I know that the Benelli Ultra Light is the lighest 20ga semi.... but is it also the lightest 20ga shotgun period? I ask becasue I'm looking for a VERY light 20ga - bad back
randyabb
Sorry to hear about your back.
I can't think of anything lighter, other than the 28 Gauge Benelli Ultralight.
That said, the Ultralight is not the best balanced gun; the weight comes mostly off the front half (magazine, rib, barrel length). The Montefeltro holds two more rounds (only an issue in some states), is better balanced and less expensive (or in the case of the Silver, much prettier). It's only 1/2 lb. heavier, and still under 6 lbs.
The Legacy in 20 or 28 is another choice.
Other sub-6 lb. guns include the Cynergy Feather and Franchi Instinct SL, both with aluminum receivers. Guerini does some great stuff with ultralights also.
My regular steel Beretta O/Us weigh right about 6 lbs. in 20 Gauge (actual measured weight not catalog spec, which can range from accurate to laughable). They point like wands, and they're plenty light for carrying in the worst terrain, all day. Old fixed barrel Ithaca SKBs are similar and can be had for less than anything else of similar quality; newer SKBs seem heavier.
If I were you, I'd really look at an O/U. Being able to break it open and carry it over an arm across your body, or hang it over your shoulder, will allow you to rest your back a whole lot better than a semiauto will allow, especially with people around. And if a gun gets TOO light, it can be hard to shoot. I find that carrying a 6 lb. O/U, broken open, is relatively effortless, but the gun still swings like a shotgun when I'm actually shooting it.
Best wishes!
I can't think of anything lighter, other than the 28 Gauge Benelli Ultralight.
That said, the Ultralight is not the best balanced gun; the weight comes mostly off the front half (magazine, rib, barrel length). The Montefeltro holds two more rounds (only an issue in some states), is better balanced and less expensive (or in the case of the Silver, much prettier). It's only 1/2 lb. heavier, and still under 6 lbs.
The Legacy in 20 or 28 is another choice.
Other sub-6 lb. guns include the Cynergy Feather and Franchi Instinct SL, both with aluminum receivers. Guerini does some great stuff with ultralights also.
My regular steel Beretta O/Us weigh right about 6 lbs. in 20 Gauge (actual measured weight not catalog spec, which can range from accurate to laughable). They point like wands, and they're plenty light for carrying in the worst terrain, all day. Old fixed barrel Ithaca SKBs are similar and can be had for less than anything else of similar quality; newer SKBs seem heavier.
If I were you, I'd really look at an O/U. Being able to break it open and carry it over an arm across your body, or hang it over your shoulder, will allow you to rest your back a whole lot better than a semiauto will allow, especially with people around. And if a gun gets TOO light, it can be hard to shoot. I find that carrying a 6 lb. O/U, broken open, is relatively effortless, but the gun still swings like a shotgun when I'm actually shooting it.
Best wishes!
Wear a belt pouch that you can rest the gunbutt in while the gun is held almost vertical.
I have two pouches on one belt, even for skeet, just to take the weight off the shoulders, and
transfer it to the waist, while not on the actual shooting station.
Works great with auto loaders.
I have two pouches on one belt, even for skeet, just to take the weight off the shoulders, and
transfer it to the waist, while not on the actual shooting station.
Works great with auto loaders.
I have an old Franchi Falconet, that is a really light 20 gauge O/U, well under 6 pounds. Mark
Yes, regardless of being touted as "the lightest" it isn't appreciably lighter than the AL48, and the AL48 is softer shooting.
Browning alloy Cynergy 20 ga. models are just under 5-1/2 lbs., lighter than their .410 and 28 gauge counterparts.
Browning alloy Cynergy 20 ga. models are just under 5-1/2 lbs., lighter than their .410 and 28 gauge counterparts.
I have the 20ga Benelli Cordoba which is also very light and well balanced. I like the 28" barrel on the Cordoba but if you prefer a 26" or 24" barrel, check out the 20ga M2. IMO, these two shotguns are better all round shotguns that the Ultralight. I use my Cordoba for doves, waterfowl, skeet and sporting clays.
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The BUL or AL48 in 20ga. for an auto.
The Beretta in 20ga., or CZ upland ultralight in 12ga. for an O/U.
Older Ithaca 37 20ga. for a pump.
All super light, all great guns. Depending on the birds you hunt, I'd even look into the 28ga. BUL or AL48 for Super Ultra Rediculous lightweight!
The Beretta in 20ga., or CZ upland ultralight in 12ga. for an O/U.
Older Ithaca 37 20ga. for a pump.
All super light, all great guns. Depending on the birds you hunt, I'd even look into the 28ga. BUL or AL48 for Super Ultra Rediculous lightweight!
If I still owned it I would,(post a picture) just sold the gun to a close friend that wanted it for quail hunting he just moved south. Really just a 20ga pump gun with a straight stock. Lot's of fun to shoot great to carry all day if need be. A bit whippy as it is so light and the 26"tube I needed to lear not to swing on a target to fast.
I believe the Ithaca English Ultra Featherlight pump as to be the lightest repeating 20ga gun ever built at 4.5lbs with a 25" barrel.28 ga said:
I have a Benelli Montefeltro 20ga auto loader and a Browning Cynergy Feather(as Randy pointed out) in 20/28/410 bought for much the same reason you are looking for. Health issues demand a very light gun or my days leave me sitting in my easy chair looking out the window. The Benelli Ultra light would be a fine choice. I just preferred the 5 shot ability of the montefeltro with it's slim forearm. Just a note, my Cynergy Feather is lighter with the 20ga barrels on it then with either the 28 or 410 "But" the gun feels lighter with the 28 and lightest of all with the 410 barrels. As the weight of the 28 and 410 is near the center of the gun and with the 20ga barrels. It is more muzzle heavy. So where the weight is in the gun can lead a person to perceive a heavier gun as being lighter. If one can grasp that.
Franchi 48AL Auto
&
Franchi Instinct SL O/U
Both of these are just under 5.5 lbs. I just bought a instinct sl o/u for quail hunting the other day. The gun mounts and swings great to be so light. The 48AL will be a little softer shooting than the O/U which may be something to consider with you back condition. On my soon to be list is a 28 ga. 48AL
&
Franchi Instinct SL O/U
Both of these are just under 5.5 lbs. I just bought a instinct sl o/u for quail hunting the other day. The gun mounts and swings great to be so light. The 48AL will be a little softer shooting than the O/U which may be something to consider with you back condition. On my soon to be list is a 28 ga. 48AL
There is a good looking 28ga franchi 48AL at my lgs for $750.
" The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." R.W.E.
" The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." R.W.E.
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