Battle of the 20 Gauges: the Short Version

For those that prefer a more concise look at four 20 gauge semi-auto hunting shotguns, this is the 16 minute version. The Benelli M2, Browning B-80, Mossberg SA-20, and the Weatherby Element are compared. See: www.randywakema... .

[@Denner771]

The reason I purchased a Weatherby SA-08 was because of Randy's review a while back . Coming in at 6.1 pounds and a 4 pound trigger and never having an issue. The SA-20 looks like a real winner.

[@sasquatchycowboy5585]

Dude you are litterally my favorite shotgun reviewer.

[@happydays5198]

I concur. Purchased a Mossberg SA-20 for my wife (skeet/trap) and for my use in upland hunting. I took it out to pattern it, and it is one sweet gun. Outpatterned a Benelli M2, Remington V3 and Browning Citori. It was dead on at 30 yards, and very evenly spaced with 2.75" WW 7 1/2 shot. This is a wonderful shooting gun, and will likely be my favorite - out of any shotgun, at any price.

[@michaeldelrossi4487]

Mossberg SA-20, might be my next 20 gauge Shotgun for the wife to shoot! Thank you Randy Wakeman!

[@user-mt4vo4ey5n]

This video sells a lot of Mossberg SA-20's. Power to Mossberg!

[@paulsherrod1365]

You gave me the info needed for an informed purchase . Thank you

[@bigtoad45]

Thanks Randy! I had been on the fence for awhile. Just bought one tonight.

[@kingneutron1]

Randy, you seem like a pretty chill guy and would be fun to shoot with :) Nice review!

[@michaelbosisto6259]

I bought an expensive over/under 2 years ago and love it to death, but it pours rain like crazy in the PNW. I just don’t like taking it out in the rain. I bought a Weatherby SA-08 for this year’s pheasant hunting, and it’s doing great. I had the trigger set lighter, and I chose to lengthen the lop. I’m a huge 20g fan, from deer-pheasant - ducks and turkeys.

[@jeffreyhall838]

Very nice review Randy....Thanks

[@markpotter2485]

After a year of looking I FINALLY found an SA 20 Tactical! Used on guns America! Thank you for your review!!

[@EpicMarket]

Great review. Just bought the Mossberg SA-20 (same exact one you have here) and either I got lucky or they listened to you and lightened the trigger since this was done. Don't have a trigger pull scale but mine goes off when hung so it is at least under 6lb pull. Thanks for the work making these vids!

[@RandyWakeman]

I'll go with lucky.

[@Chieflywaze]

Really enjoyed your review. So much so, that i purchased the SA-20.

[@markesposito2392]

Ro Gal seems hard to find in stores

[@Surfer30001]

Have you had any trouble with low-brass? I just saw someone saying they had issues. I have not shot my SA-20 yet

[@olegig5166]

Up date on Mossberg SA 20 for any interested. I shoot with 13 1/2" LOP while a 12 1/2" fits my grandkids better. The SA bantam 20 at around 12" works great for them and I just slip on a pad for myself. I'm big on safety in teaching the youngsters, therefore manual unloading is a factor, I hate cycling everything through the chamber. I've found if you pull the bolt open about half way the carrier comes up far enough not to interfere with shells from mag tube. Just push the bolt stop button to the rear and shells in mag fly out. We're having a lot of fun with this shotgun.

[@GuacIsExtra99]

What ammo are you using now and when you were breaking in? Thanks! I just got one

[@aaronsabin8868]

I just clicked "purchase" from my online dealer due, in no small part, to this review. I already own a Mossy 930 field shotgun and love it, but at 7.5 to 7.75 lbs, I have found it to be a bit much when I go hunting for rabbits or grouse. It's just a lunker. I'll continue to use it as my main turkey gun, but when I'm marching around the fields all day long I think I'll be carrying this one. It doesn't come for another week, but I'm really looking forward to taking it out this winter for rabbits. I also have faith that a company of Mossberg's reputation has thoroughly vetted and has a good partner in Armsan, so no worries about quality.

[@tonyblock8648]

Anyone who gets a Weatherby SA-08 will not be disappointed.

