I'm not particularly interested in exactly what model you all are carrying or what choke. I'm sure we'll have threads like that from now until June. I also don't want to make this a pump vs. semi-auto thing. I'm more worried about the oddballs.
I'm just wondering how many of y'all are using:
SXS?
Over/Under?
Single shot?
Bolt?
Muzzleloader?
If you would, please share your reasons for picking that platform in a turkey gun, and give details on your experiences. I'm now 21 years shooting with the same Mossy 500, and I'm wondering if I should mix it up a bit with something more exotic.
870! I like the reliability of a pump.
870 with H.S. Strut Undertaker
My go to gun is an older Mossberg 500 turkey special 12 ga pump with ported barrel and factory xtra full choke. Dad let me "borrow" it a few years ago and it's been in my possession ever since! ;D
My other gun i carry from time to time is your basic Mossberg 20 ga pump field shotgun with a 26" barrel. It's busted a lot of critters since i got it as a little kid and still looks brand new!
Anyway all I've ever owned is a pump action with bead sights! I guess i like both just out of familiarity, simplicity, and reliability. I've shot semi's that have jammed and don't think i can ever remember a pump messing up that wasn't operator error.
Started with a H&R 12 single factory dipped in original Bottomland, chambered for 3.5" Shot the 3.5" exactly four times and sold it. Never occurred to me to try the 3" all those years ago.
Carried a 1300, sold that for a new Mossberg 500 (which never shot straight), then back to a synthetic 1300.
Now I shoot the exact same factory dipped Mossy Oak single shot I started with 20+ years ago. Found one online couple years ago, and hit the buy now.
Reason? I wanted more than one shot. Got the pump. Then I wanted camo. Got the Mossberg. Then I wanted something that shot straight, got the new 1300. Now all I want is something super lightweight and shoots lights out.
The pump stays at camp the single goes with me. If I could change anything about this journey, I would have ended up with a single in 20 gauge shooting Federal or TSS.
My :z-twocents:
Got several shotguns. Mostly auto's but for turkeys I use a Browning BPS. Why, it always goes off, saftey is on the tang and I have been shooting it since the early 80's and have reblued it twice: last time in a matt finish. Also like the bottom ejection as I don't like to leave empties behind. I use a kicks choke and shoot LB 4, 5 and 6's with open sights. The new after market type.
12 ga. hammer model Stevens I've been shooting at stuff with since 1957. Nice and light. Don't know how old it is. I'd guess it was 20-30 years old when I got it. It knows how to kill turkeys.
My Rem 870 pump hand-me-down from my dad has harvested a gob of toms over the years. I use full choke with 3". I've only missed around 3 toms over all these years..the toms I missed were my fault of either shooting to far or in a panic mode. The important part is knowing the pattern of your loads and how far it is capable of shooting a good pattern..and don't shoot past that distance!
I'm going with a 20 ga O/U this season. It's really light weight, pleasure to shoot and carry and flat out prints killer patterns at 40 yards. Plus it's just something different. I don't at all think I'm giving up anything as far as performance.
The only thing I haven't taken a gobbler with is a muzzle loading shotgun. Yet... I've taken birds with single shot shotguns (pistol and long guns), o/u's, sxs's, pumps, autos, bows, xbows, handguns, even spring air pellet rifles. Just haven't had the opportunity to take one with a front stuffer.
Quote from: shaman on January 08, 2018, 01:32:48 PM
I'm not particularly interested in exactly what model you all are carrying or what choke. I'm sure we'll have threads like that from now until June. I also don't want to make this a pump vs. semi-auto thing. I'm more worried about the oddballs.
I'm just wondering how many of y'all are using:
SXS?
Over/Under?
Single shot?
Bolt?
Muzzleloader?
If you would, please share your reasons for picking that platform in a turkey gun, and give details on your experiences. I'm now 21 years shooting with the same Mossy 500, and I'm wondering if I should mix it up a bit with something more exotic.
I bought an old Ithaca lever action single shot off a guy and am going to camo it . it is their version of the old Long Tom they call them with 36 inch barrel . it's chambered for 2 3/4 or 3 inch shells . gotta tame recoil before shooting 3 Inch shells.
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Over the Summer, I bought a Stevens single-shot 12 gauge. It was cheap and it is very light. I will take that out this Spring some. I also have an OLD - Sears 16 gauge- bolt action . The barrel says Full. I might take that out this Spring at least once. I painted that green and the Stevens is all black. They are both very light and that is a good reason to take them out when I plan on walking the miles.
Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on January 18, 2018, 02:30:31 PM
The only thing I haven't taken a gobbler with is a muzzle loading shotgun. Yet... I've taken birds with single shot shotguns (pistol and long guns), o/u's, sxs's, pumps, autos, bows, xbows, handguns, even spring air pellet rifles. Just haven't had the opportunity to take one with a front stuffer.
I've shot one with my Encore. It's fun after the shot you don't know if you connected or not until the smoke clears..I also have the 12g. shotgun barrel for it that i use the majority of the time. I pick that gun over about a half dozen other turkey guns of mine. I topped it with a Nikon Turkey Pro 1x4 and have done a'lot of patterning. Knowing I only have one shot has made me a better shot.
