Description

Looking for a straightforward, reliable shotgun to introduce your family to shooting sports without breaking the bank?

Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in quality firearms for families and new shooters. The Rossi S201220 is a single-shot, break-action shotgun chambered in 20 gauge with a 22-inch barrel. Its simple design makes it an ideal first gun for learning fundamentals. Available now for $152.99 (regularly $169.99).

Why the Rossi S201220 Single Shot Shotgun is a Smart Choice

In my years of coaching families and building custom firearms, I’ve seen a lot of first guns. The goal is always safety, simplicity, and building confidence. The Rossi S201220 shotguns single shot design hits that target. It’s a break-action, meaning you load one shell at a time directly into the chamber. This forces a deliberate pace, which is exactly what you want for a new shooter. It teaches respect for the firearm and eliminates the distraction of managing a magazine or multiple rounds. I’ve used similar models to teach my own kids and countless others at the range here in Texas. It’s not a competition gun, and it’s not meant to be. It’s a tool for building a solid foundation.

Rossi S201220 Specifications

How the Rossi S201220 Stacks Up

When you’re shopping for an entry-level single shot, you generally have three tiers. Let’s see how the Rossi fits.

Feature	Rossi S201220	Budget Import (e.g., ~$70-90)	Premium Brand (e.g., ~$250+)
Material	Steel barrel & receiver	Often alloy or lower-grade steel	High-grade steel, sometimes with walnut stock
Quality / Fit & Finish	Functional, no-frills finish	Rough machining, loose tolerances	Precise machining, polished blueing
Compatibility	Standard 20ga shells	May have chamber length restrictions	Wide chamber compatibility, often choked
Shipping & FFL	Same-day from TX, standard FFL process	Longer import times, variable quality control	Similar FFL process, sometimes longer lead times
Lifespan / Durability	Built for moderate use; will last for years with proper care	Questionable long-term durability; “disposable” tool	Heirloom quality; built for generations
Price	$152.99 (Excellent value for reliability)	$60-$80 (You get what you pay for)	$250-$400 (Investment-grade)

The Rossi S201220 occupies a crucial middle ground. It’s not the cheapest option, but you’re paying for known materials and a proven design from a brand with a long history. It’s significantly more gun than the ultra-budget imports, without stepping into the price range of a collector’s piece.

Pros and Cons of the Rossi S201220

Based on handling hundreds of these and similar models, here’s my honest take.

Pros:

• ✅ Ultimate Safety for Beginners: The single-shot, break-action design is the safest platform for learning. It forces the shooter to focus on one round at a time.
• ✅ Simple Operation & Maintenance: There’s almost nothing to go wrong. Disassembly for cleaning takes minutes, making it easy for a new owner to learn firearm care.
• ✅ Lightweight and Manageable: At around 5.5 lbs, it’s easy for younger shooters or those with smaller frames to handle, especially in 20 gauge.
• ✅ Durable Construction: It uses a steel barrel and receiver. This isn’t a pot-metal gun; it’s built to handle standard 20ga loads safely for a long time.
• ✅ Excellent Value: For under $160, you get a reliable, brand-name firearm that will serve its purpose perfectly.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited Capacity: It’s one shell at a time. This is a pro for learning, but a con for any practical use beyond that. If you need a defensive or hunting shotgun with follow-up shots, see our pump-action or semi-auto shotguns.
• ❌ Basic Sights & No Choke: It has a simple bead front sight and a fixed cylinder bore (no choke tubes). This limits its versatility for different types of shooting like trap or hunting various game.
• ❌ Stiff Action Initially: Like many new break-actions, the lever can be stiff when new. This loosens up with use, but it’s something to note.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Rossi S201220

Buy the Rossi S201220 if:

• You are a parent looking for a safe, simple first firearm for a teen.
• You’re a new shooter wanting to master the absolute basics of shotgun handling, safety, and marksmanship.
• You need a rugged, low-cost utility gun for tasks like dispatching pests on a property.
• You’re a firearms instructor seeking an affordable, reliable training tool.

Skip the Rossi S201220 if:

• You need a home-defense shotgun. The single-shot limitation is a critical drawback here. Consider a pump-action shotgun instead.
• You are a serious hunter needing multiple shots for waterfowl or upland game.
• You want a shotgun for clay target sports like trap or skeet. The fixed cylinder bore and single shot will hold you back. Browse our sporting shotguns.
• You’re looking for a collector’s item or a gun with refined aesthetics.

Common Questions and Concerns

Is a single-shot shotgun too limiting?
For its intended purpose—teaching—the limitation is the entire point. It builds discipline. For anything else, yes, it is limiting, and that’s why we offer other types.

Is 20 gauge enough for a beginner?
Absolutely. 20 gauge has significantly less recoil than 12 gauge, especially in light target loads. It’s more than enough power for learning and builds confidence without developing a flinch.

Can it fire 3-inch magnum shells?
Yes, the chamber is 3″, so it can fire both 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells. I’d recommend starting with light 2 3/4″ target loads for practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the Rossi S201220 single shot shotgun fits your needs for a training tool or first gun, you’re making a solid choice. It’s a firearm I recommend with confidence to families and new shooters. The value for a reliable, safe, and simple platform is hard to beat.

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