Table of Contents

The Definitive Guide to Choosing the Best 20 Gauge Shotgun for Dove Hunting

Dove hunting presents a unique set of challenges and rewards. The fast, erratic flight of these birds demands a shotgun that is both quick-handling and capable of delivering consistent patterns at moderate ranges. While the 12 gauge has long been a favorite, the 20 gauge shotgun offers a compelling alternative, providing a lighter, more manageable platform that can be just as effective in the field. Choosing the best 20 gauge shotgun for dove hunting, however, requires careful consideration of several factors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision, ensuring you’re well-equipped for a successful and enjoyable dove season. We’ll delve into action types, barrel lengths, chokes, and stock materials, helping you find the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and value.

Why Choose a 20 Gauge for Dove Hunting?

The 20 gauge shotgun offers several advantages over its larger counterpart, the 12 gauge, making it an excellent choice for dove hunting, especially for hunters who prioritize lighter weight and reduced recoil. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

Reduced Recoil: A 20 gauge typically produces significantly less recoil than a 12 gauge, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and reduced fatigue during long days in the field. This is especially beneficial for smaller-framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
Lighter Weight: 20 gauge shotguns are generally lighter than 12 gauge models, making them easier to carry and maneuver, particularly in dense cover or when walking long distances.
Adequate Power: With proper shot selection, a 20 gauge provides ample power for taking down doves at typical hunting ranges. Modern 20 gauge loads offer excellent performance, rivaling some 12 gauge offerings.
Increased Challenge: Some hunters prefer the added challenge of using a smaller gauge, finding it enhances the overall hunting experience.

However, it’s important to acknowledge potential drawbacks. The 20 gauge has a smaller shot capacity compared to the 12 gauge, meaning fewer pellets in the pattern. This requires greater accuracy and shot placement. Also, the availability of specialized ammunition may be slightly less extensive than for the 12 gauge, although this is becoming less of an issue as the 20 gauge gains popularity.

Action Types: Selecting the Right Mechanism for Your Needs

The action type of a shotgun refers to the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects shells. Each action type offers unique advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed, reliability, and cost. Here’s a look at the most common action types for 20 gauge shotguns used in dove hunting:

Pump-Action: Pump-action shotguns are known for their reliability and affordability. They require the shooter to manually cycle the action by sliding the forend back and forth. This makes them slower than semi-automatic shotguns, but they are less prone to malfunctions and can handle a wider range of ammunition.
Semi-Automatic: Semi-automatic shotguns automatically cycle the action after each shot, allowing for faster follow-up shots. They are popular among dove hunters who prioritize speed and reduced recoil. However, they can be more expensive and may be more sensitive to ammunition selection.
Over/Under: Over/under shotguns feature two barrels stacked vertically. They are known for their elegant design, balance, and accuracy. Over/unders are a popular choice for sporting clays and upland bird hunting, and some models are well-suited for dove hunting. They offer the advantage of being able to select different chokes for each barrel.
Side-by-Side: Side-by-side shotguns feature two barrels positioned horizontally. They are a classic design often associated with traditional hunting. While less common than other action types for dove hunting, they can be a stylish and functional option.

The best action type for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and hunting style. Pump-action shotguns offer a balance of affordability and reliability, while semi-automatic shotguns prioritize speed. Over/under and side-by-side shotguns offer a more refined shooting experience.

Barrel Length: Finding the Sweet Spot for Dove Hunting

Barrel length plays a significant role in a shotgun’s handling characteristics and ballistic performance. For dove hunting, a barrel length of 26 to 28 inches is generally considered ideal. Here’s why:

26-Inch Barrels: Offer quicker handling and are well-suited for hunting in tight cover. They are also lighter and easier to carry.
28-Inch Barrels: Provide a longer sight radius, which can improve accuracy. They also tend to swing more smoothly and absorb recoil slightly better than shorter barrels.

While shorter barrels (24 inches or less) may be tempting for their maneuverability, they can result in a wider shot pattern and increased muzzle blast. Longer barrels (30 inches or more) can be cumbersome to swing and carry in the field. Ultimately, the best barrel length for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of terrain you typically hunt in.

Chokes: Optimizing Your Shot Pattern for Dove

A choke is a constriction at the end of the shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot pattern. Different chokes produce different patterns at different ranges. For dove hunting, the most common choke choices are improved cylinder, modified, and improved modified.

