I've killed way more gobblers with a bow than shotgun but in the future I see myself doing more shotgun hunting than I have in the past. I currently have a Remington 1100 12 ga. in 2 3/4". This gun works fine but I'd like the option of going up to 3 1/2" so I could still use the shorter shells if I wanted. I would prefer 12 ga but would consider 10 ga. With my current setup I don't like to shoot past about 30 yds. with the 2 3/4". Going to a 3" or 3 1/2" would extend my range a bit. What do you veteran shotgun turkey hunters recommend for a good "turkey " gun that could extend my range?
When thinking of a gun strictly for turkey hunting the Mossberg 835 comes to mind. It is over bored and allows you to achieve the maximum potential of today's turkey loads. When equipped with the proper choke.
Remington 870 super mag , Mossberg 835, Browning BPS 31/2. Most importantly, which ever one of those 3 fits, feels, best in YOUR hands.
Quote from: nyhunter on May 27, 2011, 07:41:41 PM
Remington 870 super mag , Mossberg 835, Browning BPS 31/2. Most importantly, which ever one of those 3 fits, feels, best in YOUR hands.
Great advice, all 3 are great turkey guns. Most important to handle them and see what fits you best.
870
Quote from: Spuriosity on May 27, 2011, 08:30:39 PMThose guns are great options, but there is one more. I don't know if you have any interest in rolling your own, but if you do, TSS will turn that 2.75" 1100 into a whole 'nother animal. Guys are doing amazing things with TSS and the 20 gauge. Your 2.75" 12 gauge is ballistically superior to the 20 in every way. But far be it from me to discourage anyone that wants to buy another shotgun. Can't ever have too many. Just food for thought.
This is great info. My crimped shells are not quite 2.75". There are 2.75 recipes that would make that rig a killer. If you really want a new one look at the Rem SM from WalMart. $347 for a camo 3.5" gun. The 835 is a/the patterning gun. You won't be disappointed.
For the money the Rem 870 Super Mag or Moss 835 will be hard to beat. If you want the best shooting gun, the 835 is the way to go. The 870 will be the better built gun. But both will do you well. All you have to do is shoot Hevi-13 loads and find the right choke.
Quote from: ILIKEHEVI-13 on May 28, 2011, 09:14:15 AM
For the money the Rem 870 Super Mag or Moss 835 will be hard to beat. If you want the best shooting gun, the 835 is the way to go. The 870 will be the better built gun. But both will do you well. All you have to do is shoot Hevi-13 loads and find the right choke.
Based on what information? The 835 are tanks. I haven't heard of any one having trouble. I have 3 buddies that shoot them, have for 10 yrs and have never had any trouble.
I have both. I like both. But the 870 is the better built gun. Take one a part and you shall see. The 870 will last a lifetime and then some.
I love my 835, but I know of some people on here that will tell you they wouldn't buy another. Ask Reloader which is the better built gun. He has both. Ask bird? I know he had trouble with his or maybe even 2. Just stating from what 2 guys I know have said.
And I have had mine for probably 12yrs and I haven't had any trouble either. Like I said I like mine, and it will out shoot my 870. But my 870 is a the 3" Express model. But the 835 will shoot the better patterns with dang near the same loads in both guns everytime. But if I had to choose one gun, the 870 would be my pick.
I made the same decision before this last season and chose the 870 SPS --- couldnt be happier.
I added a scope and pure gold choke and it was good to go. I absolutely love the way the gun handles and I've had great patterns with it, despite the shorter barrel length.
If I did it all over again, I wouldnt change a thing.
(http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x49/redleg06_photo/photo4-1.jpg)
Quote from: ILIKEHEVI-13 on May 28, 2011, 09:14:15 AM
For the money the Rem 870 Super Mag or Moss 835 will be hard to beat. If you want the best shooting gun, the 835 is the way to go. The 870 will be the better built gun. But both will do you well. All you have to do is shoot Hevi-13 loads and find the right choke.
Exactly my thoughts. 835 will throw better patterns, but I still like the 870 better.
Rem 870. I have two old 12 guage wingmasters and they shoot great, no problems with the guns after 35 years. My gunsmith replaced one spring in one of the guns as a precautionary. 3in shells in these guns is a killer. I shoot 3.5in shells out of an automatic. A 3.5 shell in any of the guns mentioned will kick the dog out of you. The Rem 870 is more quality for the money.
Rem 870 super mag.
If you want to stick with 12 gauge, the mossberg 835 or 935 will more than likely outshoot the others. If you want the ultimate pattern and range, and don't mind toting a mini-cannon, the Remington SP-10 is the Ferrari of Turkey guns IMO. I think they discontinued it after 2010, so if you want one, you'd better start looking now.
I have a BPS, Vinci, SX2, Gold, and a Remington ShurShot Turkey 870. I have used them all for turkeys, but I always go back to the 870. The ShurShot model like in the picture on Page 1. Only difference is I have the TruGlo saddle mount Red Dot on mine with the Indian Creek .665. It is the best patterning of the four I use, and by FAR the most reliable. For a dedicated turkey gun, I have to recommend the 870. One thing though, make sure you get the 23" barrel instead of the 21". There is a considerable difference in pattern with heavy loads.
I'd be willing to bet that if you will try some of the 2.75 HTL offerings you could have akilling pattern at 40 yards with what you have,Your not gonna it 300 in the 10" but you don't have to to kill turkeys and I believe you can hit that 100 in 10" easily.