Pumps of different companies. Mainly an 835 though.
I also like the reliability of a pump.
None of it really matters at your age. A little kid has pros cons. A semi I sometimes heavier but it self loads and kicks less. Pumps are normally lighter and kick harder. They're also reliable.
Single shots meaning shotgun or smoke pole have their place too but I'd not feel handicapped w any of em. It's all what you like
Pump man myself as I have a certain affection for a n 870. Sounds crazy but if I were going a different route it would be a n over under.
Encore 12 ga with the now discontinued Trijicon Tri-Power sight. Carries well. Might carry a 11-87 20 ga youth model this year.
Not real particular honestly. Gonna try a single this year tho and see what happens. More curious than anything I guess. Most birds I've killed with a shotgun have been with pumps. Have used a couple autos. Would like to get a decent SxS at some point but not happening any time soon. This year I wanna try the single I believe.
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It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
99% of my turkeys have been killed with the same 870 SuperMag. For several years I have had the thought to get a H&R 12 ga and make a pretty single shot just for turkeys but I have not done it yet.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
This reply nails it...if your barrel is straight and you don't flinch on the trigger pull, you will kill it at 40yrds or less...it's a single shot so make it count...regardless of the shotgun.
Remington .410....wanting a more challenging experience at times.
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Quote from: 2dogs1name on January 27, 2018, 05:16:51 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
This reply nails it...if your barrel is straight and you don't flinch on the trigger pull, you will kill it at 40yrds or less...it's a single shot so make it count...regardless of the shotgun.
Very true indeed I have been hunting the last few years with a 400$ Cz semi auto and it does just fine . Then the other day I held a TC Encore turkey gun and now I really want one of those and it probably won't kill a turkey any better than the CZ but it is nice carrying a gun you love the looks and feel of and that is how people justify the extra cost. I will probably keep hunting with the CZ and try to forget about the TC.
I have been using my stoger 12 ga.auto or a Winchester 1300 20 ga but I have a mossburg pump 20 ga, that my dad bought me when I was 12 ,got a rifled slug barrel on it with a scope. Think I might put the 26" smooth bore back on it and see how it patterns at 30 yd. also my son in law has a Winchester model 9410 lever action 410 shotgun, I may see what kind of pattern I can get from it, it's no bigger than a model 94 30/30 rifle.
I use a semi-auto for a good portion of my hunting... Especially with duck hunting and high volume, high recoiling loads, my primary reason is for recoil reduction... The third shot is nice, but not all that important.
For dove, pigeons, and clays I use an O/U... It swings better and shoots better for me, and I like not having to search all over heck and back to pick up my empties... I used to use an O/U for duck hunting, but with the high-speed steel shot and increasing flinching problems, I went to a semi-auto.
For quail, I generally use a semi-auto 20 ga.... Working my but off, and finally having birds hold and jump up in singles or pairs, I can fire and reload that gun almost as I am shooting it. I have done some damage on large covies in rock piles (i.e. covies of 100+ birds). However, there are ranches in which were I to leave a single empty casing, I would not be invited back, and I go to the O/U simply to be 100% certain of recovering my empties (and doing it quickly).
For turkey hunting, I use my waterfowl semi-auto... I am used to shooting it, and have a variety of chokes. It is lighter weight than the O/U's and easier to carry with the sling...
Were I only turkey hunting, I would strongly consider a good pump (such as a Wingmaster 870). Reliable gun, easy to clean, and 3 shots (which I have yet to use while turkey hunting).
Benelli m2 20ga or Benelli sbe 2 12 ga. Love semi autos
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
I normally hunt with an 870 Super Mag but this year I plan on hunting with something special. My Grandfather's 10 gauge double barrel. Dad hunted with it when he was young. I bought some low pressure shells so ill limit my range.
Dad is as excited as I am. Ill take one and put it away.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/13ylajc.jpg)
Quote from: West Augusta on February 03, 2018, 07:24:30 PM
I normally hunt with an 870 Super Mag but this year I plan on hunting with something special. My Grandfather's 10 gauge double barrel. Dad hunted with it when he was young. I bought some low pressure shells so ill limit my range.
Dad is as excited as I am. Ill take one and put it away.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/13ylajc.jpg)
Now that's about 10 kinds of cool !
I've hunted with autos and pumps in 12, 20, and 10 mostly. This year I'm going to take my old Ithaca SxS or my grandfathers Stevens 520 pump. One of these days Im going to build myself a flintlock fowler to turkey hunt with. As others have said, anything in the safe can kill them, so I base my choice on what I feel drawn to that season.
SxS 20g and 870 20g this year.
I use a Beretta A400 Xtreme for doves and ducks and a Winchester Super X Model 1 for sporting clays. For turkeys I use a Mossberg 935 turkey. I love the short barrel. I have tried several after market choke tubes but none so far have been better than the extra full tube that came with the gun. I killed my first turkey with a Mossberg 500 I'd had for years.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
That's kinda been my conclusion as well. Turkey hunting has always seemed like a sport that begs for a cheap, dedicated gun that you can drag through the briars and not care.
