Turkey gun questions- short armed shooter-updated page 2 with bird pics!

[crowinghen]

We are going turkey hunting, kind of a last minute thing. My regular gun is a youth model Savage in a .243- I'm about 5 foot 4, a gal. I  was told that a 12 gauge that will take 3 inch shells is what is needed.
 We have 2 shotguns that would work - one is my hubby's lightweight  camo gun - I can't even find a mark as to what brand it is, but it is semi-smooth in it's action, faily light, reasonable length.. The other one is one I got from my Dad- a Marlin 120 he called it a goose gun-really long and heavy walnut with blue barrel.
 I am wondering this- is it possible/likely that I could get a shot on a turkey if I use my shooting stick? I think I could shoot the Marlin ok off a stick, but it is long and heavy.  I fell pretty sure that I could  not shoot the Marlin gun off hand at all. Maybe I could shoot the camo gun off hand ... I'm not a very practiced shooter at that-missed a cougar when my old shooting stick broke and I didn't get braced properly for a steady shot. but I haven't shot either it yet to see how they feel during a shot.
 Or does anyone have a recommendation for a gun that I could purchase that won't break the bank?
 Thanks in advance!

[Oh Mah]

Yes on the 12 ga. 3 in. shells.Everything else i feel i should say hunting should never be a last minute thing.In my opinion you need to shoot the 12 ga. well and with confidence before pointing it at anything.I suggest you hit the range and pattern the shotgun to a turkey target.That being said using a shooting stick would be fine but you will most likely be shooting from a sitting position. 

[CP]

From what you have described the Marlin is too long and heavy for you.  You do not want to have to rely on using shooting sticks.  You want a gun that fits you and that you are comfortable with.  Long heavy shotguns swing great for water fowling but a lighter, shorter gun is more suited to shooting a stationary bird on the gun ground, especially for your size.

Your “hubby's lightweight camo gun” is probably a better choice but there are a lot of inexpensive shotguns that will do the job.  12 gauge, 3” – yes that’s a good choice.  Action doesn’t much matter, a single shot is all that you need.  Try “youth models” as they have shorter LOP (length of pull) and will probably fit you better.   

[h2ofowlr]

Heavier Marlin will have less felt recoil which can be a bonus.  Many folks use shooting sticks or rest the shotgun on there knee for turkey or have a rest in a blind.  If you have time to practice it will work.  The long goose gun will throw a tight pattern for a good head shot.  Stock may still be to long, so that may need to be considered.  It probably has a 14-3/4" LOP.  Both guns mentioned probably would work for the 1 or 2 shots you may take turkey hunting.

[crowinghen]

I just found out that I need an extra full turkey choke- so that changes things a little-- the Marlin doesn't accept other chokes...I will look at Hubby's  gun or  might have to go shopping!

[kyles_88]

Would recommend youth model 12 gauge as well that will be a good shotgun for you for all situations and it doubles as home defense with the shorter LOP and usually short barrel swings nicely inside the home. 

I will give you a few tips for the gobblers that I had to learn the hard way

1.  Get a good hen decoy it will distract the bird from looking at you when he gets close.

2.  Practice your calls and don't over do it if it sounds like he's moving your way limit your calls.

3.  This is the most important more birds are won and lost on this issue than any other:  locating and setup are key,  if you run and gun like I do you locate a gobble be careful a bird is often closer than he sounds if you think he's 200 yards out chances are it might only be 100.  Sit down put your decoy out and call him in.  Old birds are smart and if they hear you breaking sticks trying to move in on him he will shut up and move out. 

4.  Timing this is something you probly won't hear from anyone else but I say hunt 9am to 1pm that's when I have had best results the real hens have moved away to lay their eggs and  Tom's are searching for hens durring this time of the day.  I sleep in and skip the 3 am start all together no need to be sleepy and come home empty handed. 

Hopefully that helps you bag a bird!!!!

[CP]

You don't "need" an extra full choke.  I expect that the Marlin has a full fixed choke which would be fine for turkeys.  But like I mentioned above you are probably better off with something smaller & lighter.

[kyles_88]

I just found out that I need an extra full turkey choke- so that changes things a little-- the Marlin doesn't accept other chokes...I will look at Hubby's  gun or  might have to go shopping!

That's not the case at all I never use extra full choke for anything.  They are tough birds I wouldn't suggest shooting at them any more than 30 yards for a novice.  Extra full will make it easier to miss under 40 yards and is unnecessary for me I use a modified choke 3" #5 lead shot hit them in the head and they will be down.  Follow tips from previous post and get that decoy for bringing him in close.

[crowinghen]

Sounds like great advice - Thanks!
 Any recommendations for a make/model gun? what about a semi-automatic vs pump?
 thanks again!

[CP]

Sounds like great advice - Thanks!
 Any recommendations for a make/model gun? what about a semi-automatic vs pump?
 thanks again!

What's your price range?

[Whitenuckles]

 My wife uses a youth 20 gauge. She has no problem getting her birds every year. That might be a good option for you.

[kyles_88]

Sounds like great advice - Thanks!
 Any recommendations for a make/model gun? what about a semi-automatic vs pump?
 thanks again!

I personally like the Remington 870 youth pump action is a fine choice for your application they make it in 20 and 12 gauge I believe and for a reasonable price.  They make a great upland game gun removable choke tubes are readily available but like I started before pattern that mod choke before you buy a full.

[CP]

13"  LOP:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/firearms/shotguns/pump-action-shotguns|/pc/104792580/c/553829580/sc/105537780/i/104803380/winchester-reg-sxp-compact-field-pump-action-shotgun/1785191.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1114871



The SXP is a fine shotgun and reasonably priced.

[crowinghen]

Sounds like great advice - Thanks!
 Any recommendations for a make/model gun? what about a semi-automatic vs pump?
 thanks again!

What's your price range?

I guess it depends- I don't need top of the line, but want a reliable gun that shoots accurately.  Nothing that tends to jam up.
how much would I need to spend?  500? I'm not on a super tight budget.

[crowinghen]

13"  LOP:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shooting/firearms/shotguns/pump-action-shotguns|/pc/104792580/c/553829580/sc/105537780/i/104803380/winchester-reg-sxp-compact-field-pump-action-shotgun/1785191.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1114871



The SXP is a fine shotgun and reasonably priced.

I actually looked at that one yesterday when browsing- seems like  a good choice.
Thanks!