Battle of the 20 Gauges: Benelli, Browning, Mossberg, Weatherby

Rendered in full HD (1920 x 1080p), this is a fairly lengthy comparison of four different twenty gauge semi-auto upland hunting shotguns. Also, please see the related article at www.randywakeman.com/MossWeath... .

[@damianmartinez9252]

Hi Randy, based on this review and video I've decided to buy the Mossberg SA-20. I appreciate your time in making these videos. It helped me make a decision on buying my first 20 gauge autoloader.

[@RandyWakeman]

I think you'll enjoy it and be very pleasantly surprised. I was.

[@Gldn1017]

I was thinking the same as I am about to get my first 20g thanks a bunch

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

Thanks for the great review Randy! Because of this I just ordered a Mossberg SA-20 26" with a synthetic stock. I will be using it for upland hunting in the Arizona Desert. (Dove, Quail, & Rabbit) Light weight. Soft shooting. Well made. Looks like it's going to be a winner! Thanks again!

[@davidcudlip6587]

Just bought the Mossberg 20 gauge. Great bang for the buck. If you could only own one shotgun for upland hunting across the country, this would work just fine.

[@hulado]

liked your review alot. ps. ive been useing hornady one shot gun cleaner. its awsome. no more oily stuff to collect dirt and powder residue. i sprayed my model97 winchesters wood with it. that was about six months ago. the finish looks terrific. still.

[@yungwest8311]

Mr. Wakeman I just want to say thank you for giving me confidence on my first ever semi auto shotgun… I’m gonna go with the SA 20 and I’ve been saving up for this years upland hunting was struggling a little bit with my dads old Ithaca 12 gauge featherlight that’s 40 years old lol thank you Mr. Wakeman I trust your knowledge of shotguns to the highest extent :)

[@RandyWakeman]

Have fun. You might need a trigger job, for my SA-20 and SA-28's came with extremely heavy triggers, but that's it.

[@sethhalmrast2007]

This review helped me buy the Element. I am very impressed by its natural fit. Pretty reliable except a few cheap light target loads. I liked it so much I purchased the 12 also. I would love to see you do a review of the 18i

[@RandyWakeman]

Next up is the new Retay Masai Mara in 20 gauge-- hopefully, I'll have one in a week or so.

[@Jesusreyes-in6xi]

Exelent video! Amigo learned a lot... keep up good shooting

[@Hill_Billy_Without_A_Hill]

I used to hunt doves in Illinois, when I used to live there.I had good luck just using mossberg 500 20 gauge. Used to go to Sangchris lake State park to hunt them. Did pretty well too. Never had a Semi-auto shotgun, but would like one someday. Hard to know what to get. Too bad Illinois residents wont put up more of a stink and get the rid of the FOID card.

[@jndvs95]

With everything going on in the world and the Trump Check, I finally wanted to add a shotgun to my stock. Went out to a few stores as pickings are slim here in Vegas, but found a store that had the SA-20 and a couple other more expensive ones. Was hesitant picking it up at around 580 (background check and tax included) when Walmart had a youth version for 300, but walmart wouldnt sell without a ccw for some reason so I went in. Decided to look up reviews while Im waiting out the 3 day backlog on checks, and your video has definitely put me at ease about my decision. As my first, there is a lot im learning with regards to loads and etc, but I wanted something my wife and kids would also be able to learn as they get older and grow. Cant wait to try her out when she comes home.

[@FrankLadd]

Interesting that the one I've seen the most of over the years (Remington 1100) was not included. Nice info on these new guns!

[@TurkeyDart]

Did my hunters education course today. I used their gun and it was the Remington 1100 20ga and man was this an incredibly beautiful shotgun with a great feel and fit.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Randy I see M* Carbo makes a trigger kit for the Mossburg SA 20

[@marshallholstine3616]

awesome video. i really like all your videos.

[@RandyWakeman]

Thank you so much 😀

[@coopernickerson5073]

Great presentation Randy. Have you tried Stoger M3020?