I started this thread to see if there were any ideas for gun that would be a change of pace. I've realized my rat-bag 500 is probably as good as it gets.
.410 ,7.5 Remington factory load , tru glo rifle sight. Waiting on factory TSS. Make 'er a 30 yrd. gun.
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Pump for years. Semi 20 3 years ago-first semi in any gauge I have ever owned.
It is either my Benelli Supernova, Browning BPS, or Winchester SXP. Pump action reliability.
I have always shot a pump and hard to beat the reliability of the 870. I have a 12 gauge 870 and a 20 gauge 870. Improvement in shells will have me probably toting the 20 all year. I love the lightweight, compact model while running and gunning in the hills and hollows.
I started with and killed my first gobbler using an Ithaca model 37R featherweight chambered for 2.75 shells only. I hunted with a Stevens single shot 3" 12 gauge with a fixed modified choke for 12-13 years. Every turkey I dropped the hammer on with that gun came home with me. I only failed to use both tags in one of those years with it. I got a deal on a SBE and never missed with that gun either. I got a SBE II and missed the first gobbler I shot at with it because POI was higher than point of aim. I added a Burris Speed Bead red dot and haven't missed since.
My patterns have improved with each gun (so has ammo technology). Every gobbler I've killed has been inside of 40 yards, as I tend to hunt woods and not many agricultural fields.
Jim
I just have my Remington 11-87 I never cared for pumps even when I played paintball every weekend I disliked pumps. It has 2 barrels 1 for sabot slugs and 1 for shot shells and I like how I can use it for so many different things. It was my deer gun right up until a few years ago when NY opened hunting with rifle in the Southern Zone and now I just use it for turkey or if I happen to go shoot some trap or sporting clay's with friends which I have not done in many a moon. I would like to try a muzzle loader for turkey though.
Semi auto. They seem to fit me better than a o/u and I use a Primos Trigger Stick when turkey hunting so I like being able to shoot more than once without having to lift the gun off the rest to work the action.
Quote from: West Augusta on February 03, 2018, 07:24:30 PM
I normally hunt with an 870 Super Mag but this year I plan on hunting with something special. My Grandfather's 10 gauge double barrel. Dad hunted with it when he was young. I bought some low pressure shells so ill limit my range.
Dad is as excited as I am. Ill take one and put it away.
(http://i63.tinypic.com/13ylajc.jpg)
Now that's legacy!
870 20-gauge.
Stevens 20-gauge single shot.
Past guns in 12-gauge included 11-87, 870 Super Mag, Mossberg 835. The Super Mag was the "killingest" gun I owned but I'm fixing to let this 870 20 eat.
Quote from: owlhoot on February 03, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
Very true can never have enough guns
Quote from: Bowguy on March 07, 2018, 10:28:37 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on February 03, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
Very true can never have enough guns
Don't understand the logic. Over the years I have acquired my share of guns. However, I only use three, sometimes, four if I'm out west. The rest just roost in the safe year after year. Now my "old" guns shoot extremely well and my marksmanship is much better with a gun I have been shooting a decade or more. But each to his own; everyone spends his/her money differently. LOL
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 09, 2018, 09:40:51 AM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 07, 2018, 10:28:37 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on February 03, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
Very true can never have enough guns
Don't understand the logic. Over the years I have acquired my share of guns. However, I only use three, sometimes, four if I'm out west. The rest just roost in the safe year after year. Now my "old" guns shoot extremely well and my marksmanship is much better with a gun I have been shooting a decade or more. But each to his own; everyone spends his/her money differently. LOL
All I can say if you don't understand I can't explain
Quote from: Bowguy on March 09, 2018, 09:48:29 AM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 09, 2018, 09:40:51 AM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 07, 2018, 10:28:37 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on February 03, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
Very true can never have enough guns
Don't understand the logic. Over the years I have acquired my share of guns. However, I only use three, sometimes, four if I'm out west. The rest just roost in the safe year after year. Now my "old" guns shoot extremely well and my marksmanship is much better with a gun I have been shooting a decade or more. But each to his own; everyone spends his/her money differently. LOL
All I can say if you don't understand I can't explain
I'll try it. Sometimes it's not about the gun in question. It's about the investment. They hold value. More so if bought in good used condition at the right price. Always looked at certain guns as an item I could flip later to make my money if things got tight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 09, 2018, 03:46:17 PM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 09, 2018, 09:48:29 AM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 09, 2018, 09:40:51 AM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 07, 2018, 10:28:37 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on February 03, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
Very true can never have enough guns
Don't understand the logic. Over the years I have acquired my share of guns. However, I only use three, sometimes, four if I'm out west. The rest just roost in the safe year after year. Now my "old" guns shoot extremely well and my marksmanship is much better with a gun I have been shooting a decade or more. But each to his own; everyone spends his/her money differently. LOL
All I can say if you don't understand I can't explain
I'll try it. Sometimes it's not about the gun in question. It's about the investment. They hold value. More so if bought in good used condition at the right price. Always looked at certain guns as an item I could flip later to make my money if things got tight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Now an investment I can understand. A good logical reason to buy. However, I get the impression that many folks on here are, as stated above, just buying toys. Gotta have that new model car every year or cell phone or shotgun or rifle. That's what I can't see the logic in. Now having said that I (on reflection) feel that it is just a difference in priorities. I have accumulated a few firearms over the years but found that I couldn't shoot any better with the the new shotgun or rifle then with the old. My personal skills were not good enough to make a difference. So I stopped buying guns and focused on insuring my rifles were shooting sub MOA and my shotguns patterned well. Then I started practicing my shooting skills. I am shooting thousands of rounds a year with my old guns, I have only burned the barrel out in one rifle as most of my practice is with a 22 rifle. I use low brass with my shotguns and time my self with both. So in conclusion I again say its probably just a difference in priorities. I appreciate the replies and wish everyone a good season. Heading to Florida next week.
