Most of our modern turkey guns have shorter barrels. These range from 18.5 up to 30 inch. I wanted to share some advice I learned while carrying a short barreled turkey gun on my shoulder. I had an over-under with 20 inch tubes years ago. It was a factory Fabarm Camo Turkey gun. Great gun, patterned real well. I was hunting with a buddy one day when he stopped me on the logging road. He showed me that when I shouldered this smaller gun, that sometimes when we were walking, he noticed that when the gun moved on my shoulder walking on uneven terrain that the barrel pointed close to my head. WOW, he was right. We experimented with some other short barrel guns and found that this is common. The risk diminishes at 24 inches or more. I wanted to share this to make others aware that care should be taken when carrying shorter barrels guns with a sling. Thanks, be safe...be aware, and always keep that safety on........
I have honestly never thought about it. Something to think about for sure
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Yes, safety on all the time, and a conscious effort to keep it as straight up and not angled will assure safety. If this thread prevents an accident and causes awareness, mission accomplished....
another reason to carry the gun by hand
Yes, that would eliminate the problem for sure........
This kind of issue can be managed, if not solved all together, by tightening your sling so the gun rides higher. Loose slings are dangerous and do in fact put the gun in a poor carrying position.
Tighten that sling or flip the sling around and carry muzzle down...
Either way use your head and be conscious of your firearm!!!!!
Knowing this to be true. I rarely ever carry mine loaded when using the sling.
Amen guys, be safe...
Just one more reason not to buy a short barreled turkey gun. :angel9:
I carry mine strapped across my back with no issues.
I never ever use a sling on my shotguns. My uncle always referred to slings as "game savers".
True :turkey2:
I have thought of this myself and it is one of the reasons I have not gone to a shorter barrel, I am clumsy enough without giving fate a hand.
Amen brother, we need you. You are a big part of this forum. No sling for you....... :funnyturkey:
Quote from: Tom007 on May 10, 2020, 06:26:52 PM
Amen brother, we need you. You are a big part of this forum. No sling for you....... :funnyturkey:
I just wear the gun high when I do use a sling but most of the time I bring the gun in in it's case, it is just easier for me that way and then I load when I get there as quietly as I can.
Perfect, nice safe strategy.......
I have slings on two of my 870`s , my turkey gun with a 23" barrel and a 28" 870 Express. The Express is usually slung over my back, ALWAYS unloaded, usually coming and going from a dove field. My 870 turkey gun, because I`m usually carrying something else, is slung inverted, barrel down, over my shoulder. Taught to do that in the Army.
Good advice, thank you.......
I love my short barreled 870 Turkey/Predator. Ease of carrying, no hang ups, great for range of motion on set up. What I do most of the time I've found easier carrying w/the barrel pointing down. Haven't had a problem but I'll have my buddy check my carrying next year. Good thread.
Good idea, thanks, be safe......
Never had a problem with short barrel , that's why the gun has safety ... thanks for making us aware of the shorter barrels ..
excellent observation, thanks for sharing. While I tend to carry mine with the chamber empty until I get in the blind, I do believe the old adage that all guns should be treated as though they were loaded. Thanks again
Amen my friends....