[@michaelbutler4961]

Nice honest review. I have the SA28 and like you say heavy trigger but I'm totally happy with the shotgun :)

[@bosse641]

Sure would love to try the SA-20

[@StagArmslower]

I just got Mossberg SA-20 28" barrel synthetic stock; store had only walnut stock in 28Ga. Trigger is very good on mine, it still around 6lbs but smooth and has no take up at all so it doesn't bother me. The trigger return spring people changing is much softer so Mossberg improved it already. Still want to shoot it more weather permits I enjoy your videos an knowledge on the subject

[@bossman2237]

Where is everyone buying the Moss SA-20? I live in Chicago and all we really have is Cabelas and Bass Pro, neither carry the gun. And where can I find it for under 500$. The safety button on Mossberg shotguns are the key component for me. "safety on, safety off" that's all we say afield.

[@RandyWakeman]

There are countless pro shops in the area, from Mega-Sports in Plainfield to Gat Guns in East Dundee.

[@jaywinters2483]

This guy knows

[@DrAlexVasquezICHNFM]

I’ll buy on your advice. Thanks

[@FluffyBuzzard2TheMax]

Just convinced me to buy a SA-20

[@pg1633]

Just bought mine and the MCarbo spring

[@Raevenswood]

I have an m2 field in 12 gauge and yeah I give it to you that the m2 can be hard loading at first but I've put a lot of rounds through mine and I wouldn't say I've every gotten a sore thumb haha that said it has broken in a bit and isn't bad at all to load now after a few years of use... I'd say it actually broke in after 400-500 rounds or I just got used to it. I love the gun it's a workhorse and fits me perfect and it hots where my eyes are aiming. I still would like to get another one in 20 gauge... I shoot lefty so Benelli's are what works for me.

[@toms6841]

Mr Wakeman, based on your review I went ahead and purchased the Mossberg SA-20 in the synthetic stock late last fall; my first semi-auto shotgun. I'm in my 60's and have done a lot of shotgunning but primarily with pumps. I have to admit being a bit disappointed when I got to field test my new Mossberg on some clay birds in that it had frequent ejection/stove pipe issues with several brands of 7/8 oz field loads. I shot a couple of boxes of shells, but it was obvious the gun doesn't like the load. When I stepped up to 1 oz load, no problem; cycled like a charm. Since I intend to primarily hunt with this shotgun, I will obviously be using 1 oz and heavier loads. Still, it would be nice to practice with lighter skeet/trap loads as the gun you tested seemed to do flawlessly. Any suggestions, or am I just stuck with a gun which is ammo finicky? If this was your shotgun, how would you proceed? Everything else was as described and otherwise am very happy with my purchase. Thank you for any suggestions you care to offer.

[@RandyWakeman]

1) I'd thoroughly, properly clean it with Hornady One Shot. 2) Use at least decent ammo: Rem. Clay & Field or similar, 7/8 oz. 1200 fps. 3) If that doesn't do it-- back to Mossberg it goes, that's what the warranty is for.

[@toms6841]

Ok, will do. Thank you.

[@toms6841]

As a follow-up to these posted comments, I wanted to report that the issue turned out to be the ammunition as I discovered by shooting sporting clays and switching out brands due to cycle failures. In skeet loads, 2 types readily available in my area are Federal and Winchester. Both brands carry exactly the same specs: 7/8 oz loads, 2 1/2 dram eq, 1220 fps, etc. However, with my particular shotgun, the Winchesters consistently fail to cycle, whereas the Federals function flawlessly. I thought others shooting or considering to purchase the SA-20 should be aware of this potential issue.

[@davidludwig5476]

You mentioned in your video that all the guns were 26 inch barrels. I'm curious, do you prefer the 26 over the 28 inch? I know it's a matter of personal preference, but I'm specifically interested in your preference. Thanks.

[@RandyWakeman]

Yes I do.

[@jf7693]

I purchased the SA-20 couple years ago, for no other reason than I wanted a semiautomatic 20. Needless to say, it's been my favorite shotgun I own. Damn thing runs like a sewing machine. I shoot this over my A400 and 686, even when chasing ducks. Good review Randy

[@Moudmenn]

how is it holding up

[@brogdon11]

Well, you got a different sa-20 than I did, mine won't cycle any 7/8 loads, only hv or 1 ounce ,which is hard to find or 20 a box....I had high hopes, and a lot of 7/8 ammo

[@olegig5166]

Hello again Mr Wakeman and thanks for your precise reviews. I have purchased a Mossberg SA 20 in the hopes of making it an entry level gun for grandkids and a light carrier for myself. I'm very pleased with the way the gun handles and cycles, however I do have one issue which centers around the loading/unloading port. Since you did not mention this in your review I'm assuming you did not witness the issues I have, therefore I question if my problems are of my own making or just personal to my individual gun. Since the gun is 20 ga the port is smaller with sharp edges. Every time I load the gun, my finger gets trapped by the elevator and the shell must be aligned just right. Then if manually unloading the magazine, the released shell gets trapped by the slight hump in the elevator. I'm wondering if these issues are just mine to own, or if they are witnessed in other SA 20's?

