Americans have long championed the shotgun as a premier self-defense tool, but the platform has traditionally suffered from limited capacity and a slow reloading process. These drawbacks often steer users toward the AR platform, which is known for its agility and rapid-deployment capabilities. In a country where compromise is often considered a bad word, it’s no surprise that innovative designs like the Iver Johnson MF20 have emerged; by merging the best features of both shotguns and ARs, this firearm offers impressive—but controllable—firepower while mitigating the scattergun’s usual shortcomings.
Manufactured by the Turkish company Izmir Armed, the MF20 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic 20 gauge. It features a pistol-grip configuration and a shrouded barrel, giving it a modern, tactical appearance. The shroud conceals a conventional gas system that channels propellant gas from a discharged shotshell through three ports. This pressure drives a piston rearward, unlocking the action and ejecting the spent hull. A recoil spring then returns the action to battery, chambering a fresh round from the five-round detachable box magazine—the “MF” in the name meaning “magazine fed.” Options chambered for 12 ga. and .410 bore are also offered.
AR-style controls (l.) incorporated into the MF20 include a left-side safety selector and bolt-release lever for right-handed use. The MF20 comes from the company with a set of choke tubes (r.) of the Benelli Mobil pattern (imp. cyl., mod. and full), allowing it to serve in multiple shotgunning roles.
Proper maintenance involves removing a large nut that secures the fore-end to the receiver. Once the fore-end is free, an included hook spanner is used to remove another nut that secures the barrel. Removing it allows the barrel and bolt assembly to be withdrawn. We found this process to be rather involved and not particularly intuitive, although it is well-explained in the owner’s manual.
The MF20’s receiver group is constructed from lightweight materials: polymer for the lower portion and aircraft-grade aluminum for the upper. This combination ensures durability without adding unnecessary weight, making it easier to handle and maneuver. On the left side, toward the rear, a familiar safety selector rotates clockwise to fire and can easily be actuated by the right thumb in a firing grip. An AR-style bolt stop locks the action open after the last shot. A takedown lever on the same side swings the feed ramp out of the way during disassembly. On the right side, there’s a push-button magazine release and a reciprocating charging handle, both of which are intuitive and easy to use.
Right-side controls (l.) include a reciprocating charging handle and an AR-15-style push-button magazine release. The Iver Johnson MF20 ships with two five-round detachable (r.) box magazines, however, care must be taken when loading them to ensure that the rim of the shell doesn’t catch on the one below it.
In a departure from traditional shotgun design, which typically features pronounced drop at the comb and heel, the MF20 retains the straight-line nature of the AR platform. This design choice improves recoil management and allows for a more comfortable shooting experience. The adjustable cheekpiece allows shooters to rest considerably above the bore, accommodating modern, tall optic mounts. The integrated Picatinny rail on the upper receiver facilitates easy attachment of optics, though the MF20 also includes flip-up aperture sights adjustable for both elevation and windage.
Before hitting the range, we selected Remington’s Express 2 3/4" No. 3 buckshot for pattern testing and Federal’s 2 3/4" Gold Medal No. 8 target load to gauge functionality. Although the MF20 can handle shells up to 3" in length, we chose lighter loads to ease recoil as well as challenge the firearm’s gas system. Iver Johnson supplies the shotgun with three chokes—improved cylinder, modified and full—threaded to the Benelli Mobil pattern. For testing, we opted for the modified choke.
Those experienced with AR-15s had little difficulty acclimating to the controls, and even those with minimal exposure found the learning curve to be manageable. Magazine loading posed a minor challenge, as stacking rounds required careful alignment to prevent the rim of one shell from catching on the brass of the one below. Driving the bottom round deeply with a finger before inserting the next one proved to be the best solution.
Our initial shots revealed patterns slightly low and to the left, necessitating sight adjustments to achieve a proper zero. The trigger’s 15-lb., 11-oz., break was excessive, although this is less vital in a close-quarters defensive shotgun. A heavier trigger pull can reduce the likelihood of accidental discharges under stress, adding an extra layer of safety. The ergonomics and minimal felt recoil received high praise from all testers, as the pistol grip and adjustable comb made the MF20 enjoyable to shoot.
We concluded our session by engaging an array of AR-500 Caldwell IPSC targets. The 20 gauge’s rapid recovery and swift target transitions impressed all shooters. Some testers found it advantageous to flip down the rear sight and use just the front sight, akin to a traditional bead, which sped up target acquisition considerably. This quick thinking helped to highlight the firearm’s versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
Throughout our testing, the MF20 functioned flawlessly and delivered consistent patterns. AR-15 enthusiasts and shotgun purists alike were satisfied with the MF20, recognizing its potential to bridge the gap between their preferred platforms. This firearm not only showcased the strengths of both designs but also demonstrated the viability of innovative hybrid approaches—while also proving, with the right ammunition, the capability of the 20 gauge as a defensive stopper.
The Iver Johnson MF20 successfully blends tradition and modernity. Its semi-automatic operation, coupled with a detachable magazine, addresses the limitations of conventional shotguns while maintaining the familiar ergonomics of the AR platform. As a result, it’s a highly adaptable firearm capable of excelling in various roles—offered at a very palatable price point.
