--- title: "Tactical Shotgun: Is a 20 ga. Enough?" description: "A couple weeks back I flew down to Colorado to get a look at Weatherby's lineup of new products for 2011. Included in the mix is the SA-459 in 20 ga. This shotgun is in Weatherby's \"Threat Response\" family of guns -- apparently if they use the word \"tactical\" in California Nancy Pelosi will emerge from her crypt and eat the soul of a child -- and is geared toward the personal defense crowd. I'm a big fan of personal defense shotguns. I have an 870 that I've modified with an extended mag tube, collapsible buttstock, 18-inch barrel and a Surefire weapon light forend for my home." date: "2010-10-19" modified: "2010-10-19" authors: - name: "John Snow" job_title: "Shooting Editor" link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/john-snow/" url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/gun-shots/2010/10/tactical-shotgun-20-ga-enough/" categories: - "Guns" - "Shotguns" --- # Tactical Shotgun: Is a 20 ga. Enough? ![]() A couple weeks back I flew down to Colorado to get a look at Weatherby's lineup of new products for 2011. Included in the mix is the SA-459 in 20 ga. This shotgun is in Weatherby's "Threat Response" family of guns -- apparently if they use the word "tactical" in California Nancy Pelosi will emerge from her crypt and eat the soul of a child -- and is geared toward the personal defense crowd. I'm a big fan of personal defense shotguns. I have an 870 that I've modified with an extended mag tube, collapsible buttstock, 18-inch barrel and a Surefire weapon light forend for my home. The A-459 is a nice gun with some good features. I like the pistol grip stock, the oversized charging handle on the bolt, and the ghost-ring sight perched on top of the Picatinny rail--though I found the comb has a bit too much drop in it for the elevated sights. I also think the idea of using a 20 ga. shotgun for home defense in lieu of a 12 ga. is an interesting one. Certainly, the gun would be easier to handle for a woman or older child should the need arise, and for that alone it deserves consideration. Does the 20 ga. pack enough punch for your liking? I know I'd hate to get hit by a load of buckshot from one. Or would you stick with a 12 ga., hell or high water? ## Author John B. Snow is Shooting Editor of *Outdoor Life*, where he oversees the publication’s firearms and shooting coverage. This includes gear reviews, features on technical innovations, stories on shooting techniques and general hunting coverage with the occasional fishing story thrown into the mix. Originally from Seattle, he has lived all over the country, crisscrossing it by car and truck no fewer than 10 times as he’s moved from one location to the next. Since 2010 he has lived in Bozeman, Montana where he currently resides with his bird dog, Roo. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() [Instagram]()