What 20 gauge to get?

[MichelD]

I've got an itch to get a 20 gauge shotgun.

For about the same price I can get either an old Ithaca Model 37 with a fixed choke or a new Mossberg 500 or Remington 870 Express with choke tubes.

Do you have any experience or advice on any of the above?

It would be primaily for upland birds.

TIA

[Fred]

I would prefer the Ithaca, the Mossburg or the 870, in that order but you can't really go wrong with any of your choices. :wink: Fred

[Ian F.]

Go with fit and feel and how it points...

It'd be a toss up between the ithaca and the 870 for me..

Ian

[brotherjack]

I don't know anything about the Ithica, but between the Mossberg and the 870, I'm told by my gunsmith that the 870 is the better of the two.

[LeverActionJunkie]

I own an 870 wingmaster, not express, in 20guage. It points well for me and is very reliable.

[Ian F.]

Ithaca, was an old gun maker and importer in the U.S., in fact they where the first to bring in Perazzi's I think, and if you ever find someone selling one and they don't know what they've got it will be an antiques roadshow type bargain!

The 37 is of the same era as the model 12 and the predecessor to the 870. The company closed and then was re-opened in the mid 90's and within the last year they closed again. They built duty service guns that did what they should do, day in, day out. An Ithaca S x S is on my want to get list, and for awhile in my youth I was fascinated by the Mag 10 they made, but I've gotten much wiser...

I really don't want to insult anyones gun, but the mossberg is entry level and a step below the 37 and the 870. The 870 is totally servicable and parts are easy to get, the 37 is a little rarer.

Just do a google search on the models and gauges you are looking at and the amount of info you will retrieve will blow your mind!

Very best,

Ian

[bruno]

I have a mossberg bolt action 20 ga. and I would say it is a step below the lowest. It is ugly and sometimes when you chamber a shell the bolt comes right out. That being said I have shot a ton of grouse with it and it can sit on the floor of my truck until I need it. I paid $35.00 for it.

[mr eagle]

I got an 870 express last year, in 12 guage. For $399 including tax and shipping delivered to my door in 3 days from Wholesale, it is the best deal I have ever gotten on a gun.