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 09, 2018, 09:58:39 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 09, 2018, 03:46:17 PM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 09, 2018, 09:48:29 AM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 09, 2018, 09:40:51 AM
Quote from: Bowguy on March 07, 2018, 10:28:37 AM
Quote from: owlhoot on February 03, 2018, 04:28:27 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on January 27, 2018, 02:38:52 PM
It seems pretty clear from these posts that just about anything on the rack will kill a turkey. Makes me wonder why everyone is so determined to spend tons of money on the latest and greatest gadgets to kill a turkey.
Very true
But new guns and gadgets is like toys for big boys!
Just can't get enough.
Like looking through the Christmas catalog of years ago Sears,Pennys and Wards !
Very true can never have enough guns
Don't understand the logic. Over the years I have acquired my share of guns. However, I only use three, sometimes, four if I'm out west. The rest just roost in the safe year after year. Now my "old" guns shoot extremely well and my marksmanship is much better with a gun I have been shooting a decade or more. But each to his own; everyone spends his/her money differently. LOL
All I can say if you don't understand I can't explain
I'll try it. Sometimes it's not about the gun in question. It's about the investment. They hold value. More so if bought in good used condition at the right price. Always looked at certain guns as an item I could flip later to make my money if things got tight.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Now an investment I can understand. A good logical reason to buy. However, I get the impression that many folks on here are, as stated above, just buying toys. Gotta have that new model car every year or cell phone or shotgun or rifle. That's what I can't see the logic in. Now having said that I (on reflection) feel that it is just a difference in priorities. I have accumulated a few firearms over the years but found that I couldn't shoot any better with the the new shotgun or rifle then with the old. My personal skills were not good enough to make a difference. So I stopped buying guns and focused on insuring my rifles were shooting sub MOA and my shotguns patterned well. Then I started practicing my shooting skills. I am shooting thousands of rounds a year with my old guns, I have only burned the barrel out in one rifle as most of my practice is with a 22 rifle. I use low brass with my shotguns and time my self with both. So in conclusion I again say its probably just a difference in priorities. I appreciate the replies and wish everyone a good season. Heading to Florida next week.
Like I said if you don't understand I can't explain it but I'll try just a bit. You're right in everything you said. Heck you can get one 12 ga pump for cheap and do it all fine. I'm not like that. I like guns. One day I'm using a .300 mag to hunt deer, next day a .243, the day after a model 94 30-30. Maybe a few days later a muzzleloader, than a slug gun, maybe a buckshot gun. Did the week end yet cause maybe I wanna use a flintlock, than my bow, go shoot squirrels w a .22. Than chase coyote w a 22-250. Man forgot about upland game. Almost def a .28 ga o/u. Which one, I'll let you pick. Now tonight I'm chasing waterfowl, it's real gritty in there I'm taking a pump, maybe an auto?
Tomo is nice I'm shooting sporting clays, maybe skeet. Dif guns for me.
Oh yea this is a turkey forum. Only about 6 I think right now dedicated turkey guns. Good thing 10-20 ga is all that's legal where I hunt cause I'd have more. Did I tell ya I mentor lots of kids and they need guns that fit?? Guns to train on? .22, .223, .243,.270, that kinda thing. Build a tolerance slowly for recoil. Myself I get a kick out of African calibers. Is there anyone that doesn't?? You need a few of those. Yea so Africa isn't next door but the range is.
You get the idea. If I could swim through guns to my truck on the way to work I'd still need more. One gun'll do it but to me that's boring and I ain't gun poor thank God. No one said a thing about the newest garbage they sell now. I never understood how someone can manage w. 3 guns but guys do. Guys I hunt w do. To me it's just crazy. It's what makes the world go around brother. We're all different.
Did I forget handguns???
I'd like to say I'm not opposed to the one gun approach. Most of what I've got rarely sees any action. Gimme a solid 270 or 308 and my deer hunting needs are met. Where I differ, personally, is going west. Headed there for the first time this year. While the 270 is plenty, and I truly thought about taking it, I had blown the money on a build to get the job done slightly better IMO. Used it for deer this year to get used to it. Shot one with it and put it away. Again built for elk is too much for our eastern whitetails. As for turkeys, I've stated before that I use a rifle often enough because it's legal here and I like using them over a shotgun. But, I've leaned on the shotgun more in recent years than ever before. Mostly for giggles than anything but it's never mattered to me. Beware of the man that owns but one gun for he knows how to use it. I know a fella that's used one deer rifle almost exclusively for years and I'll simply say, standing or running full tilt, I'd not want to be the intended target. The shots may not all land in the boiler room and I've seen many deer with missing limbs once the volley ended but more often than not, 80% of the fires rounds found there way into that moving target. A feat I personally can't do when they get moving after the first round.
