Gun Of The Week: Iver Johnson MF20

Iver Johnson is an old name in American gunmaking. From the late 19th century until the late 20th century, the company was known for producing inexpensive handguns and shotguns for the masses. Sadly, Iver Johnson went out of business in the early 1990s. However, that wasn’t the end of the name. Revived in the early 2000s as an import business, the current Iver Johnson Arms offers affordable handguns and shotguns to the modern masses. The MF20 shotgun is just one of many of the company’s offerings, and it provides some unique features. Watch our video above to see the MF20 in use on the range.

For starters, as its name suggests, the MF20 is chambered for 20-ga. shotshells, and in that fact, it’s already a standout within the shotgunning world. While there are hundreds of 20-ga. shotguns on the market, most of them are of a sporting configuration. For those who want a 20-gauge that is designed more for defensive use and offers rapid reloading through the use of box magazines, then there are only a few options out there, and the Iver Johnson MF20 is one of them.

The semi-automatic mechanism of the MF20 is operated through a gas system covered by a barrel shroud that gives the gun a sleek, tactical appearance. Three ports ahead of the chamber direct propellant gases against a piston, which in turn, cycles the action. A return spring pushes the cylindrical bolt back into battery, stripping a round off the detachable box magazine. If that sounds somewhat similar to an AR-15, that’s because this shotgun is, in some ways, basically a giant AR-15.

That resemblance continues on the polymer lower receiver, which includes a 90-degree safety selector on the left side that’s virtually identical to those found on mil-spec AR-15s. Additionally, AR enthusiasts will also recognize the bolt catch just ahead of the selector switch, as well as the push-button magazine release on the receiver’s right side. The magazine well is also AR-style, though it is significantly bigger to accommodate the larger, five-round box magazine sized to take up to 3” 20-ga. shotshells. The only control that differs on the MF20 as opposed to standard AR-15s is the inclusion of a reciprocating charging handle on the right side of the bolt.

At the range, we appreciated the compact, quick-handling nature of the MF20, and the gun’s 20-ga. chambering was easy on the shoulder, even despite the gun’s relatively light weight at just over 7 lbs. Flip-up sights are included with the gun, but the receiver’s Picatinny rail makes it easy to mount a red-dot, too, and the adjustable cheek riser allows shotgunners to find a comfortable position for any mounted optic. We also appreciated the extra room for accessories on the fore-end, and another highlight was the shotgun’s compatibility with all Benelli Mobil choke tubes. Three are included with the gun. For those on the hunt for a versatile, affordable, tactical-style shotgun chambered for 20-ga. shotshells, the MF20 is certainly worth a look.

Iver Johnson MF20 Specifications
Importer: Iver Johnson Arms
Gauge: 20; 3”
Action Type: gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun
Receiver: aluminum alloy upper; polymer lower
Barrel: 18.75” 4140 chrome-moly steel; threaded for chokes
Stock: polymer
Magazine: five-round detachable box
Sights: adjustable, flip-up; aperture rear, post front
Trigger: single-stage; 15-lb., 11-oz. pull
Overall Length: 38.63"
Weight: 7 lbs., 4 ozs.
MSRP: $483