20 gauge Pheasants?

20 works just fine

Just to add one thought to the good advise you have already been given... I have hunted Pheasants in SD for the last 18 years and am booked again for this years hunt and you can bet my 20 will be with me. If recoil is a problem consider an auto loader instead of a pump, it will take some of the punch out. I have used both 2-2/3 and 3 inch shells in #5 and #6. Cant really say I have a preference. Good hunting!
 
Lots of smiles reading this.

I shoot a couple of different 20s for pheasants: Beretta 391, Franchi AL48. My son likes an 11-87. They are all a dream to shoot and to carry. No need for more...
 
My normal, everyday field shotgun is a Remington 11-87 in 20 gauge. My cousin uses an 870 in 12 gauge. Recently he let me fire a round through his shotgun. It was a standard light field load. The recoil difference between his 12 and my 20 was significant. I would hate to touch off a heavy field load or magunm round in his shotgun.
 
I came across a 20ga Winchester 1300 at the pawnshop yesterday - I think they wanted $350 for it and i'm wondering if I should've bought it. it came with a couple of choke tubes too and overall looked like it was in decent condition.
 
Not many Pheasant here anymore but I remember as a kid all my dad used on them was 28 ga or 20 ga, he finally got what he considered the perfect gun for pheasant and grouse- Ruger Red Label O/U 20 ga.

As far as fit goes I'm about 5'5" and under 140 lbs. and that O/U handles great for me, I don't know what your budget is but get to a store and handle a bunch of guns. You may find a better fit that is not a youth model.

By the way, he also had a Red Label in 12 ga, he liked the 20 better.
 
I started out using a SxS 20ga when I was a kid. It killed quite a few birds with no problem. Since your shooting at a pheasant farm more than likely the shots will not be too far and any good 2 3/4 pheasant load should work well.
 
Can't advise. I always considered pheasants a pretty tough bird.
You got me reminiscing, as a kid I hunted every day it was legal.
I used a J.C. Higgins SXS 12 ga. and Federal 2 3/4" with # 5 1/2 shot. I bought my shells only several at a time as I could afford them. Hated Federal as it really dirtied up the barrels. To this day I have an aversion to Federal ammo even though I know it bears no resemblance to 50 or 60 years ago.
 
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