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Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 09, 2018, 10:36:18 PM
I'd like to say I'm not opposed to the one gun approach. Most of what I've got rarely sees any action. Gimme a solid 270 or 308 and my deer hunting needs are met. Where I differ, personally, is going west. Headed there for the first time this year. While the 270 is plenty, and I truly thought about taking it, I had blown the money on a build to get the job done slightly better IMO. Used it for deer this year to get used to it. Shot one with it and put it away. Again built for elk is too much for our eastern whitetails. As for turkeys, I've stated before that I use a rifle often enough because it's legal here and I like using them over a shotgun. But, I've leaned on the shotgun more in recent years than ever before. Mostly for giggles than anything but it's never mattered to me. Beware of the man that owns but one gun for he knows how to use it. I know a fella that's used one deer rifle almost exclusively for years and I'll simply say, standing or running full tilt, I'd not want to be the intended target. The shots may not all land in the boiler room and I've seen many deer with missing limbs once the volley ended but more often than not, 80% of the fires rounds found there way into that moving target. A feat I personally can't do when they get moving after the first round.
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I agree that hunters that utilize one gun are most often very accurate. I shoot running game frequently. I have never shot off a limb but have heard of it happening. I do frequently hunt out west and mostly use a 30-06. When going after elk I do use a 300 Rem Ultra mag unless hunting timber. Shot a 7mm Sako Finnbear for thirty years before it started showing throat erosion. I do like hunting Turkeys with a shotgun: a Browning BPS 12 gauge. I have been using it since the 80's. Currently looking to finish up my slam next week in Florida. As for shooting Turkeys with a rifle I don't normally do it but if the season is in and all I have with me is a rifle that Turkeys going in the back of the truck. I like eating Turkey. As I stated before everyone has their own priorities.
I agree but you see how quick you went from one gun to a few or more. I didn't say guys that shoot only one gun are accurate at all. I said it's possible to do. It's all about the guy. Someone who likes guns and shooting be it one or a bunch is gonna be better than a one gun full of dust in a closet corner guy.
I would recommend as a season closed becoming even more famaliar as you alluded to.
More famaliar is so relative. If a guy shoots a 400-500 rounds a week say with a couple guns he'd have to shoot a bunch more to become more famaliar than the neighbor who shot two boxes last summer.
It's all relative and I'd say to anyone don't buy into any stereotypes. One gun does not make us better unless we shoot more w one gun. That's not normally the case around these parts.
I agree to most of what you said but priority it is to you and that may be why the difference. To me it's passion. Different point of view. Either way works. Best of luck on the slam
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 10, 2018, 01:06:50 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 09, 2018, 10:36:18 PM
I'd like to say I'm not opposed to the one gun approach. Most of what I've got rarely sees any action. Gimme a solid 270 or 308 and my deer hunting needs are met. Where I differ, personally, is going west. Headed there for the first time this year. While the 270 is plenty, and I truly thought about taking it, I had blown the money on a build to get the job done slightly better IMO. Used it for deer this year to get used to it. Shot one with it and put it away. Again built for elk is too much for our eastern whitetails. As for turkeys, I've stated before that I use a rifle often enough because it's legal here and I like using them over a shotgun. But, I've leaned on the shotgun more in recent years than ever before. Mostly for giggles than anything but it's never mattered to me. Beware of the man that owns but one gun for he knows how to use it. I know a fella that's used one deer rifle almost exclusively for years and I'll simply say, standing or running full tilt, I'd not want to be the intended target. The shots may not all land in the boiler room and I've seen many deer with missing limbs once the volley ended but more often than not, 80% of the fires rounds found there way into that moving target. A feat I personally can't do when they get moving after the first round.
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I agree that hunters that utilize one gun are most often very accurate. I shoot running game frequently. I have never shot off a limb but have heard of it happening. I do frequently hunt out west and mostly use a 30-06. When going after elk I do use a 300 Rem Ultra mag unless hunting timber. Shot a 7mm Sako Finnbear for thirty years before it started showing throat erosion. I do like hunting Turkeys with a shotgun: a Browning BPS 12 gauge. I have been using it since the 80's. Currently looking to finish up my slam next week in Florida. As for shooting Turkeys with a rifle I don't normally do it but if the season is in and all I have with me is a rifle that Turkeys going in the back of the truck. I like eating Turkey. As I stated before everyone has their own priorities.
If you used the same 7mm for 30 years before it started showing throat erosion, that's impressive. Any idea what the round count was? Most will start well before then. Generally not enough for the typical hunter/shooter to recognize a negligible difference in accuracy. The big 7's, 25-06, Weatherby cartridges that are overbore tend to see throat erosion fairly easily. 6mm's are bad about it too. Buddy of mine had a barrel on a 243 that showed horrible throat erosion in less than 300 rounds. Bad blank I'm guessing.
