The Best 20-Gauges For Duck Hunting

During my early teens I recall reading a magazine article in some esteemed hunting publication that extolled the benefits of the 20-gauge shotgun. The 20-gauge, the author proclaimed, was light and easy to carry, and with the shotshells of that era he claimed that you could replace your heavy 12-bore with a new 20-gauge. Unless, he wrote, you were a waterfowl hunter. Big ducks and geese were simply too much for the little 20.

A lot has changed since the late 1900s. The unerring voice of the experts in magazines has been corrupted by a steady stream of pseudo-wisdom being channeled into our electronic devices via the worldwide web. It’s hard to know what to believe anymore, but I will tell you one thing I do know: today’s 20-gauge shotguns are inveterate waterfowl slayers.

How can I say this with such authority? Simple: ammunition has evolved to a point where sub-gauge guns like the 20 are certifiable duck and goose slayers. The advent of high-density shot has rewritten the rules of engagement for waterfowlers. With non-toxic loads that are 50% denser than lead any niggling doubts about the effectiveness of the 20 on the largest birds has been squashed. There are no more caveats on the 20’s performance potential. With the right load you can kill any wildfowl species currently known to science with the right 20-gauge ammunition.

Of course, the 20-gauge weighs less and kicks less than it’s 12-gauge counterparts, too. It’s little wonder that 20-gauge waterfowl shotguns have gained popularity of late, and while the 12-gauge is still king there’s no doubt the versatile 20-gauge is eroding the big 12’s popularity.

Today there’s a great selection of 20-gauge duck and goose guns available. In fact, whittling down the best guns in this bunch has become something of a challenge. We’ve helped simplify the process by gathering our list of the 10 best 20-gauge waterfowl guns available today.

Browning A5 20-Gauge Hunter

Why We Love It: Classic look and feel coupled with light weight and reliable operation.

Almost immediately after Browning announced the revival of the Auto-5 in 2012 hunters began begging for a 20-gauge version. That wish was granted last year, and the new 20-gauge A5 has been a smash hit for the Browning brand. However, the new A5 is an entirely different shotgun than the original design which was developed by John Browning. The Modern A5 20-gauge utilizes Browning’s Kinematic drive short recoil operation system that utilizes recoil energy to cycle the action. That means there are no gas ports to clean so there’s minimal maintenance. The four-lug bolt design also features a very fast cycling time and the Inflex II recoil pad does a great job absorbing recoil. That translates to fast, reliable cycling with a wide array of 20-gauge loads. The new A5 20 is loaded with new features including Speed Load Plus, a TurnKey magazine plug, stock spacers, lengthened forcing cones, and Invector-DS chokes, but the hallmark humpback profile remains. Weighing in at under six pounds, the A5 20-gauge is suitable for any upland or waterfowl hunting conditions.

MSRP: $2,099.99 | Browning.com

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

Why We Love It: The Original Italian workhorse, now in 20-gauge.

The original Super Black Eagle shotgun won the hearts of hunters and introduced the concept of Inertia-Driven guns to the U.S. market. The original SBE and SBE 2 were strictly 12-gauge guns, but Benelli is now offering their SBE 3 in 20-gauge. With few moving parts there’s very little to go wrong with an SBE3 so minimal maintenance (cleaning and a light layer of lubrication on the moving parts) will allow you to reach round counts in the hundreds of thousands with the shotgun. With the release of the SBE 3 Benelli enhanced the gun’s controls, so they are larger and easier to access, especially with gloves. Inertia guns operate more reliably with less mass, so the SBE 3 20-gauge weighs in at just six pounds, which is about a pound lighter than many gas-operated 20-gauge rivals. Light guns kick more, but Benelli added their Combtech and Comfort Tech 3 technology to this gun so it’s manageable to shoot even with heavy loads. Basic black, all-camo, and camo/Cerakote versions are available.

MSRP: $2,180 | Benelliusa.com

Winchester Super X4

Why We Love it: Does everything it should all the time.

In the fall of 2016, I traveled to Manitoba for an early season waterfowl hunt with the team from Winchester, and the purpose of that trip was to test out the soon-to-be-announced Winchester Super X4 shotgun. Like the Super X3 it replaced, the SX4 is a gas gun and so it’s very comfortable to shoot with heavy duck and goose loads. But whereas some gas guns are finnicky about cleaning the SX4 ran reliably in terrible weather for days on end with little maintenance. The gun’s Active valve Gas System has proven to be reliable and easy to clean, and the SX4’s redesigned grip and controls make it easy to operate in a layout or pit blind. These guns weigh about a pound more than comparable inertia guns, but recoil is very manageable even for sensitive shooters. There are gobs of SX4 models available today with reduced length of pull, synthetic or wood stocks, full camo dips, Cerakote, and just about any other feature you’d like, and there’s even a dedicated left-handed model for southpaw hunters. It’s little wonder this Winchester has earned such an enviable reputation among waterfowlers.

