What do you use Turkey Hunting?

[turkey choke]

Hey guys,

I am just curious what you all are using?  Anyone grown ups using a 20g?  I have an older 12g that I got when my grandfather passed away.  It has a wicked compensator/choke on it and it patterned really nice.  But there is a part of me that doesn't really want to take it out and scratch it up or something as I like the condition it is in now.  I do have a Mossberg 500c 20g that I would rather use.  It had a decent pattern and I just ordered a new choke and hoping it comes before opening day so I can take it out and pattern it.  If I can get a good pattern  out of my 20g, am I really at less of an advantage using the 20g?

I am I less manly using a 20g?  lol.  Should I man up and use my 12g?  What you guys using?

[AKBowman]

I will be using an old ithaca side by side in 20 ga. A 20 is plenty if you let em get a little closer. Sounds like your a little younger and might be a little apprehensive about shooting a 12 ga. I've been there before I think everyone has...you won't notice the recoil when your hunting with it. A 20 is sure nice to tote around being that they are so much lighter than a 12

[The Gobble-stopper]

I dont feel it has anything to do with "man up". If you want to know the truth its more man up because you are respecting your grandpas gun. As for 12 or 20 guage, 20 will do the job! its more about accuracy and pattern. You may have to call em in closer. Just do a good job of sighting in, use the best loads you can buy that pattern best in your gun. And practice not shooting farther than your gun will.

[Fishnfowler]

Almost every turkey I've shot was coming in and could have been taken with a 20, (many were).  Having the moxie to not shoot at those that don't is the manly part.  I often post a picture of my youngest son at 8 with his first turkey taken with a 1909 LC Smith choked mod/cyl 20 gauge shooting 15/16oz loads of #6.  He has taken 3 birds now with that gun in 3 shots.  Wait for the bird to get close enough and it will be in the bag.  That said, I let my 8 y/o shoot my favorite gun hunting turkeys, give your Grandfather's gun some action.  There isn't much hunting that is easier on a gun than turkey.



 

[yelp]

My objective when killing a turkey is a fast kill.  I use a 12 gauge 3.5 inch 5's with several chokes designed to smash, decapitate, etc.  I also get the energy and extra pellets to insure that I will kill that bird.  I have a 20 guage that will do a job but I don't like to take chances.  There are a lot of great 20's that will do the job too. I have had many toms hang up at 45=55 yards that is a tough distance with a 20.   

[BOWHUNTER45]

Yeah it makes sense to go with a 12 ga.. but for kids its alittle hard on them ...my boys used 20ga up until they were about 14 ... never had much problem rolling turkeys as long as you stayed within 25 to 30 yards when taken a shot ...Like Yelp said if you can handle a 12 then thats definately the way to go 

[HornHoarder]

I've killed lots of turkeys with a 12 gauge, so last year I wanted to try out my new 20 gauge. I had no problem putting down two nice toms with it. Like everyone else stated, you will lose shooting distance. Keep your shots under 35 yards, and good luck.

[Dhoey07]

I've only shot them with my 870 12 gauge, but this year i'll be using my new 20 gauge o/u i bought last weekend 

The shot size is the same, the velocity is really comparable, the main difference is the quantity of shot in the shells.  So with a decent choke and some practice, that 20 will do just fine.   

[Lincoln4]

I've killed turkey with both 12 and 20 gauges.  20 Seems to kill them just fine, and I now use a Mossberg 20 guage.  Check out the "Old Gobbler" board 20 gauge threads...

http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=fde1ee562d1ffd109a5b2fba0be95b06&board=10.0

[mossy8352]

12 or 20 it is more important to know your gun and it's limitations. If you take the twenty know the boundaries of a lethal shot and shoot accordingly. There are some real turkey killing rounds out there if you have time to test them. Good luck.

[turkey choke]

I dont feel it has anything to do with "man up". If you want to know the truth its more man up because you are respecting your grandpas gun. As for 12 or 20 guage, 20 will do the job! its more about accuracy and pattern. You may have to call em in closer. Just do a good job of sighting in, use the best loads you can buy that pattern best in your gun. And practice not shooting farther than your gun will.

Honestly it's this.  It has nothing to do with being apprehensive or nervous about shooting the 12g itself.  I have shot it and others many times and I am very comfortable shooting it.  This is my second year turkey hunting, and I borrowed a buddies 12g most the season last year. 

Just didn't really know how acceptable using a 20g over the 12g would be, but I understand it is all about the pattern and limitations.  Thanks guys.

[dawei]

Hey guys,

I am just curious what you all are using?  Anyone grown ups using a 20g?  I have an older 12g that I got when my grandfather passed away.  It has a wicked compensator/choke on it and it patterned really nice.  But there is a part of me that doesn't really want to take it out and scratch it up or something as I like the condition it is in now.  I do have a Mossberg 500c 20g that I would rather use.  It had a decent pattern and I just ordered a new choke and hoping it comes before opening day so I can take it out and pattern it.  If I can get a good pattern  out of my 20g, am I really at less of an advantage using the 20g?

I am I less manly using a 20g?  lol.  Should I man up and use my 12g?  What you guys using?

I have been using a 20ga Mossberg Mdl 500C for turkey hunting since 2000. Conventional wisdom dictates that because of a 20ga lighter payload compared to a 12ga; one should use smaller shot, i.e. #6 in order to achieve a denser pattern. My gun however does great with #4's - go figure. I use Winchester® Supreme® 3" Mag 1200fps 1 5/16oz #4Pb (#STH2034); and Federal® Mag-Shok® Flitecontrol® 3" Mag 1185fps 1 5/16oz #4Pb (PFC258F 4).Here are some patterns and the results..........

[kevinlisa06]

I use my Mossberg 835 with Remington 3inch 4X6. The wife shoots her Mossberg 500 12ga with Winchester shells.

[Phantom Gobbler]

Need to pattern my 12 GA Uggie Side by Side for Turkey Loads one of these days.  Really like the Youth hunters with the LC Smith and over/under. 

Until then I will keep toting the Mossberg 935! 

[C-Money]

I have only used a 12ga, but you will have no problem killing a Tom out to 30 or even 40 yards with your 20ga. They pack a lot of shot into a 20ga, you should be fine. Pattern the 20ga, and shoot the turkey. He will die all the same! Good luck!