Why Shooters Choose 20 Gauge
The 20 gauge is the go-to shotgun for shooters who want a lighter gun with less recoil than a 12 gauge but plenty of power for birds, small game, and home defense. It usually weighs about a pound less than a comparable 12 gauge and kicks noticeably softer, so it's easier to carry all day and easier to shoot well.
That soft kick makes it the top pick for new shooters, smaller-framed folks, and youth hunters, while still being more than enough gun for an experienced hand. It handles upland birds, rabbits, turkey, and deer with the right load, and modern 20 gauge ammo hits harder than people give it credit for. You can test-fire one on our indoor range before you commit, and if you're deciding between bores, compare it against our 12 gauge shotgun lineup.
Semi Auto, Pump, or Break-Action
20 gauge shotguns come in a few main action types, and the right one depends on what you're hunting, how much you want to spend, and how much recoil you want to soak up.
| Action type | How it works | Recoil | Best for |
| Semi auto | Cycles the next shell on its own | Softest | Bird hunting, fast follow-ups, all-day carry |
| Pump action | You rack the slide between shots | Mild | Versatile do-it-all, home defense, value |
| Break-action (single / over-under) | Hinges open to load by hand | Sharpest | Simplicity, clays, first guns, youth |
A semi auto spreads the recoil out as it cycles, so it's the softest shooting and the fastest for a second shot, which is why bird hunters love it. A pump does a little of everything for less money, and break-actions are dead simple and reliable, which makes them a common first shotgun. Our 20 gauge semi auto shotgun and 20 gauge pump action shotgun pages break down the models built around each action.
How to Choose a 20 Gauge Shotgun
The best 20 gauge for you comes down to what you're shooting and who's shooting it, not the name on the receiver. Before you buy, work through these five things:
- Intended use. Upland birds, waterfowl, turkey, deer, clays, or home defense. This points you to the right barrel length and choke setup.
- Action type. Semi auto for soft recoil and fast follow-ups, pump for value and versatility, break-action for simplicity.
- Fit and size. The gun should mount to your shoulder and cheek naturally. A youth 20 gauge semi auto shotgun comes with a shorter stock so younger or smaller shooters get a proper fit.
- Barrel length. A 26-inch barrel swings fast for birds, a 28-inch carries shot a touch better for longer range, and shorter barrels handle quick for home defense.
- Budget. A solid, reliable 20 gauge starts around $250, so you don't have to overspend to get a gun you can trust.
The easiest way to settle it is to get one in your hands. Our team will walk you through the options at the shop, and you can rent and shoot models on our range before you decide.
Best 20 Gauge Shotguns and Brands
The best 20 gauge is the one that fits the shooter and the job, but a handful of models stay popular for good reason. The Remington 870, Mossberg 500, Benelli Montefeltro, and Beretta A300 lead the pack for reliability, parts support, and a proven track record in the field. Our curated lineup covers the brands shooters ask for most:
- Remington -- the 870 pump and 1100 semi auto, classics that just keep running
- Mossberg -- the 500 pump and youth-friendly 510 Bantam
- Benelli -- the soft-shooting Montefeltro semi auto
- Beretta -- the A300 and A400 self-loaders, smooth cyclers built to last
- Winchester, Browning, and Franchi -- solid picks for hunters who want something different
If you're after a 20 gauge tactical shotgun for home defense, look for a shorter barrel, an extended magazine, and ghost-ring or bead sights. And if you have your eye on a model we don't have in stock, just ask, since we can usually source it for you.
What a 20 Gauge Shotgun Costs
Most 20 gauge shotguns sell for $300 to $900, with budget pumps starting near $250 and premium semi autos running $1,000 to $1,800 or more. You're paying for the action, fit, finish, and barrel options, not just the bore, so there's a good 20 gauge at almost every price. Total Impact backs every shotgun with a price-match guarantee, so if you find the same 20 gauge for less somewhere else, we'll match it.
How to Buy a 20 Gauge Shotgun Online
Buying a 20 gauge online is simple, and federal law just requires that the shotgun ship to a licensed dealer for pickup, not straight to your door. Here's how it works with us:
- Order your 20 gauge. Pick your shotgun and check out on our site.
- Pick your FFL. Choose a local licensed dealer (FFL) for the transfer, or pick up in our shop.
- We ship it. We send the shotgun to that dealer anywhere in the country.
- Pass your background check. Complete the standard background check at the dealer, then take it home.
You must be at least 18 to buy a shotgun. We handle FFL transfers both in and out, so we can ship your 20 gauge to a dealer near you or receive one you bought elsewhere. Picking up at our shop is usually the fastest and easiest route.
Frequently Asked Questions About 20 Gauge Shotguns
Is a 20 gauge good for home defense?
Yes. A 20 gauge delivers serious stopping power with less recoil than a 12 gauge, so most people shoot it faster and more accurately. A short-barreled 20 gauge tactical shotgun loaded with buckshot is easy for nearly any adult in the house to handle.
What is the best 20 gauge shotgun for a beginner?
The best 20 gauge for a beginner is usually a pump or semi auto with a comfortable stock and simple controls, like a Mossberg 500 or Remington 870. A youth model is a great first gun too, since the shorter stock and soft recoil make it easy to learn on.
How much does a 20 gauge shotgun cost?
Most 20 gauge shotguns cost between $300 and $900, with budget pumps near $250 and premium semi autos at $1,000 to $1,800 or more. Total Impact price-matches any competitor, so you always pay the best price.
Is a 20 gauge or 12 gauge better?
A 20 gauge kicks softer and weighs less, while a 12 gauge throws more shot and reaches a little farther. For upland birds, smaller shooters, and all-day carry the 20 gauge is the easier gun to shoot, but heavy waterfowl hunters often lean 12.
Can a 20 gauge be used for deer hunting?
Yes, a 20 gauge handles deer well inside normal shotgun range when you load it with slugs, and many states require shotguns for deer in certain zones. A rifled barrel or rifled choke tightens up slug groups, making it a capable deer gun for younger and recoil-shy hunters.
Find Your Next 20 Gauge at Total Impact
Whether you're after a first shotgun, a soft-kicking bird gun, or a turkey and deer setup, Total Impact has the 20 gauge shotguns, the price-match guarantee, and the range to help you choose with confidence. A 20 gauge also makes a great hunting shotgun for almost any season, so browse the lineup above and reach out if you want one we can source for you.