MSRP: $1,280 | Winchesterguns.com

Benelli M2 Field

Why We Love It: A recent facelift makes Benelli’s autoloader even more appealing.

The very first M2 shotguns landed on dealer shelves over two decades ago, and most of those guns are probably still seeing active duty in the field. The M2 is a reliable workhorse powered by Benelli’s venerable Inertia-Driven system, and these guns are extremely reliable. In fact, they’re very popular as rental guns at high-volume dove lodges in South America, which is as solid an endorsement as any shotgun can receive. A couple years ago Benelli made some minor upgrades to the M2 design. The loading port was redesigned to reduce the risk of pinching and the stock geometry was altered to make the gun more comfortable to shoot. It doesn’t have the SBE 3’s recoil reducing stock technology, but the M2 is an excellent Inertia-driven autoloader that will last a lifetime with minimal care. Like other inertia guns it’s light, and the 20-gauge model weighs under 6 pounds. With similar loads recoil will be slightly stiffer with the M2 than the heavier SX4, but if you have to hike a long way to your hunting spot you’ll appreciate the M2’s svelte design. There are multiple 20-gauge M2 models available with black or camo finishes, and based on its build quality and feature list this gun is a great value even at $1,600 bucks.

MSRP: $1,600 | Benelliusa.com

Tristar Raptor II

Why We Love It: A hard-working, soft-shooting autoloader that’s also a great value.

Tristar shotguns are made in Turkey, and while Turkish firearms have received a bad rap for years, autoloaders like the new Raptor II are slowly changing that perception. Tristar’s factory is one of the finest in Turkey, and their modern CNC machines work remarkably well. The WILDFOWL team had an opportunity to torture test these guns at an event in Grand Junction, Colorado, and those Raptor II guns were subjected to thousands of shots under the hot western Colorado sun. I don’t know that the Tristar’s ever cooled down throughout the day, and yet they ran reliably without complaint. The Raptor II is a gas gun and, as such, the 20-gauge versions weigh a hefty seven pounds, but it’s a soft-shooter and there’s a reduced length of pull version that’s great for small-stature hunters. Fit and finish on this gun are remarkably good, and it comes standard with lots of goodies like soft-touch inserts on the forearm, pistol grip, and comb (synthetic models), oversized controls, a chrome-lined bore, a magazine cutoff switch and beretta/Benelli pattern Mobil chokes. If you’re shopping for a great 20-gauge autoloader at a budget price the Tristar truly is an outstanding value.

MSRP: $660 | Tristararms.com

Franchi Affinity Waterfowl Elite

Why We Love It: Superb reliability and a long list of premium features for a good price.

Franchi’s Affinity is a great gun. It utilizes the same Inertia-Driven action design as its Benelli cousins, and the balance and quality of Franchi’s guns has improved dramatically since the brand came under Benelli’s control. The Waterfowl Elite version is the brand’s full-featured line-topping duck and goose gun, and it’s easy to argue that this Affinity offers the best—ahem—bang for your buck in the world of waterfowl weapons. For under $1,500 you get an autoloader that comes with a rugged Cerakote finish, camo synthetic stock with recoil-reducing TSA pad, an adjustable stock, extended choke tubes, a TRUGLO dual-color front bead, oversized controls, and much more. The Franchi looks and feels like a premium gun, and it runs reliably in crappy conditions. The beveled loading port makes it easy to stuff shells in with gloved hands and the inertia action just keeps chewing up and spitting out shotshells. Despite the Affinity’s modest six-pound weight this gun also manages recoil effectively so there’s no need to fear firing magnum loads through this gun.

MSRP: $1,500 | Franchiusa.com

Spandau S2

Why We Love It: Not fancy, but affordable and reliable.

If you aren’t familiar with the Spandau name, I’ll forgive you. These autoloading shotguns are imported by SDS in Knoxville and so they’re relatively new to the market. However, the Spandau S2 is making a splash because it blends solid performance in the field with a modest price tag. Like the Raptor II these guns are made in Turkey, but when my first S2 shotgun arrived for testing I was impressed by the balance and quality build. These guns offer a lengthy list of “wait, there’s more!” features including a beveled loading port and enhanced lifter, oversize controls, stock spacers to adjust drop and cast, Mobil pattern chokes, and full camo dips. The Spandau utilizes a robust inertia system, and it weighs just a bit over six pounds. I suspect most waterfowl hunter will opt for the camo/synthetic version on display here, but if you’re a traditionalist there’s also a walnut stock version available in 20-gauge as well. Big on features and low on cost, the Spandau S2 is a solid, affordable semiauto that’s worth a hard look.

