Things to consider with a 20-bore
David Turner gives some sage advice to shooters about the need to lighten up with a 20
In previous articles we have looked at moving up to a 20-bore or starting our shooting journey with a 20, and the suitability of a smaller bore rather than the standard 12. In this article I want to explore the characteristics of the different types available and how important size and fit is. I have it in mind that some seem to think that these aspects are not so important with a smaller bore, which is not the case.
The most significant difference is the lightness of a 20 compared with its 12bore cousin. This is immediately evident to anybody who picks one up after using a 12. Taken together with the improved handling characteristics, it can be difficult not to like a 20-bore.
Over-and-under vs side-by-side
Shots of a more traditional type might favour a side-by-side with double triggers, which is likely to be the fastest handling of the options available, and usually with 26in or 28in barrels. For those used to an over-and-under 12-bore, then I would suggest an over-and-under 20, which is usually a slightly steadier and a more familiar type. For those who enjoy a lot of pigeon shooting over decoys, then a 20-bore semi-auto is the bee’s knees, and just about as good as it gets for reduced recoil and pleasant, easy shooting.
What length barrels should I buy?
I wish I had a pound for every time a newcomer to shooting has asked me that question. The answer is that it depends on a few variables, as the wrong or inappropriate gun length could have significant implications on your success, or lack of. We need to examine the likely benefits of using the appropriate gun length for different targets or quarry types, and different personal arm lengths and heights.
Handling characteristics
Let’s now consider how differing barrel lengths can affect the way a gun will feel and behave. I use the word behave as some guns will tend to have a ‘lively’ feel, while others may have a ‘slower’ feel. This is what I mean by ‘behave’, and it can lead to a shooter developing a preference for one over the other.
We also need to consider which barrel length is the most appropriate for a given type of quarry, bearing in mind height and gun-weight considerations.
Short or long barrels?
Shorter barrels are much livelier, with a faster handling characteristic, which can cause some taller, stronger people to find them ‘flicky’ and unsteady. Longer barrels are certainly much steadier and will provide an altogether smoother, more controllable and predictable feel. In conclusion, I would say that a 30in over-and-under could be
considered as a good standard for the average person, but equally a 26in, 28in or 32in could be more appropriate. It’s all about the suitability for the person in question.
Most 20-bores will have a comb that slopes down towards the butt, which will result in a variation to the height of the eyeline and thus the view the shooter will get (or not) of the target if the stock length is altered.
We will therefore see comb height measurements expressed as drop at comb and drop at heel, as they are not the same.
Stock length is one of the most important aspects of gun fit and can easily be adjusted to suit the reach and height of a shooter.
The importance of comb height
The comb is the top portion of the stock, where the shooter rests their cheek. The height of this will determine the view the shooter gets along the top rib, and how high or low the eyeline is in relation to that of the top rib. By definition the comb height is the measurement taken between this line of sight along the rib and the comb itself. This difference is referred to as drop.
“Different barrel lengths can affect the way a gun will feel and behave”