[dwrestle]

Hello guys I'm kinda new here, and I traded a buddy of mine a decent Ishapore Enfield for a practically brand new Rossi 20 Gauge youth model that he bought for his daughter, but she didn't want to hunt anyway so he traded with me.

This is my first Shotgun just so you know. I was wondering if anybody could tell me what I've got here. Here are the numbers:
A. Rossi S.A. 20 GA. 3" MOD.(this is on the top of the barrel just in front of the hammer I wonder what the A. means) SP326300(this is on the left side of the gun in front and above the trigger guard, I have no idea what it is).

I would just like to know what model I've got, and if I have one that I can buy more barrels for. I typed all this info in on Rossi's website and didn't get anything.

Also I would like to know if you guys that use 20 GA on small game are actually eating the animal afterwards, because this seems like a big gun to use on squirrel, rabbit, and coon to me? Also what kind of a spread can I expect from a regular 2 3/4 Shell?

[remman]

well...i dont hunt, but sometimes use 20 ga shotguns for clay pigeons. based on what i do know, i would say that you do not want to hunt squirrels or other small game with this gun. if you want to stick with a shotgun for small game, i would suggest a .410...again, based on my knowledge in the shotgun area. however, .410 shells are kinda up there in price for a shotgun shell (between 9 and 10 dollars for a box of 25 where i'm at), so if you are looking to hunt squirrels i would suggest (for the price anyway) moving to a .22 long rifle. you can get ammo for the .22 for under a nickel a round here in indiana...but i would not suggest using a 20 gauge shotgun for a squirrel, as there will probably nothing left if you are a good shot at all...

[Souls]

I'm new to this sight but read this and had to respond

Based on what you wrote, you have and 20 guage, modified choke, and is chambered for 3" shells (not sure if it will take 2 3/4" shells).

As far as hunting goes: I have used a Franchi semi 20 guage to hunt birds, rabbits, squirrels, and deer. The thing about squirrels though is you have to aim at the head. You know when you're a good shot when you don't get any BB's in the meat you're eating....

I do have to agree though that a .22 (best) or a .410 is the way to go with squirrels but if you only have the one gun, it will do the job with practice.

I would take a piece of cardboard and see what kind of pattern it has at different yardages (like 15, 20, and 30 yards) this way you know where you're hitting.

I bought my oldest daughter the .410/17 HMR for her first gun. She did great with it and even deer hunted with the .410 using a slug (lower Michigan is shotgun only, no rifles).

I just bought my second daughter the .22/20gauge/.243 by Rossi and she loves it. I told her when she got older and didn't want to hunt anymore that I was going to keep it.

Enjoy the gun, keep it clean, and be safe