[@okienightstalker3145]

The Benelli click is when the bolt is not fully in battery and you pull the trigger and get a "click" and no bang.

[@pickin4you]

You talked of trigger work. I am in the market for a semi auto 20 ga, and am leaning to that Mossberg pretty heavy, and was before i saw your video, but now I am even more cemented in my selection. Now, back the the trigger work. Who can you send the trigger to to have it networked to a good 4lb. trigger? I was thinking the Weatherby SA-08 20, but am concerned about the need to switch the pistons for different loads. Never mind about the trigger. I just saw you link below which has that site link in there. I like my chokes to be extended and knurled, so I will have a few made for it when I get it.

[@RandyWakeman]

www.randywakeman.com/TriggerJobBeforeandAfter.htm and www.randywakeman.com/TheSolutiontoMiserableBrowningTriggerPollution.htm

[@dariolunardi5890]

Sir, any chance you know where I can find Remington sportsman 48 20 gauge barrel? I believe the Mohawk 48 and 11-48 are interchangeable with the sportsman 48.

[@RandyWakeman]

www.corsonsbarrels.com/ gets them in from time to time.

[@theeverlyboys8725]

Mr. Wakeman I looked up this gun to buy and there are many different models of it. Which model and barrel length were you shooting and do you recommend for dove and crow hunting. Also may be used to do some predator and deer hunting with buckshot

[@RandyWakeman]

www.mossberg.com/product/mossberg-international-sa-20-all-purpose-field-75789/

[@travish4045]

What about a model 1100 Remington?

[@davidpakalski207]

Hi Randy, Great video. I received a TriStar Viper as a gift years ago and just bought a used Traditions ALS 2100. I believe both guns were built in Turkey, They are almost Identical and look similar the Weatherby SA-08. I also heard the Tristar and Traditions were copies of a Beretta. Is there anything you can tell me about these guns origins and history? Thanks!

[@RandyWakeman]

The Weatherby SA-08 12 and 20 gauges are made by ATA. The TriStar Viper G2 is made by Armsan. They are not the same actions and neither is a copy of any Beretta.

[@txhawk23]

do you like the Mossberg SA20 better than the Weatherby SA-08?

[@RandyWakeman]

Without question. See: www.randywakeman.com/WhytheMossbergSA20istheBest.htm .

[@seaskiff20]

Good luck finding a SA-20 these days.....no way in heck.

[@patgiacomozzi9302]

Randy, is the Mossberg SA20 you tested a 3" chamber? I have a new SA20 that I just tried at the clay range and it would not cycle at all with 2 3/4" 7/8oz loads. I haven't tried it again yet with heavier loads but I'm hearing from a lot of folks that theirs cycle fine. Just curious what chamber yours was. I'd like to use mine for target loads but may not be able to. thanks, Pat

[@RandyWakeman]

They all have 3 inch chambers.

[@scotteger6271]

The Mossberg reminds me of how the Taurus G2c/G3/G3c pistols are…brand snobs talk bad about them or avoid them and with a few minor exceptions they’re just gems. I think the secret is out on the Mossberg and Tristar semi’s but definitely seems like they’re hard to beat. I know not everyone uses them but I wonder why Mossberg didn’t include sling studs and Tristar did, on most models?

[@RandyWakeman]

*They are easy enough to add. Also, see **www.mossberg.com/product/mossberg-international-sa-20-turkey-75790/** .*

[@scotteger6271]

@@RandyWakeman thanks Randy…I did see the turkey model and that it has sling studs. These aren’t something I’m too concerned about, as I don’t often use a sling with a shotgun, was just citing the differences and that two similar shotguns came be different.