MSRP: $648 | spandauarms.com

Stoeger M3020 Waterfowl

Why We Love It: The bang-for-your-buck champ is now available with noteworthy upgrades

Stoeger’s M3020 20-gauge shotguns utilize the same Inertia-Driven system that made Benelli guns famous, and while I won’t say that the 3020 is the same caliber gun as the M2 or SBE 3 I will say that the Stoeger is an excellent shotgun with a proven track record for reliable performance in all weathers. Ten years ago, I joined Stoeger on an Argentina high-volume dove hunt with the 3020, and if there’s anything that will unravel the inner workings of an autoloader faster than a few days on an Argentine dove field I’ve yet to see it. Unless you’re an abysmal shot or are breaking every migratory waterfowl law on the books you likely won’t fire 1,000 rounds or more a day like I did in Argentina, so it’s safe to say that with a minimum of routine maintenance the M3020 will run reliably for years of normal use. These guns weigh about six pounds when chambered in 20-gauge and starting cost is just under $700 for the basic black model. The model shown here is slightly pricier, but includes a synthetic Realtree camo stock with soft-touch comb and Cerakote metal finish in addition to the standard features found on all M3020 shotguns like oversized controls, a shim kit, a fiber optic bead, and a trio of screw-in chokes. Regardless of which model you choose the M3020 is a workhorse shotgun.

MSRP: $750 | Stoegerindustries.com

Mossberg Eventide

Why We Love It: A stackbarrel that’s made for the marsh.

The Eventide 20-gauge is a versatile over/under shotgun that’s at home on the sporting clays course, in a dove field, or in a duck blind. I appreciate the simplicity of an over/under, and while the Eventide won’t allow you to take a third shot at a flock of passing ducks (unless you are really, really fast at reloads) the smooth swing and quick one-two punch means you won’t be handicapped by having just a couple shots. If you’re like me and spend most of the months leading up to duck season shooting clay targets and upland birds with an over/under then the Eventide is a natural choice, At 6.75-pounds the Eventide splits the difference between the lighter inertia-operated autoloaders and heavier gas guns, and the rugged black polymer stock is durable enough for duty in a duck blind and you won’t have to fret about dragging your five-figure double gun through the muck and grime. Eventide shotguns come with extractors, chrome-lined chambers and barrels, and five screw-in choke tubes. It also features a barrel selector so you can fire your top or bottom barrel first depending on how the birds are flying.

MSRP: $855 | Mossberg.com

Winchester SXP

Why We Love It: The spiritual successor to the Model 12 still fills limits.

I come from a long line of Winchester pump gun fans. My grandfather hunted with a Model 12, my dad had a Model 120 Ranger, and I grew up shooting a 1300 Black Shadow, so naturally I believe the Winchester SXP deserves a spot on the list of the best 20-gauge duck guns. With sufficient practice you can cycle a pump shotgun very fast (I once saw a staff member at the National Shooting Complex smash ten skeet true pairs in a row with a Remington 870 starting from a low gun position), and the SXP’s inertia-assisted cycling makes it even faster than traditional pumps. The full-length forearm is easy to grasp and operate, quite the opposite of the corncob-style forearms that were a dominant feature on pump-action shotguns for years. You can select from many, many versions of the SXP, too. The model shown here features a walnut stock and Perma-Cote finish, but there are also versions with polymer stocks, Cerakote or blued finishes, and even a High-Grade Field version with polished Turkish walnut and a high-gloss metal finish. All 20-gauge SXP models weigh in at around 6.5-pounds, right between the lighter inertia guns and heavier gas-operated autoloaders. If you’re searching for a competent 20-gauge duck and goose gun at a reasonable price point you simply cannot beat the SXP.

MSRP: $460 | Winchesterguns.com

Beretta A300 Ultima

Why We Love It: Beretta engineers really hate recoil, and that’s good news for hunters

Over the year Beretta has built some of the best autoloading shotguns ever, but one of the best is the A300 Ultima. It utilizes a gas operating system that’s reliable with a range of loads and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep. There are no O-rings to replace, and the system operates reliably with an occasional wipe down and cleaning. The gas system on this roughly 6.5-pound gun does a good job dampening recoil, but when you combine that with the Beretta Kick-Off system that’s included on this gun the A300 is one of the softest-shooting 20-gauges available today. If you hate recoil as much as the Beretta engineering team does, then this is certainly the gun for you. Of course, the A300 is built to Beretta’s unquestionably high standards and backed by 500 years of gun building expertise. Not surprisingly, this gun is an excellent performer and a great value, too.

MSRP: $880 | Beretta.com  

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