Looking to set up a dedicated turkey gun. I currently use a blued 11-87 with a Rem Choke slug barrel, which is also my primary grouse/pheasant gun (with a field barrel of course).
I see enough change in POI when changing out the barrels every year that I am spending a small fortune on Turkey shells annually sighting in, and who knows how long this shortage will last. I'd also like something camo.
What would be your pick with these requirements:
1. 12 ga, 3 inch or more, Under $1000 total package, including optics and camo dipping if necessary.
2. A nice trigger or can be made nice. I have nerve damage to my trigger finger so something decent in the 3-5 lb range is more than a rifle shooter's preference or nice to have.
3. Preferably camo from the factory (I can be persuaded to send it off myself). FYI my one experience with Crerakote says a lot depends on who is doing the application. Harder to fix if done wrong so no thanks.
4. Prefer adjustable sights over optics for simplicity, one less thing to break, and the fact that they aren't really needed for this short range game. If I'm forced to use optics due to no or crummy (Mossberg) sights, still need to come in under $1000
5. Not a POS with too many plastic parts, build quality issues, or common feeding problems. Rules out a lot of newer used Remingtons. Also rules out the savage bolt guns, which seem to have feeding issues (there is a reason a 30-06 has a taper, it aids in feeding in a 1903 Springfield).
Where I am currently leaning:
1. Camo dip my 11-87 and buy a new, better automatic for the uplands. Probably run $1500 for or so for both the new gun and camo dipping the 11-87 given my tastes (I'd like a Farbarm L4S or beretta without a pogo recoil reducer).
2. I have a Rem Choke slug barrel for an 870, so find a nice condition 870 Wingmaster or special purpose (no thanks on an express, at least a newer one), find a synthetic stock combo, and have it camo dipped (ballpark $1000 project).
3. Find a nice condition 870 turkey model locally (no gunbroker) ready to go. Might require some patience.
4. Find a nice Ithaca Turkey Slayer. Likely more patience. They won't make me a new one in 12 ga, FYI.
Open to suggestions. Not against a Mossberg 835, Winchester SXP, or others, but from what I gather the trigger adjustability can be limited on the two examples I gave. I've read mixed reviews on the spring kits for mossbergs, for example.
My first question is what kind of turkey ammo are you planning on shooting ?
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 29, 2021, 09:30:16 PM
My first question is what kind of turkey ammo are you planning on shooting ?
Something non-toxic (not against lead range or patterns, but my choice for other reasons). I currently shoot APEX TSS #9 2oz out of an Indian creek .675 (likely to be a factory full going forward, I don't want to shoot to 70 yards, even if I can). Have done hevi13, found the lot to lot consistency poor. Don't like the flight control wads in Federals. Wish the browning TSS came in #9 only.
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 29, 2021, 09:41:25 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 29, 2021, 09:30:16 PM
My first question is what kind of turkey ammo are you planning on shooting ?
Something non-toxic (not against lead range or patterns, but my choice for other reasons). I currently shoot APEX TSS #9 2oz out of an Indian creek .675 (likely to be a factory full going forward, I don't want to shoot to 70 yards, even if I can). Have done hevi13, found the lot to lot consistency poor. Don't like the flight control wads in Federals. Wish the browning TSS came in #9 only.
So you definitely want a 12 ga.? Pistol grip stock or no pistol grip stock?
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 29, 2021, 09:45:29 PM
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 29, 2021, 09:41:25 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 29, 2021, 09:30:16 PM
My first question is what kind of turkey ammo are you planning on shooting ?
Something non-toxic (not against lead range or patterns, but my choice for other reasons). I currently shoot APEX TSS #9 2oz out of an Indian creek .675 (likely to be a factory full going forward, I don't want to shoot to 70 yards, even if I can). Have done hevi13, found the lot to lot consistency poor. Don't like the flight control wads in Federals. Wish the browning TSS came in #9 only.
So you definitely want a 12 ga.? Pistol grip stock or no pistol grip stock?
I know a 20 ga will work with modern chokes and loads, but I like the long term selection of 12 ga loads as fads change.
The pistol grip depends on the safety... a safety near the trigger guard works for a pistol grip, but a Mossberg style thumb safety requires too much movement when using a pistol grip. Otherwise no preference.
Look at the Stoeger website for the pistol grip 12 ga. turkey ...M3500 is 2 3/4, 3 qnd 3.5 or Tristar viper G2 in 12 ga. 3 inch.