[@wallyhenry3571]

Hi Randy, I plan to do some duck hunting with my daughter this year. She's pretty small (5'-3") and has shot my Benelli M2 20 gauge as well as some 12 gauges. The 12 gauge guns are too heavy for her. I'm thinking of buying the Mossberg (International) SA-20 "All Purpose Field" which you describe as a light and soft shooting. There are three LOP versions: 14", 14.25", and 14.5". The 14" has a 28" barrel and the other two have 26" barrels. Maybe it's impossible to tell, but any guesses which one might fit best...or other advice? Thanks again for your great videos!

[@RandyWakeman]

See: www.mossberg.com/product/sa-20-youth-bantam-all-purpose-field-75793/ and www.mossberg.com/product/mossberg-international-sa-20-youth-bantam-75770/ .

[@wallyhenry3571]

@@RandyWakeman Thank you! Great idea!

[@nateeller2683]

Randy, I have always wondered why you choose a 3 inch shell in a 20 gauge. My old 870 is a fixed full choke 2 3/4 inch chambered gun and have never had problems with Pheasants, quail, or doves.

[@RandyWakeman]

You use 3 inch shells for a better payload and better pattern, for wild pheasants, turkey, when using bismuth, steel, etc., etc.

[@nateeller2683]

@@RandyWakeman oh I see. I mainly hunt in Kansas, so I don't have to worry about using non toxic on upland and I don't hunt waterfowl.

[@davidcudlip6587]

@@RandyWakeman Agreed. The 3" Steel 20 gauge mag is a great pheasant load. Especially late season when the roosters get a little wiser. Need them on state or federal land.

[@michaelking9213]

Randy, I love your reviews. Thanks for the video, I like the Mossberg, what is the barrel length on it?

[@RandyWakeman]

26 inch.

[@sasquatchycowboy5585]

Ok, looking for an opinion. I've been looking at the Beretta 1301, in the Mossberg SA 20 for a couple of years now. I understand that the Beretta is head-and-shoulders above the Mossberg, and of course one is at 12 and 1 is 20 gauge. Whatever I get will be in a "tactical" configuration. I've had a Mossberg 930, and it was a sweet shotgun if it was lubed and dry. But on a rainy day she dies. I tested that with Buckshot to make sure that it was actually the gun, and it is so flawed design. So to the point I'm looking for a decently reliable semi-auto shotgun. The Mossberg sa-20, and the Beretta 1301 are the two names that keep coming up, and of course the Benelli M4 but I'm not going there. So is the Beretta worth twice as much? And side note, I personally love the 20 gauge chambering.

[@birdsandbass1660]

SasquatchyCowboy beretta, Benelli, Browning are all great guns

[@markpotter2485]

Are there extended magazines and composite stocks available for all these fine arms?

[@RandyWakeman]

In general, no. Tactical models are mostly 12 gauge, if that is what you are after. The Browning B-80 has not been made for many years and never did have a plastic stocked model. The Weatherby and the Benelli in the video aleady have plastic stocks.

[@CaptainRon956]

Just curious but why isn’t the Remington 1100/87 20ga included? I shoot skeet & dove hunt regularly with my 1187 so I’m a little biased however I believe it’s a great field gun.

[@RandyWakeman]

The weight. *randywakeman.com/ReviewRemington1187SportsmanFieldTwentyGauge.htm** . At the time, Remington published that it was an overweight 7-1/4 lbs. Now, it is discontinued.*

[@Whitearrow01]

hey randy where would you put the franchi affinity 20ga in with this mix? woulda been nice to see it compete with its more esteemed sister the benelli m2. i see that the wby element and franchi affinity are in the same price range but the franchi is made in italy whereas the wby is made in turkey. what are your thoughts on a comparison between those 2 or even with the m2 thrown in?

[@RandyWakeman]

I've reviewed several Affinity models. They have done fairly well, except that they are stiff to load (in 20 gauge) and their peculiar recoil pad is not so great, and hard to replace. The Mossberg SA-20 walnut beats all of them in price and performance. Easy to load, easy om the shoulder, easy on the eyes, and easy on the wallet.

