Good Shotgun for Turkeys ?

[krzy4elk]

   Howdy all, Looking for some advice on what would be a good gun & shells for doin some Turkey hunting in the near  future?   Any advice  most welcome,  have'nt hunted them ever!    THANKS!!!

[bowhunterforever]

Remington 870 with turkey choke and 3inch or 3 1/2, 4 or 5 shot. That's what I use anyways and have killed turkeys to 55 yards with mine

[packmule]

Don't start turkey hunting, you'll never be the same.  Seriously, I'm warning you   

There are a lot of great turkey shotguns out there.  If you're just starting out you might want to think about a pump shotgun (Remington 870, Browning BPS, Mossberg 835 or 500, Benelli Nova to name a few) and try a few different chokes.  I've had really good luck with TruGlo Strut Stopper Xtreme (SSX) chokes and they're relatively cheap (around $30).

Also, 3 inch shells in #5 or #6 lead are a great place to start.  Get some large sheets of paper and try some patterning at 35 yards or so and see what loads pattern best.  There is a ton of information available for turkey guns at www.oldgobbler.com.

Good luck! 

[krzy4elk]

   Thanks for the info.,bowhunterforever & packmule , I'm left handed so I'm thinking the Browning BPS might work out better for me ,due the fact that ejects the shells from the bottom { If my memory serves me right }  Plan on checking out some shotguns this weekend down in Centralia ,gun show.  Funds are a bit tight so will have to go used.  THANKS again, appreciate it!

[turkeydancer]

I use 4, 5, or 6 shot dependent on what patterns best in the shotgun.  Also try different manufactures which can make a difference.  Your choke should be an extra full turkey choke.  Many good shotguns out there ....

I do turkey hunting seminars each spring that teaches all the basics and some more advanced things I think will help you. The first one is scheduled for Feb 22 @ 1 pm - 3pm at Cabelas in Tulalip.  Been asked to do another during their Great Outdoor days, but no day or time is scheduled yet.  Have also done two each spring at Cabelas in Olympia for several years (but haven't heard from them yet) and other sportmens club and other venues over the years.  Will post as dates/times are established.

[CP]

Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke.  #6 to #4 lead shot.  They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.

[krzy4elk]

   Howdy  turkeydancer & CP,  thanks for the reply's.  I did find a Browning BPS at the gun show , Paid $ 435. for it. Stopped at Cabela's on the way back to compare  prices. They did'nt have one but found out later they list for around $550. new.  So I'm happy with my new, used shooter. Has a full choke in it also, can't wait to put some shells through it.  I'll be lookin forward to your Turkey seminar, turkeydancer.  If any other hunters would like some company on a Turkey jaunt, let me know.  Thanks again for the tips!   

[jblackburn]

A good pump like a Rem 870 or Mossberg 500 or 835 will be a turkey killing machine.  As far as shells and chokes, well there are tons of options.  I prefer #6s because of the higher pellet count.  My 835 with a factory Xtra Full loves 3 or 3.5 Winchester Supreme XX loads, 3 inch shells will kill them dead, but there are more pellets with the 3.5 inch shells.  I have killed birds over 50 yards (don't really recommend that, but I did).

Then you have the heavier than lead option.  I have an 870 that I set up for Hevi shot and it is absolutely insane!  I shoot 3 inch Hevi-13 #6s through and Indian Creek Choke tube and I get a wicked pattern.  The downside is the expense for the shells, but they way I look at it is that I don't shoot very many times in a season, so I am ok with it.  My best pattern was 204 hits in a 10 inch circle at 40 yards! 

[krzy4elk]

   Howdy jblackburn; Thanks for the info. Now it's  tryin to locate some areas to try & spot a bird to blast.  will look to central WA. for starters.

[lokidog]

Shorter barrels are nice in the brush.   

[BOWHUNTER45]

WINCHESTER 1300 ...For me .... deadly ...takes out everything in its path when loaded with 2oz of #5 shot in a 3in mag ! 

[Turkeys]

Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke.  #6 to #4 lead shot.  They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.

[C-Money]

I am using an 11-87 with a Remington turkey choke. 2oz of 4,5, or 6 's...deadly!

[PA BEN]

Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke.  #6 to #4 lead shot.  They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.

[jblackburn]

Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke.  #6 to #4 lead shot.  They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.

I 100% agree at 25 yards or less. But until you have had a bird or two run/fly off at 35 yards, you might not agree. There is a certain element of chance when pulling the trigger on a Longbeard, I prefer to make sure I stack the deck.