I've got a dilemma boys. I am in the market for a new, semi-auto, dedicated turkey gun. As I get deeper into the search for exactly what I am looking for, I started to realize that there aren't quite as many options as I originally thought there would be. Preferences are as follows:
• Must be semi-auto
• Must be camo, preferably Mossy Oak Bottomland
• 24" barrel or less, preferably 22"
• Drilled and tapped, preferably already includes a rail for optics
• 3.5" chamber but would settle for 3"
• Overbored barrel compatible with TSS
• Normal stock, not pistol grip/tactical stock
• Cost not an issue but I am looking for good value
The viable options that I have come up with and my initial thoughts are as follows. Keep in mind that this is all from reading on the internet and we all know that there is an abundance of BS on the internet. That is why I am coming to the experts (you guys) who may have experience with these guns:
• Winchester SX4 Cantilever turkey edition – Nice guns, can install optics on cantilever arm. Does not have a rib but that doesn't really matter to me. Randy Wakeman wrote a scathing review of the SX4 but I think he was being nit-picky, especially considering that he liked the SX3. He did say that the triggers are horrible however.
• Mossberg 935 Magnum Turkey edition – Seems to be a good value and provides very good patterns. Seeing complaints of bad cheek slaps and that they kick like a mule. Also see people complaining that they are cheaply made guns with some plastic components and can be unreliable. No optics rail but does come drilled and tapped.
• Beretta A350 Turkey edition – I love my Berettas and would love to have one dedicated for turkeys. However, this are an older version with limited availability it seems. I am not sure I like the extended choke coming out of the 24" barrel and I am not sure if they are overbored. Comes with an optics rail.
What are your preferences? Any good or bad stories that you can share? Any current of past experiences with these guns? Are they reliable turkey killers? Any others you would recommend. I don't see any Benelli guns with 24" or less barrels.
Also, has anybody heard on any new 2020 turkey guns coming out? When are those typically released to the public for purchase?
This might be a option for you not brand new or Bottomland but that could be fixed easy enough.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/812302170
Just go with Benelli, it has everything you need
Take a look at a Remington v3 turkey edition.Has everthing your looking for.
Quote from: 29810434 on June 12, 2019, 05:46:55 PM
Take a look at a Remington v3 turkey edition.Has everthing your looking for.
That has been suggested to me recently. Has Remington fully bounced back from their struggles a few years back? They were putting out some bad work for a while there.
The v3 has gotten very good reviews,I have seen several members that have bought this gun.
Look at the Browning Maxus
It would be a Beretta no contest for me. I tend to agree with your hesitancy towards Remington.
The Versamax and the V3 are nice shotguns and would fit your standards well. I bought the V3 TurkeyPro, and like it so much that it will be my dedicated turkey/predator shotgun. My SBE 2 was my dedicated gun but I just gave it to my son in law.
The bugs have been ironed out of both of those shotguns for the most part and they are well respected on shotgunworld, especially the V3. They are both drilled for scopes and the V3 has a stock spacer set for adjusting LOP and have shorter barrels that you are wanting. And a lifetime warranty. Good luck
i bought a Super black eagle 3 last year as a dedicated turkey gun. they have a model in bottomland that has a pistol grip but i think you can get it with regular stock as well. it will fit the rest of your criteria
Quote from: CrustyRusty on June 12, 2019, 08:49:21 PM
The Versamax and the V3 are nice shotguns and would fit your standards well. I bought the V3 TurkeyPro, and like it so much that it will be my dedicated turkey/predator shotgun. My SBE 2 was my dedicated gun but I just gave it to my son in law.
The bugs have been ironed out of both of those shotguns for the most part and they are well respected on shotgunworld, especially the V3. They are both drilled for scopes and the V3 has a stock spacer set for adjusting LOP and have shorter barrels that you are wanting. And a lifetime warranty. Good luck
The Turkey Pro and the standard V3 Field Sport share the same mechanicals and gas system ( Versaport). I have a walnut V3 and it is an excellent gun, particularly at it's price point. Remington has made a commitment to customer service. Their guns have a lifetime warranty to boot.
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 13, 2019, 04:21:47 AM
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
I have actually peeked at their website before but couldn't find much information or reviews on the gun. Do you have any experience with them? Their turkey model is right in my wheelhouse. Just hesitant to commit to such a new player in the industry
That website is horrible. The guns are nice looking but geesh, what are they thinking.
Quote from: CrustyRusty on June 13, 2019, 11:39:47 AM
That website is horrible. The guns are nice looking but geesh, what are they thinking.
LOL, it is absolutely pathetic and damn near impossible to navigate.