[@Whitearrow01]

Thanks randy. I bought a affinity 20ga and concur with the stiff loading but the gun is so reliable I looked over that due to the Italian pedigree and made in the same factory as benelli m2. So, without thinking I bought my 13 yr old boy a affinity compact in max 5,cause he had to have one like daddy, and yeah it's stiff but he made his mind up he was gonna figure it out and he has. If I'd have known about the wby element earlier I'd have prolly went that route. On another note what's your thoughts on Rio 1oz game loads for the franchi 20ga? They function flawlessly but just wondering if they have magnum hard shot like Winchester AA's or not.

[@RandyWakeman]

No, the AA 1 oz. 20 gauge load is the best there is. I buy a few cases every year for doves.

[@Whitearrow01]

so, the rio game loads aren't any better than promo loads from rem/win/fed? guess i just figured at the price and velocity that they were a notch or 2 up on the food chain when compared to cheap,as in soft lead and not good hard magnum shot, loaded shells. i had great luck last yr with the win aa 20ga 1oz 8 shot as far as cycling the franchi and more expired birds when i went to pick em up.

[@RandyWakeman]

No, they sure are not. See: randywakeman.com/TheShotshellsIuseTodayandWhy.htm and randywakeman.com/WhoPutstheHardestShotinLeadTargetShotshells.htm? .

[@bobcostas1331]

Randy - have you used the Tristar G2 20g? I can’t decide between the Mossberg Sa20 and the Tristar G2 … love the content!!! Thanks

[@RandyWakeman]

*Same gun!*

[@kitbruttig1995]

Is the SA-08 20 gauge from Mossberg the same gun as the discontinued Weatherby SA-08? Why did Weatherby discontinue the SA=08?

[@RandyWakeman]

No, the Mossberg is made by Armsan . . . different gun, different company.

[@sbucklename7605]

Going to another 20, but looking at a 28 gauge o/u Browning. Any thoughts?

[@RandyWakeman]

It doesn't hurt to look.

[@alexryherd9810]

I think another good alternative to the Mossberg would be the 11-87 in 20, it's about the same price and American made

[@RandyWakeman]

It is too heavy for a field 20 gauge.

[@alexryherd9810]

I carry mine every season, love it

[@brentbusick2245]

Randy have you ever shot the Stoeger M3020? What’s your take on that gun?

[@RandyWakeman]

They are poorly finished, fairly rough guns . . . but, they are priced accordingly. I'm not a fan is about as gentle as I can put it.

[@nicolaspuelma2562]

Hi Randy, do you know what material is the frame and trigger guard of the Mossberg? Is there any model in full steel?

[@RandyWakeman]

Alloy receiver, plastic trigger guard. The B-80 has a metal trigger guard and was made with a steel reciever as well.

[@nicolaspuelma2562]

@@RandyWakeman Thanks!

[@ashman0071]

Randy and Chuck - Chuck and Randy - 'nuff said.........

[@soylentgreen7074]

I never understood center beads. It's like shortening your sight radius for no benefit.

[@edwardkovack8368]

Any update on 20 gauge shotguns that you'd add to this list?

[@RandyWakeman]

Hopefully there will be later this year.

[@colinq9697]

im thinking sa20 , element, or maybe retay gordion. i need the softest shooting since i have had a serious neck injury in the past. going to be mostly dove and duck hunting

[@RandyWakeman]

Gas-operated = softest shooting.

[@colinq9697]

@@RandyWakeman thank you for the quick response. i am looking at the all black synthetic sa-20 right now. any other gas operated under 1,000 you would recommend? love your channel

[@RandyWakeman]

The Winchester SX4 hits your $1000 mark.

[@colinq9697]

@@RandyWakeman yes it does! tried its fit in sportsman's and wow it feels a lot better than the element. maybe because i have small hands and the LOP is smaller. I might pull the trigger on the true timber prairie camo one before dove season starts sept.1st. thanks for your help

[@DMX-PAT]

Is the M2 comparable to the Super Black Eagle?