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Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 10, 2018, 01:52:03 PM
Quote from: mtns2hunt on March 10, 2018, 01:06:50 PM
Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 09, 2018, 10:36:18 PM
I'd like to say I'm not opposed to the one gun approach. Most of what I've got rarely sees any action. Gimme a solid 270 or 308 and my deer hunting needs are met. Where I differ, personally, is going west. Headed there for the first time this year. While the 270 is plenty, and I truly thought about taking it, I had blown the money on a build to get the job done slightly better IMO. Used it for deer this year to get used to it. Shot one with it and put it away. Again built for elk is too much for our eastern whitetails. As for turkeys, I've stated before that I use a rifle often enough because it's legal here and I like using them over a shotgun. But, I've leaned on the shotgun more in recent years than ever before. Mostly for giggles than anything but it's never mattered to me. Beware of the man that owns but one gun for he knows how to use it. I know a fella that's used one deer rifle almost exclusively for years and I'll simply say, standing or running full tilt, I'd not want to be the intended target. The shots may not all land in the boiler room and I've seen many deer with missing limbs once the volley ended but more often than not, 80% of the fires rounds found there way into that moving target. A feat I personally can't do when they get moving after the first round.
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I agree that hunters that utilize one gun are most often very accurate. I shoot running game frequently. I have never shot off a limb but have heard of it happening. I do frequently hunt out west and mostly use a 30-06. When going after elk I do use a 300 Rem Ultra mag unless hunting timber. Shot a 7mm Sako Finnbear for thirty years before it started showing throat erosion. I do like hunting Turkeys with a shotgun: a Browning BPS 12 gauge. I have been using it since the 80's. Currently looking to finish up my slam next week in Florida. As for shooting Turkeys with a rifle I don't normally do it but if the season is in and all I have with me is a rifle that Turkeys going in the back of the truck. I like eating Turkey. As I stated before everyone has their own priorities.
If you used the same 7mm for 30 years before it started showing throat erosion, that's impressive. Any idea what the round count was? Most will start well before then. Generally not enough for the typical hunter/shooter to recognize a negligible difference in accuracy. The big 7's, 25-06, Weatherby cartridges that are overbore tend to see throat erosion fairly easily. 6mm's are bad about it too. Buddy of mine had a barrel on a 243 that showed horrible throat erosion in less than 300 rounds. Bad blank I'm guessing.
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Gunsmith told me there was throat erosion. I also noticed when I tried to get the COL that I could not get a reading that seemed reasonable. This is a Sako Finn Bear I used mainly for deer hunting. It has a heavey barrel. I don't have a clue how many rounds I fired through it but it was a lot. As the gun smith said there was erosion I stopped using it. It was always sub MOA and still is. I will only use it on special hunts. You are right about the 6 mm. I burned one up when I was young. Traded it in for my current Turkry gun - many years ago.
Right on. I used a 7mm for a while. Liked it well enough. Just realized I didn't need that much horsepower for deer. Had several that covered more distance than I'd have liked as well. Bullet selection was the issue though, not the cartridge. The 7's have a place in my heart that isn't easily filled. Built my STW for my upcoming elk hunt. Hart barrel on a 700 action in a B&C stock wearing a Leupold Vari X III Long Range 6.5-20x42 with a 30mm tube. Might be off a touch on the scope specs but fairly certain it's right. Need to work up a load with a heavier bullet for the larger ungulates I believe. Not real sure I trust the 139 grain interbond for that job entirely.
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Quote from: wvmntnhick on March 10, 2018, 07:00:15 PM
Right on. I used a 7mm for a while. Liked it well enough. Just realized I didn't need that much horsepower for deer. Had several that covered more distance than I'd have liked as well. Bullet selection was the issue though, not the cartridge. The 7's have a place in my heart that isn't easily filled. Built my STW for my upcoming elk hunt. Hart barrel on a 700 action in a B&C stock wearing a Leupold Vari X III Long Range 6.5-20x42 with a 30mm tube. Might be off a touch on the scope specs but fairly certain it's right. Need to work up a load with a heavier bullet for the larger ungulates I believe. Not real sure I trust the 139 grain interbond for that job entirely.
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I do like the 700 action, bell and Carson stock and Leopold scope. I've heard only good things about the Hart barrel. I really like a 30 mm tube. Sounds like you have an awesome combo. Good luck on you elk hunt. It would be great to see some pictures. Plus anywhere elk reside is beautiful country.
I gotta remember to take the camera. Typically forget that stuff. It's been a while since I've been this excited about going hunting. I mean, turkeys pull me every time but this is the first I've ever been out west for anything and the first time I'll have a chance to lay eyes on wild elk. I'm excited.
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I have a single, pumps and autos. Recently been carrying a H&R single due to the best rifle style sights on it. They are a chunky style non fiber optic that just plain work for me. It is light and simple. I like the reliability of my 870 but does not shoot poa/poi. In the process of adding a ff3 to it since I haven't tried the optic route yet.
I have had more pump turkey guns than I have automatic.
I am a pump fellow myself. Simple and reliable. Nothing wrong with any of them though.