[@RandyWakeman]

*I didn't have those problems, only the heavy trigger was my gripe.*

[@olegig5166]

Yes the trigger was a bit heavy but a new spring from Mcarbo fixed that easily. If you had no other problem, then I'm either extra picky or just unlucky in getting problem guns of a given model. The manual unloading issue is most annoying. When the shell retainer is depressed, in my opinion the shell should pop out, but it just hangs on the hump in the elevator.

[@RandyWakeman]

It does, just as shown in the manual, page 12: resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/manuals/18478-SA-20-Auto-Owners-Manual.pdf .

[@olegig5166]

@@RandyWakeman mine does as well, after about an hour of file work.

[@yuriys.6352]

It would be nice to test Stoeger m3020...

[@brandonkrukowski494]

I am torn between the Weatherby Element deluxe and the Weatherby Sa-08 deluxe both in 20 gauge 26". I have never owned an inertia gun only gas (Beretta xtrema 2) for waterfowl but want something lighter for grouse/trap and some wood duck hunts? What would you recommend? Price are about equal in Canada

[@RandyWakeman]

Of the two you mentioned, the SA-08.

[@cavalerajr43]

Is it pretty much a guarantee that a 12 ga b80 won’t reliably fire target loads? I’ve seen a few lately that are tempting but aside from annual hunting its primary use would be backyard clays.

[@RandyWakeman]

*No, not at all.* kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHOzfYF_g9h0iNU

[@cavalerajr43]

Thanks for the reply. I had that question based on your b80 article. I was mistaken in that I should have specified 3” vs 2 3/4” chamber. Guess I’ll just want to make sure whatever b80 i’m looking at should not be a 3”

[@RandyWakeman]

Or, the B-80 "Plus Barrel."

[@nsmerilli1]

I contacted Mossberg on 2/25/18 and the SA-20 no longer comes with a case. Super sad but it's not going to stop me from buying it based off this review.

[@markio2010]

I did a lot of research on many shotguns and I was able to determine (without shooting them all) that indeed the best "value" is the Mossberg SA-20. I liked the Weatherby, and a few other. But it was hard to say no to the Mossberg price, 1yr warranty and good feedback. I called the factory and they suggested I break it in shooting 3" shells. I figured a decent cleaning and some 3" shooting should get her going. I don't hunt a lot, nor I shoot a lot of clay. I could not justify spending top dollars. The gun should be ready for pick up soon. On my search for a 12 ga..I will consider spending more for a gun that I can hold on to for life. ..on the radar a Winchester Super X 3.

[@christophermercer2632]

Are you in nc i think i reconize those windmills

[@r05ejan8]

Nope. 8:50

[@desertqwest]

I'm curious if you still feel the same about the SA-20. I've already bought the Masai Mara with the help of your reviews and I'm now looking for an affordable, reliable 20 to add to my collection. Between the SA-08, SA-20 or ? gas semi. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[@RandyWakeman]

For a gas 20 gauge, www.mossberg.com/product/mossberg-international-sa-20-all-purpose-field-75789/ is the best choice out there.

[@desertqwest]

@@RandyWakeman Thank you for your response. She’s next on my list!!

[@mumurioste790]

I am currently looking at a Benelli SBE 3 20ga but I am still hinged on buying the SA-20ga what would your suggestion. Thank you for all the info you share with us shooters

[@RandyWakeman]

*I'd say get the SA-20 and use the cash you've saved for gas, food, and ammo.*

[@desertqwest]

Still looking for an affordable 20 (under $1000). Any new suggestions?

[@RandyWakeman]

That video is from 7 years ago: affordable is a higher dollar amount today, like everything else. The Sorix gets me vote: www.chuckhawks.com/weatherbysorix20gareview.html , around 1250.

[@desertqwest]

@@RandyWakeman Yeah, I realize that. Just wondering how your experiences and hands-on usage have changed over the years. Thanks again

[@RandyWakeman]

I still use B-80's in addition to: www.chuckhawks.com/thebestshotguns2024.html .