[@RandyWakeman]

Not as far as I'm concerned.

[@HC-dk1os]

I shoot a beretta 390 is built just like the b -80 I love it. There is no Better built frame in my opinion

[@RandyWakeman]

The 390 is a different action.

[@joshpittman6021]

If you had a 1000 dollars what auto loader would you buy. Thanks love the videos!

[@RandyWakeman]

randywakeman.com/WhytheMossbergSA20istheBest.htm

[@joshpittman6021]

Randy Wakeman a mossberg man ole man... I’ma catch a lot of grief from everybody if I buy one of those. Ima bite the bullet a try it out. Thank you!

[@RandyWakeman]

Why in the world would I possibly care what anyone thinks about what brand I or anyone else chooses to shoot? What car do I need to drive, what jeans do I need to wear, what brand of lawnmower do I need to have? That's just plain goofy. If you want a new, economical 20 gauge auto, the Mossberg SA-20 is as good as it gets. There are other choices that are more appealing in 12 gauge, other than Mossberg, and if you want a 12 gauge or an O/U the SA-20 isn't it. It is not only under $1000, it is under $500: www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_37_336/products_id/4496 . Mine needed a trigger job and chokes, but so did my Benelli M2 20 gauge. randywakeman.com/ItisaGreatShotgunEventually.htm .

[@joshpittman6021]

Randy Wakeman thank you sir and you’re right I shouldn’t care about what other people think. A quality gun is a quality gun. Thank you for your wisdom and help I greatly appreciate it!

[@birdsandbass1660]

JOSH Pittman get the browning a5 or Benelli Montefeltro. Great guns in any gauge. The a5 is an auto loader which is always nice!!!! But both great guns you should consider purchasing!!!!

[@olegig5166]

Just shot two boxes of field load 20 ga with Mossberg SA 20 and Benelli M2 20 ga. alternating between guns. I bet you enjoy demonstrating gas gun better than inertia.

[@tkarlmann]

Why no Remington 11-87?

[@RandyWakeman]

Way too heavy for a 20 gauge field gun.

[@tkarlmann]

Hmm, I think you are correct -- I found the weight absent from Remington's website! Then I saw a closeup of the for-end -- others' are fitted far better.

[@birdsandbass1660]

True

[@Barefoot-Bob]

over 2000 rounds out of my weatherby no problems great weapon

[@TheRealA-A-ron]

Does that browning have speed load?

[@RandyWakeman]

No, it is more of a Beretta 302 variation.

[@ronwright2777]

Remington 20 gauge is good as well

[@RandyWakeman]

Good and discontinued.

[@stevieturner7928]

WOW THANKS MAN

[@RandyWakeman]

No problem

[@jorgegarcia3086]

I like the wearthby

[@brandondavison8982]

What is the best (new production) shotgun? Price up to 1350

[@RandyWakeman]

For you, it will have to be the one that fits you the best, has the controls that you like, and handles the best, for you.

[@RandyWakeman]

Since I own and use some forty new / current production shotguns, if I didn't think each and every one was the "best" for certain applications, they wouldn't be here. My pheasant guns are not the best clay guns, my turkey guns are not the best pheasant, clay, or duck guns, and my "fun guns" (28 gauge) aren't the best for anything . . . except fun. See what I mean?

[@cracky_wainwright]

Year 2020: 20 gauge autoloaders are NO WHERE to be found. I would purchase a Mossberg SA-20 or a Browning Silver 20 today (walnut stocks, of course ... no synthetic) if one were to be found anywhere in the US. I have a close friend who is an gun dealer and gun store owner, and even he cannot get 20 gauge shotguns. Has Covid caused all factories to stop producing 20 gauges?

[@brentniedermeier5272]

No there are still plenty of 20’s floating around the market. There are a few browning silver 20’s on gunbroker as well as a couple mossberg sa-20’s.