotgun for HD is somewhat different than running a handgun or carbine. The round limitation makes reloading a concern as well as knowing your pattern at various HD distances. A good shotgun class, especially your first, will show you little things that you might never have thought about.

 

[Mathieu18]

Thanks for the thoughts. I’ve done a short class but wouldn’t mind another (along with more pistol and carbine classes). Great ways to get out and train. That said I’d grab my pistol more for HD now, but that’s more convenience and preference.

 

[Button Pusher]

This is the full training class, I recommend watching it before you take this or a class closer to you.

 

[keepcalmandcarryon]

one other consideration is you can accidentally load 20 ga into a 12 gage and the shell will drop into the barrel then you can load a 12 ga in the chamber then....well you get the idea. Best to stick to either one or the other

 

[ProfMagoo(ret)]

one other consideration is you can accidentally load 20 ga into a 12 gage and the shell will drop into the barrel then you can load a 12 ga in the chamber then....well you get the idea. Best to stick to either one or the other

Just don't put anything yellow into a 12-gauge? But, sure, accidents do happen.

 

[keepcalmandcarryon]

you would think it is a no brainer but I have personally seen 5.56 fired in a SKS (actually worked and cycled) and 40 into a M&P9 pistol ( mag locked in but did not go into battery). Plus depends if there are others in the household who are not as gun savvy

 

[Mathieu18]

one other consideration is you can accidentally load 20 ga into a 12 gage and the shell will drop into the barrel then you can load a 12 ga in the chamber then....well you get the idea. Best to stick to either one or the other

Related, I wanted to modified choke for birdshot, but better remember not to use a slug in that barrel...

 

[B00ger]

you would think it is a no brainer but I have personally seen 5.56 fired in a SKS (actually worked and cycled) and 40 into a M&P9 pistol ( mag locked in but did not go into battery). Plus depends if there are others in the household who are not as gun savvy

There is a significant difference between a smaller yellow shotgun shell and a generally large red one. Not saying it can’t happen because anything is possible, but I’ve never known anyone to consider it as a determining factor when choosing shotguns.

 

[B00ger]

Soooo… few years ago I got a 20ga Mossberg Persuader, 500 Series with an 18.5” barrel and a fixed stock (don’t use the pistol grip). It was for HD at the time, but in todays world, I’d like a shotgun for hunting etc. Got into looking at barrels, but realized I can get a Maverick 88 with 26” barrel for the same price as a new barrel (or very close anyway). As I understand Mossberg says they’re swappable within gauge and capacity (5+1).

In hindsight I wish I’d gotten a 12ga, but I didn’t. I don’t have a ton of ammo but a few hundred rounds of bird and 70ish buck/slug and as best I understand 12 vs 20ga, the difference in energy is tolerable (for me).

To that end I’m thinking of grabbing the Mav 88, mostly use the barrel for hunting but would then have a backup receiver too. I guess the question then, is that a mistake and I should just add a field 12ga and keep the 20ga for HD. Anything else I should consider? Always appreciate the advice here.

We started taking my daughter duck hunting with us for the past few years and she used a Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge. And that sucker is a bird killing machine. She isn’t good at wing shooting, so we sometimes allow the birds to sit down before she whacks them, and she has yet to have a bird not die on the first shot. And we aren’t talking up close shots, these are “edge of range” shots. So don’t completely poopoo the 20 for hunting.

 

[Mathieu18]

We started taking my daughter duck hunting with us for the past few years and she used a Mossberg 500 in 20 gauge. And that sucker is a bird killing machine. She isn’t good at wing shooting, so we sometimes allow the birds to sit down before she whacks them, and she has yet to have a bird not die on the first shot. And we aren’t talking up close shots, these are “edge of range” shots. So don’t completely poopoo the 20 for hunting.

Good deal, thanks. Which barrel are you using? Doubt the 18.5" cyl bore is getting that done. Dug into it more this morning, the Mav88 looks like it has a 26" fixed modified choke, have to step up into the pricier guns to get the accu-choke systems which is probably more than I need. But anyway just curious. Thanks for the thoughts.

