Turkey Help

[baker5150]

I'll be Turkey hunting for the first time this spring.

To be honest it has never interested me, but an opportunity has presented itself and I can't turn down another chance to be in the woods.

So, with that said, I need help with which gun and load to use.
I currently own
Remington 870 20 gauge (love shooting this gun) mod choke
Winchester SXP Defender
Savage 12 gauge pump with a full choke (old gun and needs TLC but has sentimental value)

To start, I need to know if I should use the 870, buy a turkey barrel for the SXP (so far I can't find one in stock anywhere), or trust that the 12 gauge won't fall apart due to age (I don't trust that's it's safe to fire as it sits)

Another option is borrowing a gun, I have access to plenty of shotguns, none of which are "turkey" type guns (upland and waterfowl), and I don't want to deal with the I594 b.s. if I can avoid it.

Any opinions on gun choice and then load choice are much appreciated.

[Duckgtr]

Personally the 20 gauge will do fine. We've killed turkeys out to 40 yards with a youth model Mossberg. Just put a full choke in and blow his head off.

[baker5150]

Personally the 20 gauge will do fine. We've killed turkeys out to 40 yards with a youth model Mossberg. Just put a full choke in and blow his head off.

This is what I was hoping to hear.

Thanks

[bobcat]

I wouldn't use the 20 gauge with the modified choke unless you're willing to limit yourself to closer shots. You'd have to pattern it to find out, but your max effective range might be only 20 yards or so. Then again it might do okay, just buy a few different, quality turkey loads and some turkey targets and see what kind of range you can get with it. Does the 870 take choke tubes or is it a fixed choke?

Buying a barrel for the Winchester would be your best option, if you can find one.

[Russ McDonald]

If that 20 gauge uses choke tubes get a Turkey Super full choke tube.  Should be fine.

[baker5150]

If that 20 gauge uses choke tubes get a Turkey Super full choke tube.  Should be fine.

Thanks,
I think it does.

Any load recommendations?

[Russ McDonald]

I would go with a 5 or 4 shot.  You should pattern it though. Is it 3" or 2 3/4 "

[baker5150]

I would go with a 5 or 4 shot.  You should pattern it though. Is it 3" or 2 3/4 "

It's either.

[Russ McDonald]

I would go with a 5 or 4 shot.  You should pattern it though. Is it 3" or 2 3/4 "

It's either.

Still pattern the gun but 3" 5 shot should work.

[kevinlisa06]

The 20ga will work just fine. Get an extra full turkey choke and try a few different turkey loads. Pattern your gun at 20 30 and 40 yards until you find your maximum kill range with a good pattern. Just remember what works in someone else gun may not work in yours, but it might help you start the process.

[baker5150]

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate the info this forum provides.

[Russ McDonald]

Good luck.

[Gobble Doc]

Both my kids have a Mossberg 20 gauge, one is the youth model. Both have just used the full choke and killed a lot of turkey. I can't remember a time when they shot and the bird didn't just drop. Just don't shoot too far out and try some different loads to see what works best. I now use a 20 gauge and really like it. It's a Remington with a Remington turkey choke and it too works well. Good luck. 

[PA BEN]

My girls have killed some good toms with a youth model 870 20 ga. We use 3" #5's with a extra full turkey choke.

[biggfish]

I've never feared the 20 gauge to under gunned use it without fear but do pattern it and use different loads and chokes to find your best combo. That being said a gun you don't have confidence in its safety is a broken gun, in my opinion you have to options with a broken gun fix it or ditch it. By ditch it I don't mean you have to completely get rid of it but it may be time to make it a mantle piece or wall hanger. I would take it to a Smith and have it inspected if it's repairable do so if it's no make it permanently inoperable and use it as art.

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