Post by: krzy4elk on November 06, 2013, 01:48:14 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on November 06, 2013, 05:53:48 PM
Post by: packmule on November 06, 2013, 07:58:00 PM
There are a lot of great turkey shotguns out there. If you're just starting out you might want to think about a pump shotgun (Remington 870, Browning BPS, Mossberg 835 or 500, Benelli Nova to name a few) and try a few different chokes. I've had really good luck with TruGlo Strut Stopper Xtreme (SSX) chokes and they're relatively cheap (around $30).
Also, 3 inch shells in #5 or #6 lead are a great place to start. Get some large sheets of paper and try some patterning at 35 yards or so and see what loads pattern best. There is a ton of information available for turkey guns at www.oldgobbler.com (http://www.oldgobbler.com).
Good luck!
Post by: krzy4elk on November 07, 2013, 02:53:37 AM
Post by: turkeydancer on November 08, 2013, 02:24:42 PM
I do turkey hunting seminars each spring that teaches all the basics and some more advanced things I think will help you. The first one is scheduled for Feb 22 @ 1 pm - 3pm at Cabelas in Tulalip. Been asked to do another during their Great Outdoor days, but no day or time is scheduled yet. Have also done two each spring at Cabelas in Olympia for several years (but haven't heard from them yet) and other sportmens club and other venues over the years. Will post as dates/times are established.
Post by: CP on November 08, 2013, 02:59:58 PM
Post by: krzy4elk on November 10, 2013, 01:14:11 AM
Post by: jblackburn on December 13, 2013, 04:37:15 PM
Then you have the heavier than lead option. I have an 870 that I set up for Hevi shot and it is absolutely insane! I shoot 3 inch Hevi-13 #6s through and Indian Creek Choke tube and I get a wicked pattern. The downside is the expense for the shells, but they way I look at it is that I don't shoot very many times in a season, so I am ok with it. My best pattern was 204 hits in a 10 inch circle at 40 yards!
Post by: krzy4elk on December 13, 2013, 05:11:29 PM
Post by: lokidog on December 13, 2013, 06:37:10 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on December 13, 2013, 06:45:43 PM
Post by: Turkeys on December 14, 2013, 03:50:33 PM
Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke. #6 to #4 lead shot. They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.:yeah:
Post by: C-Money on December 14, 2013, 03:58:09 PM
Post by: PA BEN on December 14, 2013, 06:28:43 PM
:yeah:Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke. #6 to #4 lead shot. They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.:yeah:
Post by: jblackburn on December 14, 2013, 08:30:53 PM
Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke. #6 to #4 lead shot. They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.
I 100% agree at 25 yards or less. But until you have had a bird or two run/fly off at 35 yards, you might not agree. There is a certain element of chance when pulling the trigger on a Longbeard, I prefer to make sure I stack the deck.
Post by: turkeydancer on December 16, 2013, 02:52:42 PM
Main thing no matter what shotgun and choke you have is to pattern your setup with #4, 5, or 6's at different ranges ... and try different manufacturers also ... to find your effective harvesting range. NWTF says minimum of 6 hits in the brain pan ... I prefer a minimum of 10 hits as I don't believe in the magic BB or depend on the BB gods.
Post by: follow maggie on January 28, 2014, 06:45:15 PM
Post by: scottcrb on January 28, 2014, 07:02:36 PM
Post by: lokidog on January 28, 2014, 07:41:19 PM
this is my benelli supernova with a Carlson turkey choke and the hevi shot magnum blend (#4,#5,#6 combined )@ 30 yards. all you need is a turkey choke and some good shells.
Nice pattern, but many turkeys dropped to my old 870 fixed choke full 2 3/4" shells through the years. I only ever missed one and that was a squib round from a friend's reloads.
I think the answer to the OP is whatever shotgun is in your hands when a turkey comes into range, if you know what your killing range is. :twocents: :chuckle:
Post by: kevinlisa06 on January 28, 2014, 07:58:13 PM
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Post by: irishevox on January 29, 2014, 10:06:06 AM
Post by: rittem1 on January 29, 2014, 11:42:02 AM
Post by: HuntandFish on January 29, 2014, 04:41:33 PM
Any shotgun 20g or better with a full choke. #6 to #4 lead shot. They aren’t as hard to kill as many like to make them out to be.
I 100% agree at 25 yards or less. But until you have had a bird or two run/fly off at 35 yards, you might not agree. There is a certain element of chance when pulling the trigger on a Longbeard, I prefer to make sure I stack the deck.
Agreed, they drop like a sack of potatoes under 25-35yrds with a good head shot. But take a long and or running flying shot and your in trouble. Unfortunately I have shot a few turkeys that I never did find..... The more gun the better, these birds can seem like they are wearing a flack jacket if you don't get a well placed head shot!!
I use an 870 mag. the 3.5" really helps you reach out in touch them in a spot and stalk situation.
Regards,
H&F
Post by: lokidog on January 29, 2014, 06:16:36 PM
... a spot and stalk situation.
Regards,
H&F
Oh no you didn't.... :peep: :o :chuckle:
Post by: PA BEN on January 30, 2014, 05:15:16 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_3435.jpg&hash=4382053482efde6a801f3f1994428de33c1ec7dc) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_3435.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi154.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fs276%2FPABEN07%2F100_3434.jpg&hash=e0279c2b89c81a75ee0f13b16744043dbbc8bdf5) (http://s154.photobucket.com/user/PABEN07/media/100_3434.jpg.html)
Post by: turkeydancer on January 30, 2014, 07:49:14 AM