 

[B00ger]

Off the top of my head I don’t know exacts, but yeah, I don’t believe it’s 18.5…but it may be, it’s a “bantam” size. Not sure about the choke, it was a gift from my father to her.

 

[thrillhill]

20 gauge is plenty powerful enough. I love my 20s.

The only downside I see to 20 in comparison to 12 is that there is less diversity of offerings when it comes to HD loads, and the HD loads are sometimes a little bit harder to find than 12 gauge.

Also, there is not as much aftermarket support in the way of "tactical" accessories for 20 gauge, no matter the platform.

All that being said, if I were in your shoes, I would certainly buy the second gun, and stick to 20 gauge.


If Beretta made a 1301 Tactical in 20 gauge I would race folks to the store and throw my money over the counter faster than an 18 year old going to his first off-post Gentleman's Club! LOL! But, it'll probably never happen.

 

[Mathieu18]

20 gauge is plenty powerful enough. I love my 20s.

The only downside I see to 20 in comparison to 12 is that there is less diversity of offerings when it comes to HD loads, and the HD loads are sometimes a little bit harder to find than 12 gauge.

Also, there is not as much aftermarket support in the way of "tactical" accessories for 20 gauge, no matter the platform.

All that being said, if I were in your shoes, I would certainly buy the second gun, and stick to 20 gauge.


If Beretta made a 1301 Tactical in 20 gauge I would race folks to the store and throw my money over the counter faster than an 18 year old going to his first off-post Gentleman's Club! LOL! But, it'll probably never happen.

What loads do you like for HD? Have some 00 buck in it now. Also Wallyworld has had cheap Win slugs in stock so I've been buying 15 every time I go in though they're probably too much. I saw some TTT shot at the local LGS I wanted to check out too, looks like F shot, .22 pellets could be a good compromise. Fortunately don't need a TON of HD loads.

Off the top of my head I don’t know exacts, but yeah, I don’t believe it’s 18.5…but it may be, it’s a “bantam” size. Not sure about the choke, it was a gift from my father to her.

Appreciate it. Looks like most of their fixed barrels are same as the Mav88's modified choke which is probably perfect for what I want. Otherwise it's their accuset, but probably wouldn't run it tighter than that anyway. Appreciate the real world feedback.

 

[Stogies]

you would think it is a no brainer but I have personally seen 5.56 fired in a SKS (actually worked and cycled) and 40 into a M&P9 pistol ( mag locked in but did not go into battery). Plus depends if there are others in the household who are not as gun savvy

Been there, done that. Had a 5.56 in a AK mag, it simply went "BOOFFF" and the casing popped open. Not a pleasant experience. Not sure how this even worked.

 

[Button Pusher]

you would think it is a no brainer but I have personally seen 5.56 fired in a SKS (actually worked and cycled) and 40 into a M&P9 pistol ( mag locked in but did not go into battery). Plus depends if there are others in the household who are not as gun savvy

We had a member on that other forum slap a 9mm mag into another members M&P .40S&W! If fired but the case bulged out a bit.
Moral of the story, if you shoot another persons pistol, be sure to use their ammo in their magazine.

 

[NCFubar]

What loads do you like for HD? Have some 00 buck in it now. Also Wallyworld has had cheap Win slugs in stock so I've been buying 15 every time I go in though they're probably too much. I saw some TTT shot at the local LGS I wanted to check out too, looks like F shot, .22 pellets could be a good compromise. Fortunately don't need a TON of HD loads.

Use to say 2 3/4” #4 Buck (24 pellets) was pretty much it. Now companies are “improving” stuff and Federal offers a copper plated #2 or #3 Buck in a 2 3/4” (17 to 20 pellets). The copper plating helps with the pellets holding shape and flying a little more true … BUT at HD distances you’re not talking much flight or spread. At 10 to 15 yards max (down a long hall and across that room at most) you’re gonna have maybe a spread you can just about cover with your hand (maybe a little larger out of that 18.5” barrel depending on choke). The 20 ga 2 3/4” roads are not punishing level and with out fancy stuff will do the job.