[@jimmoseley2983]

I recently purchased a Mossberg SA-20 after watching your video. I've had terrible results with mine. I've fired 110 rds thru the gun and it stove pipes and at times it will leave the spent shell in the chamber which is very difficult to get the action open. The gun malfunctioned on all 15 stands. Switched ammo and still had the same results. Sent the gun to Mossberg and now they tell me it will take "2" months to repair it. Why not just send me a new gun???

[@RandyWakeman]

*We have all had excellent results with SA-20's and SA-28's. my only gripe is the heavy triggers, easily rectified.*

[@michaeljacobs7995]

Do you have an opinion on the b80 in 12 gauge? I bumped into one today and remembered your videos but forgot you didn't have it in a 12. It's definitely peaked my interest despite being rather beat up (scratched stock etc.)

[@RandyWakeman]

I do have B-80s in both 12 and 20 and have used them for decades. www.randywakeman.com/Most_Reliable_Autoloading_Shotgun.htm

[@RandyWakeman]

www.randywakeman.com/ShotgunMagic.jpg is with one of my B-80 12 gauges in Argentina.

[@mikehancho1613]

Do the mossberg sa 20 have a 26" or 28" barrel?

[@RandyWakeman]

Either way, depending on the model: www.mossberg.com/category/series/sa-20/ .

[@37gdog]

I am curious if you have any experience with the CZ 720 Semi-Automatic 06439?

[@RandyWakeman]

randywakeman.com/CZ72020GaugeAutoloadingShotgun.htm

[@robinson50001]

randy, was the mossberg in 28 or 26 inch barrel ?? Much thanks

[@RandyWakeman]

26.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

But....how easy is it to clean these shotguns? I own a Beretta 20 gauge A303 and it is hell to take apart and clean.

[@RandyWakeman]

As far as I'm concerned, a Beretta 303 is extremely easy to clean-- it takes me all of ten minutes.

[@Moudmenn]

hello Mr. randy, i'm a huge fan of your channel. I have two questions. do you know what exact armsan shotgun is being rebranded as mossbergs sa-20?(armsan phenoma, armsan 612) If you were to choose between the mossberg sa-20 and the weatherby sa-08 (ata) which one would you pick up?

[@RandyWakeman]

It is the A620 and I like it better than the ATA.

[@Moudmenn]

can you tell me why? and does it jam frequently? thank you

[@RandyWakeman]

www.randywakeman.com/WhytheMossbergSA20istheBest.htm

[@Moudmenn]

brillianr article. thank you. I have another question, i tried looking it up online with no luck. Do you have experience with the armsan phenoma? How does it differ from the 620. thank you so much Mr Randy!

[@RandyWakeman]

No, sorry.

[@kevinokeefe7796]

What do you think of the Tristar line I'm looking for a budget 20 gauge for my wife for trap and skeet or any other suggestion in the budget lines No pump action tho Keep up the great work

[@RandyWakeman]

I've not tested a TriStar (another Armsan). I'm obviously quite impressed with the SA-20, the Weatherby SA-08 (by ATA) is also worth a look in this category, as is the significantly heavier Remington 11-87 Sportsman Field.

[@kevinokeefe7796]

Randy Wakeman thanks I'm very torn between the semi auto and an over under thanks again

[@pauldalton5837]

Do the factory chokes pattern evenly with the Mossberg? Did you get more even patterns with the Tru-locks?

[@RandyWakeman]

The barrel of my SA-20 measures .616 inch as the inside diameter: that is on the small side for a 20 gauge, as the Benelli M2 I've been using for the last seven years mics at .620 inch. This is yet another example why a factory choke tube called “Modified” does not necessarily mean anything: it is the constriction that determines the performance, a choke tube marking itself does not. The “Improved Modified” lead only choke supplied with the SA-20 measures .603 inch, for a .013 inch constriction. I added a Trulock Precision Hunter extended choke with a .595 inch exit diameter for an actual constriction of .021 inch.

[@pauldalton5837]

Thanks for the reply. Just got the youth model yesterday and have some ammo coming in today so I will pattern it. The youth model fits me when I add a Limbsaver recoil pad but I mainly got the gun for my grandson to shoot. Enjoy your reviews and got this gun because of your review. The walnut on the gun looks nice to me and the gun really does feel nice in my hands.

[@HillBros06]

Doesn't look like you have to press the bolt release to load that SA-20 (like I read online). Is that an update/change?

[@RandyWakeman]

randywakeman.com/WhytheMossbergSA20istheBest.htm

[@Hmu_Pojdass]

Can somebody tell me what full choke to buy for my weather by elements 20 gauge

[@RandyWakeman]

Trulock can: trulockchokes.com/ . Looking for the right choke? CALL: 1-800-293-9402 .

