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Author Topic: New dedicated turkey gun  (Read 6999 times)

Offline ASHQUACK

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New dedicated turkey gun
« on: February 11, 2024, 01:09:35 PM »
So, I decided that I'm going from a 12 gauge to a 20 for turkeys. Wanted a semi auto, and started shopping the interwebs for a decent entry level 20. Looked at everything from completely unknowns to some of the top end 2k plus auto loaders. I happened by Bi-Mart on my way home from a clam dig and saw they had a Weatherby Element in 20 for a relatively low price, comparatively speaking. I bought it and have ordered a tru-glo 1x red dot for it. Next up I'm looking for a gunsmith to drill and tap the receiver for a pic rail to mount the scope. My Smith passed away a couple years ago. I plan on finding a couple of decent chokes and head to the patterning woods. I'm gonna try hevi-metal turkey loads 1st. Then maybe some of the old Federal lead #4 duck loads left over from....well left over anyway. My only (mostly mental) issue with the gun is the long 28" barrel.

Offline hughjorgan

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2024, 01:19:25 PM »
Have you thought about trying TSS #9s?

Offline ShedHead20

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2024, 02:40:47 PM »
I bought the same Bi-mart special but in a 12 gauge. Great shotgun so far! Bi-Mart has some sleeper deals 

Offline ASHQUACK

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2024, 05:25:21 PM »
Have you thought about trying TSS #9s?

Actually yes, I have 5 a friend loaded that will be test loads for choke combinations.

Offline hughjorgan

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2024, 07:57:04 PM »
Have you thought about trying TSS #9s?

Actually yes, I have 5 a friend loaded that will be test loads for choke combinations.

They should pattern great paired with the right choke.

Offline wadu1

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2024, 09:54:51 PM »
@ASHQUACK doesn't it already have scope mounts milled into the receiver? The only auto loader I have that doesn't have them is my SP10.
"a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi"

Offline ASHQUACK

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2024, 07:59:36 AM »
@ASHQUACK doesn't it already have scope mounts milled into the receiver? The only auto loader I have that doesn't have them is my SP10.
Unfortunately I don't believe that it does. I'll look again when I get it in hand. Did I mention that I hate the stupid 10 day waiting period..stupid communist legislature.

Offline wadu1

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #7 on: February 12, 2024, 08:15:25 AM »
@ASHQUACK doesn't it already have scope mounts milled into the receiver? The only auto loader I have that doesn't have them is my SP10.
Unfortunately I don't believe that it does. I'll look again when I get it in hand. Did I mention that I hate the stupid 10 day waiting period..stupid communist legislature.
:yeah:
I got an extra delay because the SXS shotgun didn't have a SN#.
"a fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi"

Offline salish

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #8 on: February 12, 2024, 08:45:20 AM »
I have a dedicated 20ga turkey gun and I've killed turkeys with the Apex #9 TSS, and also with straight-up high brass magnum pheasant loads in #4 and #6. The TSS penetrated further into the birds but didn't kill them any quicker. I think the TSS might come into it's own at longer ranges. Have fun with your new gun.

Offline birddogdad

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #9 on: February 12, 2024, 08:47:45 AM »
the Elements dont come tapped for a red dot mount on receiver.. this will have to be a mod you make.
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Offline ASHQUACK

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #10 on: February 12, 2024, 09:31:29 AM »
I have a dedicated 20ga turkey gun and I've killed turkeys with the Apex #9 TSS, and also with straight-up high brass magnum pheasant loads in #4 and #6. The TSS penetrated further into the birds but didn't kill them any quicker. I think the TSS might come into it's own at longer ranges. Have fun with your new gun.
Way back when, we bought a bunch of cases of federal high brass 3" #4 from Yard Birds  I still have a few (10) boxes of those. I'll probably shoot a few of those for up close birds.

Offline ASHQUACK

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #11 on: February 12, 2024, 09:32:19 AM »
the Elements dont come tapped for a red dot mount on receiver.. this will have to be a mod you make.

Going to have to start searching for a Smith to do that work.

Offline salish

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #12 on: February 12, 2024, 09:41:02 AM »
 :tup:
I have a dedicated 20ga turkey gun and I've killed turkeys with the Apex #9 TSS, and also with straight-up high brass magnum pheasant loads in #4 and #6. The TSS penetrated further into the birds but didn't kill them any quicker. I think the TSS might come into it's own at longer ranges. Have fun with your new gun.
Way back when, we bought a bunch of cases of federal high brass 3" #4 from Yard Birds  I still have a few (10) boxes of those. I'll probably shoot a few of those for up close birds.

Offline birddogdad

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #13 on: February 12, 2024, 10:05:48 AM »
:tup:
I have a dedicated 20ga turkey gun and I've killed turkeys with the Apex #9 TSS, and also with straight-up high brass magnum pheasant loads in #4 and #6. The TSS penetrated further into the birds but didn't kill them any quicker. I think the TSS might come into it's own at longer ranges. Have fun with your new gun.
Way back when, we bought a bunch of cases of federal high brass 3" #4 from Yard Birds  I still have a few (10) boxes of those. I'll probably shoot a few of those for up close birds.

be careful with shot size in TSS tubes... most have restrictions from manufacturer..
USN retired
1981-2011

Offline salish

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Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #14 on: February 12, 2024, 10:14:28 AM »
:tup:
I have a dedicated 20ga turkey gun and I've killed turkeys with the Apex #9 TSS, and also with straight-up high brass magnum pheasant loads in #4 and #6. The TSS penetrated further into the birds but didn't kill them any quicker. I think the TSS might come into it's own at longer ranges. Have fun with your new gun.
Way back when, we bought a bunch of cases of federal high brass 3" #4 from Yard Birds  I still have a few (10) boxes of those. I'll probably shoot a few of those for up close birds.

be careful with shot size in TSS tubes... most have restrictions from manufacturer..

I have a Jeb's 20ga choke in .555 and it patterns really well with both TSS and lead. Great chokes.

 


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