I've used my old reliable 870 Rem pump with no problem for years! I do a lot of running and gunning. The only thing that would likely get me interested in buying a 2nd shotgun would be if there was one available that was a chunk lighter and less bulky for running and gunning all day long! Using top end ammunition and knowing the lethal range of your particular shotgun is just as important as the shotgun itself!
I like my 10 gauge armi san marco over under, its smaller than my 10g bps and lighter, I dont know why but I love to carry it, it seems to fit me just right.
I'll never depart with my SBE 2. Just fits me perfectly
I've been a pump guy for the first 7 years of turkey hunting. Last year I started hunting with a Semi-auto. I like the inertia driven autos due to light weight, reliability and a quick follow up shot.
I've always thought about an over and under with a two choke set up. One barrel/choke set up for up close, and the other with a tighter pattern for 30+ yards.
I grew up hunting with over and unders, but didn't want to scratch up a $1,000+ gun, so I picked up a used 11/87 with synthetic stock and use if for all my shotgun work now days. I also like the fact that it doesn't kick me to death with heavy 3" loads.
Grew up with semi-autos, and as long as you're not a slob and keep it clean, it will fire. Berettas and Benellis are the most reliable.
For turkey hunting, my first choice for blind hunting is my grandpa's Ithaca 10 gauge. It hasn't ever missed a turkey in my hands, shots ranging from 10-40.
2nd choice if I want to go lighter, be more mobile, or just have a bunch of other stuff to carry is a Benelli Super Black Eagle with an Xtra full choke. This gun is NOT lights out at 40 yards like the 10 gauge and has occasionally required a follow up shot.
[quote
2nd choice if I want to go lighter, be more mobile, or just have a bunch of other stuff to carry is a Benelli Super Black Eagle with an Xtra full choke. This gun is NOT lights out at 40 yards like the 10 gauge and has occasionally required a follow up shot.
[/quote]
I have the Benelli. I think if you put in the time experimenting with chokes and different loads you would get some great patterns. Nothing agianst the 10 g but to me it just seems over kill for turkeys. Kind of like that punt gun used for ducks at the turn of the century.
11 87 SPS w/shur shot stock w/rifle sight barrel for me. I change it out to the factory stock and 26" beaded barrel for doves, duck, upland etc. Love that gun, had it since early college years. it has never let me down. Had to have one after absconding my brothers whenever I could. He got his in '87 when they came out.
I was glad to get away from the 870 Wingmaster. Wonderful gun however being left handed, I couldn't shoot it worth a darn!
For field and on open area turkey hunts I tote the SP 10. It is also my goto for waterfowl and coyotes.
If I had to have one gun for everything it would be an 870 supermag 23" barrel that was built several years ago.
12 Ga H&R single shot. Chambered at 3 1/2 inches but trust me you wont shoot bigger than 2 3/4 because it feels like its trying to tear your shoulder off. Cut the barrel down to 21 inches and the turkey choke from primos make it 22 inches. Took off the walnut stocks and put on synthetic to make it lighter and it officially weighs right at 3 pounds. Honestly it is the best set up turkey gun I've ever had but with that said it freaking hurts to shoot. Thing literally almost causes damage to your arm/shoulder.
Looking back, I've been using mostly pump guns (Browning, Mossberg, Winchester). A Browning BPS has been my primary gun for the last 17 years, but I still take my old backup Mossy 500 and 835 when I feel like it. I bought a Benelli M2 earlier this year, so this will be the first year chasing turkeys with an autoloader. I have an 1100 and a Montefeltro, but I've never used them to hunt turkey, though.
I've killed most of my birds with a pump. Most with an 870 20 gauge youth with 21" barrel.
I have 3 dedicated turkey guns that are pumps.
My all around 12 gauge is an automatic (Browning Maxus).
My next turkey gun will be a SxS 20 gauge slinging TSS.
Quote from: diyj98 on March 27, 2018, 09:06:32 PM
I grew up hunting with over and unders, but didn't want to scratch up a $1,000+ gun, so I picked up a used 11/87 with synthetic stock and use if for all my shotgun work now days. I also like the fact that it doesn't kick me to death with heavy 3" loads.
Me too on the over unders. I one day want to set up a double trigger 20 with a close and far barrel. But when I started running the numbers, I cooled my jets!
Treid and true 870 special purpose Magin 12 GA. I purchases a twenty Turkey rig a couple of years ago for the lighter weight. But I went back to the 12 GA 870. I have taken a lot of birds with 12GA and hunted with with it so long its like an extension of me. I just have more confidence in it and I like the pay load of the 12 guage.
Winchester 1300 for over 20 yrs now its a great shotgun. Got a Simmons Pro Diamond sitting on top for 15+ yrs it still holds POA/POI cant complain. :firefighter:
I just switched to a semi auto Charles Daly. I have been tried and true to my Remington 870, but really like the semi auto. AL
870 Super Mag Max Gobbler here. I've thought about getting a new SBII or SBIII several times but I've killed so many birds with my 870. It absolutely slams them with Hevi 7s. Other than just wanting another gun I can't justify spending the money. I have several autos already just none I want to beat up turkey hunting.
I have killed birds with several 870,s an 11-87 , single shot 20 gauge, 870 20 ga. Etc.
