Looking for a Turkey gun

[Intruder]

One of the good pumps 870/BPS first choice.  Nova/500/835 would be second.  I do think the shorter "turkey barrel" is an advantage as are sites.  3 1/2" chamber isn't really needed IMO.

[MtnMuley]

  I do think the shorter "turkey barrel" is an advantage as are sites.  3 1/2" chamber isn't really needed IMO.

I would agree that the 24" turkey barrel is only an advantage on being easier to manuver in the woods and thick areas.  As for the 3 1/2", I'm still trying to prove to myself that I really needed it.  Plenty of birds fell with the 3".

[Tom Tamer]

I use either a t/c encore or a mossberg 500. Only time they haven't killed aturkey was when the nut on the trigger goofed up
Mossbergs you can usually get for around $350 leaving plenty left over to start your call arsenal

[Raul Duke]

i picked up my Mossberg 535 Turkey Shotgun,  for about $350. Thinking of picking up another 1 this year for my boy.

[lokidog]

Mossberg 500 combo set gives you a rifled barrel for deer if needed and the smoothbore all for under $400, I think.

Don't go with a Nova, rattly SOB when it is on your shoulder, I know cuz I've got one.  Rem 870's are always a good gun as well.  Agree with some other posts, 3.5" shells are not necessary for turkeys.  Most of mine have fallen to 2 3/4".  3.5" action is a long stroke on a pump gun.   

Shorter barrel would be nice too.

[JAMMER55]

Mossburg 835

[Buckmark]

Thumbed through the new Cabelas flyer at lunch, they have a mossberg 835 tactical turkey for $459, Remy 870 sps turkey for $529, and a Remy 887 camo for $439. A few others but they were over 6 bills

[Jekemi]

I also advise the Remington 870. I have taken three turkeys with a simple 870 express. Last year I bought a camo thumbhole stock and forestock. I added a green fiber site, which fits perfectly over the barrel rib and clears the sight. I also added a nice camo sling/shoulder strap. I use a factory Rem-choke. Turkey Extra Full .685. No need for the Super Full at .650. I use 3" Federal Turkey Load, lead shot, #5's or #6's. This gun can be put together for around $300. The 870 pump takes a beating and keeps on shooting.

[Rack]

Tried several different guns.  Ended up taking out my sp 10. Don,t like the recoil pump guns have with turkey loads.

[NWTFhunter]

I wouldnt trade my NWTF Tac Turkey 870 for NOTHING ! I freaking LOVE that gun !

[KimberRich]

Tried several different guns.  Ended up taking out my sp 10. Don,t like the recoil pump guns have with turkey loads.

 

I was shocked how hard my 870 kicked with a hot 3 1/2" turkey load in it!!! Brutal..

[NWTFhunter]

The 870 will kick you if your shooting a turkey load at a target to pattern your shot.... However, when you pull the trigger on a bird, its usually not an issue.

[lokidog]

quote author=NWTFhunter link=topic=45386.msg559390#msg559390 date=1268273279]
The 870 will kick you if your shooting a turkey load at a target to pattern your shot.... However, when you pull the trigger on a bird, its usually not an issue.
[/quote]

I personally see no reason for 3 1/2 inch loads for turkeys.  I have dropped more with 2 3/4's than 3's even.  Why beat yourself up when you don't have to while target shooting.  Especially with the turkey choke tubes, you will now put more pellets on target and don't need the extra numbers in a 3 1/2.  The shorter shells also make it a lot cheaper to shoot a variety of loads and target shoot a lot to see what your gun likes best.   [

[jackelope]

the 870 will kick the crap out of you with a 3" turkey load FYI...
it doesn't have to be a 3.5"er.
you only need a few rounds to determine what patterns well...it's not like you're sighting in a rifle...
 

[lokidog]

You make my point about 3 and 3 1/2 inch rounds.  I have shot an 870 Wingmaster since 1977 and most pumps will beat the crap out of you with turkey loads.  If you are trying to figure which will pattern best, you might shoot a bit more.