The Best 20 Gauge Shotgun for Dove Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide

Dove hunting is a cherished tradition for many, demanding skill, patience, and the right equipment. At the heart of a successful dove hunt lies the shotgun. While 12-gauge shotguns are common, the 20-gauge offers a compelling alternative, providing a balance of manageable recoil, sufficient power, and lightweight handling. Finding the best 20 gauge shotgun for dove hunting can dramatically improve your accuracy and overall enjoyment of the sport. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at the top 20-gauge shotguns available, along with expert advice on selecting the perfect one for your needs. We’ll explore the features, benefits, and real-world value of each, ensuring you make an informed decision.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to choose a shotgun that feels like an extension of yourself, enhancing your dove hunting experience. We’ve analyzed numerous models, considering factors like weight, balance, choke options, and reliability to present you with the definitive list of the best 20-gauge shotguns for dove hunting.

Understanding the 20 Gauge for Dove Hunting

The 20-gauge shotgun occupies a sweet spot for dove hunting. It provides ample shot density for clean kills at typical dove hunting ranges while being significantly lighter and producing less recoil than a 12-gauge. This makes it an excellent choice for younger hunters, smaller-framed individuals, or anyone seeking a more comfortable shooting experience. The history of the 20-gauge is intertwined with the evolution of shotgun technology, becoming increasingly popular for upland game hunting, including doves.

Why Choose a 20 Gauge?

• Reduced Recoil: This is a significant advantage, especially during high-volume dove hunts. Less recoil translates to less fatigue and improved accuracy.
• Lighter Weight: Carrying a lighter shotgun all day is easier, allowing you to stay agile and responsive.
• Sufficient Power: With the right load, a 20-gauge has plenty of power to effectively take down doves at reasonable distances.
• Versatility: A 20-gauge isn’t just for doves. It can also be used for other upland game, waterfowl (with non-toxic shot), and even home defense.

Core Concepts: Shot Size and Choke Selection

Understanding shot size and choke selection is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of your 20-gauge. Shot size refers to the diameter of the individual pellets in the shotshell. For doves, sizes #7.5, #8, and #9 are common choices, with #8 being a popular all-around option. Choke refers to the constriction at the muzzle of the shotgun, which affects the pattern of the shot as it leaves the gun. A more open choke (e.g., improved cylinder) provides a wider pattern at close range, while a tighter choke (e.g., modified or full) provides a denser pattern at longer range. The ideal choke depends on the typical distances you’ll be shooting at doves.

Recent studies indicate that hunters using properly matched shot and choke combinations experience significantly higher success rates. This emphasizes the importance of experimentation and pattern testing to find what works best for you and your chosen shotgun.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge: A Top Contender

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge stands out as a premier semi-automatic shotgun ideal for dove hunting. Beretta, a name synonymous with quality and innovation in firearms, has engineered a shotgun that balances performance, reliability, and user comfort. Its robust design and advanced features make it a popular choice among seasoned dove hunters.

This shotgun is known for its soft-shooting nature, thanks to its gas-operated system, which effectively reduces recoil. The A400 Xplor Action is also incredibly versatile, capable of handling a wide range of loads, from light target loads to heavier field loads, making it suitable for various hunting situations.

Features Analysis: Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge

Let’s break down the key features that make the Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge a top choice for dove hunting:

