In the world of over/under shotguns, high price tags and hefty guns are the standard. However, sometimes we find an exception to this: introducing the Silver Eagle Light Super 20 Gauge Over Under. Here, we have a high quality, steel alloy over/under shotgun that is not only light in weight and affordable at only $599, but it is also packed with high-end features and has proved effective in the field. I had the pleasure to test this new Turkish made shotgun and I was very impressed with its performance and comfort.
About the Light Super 20 Gauge
The Light Super line of shotguns comes in both 12 and 20 gauge. Both of these shotguns come in at the same price point and the 12 gauge variant weighs only 4 oz. more than this 20 gauge model. The Light Super 20 Gauge tips the scale at only 6 lbs 2 oz, making it extremely easy to carry around in the toughest terrain, on the longest walks.
The Light Super 20 Gauge is a manufactured in Turkey by Silver Eagle Firearms. However, thanks to TR Imports and their partnership with Silver Eagle Firearms, we now have access to these Turkish made firearms in the U.S at an extremely affordable price point.
Silver Eagle Firearms wanted to make a light over/under without sacrificing strength and build quality. They accomplished this with the line of Light Super shotguns by utilizing a steel alloy receiver which makes it as stronger than aluminum and lighter than other metals. Over many decades of use, you will not get any stretching of the receiver, or fatigue that you may see in a cheaper, aluminum construction.
Distinguishing Characteristics
I would label the Light Super line of shotguns as “budget” options. However, this does not mean that Silver Eagle sacrificed quality or attention to detail in order to meet this criteria! The Light Super is packed with high-quality characteristics that make this shotgun an incredible value.
First off, the steel alloy receiver. I’ve discussed it already, so I won’t dwell on it, but the receiver being an alloy makes it stronger than aluminum and lighter than other popular metals; yielding a shotgun that is easy to carry on long walks in the field.
Next, the light super comes with a red, fiber optic front sight as well as a raised, vented rib with anti-glare serrations cut into it. This combination makes this shotgun extremely natural to bring to the shoulder in a ready to shoot position. The eye is drawn quickly to the red, fiber optic sight which makes this shotgun not only natural to use, but fast and intuitive. This is one of the most important characteristics of a shotgun in my mind.
Another nice addition to the repertoire of the Light Super 20 Gauge is the ejectors, which kick spent shells out upon breaking the action open. I have used many other budget-type over/unders and they rarely include this. Instead, they typically use extractors. With extractors, you have to pull each shell out before you can load a fresh one in. The ejectors of the Light Super make it possible to load a quick follow up shot and get back to shooting while in the field.
Some other honorable mentions that add to the value of this shotgun include the Turkish Walnut stock, 3″ chambers, 5 included choke tubes, a true, scaled down 20 gauge sized frame, and manual tang safety/barrel selector.
Performance in the field
I am very particular on which shotgun I carry while I hunt. I have several high-dollar guns which collect dust in my safe simply because they are heavy and awkward and don’t fit me well when I pull them up. That said, a shotgun like the Light Super which has no adjustability, will not fit everybody. However, I have found that a comfortable shotgun for me will fit most others well thanks to my average height, weight, and length… I mean length of pull. And the Light Super 20 Gauge pulls up as if it was custom built to fit my body. Consequently, I enjoyed taking this shotgun out in the field on hunts and did so quite often. I have put many miles on under this gun and shot many game-birds and fired many more shots through it. At the end of the day, I would choose to take this shotgun out again, and will. I am sure that you would find this shotgun to become a favorite of yours after using it, just as I did.
The Light Super feels great in the hands, all the controls operate firmly, nothing wobbles or has any play and things that should click snap into place. For example, the tang safety clicks into place in the fire and safe position with the flick of a thumb. The barrel selector on the safety clicks into place as you swipe it left and right, the action locks up solidly with no play. The ejectors snap out, kicking the spent shell(s) out of the chamber pretty violently. And of course, the trigger breaks at a crisp 4 lbs, keeping your shots on target.
Specifications:
- Comes with 5 chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F)
- raised, vented anti-glare rib
- red fiber-optic front sight
- integrated barrel selector into the tang safety
- Uses Benelli Mobil style chokes
- Auto-ejects spent shells
- Steel alloy receiver
- 6 lbs 2 oz
- Made in Turkey
- 3″ chamber
- chrome lined 28″ barrels
- 45″ overall length
- 14 1/8″ length of pull
- $599.00 MSRP
Final Thoughts
The Light Super 20 Gauge Over Under is a great, value type shotgun. It is not going to be nicer in construction, or as customizable for fit as some other over under shotguns that are in the several thousand dollar price range; but this product is not made to compete with those guns. The Light Super is a shotgun that most any sportsman can afford, giving them access to a fun and functional firearm that has some great features for its price point. I love the feature set of this shotgun, which makes it enjoyable and easy to use. There is really nothing about the light super that I dislike, save one small detail that I would like to add. The barrel selector switch does not indicate which barrel is selected, so I would opt to etch O/U into the receiver in the future to make this easy to confirm at a glance.
I liked the Light Super so much that I will definitely be looking into buying one to keep. This is the final question that I ask myself before making the final verdict that a gun is one that others should buy. After all of my testing, I would advise that you give the Silver Eagle Light Super 20 Gauge Over Under a serious look if you are in the market, or may be soon, for a value over/under shotgun.
To purchase a Light Super 20 Gauge, or to learn more, click HERE!
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Bought the 12 gauge After just 1 box of lt target ammo, the bottom barrel began issues with no fire. After 2 boxes of lt target ammo, the barrels separated at the tip.
Barrel selector: “This can only be manipulated with the safety in the “On” position.” You mean I have to safe the weapon between shots to select the other barrel????
I like dogs more than I like gun and people. I have to tell you the opening photo put a huge smile on my face. Great shot.
Mike, my reaction was the same. I like to bring shot shells with me. And, Frank, Thanks for that info.
Good review. At my age, 74, I like 20 ga. Less weight and less kick for my shoulder with arthritis.
The 1 year warranty is a big turn off as I have had Turkish o/u’s crack a stock from opening it to much…Try a Franchi instead,,,cant go wrong as weight is about the same,,,
“Threw some bullets in my pocket”
Nice review and images. Good job Riley.
Is that a Drahthaar?
Thanks Steve!
It sure is a Drahthaar. We have 12 puppies that haven’t opened their eyes yet, if you know someone who is interested lol
As a previous Draht owner, I might be interested in a pup.
What’s your kennel name where we can get info on the pups?
The best way to get ahold of me through here is through my social media, as described in my bio on this article. posting phone numbers or personal emails on here can backfire sadly…
With regard to the barrel selector, the Turks followed the longstanding example of the side-by-sides. The right barrel on a fixed choke sxs is the more open (less choked) barrel and is usually fired first when flushing birds or rabbits are close. The bottom barrel on an O/U is the more open barrel on fixed choke guns. Moreover, the recoil from the bottom barrel goes more directly into the shoulder creating less rise to allow getting back on target quickly for the second shot. That’s why the selector is pushed right for the bottom barrel.
I’m not a huge shot gunner but had never considered the rise part of it. Makes sense. Thanks.