I currently run a 20 gauge franchi affinity 3 (26 inch barrel) with a burris fast fire 3 red dot the past few seasons, it is the compact youth version. I have been looking into getting something with a shorter barrel and came across the Mossberg 500 Super Bantam (20 Inch Barrel). Does anyone own this gun now and can provide any feedback? I am debating if 6 inches difference for the barrel is worth buying another gun. Hunt in MS so frequently in open bottomland, fields, or young pines. Any thoughts are appreciated.
In the practical sense, 6" barrel reduction is not worth it. In common sense, a new gun is always worth it. LOL
Quote from: btomlin on February 25, 2026, 03:30:27 PMIn the practical sense, 6" barrel reduction is not worth it. In common sense, a new gun is always worth it. LOL
My sentiments exactly. I have been all over toting 26 and 28 inch barrels and never thought about it once. But a new gun is always nice!
for what its worth, i have a benelli m2 with a 26" barrel. i also have a youth bantam mossberg 500 20.
the benelli usually is just pointed at doves and clay birds these days. i have shot all the chokes, all the ammos. lead or tss it doesnt matter my mossberg out shoots that benelli all day. i do perfer the feel of the slim semi auto but that mossbergs pattern and my confidence in it is unmatched. im also a sucker for a tang safety
I turkey hunted most of my life with a 26 inch barrel, currently using a 23 inch, I don't really care to much about the barrel length, overall weight is what I look at.
Would I buy a new gun just for the shorter barrel? No.
I also do not like a short stock, I feel all hunched up trying to shoot with one.
my boy shoots the 500 SB. very nimble. i did have my 870 & 1187 cut to 18.5". there is never a bad reason to have more turkey guns.
I have both. The barrel length isn't very noticeable but the weight is. Actually would sell the mossberg as it doesn't get used.