I think the biggest measure of the use of a 20 would be what it does on a patterning board. My wife uses a 2 3/4" Remington Youth Sports model 20 gauge autoloader with 1 1/8th oz high velocity lead #4 shot, and a Remington Extra Full choke tube. I've patterned that gun and I won't let her shoot at a turkey that is beyond 30 yards, as 30 yards is really a maximum effective kill range for that gun, shell and choke combo. Still, it is a deadly and effective gun at 30 yards or less. Last year at 15 yards she "no-flopped" her tom!!!