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 13, 2019, 04:21:47 AM
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
For an inertia gun for the price quality and features including no Benelli click can't beat em I have two Benellis and if I buy another inertia gun it will be a retay 20 when that model is introduced
Idk if people didn't read your list. You stated overbored barrel only Mossberg to my knowledge has this
As far as plastic parts, Benelli has em, Browning has em. The Winchester is made in turkey with lots of other guns. Few buddies bought them w nothing but probs initially. Remingtons aren't what they were, they've fallen way back quality wise.
Here's an idea. You're gonna compromise somewhere. It could be on the semi aspect of this. W turkeys your whole life you'll get limited second shots if any. A browning BPS would prob be the gun I'd go for or look to the used market. If you want value an 835 is as good as it gets. Speaking of a gun being too stout, it's only my opinion but that's just the new softer generation talking. If you patterned w a lead sled, which is relatively cheap, you'd only shoot a few times a year uncradled and adrenalined up, you'd never feel anything. Certainly nothing to worry over. Look to at an older Remington, Winchester, you could stay semi and get an M1 Benelli. Good luck whatever you decide.
You also need to look to fit. Years ago a friend was looking at a beretta. The lop was too long. Other considerations might be if you're right eye dominant or left eyed. Safety type than comes into play.
Seems as most guys a preconceived notion as to how you want it to look might be outweighing things that may matter more to you in the long run.
Good luck to you in your search
I think folks read your list just fine...just tough to match up with every factor in a factory model...
I had my choice of up to $2000 semi-auto turkey guns recently...
The new Maxus WW won me over easily...
A400 Plus was close though...
Maxus WW is over-bored & has the cone factory lengthened...
Not sure how easy it us to drill & tap a Maxus though...I went with open sights...
Thanks for all of the feedback gentlemen. I definitely have some thinking to do. The good news is that I have plenty of time to do it.
Any rumors on new 2020 guns yet? Are those typically released around the new year during SHOT show?
Quote from: Sanderson Strutter on June 13, 2019, 09:48:25 AM
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 13, 2019, 04:21:47 AM
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
I have actually peeked at their website before but couldn't find much information or reviews on the gun. Do you have any experience with them? Their turkey model is right in my wheelhouse. Just hesitant to commit to such a new player in the industry
Lol...yea, the website leaves ALOT to be desired!!! I.had to do a search just typing in retay shotguns or retay or something else along that line and I was able to see a bit more information than goin to their main site. Far as experience goes, I've only held them @ my local store which is Whittaker guns 270-229-0140 ,and I might add they are THE CHEAPEST place I've found these shotguns. Ex: 3.5" with 24",26,28" ,or 30" bbl. in camo was $839 plus tax. For the black 3.5" same choice of bbl
length was $729 plus tax. Around your neck of the woods they may be as cheap or cheaper but this is the lowest I've found thus far. The ONLY downside I see to them is that they take their own style of choke called "Mara pro" and Trulock is the only choke maker I've come across that makes aftermarket choke tubes for them. I can tell you this without hesitation, if I didn't already have a SBE 2 I would most assuredly have one of these. Good luck!!!
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 14, 2019, 01:40:19 AM
Quote from: Sanderson Strutter on June 13, 2019, 09:48:25 AM
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 13, 2019, 04:21:47 AM
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
I have actually peeked at their website before but couldn't find much information or reviews on the gun. Do you have any experience with them? Their turkey model is right in my wheelhouse. Just hesitant to commit to such a new player in the industry
Lol...yea, the website leaves ALOT to be desired!!! I.had to do a search just typing in retay shotguns or retay or something else along that line and I was able to see a bit more information than goin to their main site. Far as experience goes, I've only held them @ my local store which is Whittaker guns 270-229-0140 ,and I might add they are THE CHEAPEST place I've found these shotguns. Ex: 3.5" with 24",26,28" ,or 30" bbl. in camo was $839 plus tax. For the black 3.5" same choice of bbl
length was $729 plus tax. Around your neck of the woods they may be as cheap or cheaper but this is the lowest I've found thus far. The ONLY downside I see to them is that they take their own style of choke called "Mara pro" and Trulock is the only choke maker I've come across that makes aftermarket choke tubes for them. I can tell you this without hesitation, if I didn't already have a SBE 2 I would most assuredly have one of these. Good luck!!!
i am hoping they introduce a 20 gauge next year. I agree if I didn't have an M2 I would buy one right now, looked at a couple in local gunshops there a really nice gun. I bet Indian Creek and others will be making chokes soon.