I was going to suggest Stoeger or Franchi Affinity 3 or 3.5
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Stoeger makes quality for the $, IMHO, and should get you under your estimate. :camohat:
I think the Weatherby SA-459 is worth a look. Reasonably priced and they feel great in the hands. I will have one in 20 gauge as soon as they become available again.
I vote no on keeping/dipping the 1187. I have one and it's a tank to carry around the turkey woods.
835 will smash turkeys, but smash you as well.
I'd look at the Franchi Affinity 3. They are drilled and tapped in case you wanted to add optics, and they are offered in Bottomland, and typically in the $899 range. They also offer it with a pistol grip as well as adjustable fiber optics on the turkey models.
I'm not familiar with Ithaca, but my buddy has a Stoeger that doesn't shoot POA and doesn't have adjustable sights, although I'm sure some sort can be added.
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 29, 2021, 10:24:11 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 29, 2021, 09:45:29 PM
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 29, 2021, 09:41:25 PM
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 29, 2021, 09:30:16 PM
My first question is what kind of turkey ammo are you planning on shooting ?
Something non-toxic (not against lead range or patterns, but my choice for other reasons). I currently shoot APEX TSS #9 2oz out of an Indian creek .675 (likely to be a factory full going forward, I don't want to shoot to 70 yards, even if I can). Have done hevi13, found the lot to lot consistency poor. Don't like the flight control wads in Federals. Wish the browning TSS came in #9 only.
So you definitely want a 12 ga.? Pistol grip stock or no pistol grip stock?
I know a 20 ga will work with modern chokes and loads, but I like the long term selection of 12 ga loads as fads change.
There is great information on this site. Visit the pattern page. You will get some great ideas for sure. The other thing... It's not a fad. 20's are the real deal! You don't have to spend 1k to have a great set up JMO :anim_25:
Quote from: twyatt on April 30, 2021, 06:09:55 PM
I vote no on keeping/dipping the 1187. I have one and it's a tank to carry around the turkey woods.
835 will smash turkeys, but smash you as well.
I'd look at the Franchi Affinity 3. They are drilled and tapped in case you wanted to add optics, and they are offered in Bottomland, and typically in the $899 range. They also offer it with a pistol grip as well as adjustable fiber optics on the turkey models.
I haul the 11-87 at the ready through field and forest chasing upland birds with my Springer for miles at a time. I wouldn't mind a lighter weight auto for the fall. While turkey hunting it spends most of its time slung over my shoulder. I think this is one shotgun sport, along with waterfowl, where the weight doesn't matter that much. And to your point on the the 835 blasting you, weight absorbs recoil. Sighting in with 2 oz tss loads doesn't hurt given the weight and gas system.
I'll check out the Franchi if I can find one to look at in person. At face value, the only downside I can see is the possibility of the "Benelli click". I like to have the option of not letting the bolt slam into battery (staying quiet) while turkey hunting. Are the triggers generally decent?
Quote from: Snoodsniper on April 30, 2021, 05:20:15 PM
I think the Weatherby SA-459 is worth a look. Reasonably priced and they feel great in the hands. I will have one in 20 gauge as soon as they become available again.
The Weatherby looks like a good/ modestly priced option. It sounds like the Tristar G2 referenced above is a clone. I'll see if I can check one out.
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 30, 2021, 10:33:23 PM
Quote from: Snoodsniper on April 30, 2021, 05:20:15 PM
I think the Weatherby SA-459 is worth a look. Reasonably priced and they feel great in the hands. I will have one in 20 gauge as soon as they become available again.
The Weatherby looks like a good/ modestly priced option. It sounds like the Tristar G2 referenced above is a clone. I'll see if I can check one out.
The Weatherby SA 459 has been discontinued
Quote from: Greg Massey on April 30, 2021, 11:04:16 PM
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 30, 2021, 10:33:23 PM
Quote from: Snoodsniper on April 30, 2021, 05:20:15 PM
I think the Weatherby SA-459 is worth a look. Reasonably priced and they feel great in the hands. I will have one in 20 gauge as soon as they become available again.
The Weatherby looks like a good/ modestly priced option. It sounds like the Tristar G2 referenced above is a clone. I'll see if I can check one out.
The Weatherby SA 459 has been discontinued
That's a bummer. Hopefully they come out with something to replace it.