I would confidently hunt any of these guns on any given day. They all kill birds fine but do have one flaw, the ultra close shot.
This will be my second season now shooting a browning cynergy o/u .
I'm running a pure gold .670 in the long barrel and a pg .720 in the short barrel.
I have an aimpoint H1 micro sitting on top. The gun shoots both barrels to point of aim at there intended ranges.
I built this gun solely wanting the short and close range option, over the last 25 years of Turkey hunting I have never missed a bird that was 20 yards or further , those are the easy ones.
I have missed several birds at very close ranges over the years and with the advanced choke and load combos of today it only made perfect sense to me to have the best of both options. The O/U gives you this. Last season I killed both my birds inside 20 yards with the .720 choked short barrel shooting 2-3/4 inch load of lead 6s.
Its unlikely that I will find a better set up than this. My other turkey guns will see little use until my sons are old enough to tote them
Have a Winchester 1300 for nasty gays but my primary is my 870 Super Express Magnum 12 loaded with turkey thug #5s and a ventilator choke. Plain turkey killing weapon.
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12ga Wingmaster 2 3/4, Mod
12ga Merkel Model 8 SxS, IC/Mod
20ga Ithaca 37 Feather light, 2 3/4, Full
Quote from: tomstopper on April 19, 2018, 07:44:52 PM
Have a Winchester 1300 for nasty gays but my primary is my 870 Super Express Magnum 12 loaded with turkey thug #5s and a ventilator choke. Plain turkey killing weapon.
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You shouldn't be so mean to gay people. :TooFunny:
Dang. I hate my phone sometimes. I apologize if I offended anyone. It was supposed to say days.....
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Quote from: lunghit on April 26, 2018, 12:36:51 PM
Quote from: tomstopper on April 19, 2018, 07:44:52 PM
Have a Winchester 1300 for nasty gays but my primary is my 870 Super Express Magnum 12 loaded with turkey thug #5s and a ventilator choke. Plain turkey killing weapon.
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You shouldn't be so mean to gay people. :TooFunny:
LMAO
Have a Winchester 1300 for nasty gays but my primary is my 870 Super Express Magnum 12 loaded with turkey thug #5s and a ventilator choke. Plain turkey killing weapon.
I just snorted coffee out of my nose, lmao.
I'm using a Browning Maxus.
Well I am glad most got a kick out of my typo and aren't trying to hang me....lol
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I have carried and killed Toms with all of the types of Firearms listed except the muzzleloader. I just like the experience,"feel" and challenge of toteing different types of firearms. Recently settled on a Browning Gold NWTF.
I like the way the OP phrased this post. It made me think. I hunted with a Remington 1100 for 15 years because that was the only shotgun I had. I bought a Mossberg in 1996 for a several reasons. It was camo and had an extra full choke AND it would shoot 3 1/2 shells. The Remington was an IC barrel and 2 3/4 only. I shot that Mossberg for 10 years. My only complaint is that it hurt to shoot it. If you had to twist or bend to get the shot that gun will bruise you. I switched to an Auto that would shoot 3 1/2 shells and tried a couple of different guns. I like using red dot sites and looked for guns with good mounts for optics. The last two seasons I hunted with an O/U. I love the versatility of an O/U. The down side is typically an O/U is more expensive.
late 80's or early 90's, 870 express turkey model. Killed birds with Federal premiums the Winchester Double X, and Supremes, then switched to Nitro 4X5X7.
Switched to Charles Daly 02/03? Semi Auto 3.5" Winchester Supremes, then switched to Nitro 4x5x7.....
After all different chokes...... Using Rhino .660 in Daly, & custom .660 off of ebay..... LOL
I started out with an old Stevens single shot, 3" with a 32" barrel. It shoots about a foot low with the factory bead sight, but I took several turkeys with it, just had to aim a little high. One thing I can tell you, don't ever use one without a good thick recoil pad. It will jar your head off. Bad recoil. I don't remember what the load even was now, but the first time I shot it with a 3" turkey load, I was sitting down with it rested across my knees. After pulling the trigger I was lying flat on my back with the gun pointed straight up at the sky and my face felt like somebody hit me across the jaw with a club. I still take it every now and then but even with a good pad on it I shoot as few patterning shots as possible.
870 sp. 870 super mag. Don't like the express model.1100 Remington. 26, or 28 inch.
I don't think I would use a double.I load my gun with 5 rounds, or 4. I fired 3 times, twice this year.
I normally tote an 870 myself.
I did kill a turkey with a borrowed and very beat up Stevens 9478 10 gauge with a 36" barrel in 2016. When I walked through the woods with it, I felt like a frontiersman carrying a musket. That thing was looooonnngg
Quote from: tomstopper on April 19, 2018, 07:44:52 PM
Have a Winchester 1300 for nasty gays but my primary is my 870 Super Express Magnum 12 loaded with turkey thug #5s and a ventilator choke. Plain turkey killing weapon.
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This is the funniest typo I have read in a long time.
My primary gun is a Beretta 391 Xtrema. I also have an 870 Super Mag with Leupold scope, camo, the turkey version that just stays in the gun safe.