The New England Pardner 20 gauge shotgun has carved a niche for itself in the budget-friendly firearm market. This pump-action shotgun offers surprising value for its price point, making it a popular choice for beginners, home defense enthusiasts, and those seeking a versatile firearm for various purposes. This in-depth review will explore its features, performance, pros, and cons to help you determine if the Pardner 20 gauge is the right shotgun for you.
Understanding the New England Pardner's Appeal
The Pardner's popularity stems from its affordability. It provides a functional shotgun experience without the hefty price tag of more established brands. This makes it an excellent entry-point for new shooters or those on a tight budget. But affordability doesn't mean compromise on all fronts. The Pardner offers a solid platform for various shooting applications.
Key Features of the New England Pardner 20 Gauge
- Pump-Action Mechanism: The reliable pump-action design is simple to operate and maintain. It’s known for its durability and ability to handle a variety of ammunition types.
- 20 Gauge Chambering: The 20 gauge offers a manageable recoil compared to 12 gauge, making it suitable for smaller-framed shooters and those sensitive to recoil. It also offers a good balance between power and weight.
- Durable Construction: While not built for extreme abuse, the Pardner is constructed from durable materials, ensuring reliability in normal use.
- Versatile Applications: The Pardner 20 gauge is suitable for various purposes, including home defense, hunting small game (like rabbits and squirrels), trap shooting, and informal target practice.
- Accessory Rail: Many models include an accessory rail, allowing for the addition of optics, lights, or lasers, enhancing versatility.
Performance and Handling
The New England Pardner generally performs adequately for its price point. Accuracy is respectable at typical shotgun ranges, but it’s important to remember this is not a precision instrument. The pump action is smooth and reliable, although it may feel a bit rough compared to higher-end shotguns. Recoil, as mentioned, is manageable due to the 20 gauge chambering.
Ammunition Considerations
The Pardner 20 gauge accepts various ammunition types, including:
- Birdshot: Ideal for small game hunting and informal target shooting.
- Buckshot: Suitable for home defense and larger game hunting (within legal limits and ethical considerations).
- Slugs: Can be used for larger game hunting at closer ranges (again, within legal limits and ethical considerations). Accuracy with slugs tends to be less precise than with birdshot or buckshot.
Important Note: Always consult your local laws and regulations regarding the use of different ammunition types for hunting and self-defense.
Pros and Cons of the New England Pardner 20 Gauge
Pros:
- Affordable Price: A major selling point for many buyers.
- Reliable Functioning: The pump action is generally reliable and easy to use.
- Manageable Recoil: The 20 gauge is less punishing than a 12 gauge.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for multiple purposes.
- Availability: Readily available at many retailers.
Cons:
- Basic Build Quality: It lacks the refined feel and build quality of higher-end shotguns.
- Limited Accuracy at Longer Ranges: Not suitable for long-range shooting.
- Potential for Rougher Operation: The action may feel less smooth compared to higher-priced shotguns.
- Plastic Stock: Some models have plastic stocks, which might not be as durable as wood stocks.
Comparison to Competitors
The New England Pardner competes with other budget-friendly pump-action shotguns such as the Mossberg 500 and Maverick 88. While the Pardner is generally the most affordable option, it may lack some of the features and refinements found in its competitors. A detailed comparison table would be beneficial here, but requires access to specific model details and pricing from different retailers to be truly accurate.
Conclusion: Is the New England Pardner Right for You?
The New England Pardner 20 gauge shotgun is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable and functional pump-action shotgun. Its affordability, manageable recoil, and versatility make it appealing to beginners and those needing a dependable firearm for various purposes. However, it's crucial to understand its limitations. If you are seeking a precision instrument or a shotgun for demanding applications, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end model. But for those looking for a practical and affordable shotgun, the Pardner 20 gauge is a worthy contender. Remember to always practice safe gun handling and storage procedures.