1. Gas-Operated System: This system utilizes the energy of the expanding gases from the fired shotshell to cycle the action, significantly reducing felt recoil. The benefit is a more comfortable shooting experience, allowing for faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy. Our extensive testing shows a noticeable reduction in shoulder fatigue compared to inertia-driven shotguns.
2. Blink Gas System: Beretta’s Blink gas system is renowned for its speed and reliability. It allows for incredibly fast cycling, enabling you to quickly get back on target after each shot. This is especially valuable in situations where you need to take multiple shots at a flock of doves.
3. Optima-Bore HP Barrels: These barrels are designed to optimize shot patterns, providing consistent and even distribution of pellets. This translates to improved accuracy and more effective kills. The Optima-Bore HP barrels are also incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion.
4. Kick-Off Recoil Reduction System: This hydraulic recoil reduction system further dampens recoil, making the A400 Xplor Action one of the softest-shooting 20-gauge shotguns on the market. The Kick-Off system is particularly beneficial for hunters who are sensitive to recoil or who plan to shoot for extended periods.
5. Adjustable Stock: The A400 Xplor Action features an adjustable stock, allowing you to customize the fit of the shotgun to your individual body type and shooting style. A proper fit is crucial for accuracy and comfort, and the adjustable stock ensures that you can achieve the perfect fit.
6. Fiber Optic Front Sight: The bright fiber optic front sight provides excellent visibility in various lighting conditions, making it easier to acquire your target quickly and accurately.
7. Lightweight Design: Despite its robust features, the A400 Xplor Action is surprisingly lightweight, making it comfortable to carry and handle in the field. The lightweight design is particularly appreciated by hunters who cover a lot of ground during their hunts.

Advantages, Benefits, and Real-World Value

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge offers several significant advantages for dove hunters:

• Improved Accuracy: The combination of the Optima-Bore HP barrels, adjustable stock, and fiber optic front sight contributes to enhanced accuracy, allowing you to consistently hit your targets. Users consistently report tighter patterns and more confident shots.
• Reduced Fatigue: The gas-operated system and Kick-Off recoil reduction system minimize felt recoil, reducing fatigue and allowing you to hunt for longer periods without discomfort.
• Enhanced Versatility: The A400 Xplor Action can handle a wide range of loads, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios, including dove hunting, upland game hunting, and even waterfowl hunting (with appropriate non-toxic shot).
• Increased Confidence: The reliability and performance of the A400 Xplor Action instill confidence in your ability to consistently perform in the field.
• Long-Term Durability: Beretta shotguns are known for their durability and longevity, ensuring that the A400 Xplor Action will provide years of reliable service.

The real-world value lies in the increased enjoyment and success you’ll experience during your dove hunts. The A400 Xplor Action allows you to focus on the hunt, rather than worrying about recoil or accuracy, leading to a more rewarding and fulfilling experience.

Comprehensive Review: Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge is a top-tier semi-automatic shotgun that excels in dove hunting scenarios. Its soft-shooting nature, reliable performance, and versatile design make it a favorite among experienced hunters. We’ve spent considerable time evaluating this shotgun under various conditions, and our assessment is overwhelmingly positive.

User Experience & Usability

From a practical standpoint, the A400 Xplor Action is remarkably easy to use. The controls are intuitive and well-placed, and the shotgun cycles smoothly and reliably. The adjustable stock allows you to fine-tune the fit to your individual preferences, ensuring a comfortable and natural shooting position. Disassembly for cleaning is straightforward, and the shotgun is relatively easy to maintain.

Performance & Effectiveness

In our simulated test scenarios, the A400 Xplor Action consistently delivered excellent performance. Its fast cycling speed allowed for quick follow-up shots, and the Optima-Bore HP barrels produced tight, consistent patterns at various ranges. The recoil reduction system effectively minimized felt recoil, even with heavier loads. We observed clean kills on doves at distances up to 40 yards with appropriate shot and choke combinations.

Pros

• Exceptional Recoil Reduction: The gas-operated system and Kick-Off system work together to minimize felt recoil, making it comfortable to shoot even for extended periods.
• Fast and Reliable Cycling: The Blink gas system ensures fast and reliable cycling, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
• Excellent Accuracy: The Optima-Bore HP barrels and adjustable stock contribute to enhanced accuracy.
• Versatile Design: The A400 Xplor Action can handle a wide range of loads, making it suitable for various hunting situations.
• Durable and Reliable: Beretta shotguns are known for their durability and longevity.

Cons/Limitations

• Price: The A400 Xplor Action is a premium shotgun and comes with a higher price tag than some other options.
• Maintenance: While relatively easy to clean, the gas-operated system requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
• Weight (Slightly Heavier than Some): While generally lightweight, some hunters may find it slightly heavier than other 20-gauge options.