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 14, 2019, 01:40:19 AM
Quote from: Sanderson Strutter on June 13, 2019, 09:48:25 AM
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 13, 2019, 04:21:47 AM
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
I have actually peeked at their website before but couldn't find much information or reviews on the gun. Do you have any experience with them? Their turkey model is right in my wheelhouse. Just hesitant to commit to such a new player in the industry
Lol...yea, the website leaves ALOT to be desired!!! I.had to do a search just typing in retay shotguns or retay or something else along that line and I was able to see a bit more information than goin to their main site. Far as experience goes, I've only held them @ my local store which is Whittaker guns 270-229-0140 ,and I might add they are THE CHEAPEST place I've found these shotguns. Ex: 3.5" with 24",26,28" ,or 30" bbl. in camo was $839 plus tax. For the black 3.5" same choice of bbl
length was $729 plus tax. Around your neck of the woods they may be as cheap or cheaper but this is the lowest I've found thus far. The ONLY downside I see to them is that they take their own style of choke called "Mara pro" and Trulock is the only choke maker I've come across that makes aftermarket choke tubes for them. I can tell you this without hesitation, if I didn't already have a SBE 2 I would most assuredly have one of these. Good luck!!!
That is great information. Thank you very much. After looking at that turkey XT model, it seems to be right in line with what I am looking for.
Would you guys have any concerns regarding replacement parts or warranty issues with such a new company? Just don't want to run into any problems and not be able to get the support needed to correct the issue.
Quote from: mudhen on June 13, 2019, 01:41:07 PM
I think folks read your list just fine...just tough to match up with every factor in a factory model...
I had my choice of up to $2000 semi-auto turkey guns recently...
The new Maxus WW won me over easily...
A400 Plus was close though...
Maxus WW is over-bored & has the cone factory lengthened...
Not sure how easy it us to drill & tap a Maxus though...I went with open sights...
I also ended up with the Maxus in 26".
A friend has the Versamax Turkey and it's really nice. Fits your criteria pretty well.
Beretta A300 outlander turkey with 24 inch barrel. Doesn't meet all your requirements but it's a great gun at a $800 ball park price.
I bought one last year and love it.
I bought the 935 Mossy and have no complaints, When you were detailing specifically what you wanted you described my gun right down to the bottom land camo and old school stock. The only discrepancy is the factory (Tru Glo) sights don't have enough adjustment to get you where you need to be-so you do have to buy a new sight and maybe a new choke but that's probably typical for any new gun. Some wont like it as its not a high end gun but it has worked as advertised for me.
As far as the 2020 new guns, check magazines and sometimes test are on the web for the new guns that are going to be coming out. 2nd week of January more and more stuff will be rolling out. Unfortunately the new guns that are at shot shown will rarely be out before Turkey season.
Quote from: Sanderson Strutter on June 14, 2019, 08:18:38 AM
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 14, 2019, 01:40:19 AM
Quote from: Sanderson Strutter on June 13, 2019, 09:48:25 AM
Quote from: BINK McCARTY on June 13, 2019, 04:21:47 AM
Take a look @ Retay https://retayusa.com/en
I have actually peeked at their website before but couldn't find much information or reviews on the gun. Do you have any experience with them? Their turkey model is right in my wheelhouse. Just hesitant to commit to such a new player in the industry
Lol...yea, the website leaves ALOT to be desired!!! I.had to do a search just typing in retay shotguns or retay or something else along that line and I was able to see a bit more information than goin to their main site. Far as experience goes, I've only held them @ my local store which is Whittaker guns 270-229-0140 ,and I might add they are THE CHEAPEST place I've found these shotguns. Ex: 3.5" with 24",26,28" ,or 30" bbl. in camo was $839 plus tax. For the black 3.5" same choice of bbl
length was $729 plus tax. Around your neck of the woods they may be as cheap or cheaper but this is the lowest I've found thus far. The ONLY downside I see to them is that they take their own style of choke called "Mara pro" and Trulock is the only choke maker I've come across that makes aftermarket choke tubes for them. I can tell you this without hesitation, if I didn't already have a SBE 2 I would most assuredly have one of these. Good luck!!!
That is great information. Thank you very much. After looking at that turkey XT model, it seems to be right in line with what I am looking for.
Would you guys have any concerns regarding replacement parts or warranty issues with such a new company? Just don't want to run into any problems and not be able to get the support needed to correct the issue.
You're quite welcome! That's what we are here for is to help one another. Far as warranty goes, it's my understanding that Briley is doing the warranty work.
Just wait until you have 6 turkey guns
Or 12 Turkey guns. Both a blessing and a curse!!! Deciding on which gets left behind!
Have a good one
Ray
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