collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: New dedicated turkey gun  (Read 7462 times)

Offline ASHQUACK

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1036
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

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 2484
  • Location: Wilbur
Re: New dedicated turkey gun
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2024, 01:19:25 PM »
Have you thought about trying TSS #9s?

Offline ShedHead20

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 113
  • Location: Washington State
  • Groups: National Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Sheep Foundation
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1036
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

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 2484
  • Location: Wilbur
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

  • Grumpy
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+31)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2008
  • Posts: 7370
  • Location: Tacoma
  • RMEF, DU, NRA, PFE, NWTF
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1036
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

  • Grumpy
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+31)
  • Old Salt
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2008
  • Posts: 7370
  • Location: Tacoma
  • RMEF, DU, NRA, PFE, NWTF
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 643
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 2013
  • Location: WA
  • Groups: LMAC, NRA
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.
USN retired
1981-2011

Offline ASHQUACK

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1036
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1036
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 643
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2014
  • Posts: 2013
  • Location: WA
  • Groups: LMAC, NRA
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

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 643
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.

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Any OBS/IDI Ford Guys here? by Martinhunter
[Today at 01:27:35 AM]


Arizona credit card hits by big wood
[Yesterday at 09:34:31 PM]


new mexico oryx by redi
[Yesterday at 09:12:15 PM]


Oregon ballot measure to ban hunting, trapping, and ranching by Mike450r
[Yesterday at 08:33:46 PM]


Any castor recipes for a educated monster by Humptulips
[Yesterday at 08:16:25 PM]


What pants are you guys rocking in the peninsula? by Humptulips
[Yesterday at 08:11:36 PM]


turkey hunting question series - 6 by Pegasus
[Yesterday at 05:24:44 PM]


Seahawks Sale by Hirt
[Yesterday at 05:19:20 PM]


Smelt ? by HntnFsh
[Yesterday at 05:07:18 PM]


Idaho deer 2026. Let’s go!! by Nate Ortloff
[Yesterday at 04:27:34 PM]


Cage Trapping Bobcats by OltHunter
[Yesterday at 04:08:40 PM]


American Legion Post #14 Winter/Spring Raffle by pianoman9701
[Yesterday at 12:15:59 PM]


Ram front bumpers by bhawley76
[Yesterday at 08:35:36 AM]


Has anyone "switched sides"? by actionshooter
[February 17, 2026, 08:34:52 PM]


Mercedes Class C motorhome? by Special T
[February 17, 2026, 08:28:50 PM]


Muzzy needs by Kingofthemountain83
[February 17, 2026, 07:04:10 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2026, SimplePortal