Improved Cylinder (IC): Produces a wide shot pattern, ideal for close-range shots (20-30 yards). It’s a good choice for hunting over decoys or in areas with thick cover.
Modified (M): Provides a tighter pattern than improved cylinder, suitable for medium-range shots (30-40 yards). It’s a versatile choke that works well in a variety of hunting situations.
Improved Modified (IM): Offers an even tighter pattern, best for longer-range shots (40+ yards). It’s a good choice for pass shooting or hunting in open fields.

Many modern shotguns come with interchangeable chokes, allowing you to easily adjust the pattern to match the hunting conditions. Consider purchasing a set of chokes and experimenting with different options to find what works best for you.

Stock Materials and Fit: Ensuring Comfort and Control

The stock of a shotgun is the part that you hold against your shoulder. The material and fit of the stock can significantly impact your comfort, control, and accuracy. Common stock materials include wood and synthetic polymers.

Wood Stocks: Offer a classic look and feel. They can be more comfortable to hold than synthetic stocks, but they are also more susceptible to damage from moisture and impact.
Synthetic Stocks: Are more durable and weather-resistant than wood stocks. They are also generally lighter and less expensive.

The fit of the stock is crucial for ensuring proper eye alignment with the sights and a comfortable shooting position. A stock that is too long or too short can make it difficult to shoot accurately and can increase felt recoil. Many shotguns come with adjustable stocks, allowing you to customize the fit to your body. Consider having a gunsmith fit your shotgun to you for optimal performance.

Top 20 Gauge Shotgun Recommendations for Dove Hunting

Based on a combination of performance, reliability, and value, here are some of the top 20 gauge shotguns currently available for dove hunting:

Beretta A400 Xplor Action: A high-end semi-automatic shotgun known for its reliability, low recoil, and fast cycling. It features a gas-operated system that reduces recoil and allows for quick follow-up shots.
Benelli Montefeltro: An inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun that is lightweight, reliable, and easy to maintain. It’s a popular choice among dove hunters who appreciate its simple design and smooth operation.
Remington 870 Wingmaster: A classic pump-action shotgun that is known for its durability and affordability. It’s a versatile option that can be used for a variety of hunting applications.
Mossberg 500: Another popular pump-action shotgun that offers excellent value for the money. It’s a reliable and durable option that is well-suited for dove hunting.
CZ-USA Drake: An over/under shotgun that offers excellent value for the money. It features a durable construction and comes with interchangeable chokes.

Ammunition Selection: Choosing the Right Load for Doves

Selecting the right ammunition is just as important as choosing the right shotgun. For dove hunting, the most common shot sizes are #7 1/2 and #8. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations:

Shot Size: #7 1/2 shot is a good all-around choice for dove hunting. It provides a good balance of pattern density and penetration. #8 shot is slightly smaller and produces a denser pattern, making it a good choice for close-range shots.
Load Weight: A 7/8-ounce or 1-ounce load is typically sufficient for dove hunting. Heavier loads may provide slightly more range, but they also produce more recoil.
Velocity: A velocity of 1200-1300 feet per second is a good range for dove hunting loads. Higher velocity loads may produce tighter patterns, but they can also increase recoil.

Experiment with different loads to see what patterns best in your shotgun. Consider using lead-free ammunition in areas where it is required.

Maintaining Your 20 Gauge Shotgun

Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the reliability and longevity of your 20 gauge shotgun. Here are some basic maintenance tips:

Clean the barrel after each use: Use a cleaning rod and bore brush to remove powder residue and fouling.
Lubricate the action: Apply a light coat of gun oil to the moving parts of the action to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
Inspect the gun regularly: Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks in the stock or loose screws.
Store the gun in a safe and dry place: Protect the gun from moisture and extreme temperatures.

Enhance Your Dove Hunting Experience

Selecting the best 20 gauge shotgun for dove hunting is a crucial step in preparing for a successful and enjoyable season. By carefully considering your needs, preferences, and budget, you can find a shotgun that fits you perfectly and enhances your performance in the field. Remember to practice regularly with your chosen shotgun and ammunition to become proficient in its use. With the right equipment and skills, you’ll be well-equipped to bag your limit of doves and create lasting memories. Share your preferred 20 gauge shotgun and dove hunting tips in the comments to help other hunters prepare for the season!