I second the Stoeger & the Franchi. Have you given thought to Retay?
retayusa.com
Although, to stay under the 1k mark you may want to go with the Gordion series. Retay has completely eliminated the "click" that Benelli is oso famous for, however it's never been an issue to me. Tristar makes some really good guns. And please give the 20 gauge plenty of thought because as stated before it's no fad and unless TSS goes away,neither is the 20...or the .410. Thats also an option for you especially if you are limiting shots to closer rather than far. Mossy does have that new .410 in bottomland!!! Any which way you go let us know and good luck!!!
Quote from: lowoctane on April 30, 2021, 04:29:50 PM
Stoeger makes quality for the $, IMHO, and should get you under your estimate. :camohat:
Drilled and tapped...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210501/0745628847bd6976cf0de0bbf8ab47ab.jpg)
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Beretta A300 turkey model is a nice package and in your price range. My son has a standard A 300 and it is a very good shooting, reliable, affordable gun. Turkey model comes in camo and has a 24" barrel with fiber optic sights, mobile turkey choke and takes a Beretta optic mount.
Bink mentioned Retay. I recently got a Masai mara, and so far it has been excellent! Killed my first turkey with it a few days ago. It's trigger is right about 5.5 lbs from the factory, and breaks cleanly with no creep...great shotgun trigger. Not sure if the Gordion would have the same trigger, but if so, I would recommend looking into Retay.
As far as trigger work goes, if you find a Remington that has a somewhat heavy trigger, you could swap out the springs with an MCARBO kit. I did that with my 870, and it made a substantial difference...it breaks at under 4 lbs consistently. Turned an ok shotgun trigger into an excellent shotgun trigger.
Quote from: Mnpublichunter on April 30, 2021, 10:33:23 PM
Quote from: Snoodsniper on April 30, 2021, 05:20:15 PM
I think the Weatherby SA-459 is worth a look. Reasonably priced and they feel great in the hands. I will have one in 20 gauge as soon as they become available again.
The Weatherby looks like a good/ modestly priced option. It sounds like the Tristar G2 referenced above is a clone. I'll see if I can check one out.
The Weatherby is discontinued as far as heard. However, the Tristar pistol grip is pretty much idential ( I have both) along with a host of other "Turkish" built guns like Mossberg SA-20, etc, etc. Most of these guns are made at the same factory.. imported under a varaity of names.
Do not mean to start a beef with the 20 ga crowd. I know it will work just fine with modern loads and chokes. Even if it is over powered, I don't mid the extra weight or recoil for 12 ga, so I think I will be happier (personally) with the load selection over the next few decades.
I mentioned in a previous post I prefer to use non-toxic shot. Today with TSS there is availability in many brands, gauges, shot size, weights etc. Hopefully this abundance sticks around, but a few years ago my choices would be limited to Hevi 13 and Federal heavyweight if I wanted to not use lead.
If I have to buy new, I am leaning towards a Mossberg 930 or Beretta a300 turkey. Sounds like most have generally decent triggers, and it looks like the trigger on the 930 lends itself better to trigger work if needed than the Mossberg pumps. Neither has good adjustable sights from the factory from what I can see, so I'd be going down the optics rout.
On used guns, visited a few shops to look at selection. A few nice 870 Wingmasters selling for top dollar, I'm sure driven by the current environment and bankruptcy of Big Green. Between the price and the crime I'd be committing by camo dipping over a nice blued finish, leaning more towards buying new or finding a cosmetically neglected 870 as a project starting point.
Appreciate all the feedback.
Any way you go, good luck to ya, and don't hesitate to reach out. As you can see, most of us are eager to help and are just good ol' boys. Keep us apprised of what you decide to go with.
I see in your post you are also considering a Mossberg 930. I would also consider the Mossberg 935. You may not want to shoot 3.5 shells, but the 935 has the same overbore size barrel that the 835 has, and is famous for the exceptional patterns it produces, even with 3" ammo. They come in turkey models with the features you are looking for. Good luck in your quest, it's always fun shopping for a new gun.
Quote from: the Ward on May 04, 2021, 07:57:45 AM
I see in your post you are also considering a Mossberg 930. I would also consider the Mossberg 935. You may not want to shoot 3.5 shells, but the 935 has the same overbore size barrel that the 835 has, and is famous for the exceptional patterns it produces, even with 3" ammo. They come in turkey models with the features you are looking for. Good luck in your quest, it's always fun shopping for a new gun.
Haven't shot TSS out of my 835 yet, but it loves 3" Longbeard XR #5s.
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