A 870 remington express, Mossberg 500, or 8rd Mossberg will be your best bets if your set on a new gun, I've killed turkeys with all 3 but the decision is yours, all 3 Are rugged guns that will hold up.
835 is what I am setting up for a strictly turkey gun. It is already drilled and tapped if you decide to add a sight other than fiber optic. It shoots all size shells. Walmart has one that is in Mossy Oak Break up here is SC for $327 before tax. It already has the fiber optic sights and comes with an extra full choke. THat is what I am going to get, but am going to put my star dot in it. Other good ones are Remington 870SM, 11-87, and Mossberg 935. Good Luck and let us know what direction you decide to go.
With the right load/choke combo, 2-3/4" is fine out to 40 yrds; I've been killing them for years with a 12g 2-3/4" Browning A5. With HTL, you can get a little more. I killed one this year at 45 yrds w/ Hevi-13 #6.
I've owned 835's and killed several turkeys with them, but they're clunkers and swing like a 2x4. Before all of the dedicated 835 shooters on here go wild, they pattern great, are heavy, are prone to rattle badly, are a stable shooting platform, but are not an ideal gun if wing shooting or a run-and-gun turkey rig is required. The 870 is by design a wingshooters gun and will kick substantially more than the 835 with the same shells. The 870 is better balanced and internally better made with fewer stamped parts. With all this said, I opt to turkey hunt with the lightest, quickest handling repeater available, and thus hunt with a 12 gauge, 3", Ithaca Model 37. I've run the gamete from Mag 10's through most of the better 31/2", 12 gauge guns available, and still have the majority of them, but have found that HTL ammo has made them redundant and IMO overkill.
Quote from: decoykrvr on May 31, 2011, 01:11:30 PM
I've owned 835's and killed several turkeys with them, but they're clunkers and swing like a 2x4. Before all of the dedicated 835 shooters on here go wild, they pattern great, are heavy, are prone to rattle badly, are a stable shooting platform, but are not an ideal gun if wing shooting or a run-and-gun turkey rig is required. The 870 is by design a wingshooters gun and will kick substantially more than the 835 with the same shells. The 870 is better balanced and internally better made with fewer stamped parts. With all this said, I opt to turkey hunt with the lightest, quickest handling repeater available, and thus hunt with a 12 gauge, 3", Ithaca Model 37. I've run the gamete from Mag 10's through most of the better 31/2", 12 gauge guns available, and still have the majority of them, but have found that HTL ammo has made them redundant and IMO overkill.
I have an older 835 and agree with your assessment to a tee, even tho I hunt with it, but the new designs they have come out with are nothing like the old. They are lighter, more ergonomic, and just shoulder great!
The 870 didn't get to be Americas #1 selling pump shotgun by luck or by not working. I have owned five 870 shotguns over the years and only had a small plug problem with one that had to go back to the company. It was fixed in no time and worked great ever since. I like my 835, but it is heavier to tote. The 870 handles better, functions better and looks better. But it won't shoot better than my 835. I think the 835 is a very good shotgun. Mine came with a 10yr warranty. And I do think it will last a long time. Like I said it's been my best shooting shotgun I have ever owned. And it makes one heck of a turkey gun in my opinion. And a lot of other guys will say the same.
the Mossberg 835 is the "only" turkey gun there is
I cannot speak from experience on this one but there was a guy at the range the other day patterning the new Ithaca turkey slayer. It is advertised as the first 50yd turkey gun. The guy said that it is a new type of design were the barrel and receiver were one solid piece built this way for accuracy. again I cannot speak from experience with this model although I do have a turkey slayer myself ( mine is about 10 yrs old and of a different design)along with 870 and 2 1300 I prefer my 1300 hands down however the new turkeyslayer looks nice on there website. I'm going to give it a look.
Remington 870 Max Gobbler
11-87 Shurshot.
When you walk up to that dead turkey look at what is in your hand, that will be the one.
While we are just throwing guns out here: Berettas are the best in my opinion on many different levels and I've shot most guns out there.. :you_rock:
1187 shurshot i love it
If you go with a 835. I'd buy one with a 24" barrel. IC .675 and Hevi 13 3 1/2 # 6's. I have never seen one not put at least 200 pellets in a 10 inch circle @ 40yds. Some might do better, but thats the closest to a sure thing with you'll find in a turkey gun without a whole lot of hassle. That beening said I've only played with 3 of them set up that way. One had shorter barrel, but still surpassed the 200 pellet count.
Man that is hard tell someone what the perfect turkey 3 1/2" shotgun. But since you already have Remington and it must fit you pretty good for you to have it. I would get a Remington 870 3 1/2" Super Magnum. It will be great for running and gunning turkey hunting. If you are not into running and gunning a Remington 11-87 Super Magnum may be a good choice for you. I myself do not turkey hunt with a 3 1/2" shotguns. My dad has one and I may try it some time. Both of my turkey guns are 3" chamber Remington's. One is 870 and the other is 11-87. Both will kill a turkey out to 45-50 yards for sure. Plus my 11-87 patterns well with the Hevi 13 3" 2oz. #6 loads with a Indian Creek .665. I am getting 200+ in the 10" @ 40 yards with that setup. With all that said all the other turkey guns mentioned would proabally get the job done. But it boils down to personnal perfence. For me I like Remington's. They have never let me down. Even though I can shoot them out at 50 yards I still try a call them in close. What ever you choose make sure you pattern it to make sure it can get the job done. Good Luck, Mike
I've never shot the 870's, but I know enough guys that own them that love them.
Personally, I love my 835 Mossberg. Great, great patterning shotgun.