Post by: okie john on April 14, 2024, 11:00:22 AM
I know rifles pretty well after decades of hunting big game, but I’m like a hog looking at a wristwatch when it comes to shotguns. I’m not hunting waterfowl, so I probably don't need the versatility of a 12-gauge. I have astigmatism, so red-dot sights are a problem but I’m fine with a scope or rifle sights. I prefer a shortish (~12.5”) length of pull, and I’d like to be able to add different barrels for small game, predators, other upland game, etc.
After lurking on the internet and coonfingering my way through gun shows and shops, I’m leaning toward a 20-gauge, probably either a Remington 870 Youth, the Mossberg 500 Turkey, or one of the Mossberg Bantams. That said, I’m willing to consider semi-autos, single-shots, or anything else. I’d also be willing to get an older gun with a fixed-choke barrel and add a turkey barrel.
What do you guys think?
Thanks,
Okie John
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 14, 2024, 11:25:47 AM
Post by: CP on April 14, 2024, 11:29:29 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 14, 2024, 11:32:44 AM
I wouldn't over-think it. Just about any shotgun will kill a turkey.
:yeah: Just a grouse on steroids that thinks it's a bull elk.
Post by: tgomez on April 14, 2024, 06:00:09 PM
Post by: Duckslayer89 on April 14, 2024, 06:14:04 PM
Post by: birddogdad on April 15, 2024, 03:18:30 PM
Post by: salish on April 16, 2024, 10:32:32 AM
as light a shotgun as you can find... if you sit in a blind nevermind.. but if you walk that should direct your decision... tss will cover performance for whatever gauge you choose... 410/28/20 would be all i looked at.
A couple of years ago I bought a Mossberg 500 Super Bantam Youth Turkey gun in 20ga. The thing weighs about 5.5 lbs and is scaled down a bit for kids. Since I'm a smaller framed guy that wasn't an issue for me, but I did have to add a pad to increase LOP. Added a good carrying sling and you hardly notice its on your shoulder. I prefer hunting with my old vintage shotguns but if I need to be hiking a lot of miles I'll take the Mossberg. I have used both lead and Apex TSS #9's with it and they both kill well, but the TSS kills are longer distances.
https://www.mossberg.com/500-super-bantam-turkey-54157.html
Post by: Hirt on April 16, 2024, 01:06:46 PM
Post by: salish on April 16, 2024, 01:40:47 PM
I took my first turkey at 45yards with a Mossberg 500 20GA youth model. It's light, cheap, and reliable. Invest in a decent choke and pair it with a good patterning round and you are set. I did end up adding a pad to increase the LOP, but I still grouse hunt with it every fall almost 20 later.
I patterned it with the extra full choke that came with my youth turkey gun, but I didn't think the pattern was that great. I bought a Jeb's .555 turkey choke and it's much better. Everything you said is spot on. My initial plan was to out a red dot on it but I've stuck with the factory irons. Good guns.
Post by: kirkl on April 16, 2024, 02:26:35 PM
Post by: okie john on April 20, 2024, 12:06:39 PM
Okie John
Post by: jackelope on April 20, 2024, 06:23:28 PM
I’ve been wanting to try out a .410 and the TSS stuff but it’s like $17 a round so I’m out.
(I’m exaggerating)
Post by: hughjorgan on April 20, 2024, 09:00:33 PM
What about sights?
Okie John
Get yourself a red dot to put on the rail. You can get mounting hard ware from here https://www.meadowcreekmounts.com/
Post by: trophyhunt on April 20, 2024, 09:44:41 PM
Post by: Coughlin on April 20, 2024, 10:06:38 PM
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