[@davidcudlip6587]

I just broke down and bought this 20 gauge. Probably use it for mostly pheasant and quail with maybe some sporting clays thrown in. Carrying a heavier gun and possibly working with a new gun dog pup just isn't doable anymore. Give me the lighter gun.

[@MrNedsaabdickerson]

My Remington model 11 was the same way.

[@bruceevans56]

Do you watch your videos? I can't see the clays at all, even when you break them.

[@RandyWakeman]

Then how would you know I'm breaking them?

[@dutchboyslim5951]

How does SA-20 compare to 500? Which is better all around mossberg, semi or pump

[@RandyWakeman]

I hunt with autoloaders more than anything. Gas-operated autoloaders have less recoil and faster follow-up shots.

[@dutchboyslim5951]

@@RandyWakeman Tank you. Faster follow up should be obvious, but less recoil, really? I assume Mossberg being a US company with good logistics can get replacement parts quickly? My Tristar was a nightmare when I had to replace a spring.

[@RandyWakeman]

See www.randywakeman.com/ShotgunRecoil.htm .

[@dutchboyslim5951]

@@RandyWakeman Thank you

[@matthewmagnelli6794]

Can anyone confirm the mossberg SA-20 cast? on, off, or neutral? I would like to get one for my son (lefty) and wife (right handed) to share.

[@RandyWakeman]

Mine is neutral. Spacers to adjust the drop are included.

[@matthewmagnelli6794]

@@RandyWakeman thank you. Do you think the recoil will be more noticeable with the lighter synthetic stock version?

[@RandyWakeman]

Yes, of course.

[@richardsveum8452]

LOL my 20 gauge M2 wouldn't feed a full tube without jamming with any shell.

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

I miss My B80 that and my 302 Beretta were much better than my new Benellis

[@semiauto3148]

Any reason why you didn’t have a Remington 1187 in the group?

[@RandyWakeman]

The weight.

[@garrettramsey643]

The B-80 hasn't been made in 20 years though .

[@RandyWakeman]

Closer to 30.

[@BigPard1974]

Just remember that cheap guns are fine for those who don't shoot a lot. In my opinion, if you are going to shoot/hunt a lot and want to use it year after year you would be better suited with a gun built by companies who have a good track record with automatic shotguns. One way to select a shotgun that can go the distance is to look at what guys in Argentina let their clients use when they don't bring guns with them.

[@RandyWakeman]

The Armsan-made SA-20 is hardly a cheaply built gun. To the contrary, it has been used for years as rental guns and has an excellent track record. Argentina has nothing to do with shotgun selection, for most of the outfitters are Beretta / Benelli sponsored.

[@mattalley7646]

I have the Tristar Viper G2 20ga Walnut. It's basically the same gun as the SA-20, built by the same company in the same factory. This gun is going into its 5th season and the last 4 seasons it was the ONLY shotgun I've carried! It's light, points like a dream, and shoots fast with very minimal recoil. My son shot it for 2 seasons shooting trap n sporting clays. It has no less than 5,000 rounds through it and it still runs like a dream. Most hunting shotguns will never see 2,500 rounds let alone twice that number. I say that cause most guys (95% or more) hardly practice with their upland guns. I have no doubts about the quality of these guns they are great little guns!

[@happydays5198]

Was investigating purchasing a Mossberg SA-20, and mossberg told me that parts are not available for purchase, only for warranty repair. This is disconcerting, as to get a recoil spring, if it is available, I will have to send in my gun for repairs. They don't even offer an expanded parts diagram on the parts side of their website. Very disappointing that they can offer such a quality weapon, but will not/cannot sell parts. That has been a deal killer for me...what if my one year warranty expires, and I need a simple part? With regrets, I am looking elsewhere.

[@RandyWakeman]

The schematic is in the owners manual, along with the part numbers. You can download it here: www.mossberg.com/service/owners-manuals/ . TO ORDER PARTS To order parts from our service center, you can fax, phone, mail, or e-mail your order to one of the following numbers/addresses. Fax Number: [phone] Phone Number: [phone] E-mail Address: [e-mail] Mailing Address: Product Service Center Maverick Arms, Inc. 1001 Industrial Blvd. Eagle Pass, TX 78853 Attn: Order Department

[@RandyWakeman]

According to Mossberg, the action spring is $3.83. They do indeed sell parts and you do not have to send your gun in, only for the installation of restricted parts.