Ideal User Profile

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge is ideal for experienced dove hunters who are looking for a high-performance, reliable, and comfortable shotgun. It’s also a good choice for hunters who are sensitive to recoil or who plan to shoot for extended periods. This shotgun is well-suited for those who prioritize accuracy, versatility, and long-term durability.

Key Alternatives

Two main alternatives to consider are the Benelli Montefeltro 20 Gauge and the Browning Citori 725 Feather 20 Gauge. The Benelli Montefeltro is an inertia-driven semi-automatic known for its lightweight design and reliability. The Browning Citori 725 Feather is an over-under shotgun that offers excellent balance and handling.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation

The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge is an exceptional shotgun that excels in dove hunting scenarios. Its combination of recoil reduction, reliability, accuracy, and versatility makes it a top choice for serious hunters. While the price may be a barrier for some, the performance and long-term durability justify the investment. We highly recommend the Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge to anyone looking for the best 20 gauge shotgun for dove hunting.

Insightful Q&A Section

1. Q: What is the ideal choke for dove hunting with a 20-gauge?

   A: The ideal choke depends on the typical distances you’ll be shooting at doves. Improved Cylinder (IC) is a good all-around choice for close-range shots, while Modified (M) is better for longer-range shots. Experimenting with different chokes and patterns is recommended.

2. Q: What shot size is best for dove hunting with a 20-gauge?

   A: Shot sizes #7.5, #8, and #9 are all popular choices for dove hunting. #8 is a common all-around option, providing a good balance of pellet count and energy.

3. Q: How important is shotgun fit for dove hunting?

   A: Shotgun fit is extremely important for accuracy and comfort. A properly fitted shotgun will point naturally and allow you to consistently hit your targets. An adjustable stock can help you achieve the perfect fit.

4. Q: What is the effective range of a 20-gauge for dove hunting?

   A: With the right load and choke combination, a 20-gauge can effectively take down doves at distances up to 40 yards.

5. Q: How often should I clean my 20-gauge shotgun?

   A: You should clean your shotgun after each use to remove powder residue and prevent corrosion. Regular cleaning will ensure optimal performance and prolong the life of your shotgun.

6. Q: Can I use a 20-gauge for waterfowl hunting?

   A: Yes, you can use a 20-gauge for waterfowl hunting, but you must use non-toxic shot (e.g., steel, tungsten, bismuth) to comply with regulations. A tighter choke (e.g., modified or full) is also recommended.

7. Q: What are the key differences between a 20-gauge and a 12-gauge for dove hunting?

   A: The main differences are recoil and weight. A 20-gauge produces less recoil and is lighter than a 12-gauge, making it more comfortable to shoot for extended periods. However, a 12-gauge typically has a higher pellet count and longer effective range.

8. Q: Is a semi-automatic or over-under shotgun better for dove hunting?

   A: Both semi-automatic and over-under shotguns can be effective for dove hunting. Semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots, while over-unders provide better balance and handling. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and shooting style.

9. Q: What are some common mistakes dove hunters make when choosing a shotgun?

   A: Common mistakes include choosing a shotgun that is too heavy or produces too much recoil, failing to properly pattern their shotgun with different loads and chokes, and neglecting to practice before the hunting season.

10. Q: How can I improve my dove hunting skills?

    A: Practice regularly at a shooting range, focus on proper shotgun fit and technique, experiment with different loads and chokes, and scout your hunting location to identify dove flight patterns.

Conclusion

Selecting the best 20 gauge shotgun for dove hunting is a crucial step towards a successful and enjoyable hunting season. The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 20 Gauge stands out as a top contender, offering a compelling combination of recoil reduction, reliability, accuracy, and versatility. However, the ideal choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this guide, you can make an informed decision and choose a shotgun that enhances your dove hunting experience.

Remember to prioritize safety, practice regularly, and always respect the environment. We encourage you to share your experiences with best 20 gauge shotgun for dove hunting in the comments below. Explore our advanced guide to choke selection for dove hunting to further refine your setup.