I am currently shooting my Browning Light 12 that my Dad gave to me in 1974..killed many a buck and turkey with it...not ever had one complaint against it..the ONLY reason I am considering a new turkey gun is the fact that I would like a gun that I don't need to tape every season in order to camo it..so, that being said..if you were gonna buy a new turkey-taker..what would it be?
I am a pump guy so for me it's 870 supermag with the shurshot stock. Or even the 870 turkey/predator combo if you want an optic on top. I really like that shurshot stock. It aims great and helps with recoil management. The stock surprisingly carries well too. The 870 action goes without saying.
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I am not in the market for a turkey gun. If I were I would seriously consider buying a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with full camo and 24" barrel.
I am with WildTigerTrout, but I would add a Steady Grip Stock, maybe a FF3, and the Rhino/Nitro combo! JMO.
Ridge Rooster
There is no "ultimate" turkey gun. SBE's and SX3's are fine, well made shotguns. None of them will pattern like a 935. But the 935 does not have the fit and finish of the higher price guns. Pumps cost less than autos, but they have drawbacks that they tend to have forearm rattle, longer reach to the forearm etc. Every gun out there has tradeoffs. You have to decide what is important to you.
For me personally terminal pattern performance is top. That is why I have shot 835's for years and am currently building my first 935.
Have you considered just getting it camo dipped?
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I'm w/ Skeeterbait, if all the turkey guns in the world were lined up and I had to blindly choose one to throw a good pattern, I'd grab a 935 every time.
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
I'd buy the winchester sx3 turkey, it comes in mossy oak break up infinity it's light,short and dependable!
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
No it is more than an opinion. Countless patterns we have seen posted here over the years of many different guns, loads, and chokes, the 835/935 consistently posts higher shot counts. The 835 and 935 have basically the same barrel. Their barrels are unlike any in any other 12 gauges. There was at one time a single shot also made by Mossberg called the SSI-ONE that also had this unique barrel. Basically the barrel is bored out to 10 gauge bore. The bore of these guns is .775 where the average 12 gauge is around .729. European guns like the Benelli are even tighter. Any time a shotgun has a bore smaller than the shell itself requires a choke ahead of the shell called the forcing cone. This forcing cone tends to be abrupt and compresses and deforms shot. Basically the forcing cone is removed from a 835/935 because the bore is so large. In addition, a small bore requires the shot to string out in the barrel since the area is narrower. An 835/935 leaves more room for the shot to exit the gun in a shorter string. These things combine to produce less pressure on shot, less deformed shot, less fliers, and more shot in a smaller area downrange.
I sure like my Remington 870 Max Gobblers. Built on the Wingmaster frame and with the recoil reducing stock, it's a sweet shooter for a light gun.
Sorry to say that my SP-10 has taken a second seat to these, but I still like the overall firepower with a 10 gauge.
Gman
Like some of the others already said... "ultimate" is in the eye of the user. I have hunted with 24" barrel's & 3.5" chambered guns for a long time. I use to view that as my ultimate....now that I spend more time per day in the woods hunting and I hike further distances I switched to a Weatherby PA-459 Digital TR. It is a bit lighter in weight (18.5" barrel 3" chamber & factory ghost ring fiber optic sights) & it serves MY needs and style of hunting VERY well. It is my personal ultimate turkey gun....but it I'm sure it's not for everyone. Best of luck in finding what works for YOU! :icon_thumright:
I love my 1187 super mag.. It kills them dead.. All that matters in the long run.
Myself I'd look for dependability and longevity try some of your friends or go to a gun club and ask to try someone's if they will let you. Most turkey hunters will hold some techniques to themselves but all of them are proud of a finely tuned up turkey gun no matter who the owner is and most love to help.
Super Vinci or SBE II...
mudhen
sbeII
835 Ulti-Mag :z-winnersmiley:
if I had to choose one to last me the rest of my days and turkey hunt with it would be the 835. tough as nails, and will shoot almost anything good :funnyturkey:
Personally, my vote goes to the 935 for an auto, and 835 for a pump.
You would be hard pressed to find better patterning shotguns anywhere. However, the best turkey gun is the one that fits you the best, and the one that gives you the most confidence when you draw down on that gobbler.
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
It's backbored to 10 ga .775. Does it throw the tightest? It can. Brownings are overbored to but at .743. I've seen them post up the bigger numbers. Believe they hold the records in the still target to
I would go with a Ithaca 37 Turkeyslayer 12ga or 20ga with their recoil reducing stock dipped in ASAT camo. Pretty sure that's my ultimate.
I really like my Browning Silver NWTF. Not saying it's the ultimate but it's by far the best I have owned.
SBII is pretty slick and pricy the sx3 and stoger 3500 are pretty nice options. I'm pleased with my 870 but I'd love to own one the ones I mentioned above
870 supermag with shurshot stock
My favorites are my Winchester 1300, Stoeger 3500, and my 870.... Basically it's what ever you feel comfortable with and can throw some great patterns.... Good luck in your searches
Mossberg 535 Turkey Thug Rhino/Nitro combo.... :z-guntootsmiley:
Quote from: Skeeterbait on February 20, 2014, 04:06:10 PM
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
No it is more than an opinion. Countless patterns we have seen posted here over the years of many different guns, loads, and chokes, the 835/935 consistently posts higher shot counts. The 835 and 935 have basically the same barrel. Their barrels are unlike any in any other 12 gauges. There was at one time a single shot also made by Mossberg called the SSI-ONE that also had this unique barrel. Basically the barrel is bored out to 10 gauge bore. The bore of these guns is .775 where the average 12 gauge is around .729. European guns like the Benelli are even tighter. Any time a shotgun has a bore smaller than the shell itself requires a choke ahead of the shell called the forcing cone. This forcing cone tends to be abrupt and compresses and deforms shot. Basically the forcing cone is removed from a 835/935 because the bore is so large. In addition, a small bore requires the shot to string out in the barrel since the area is narrower. An 835/935 leaves more room for the shot to exit the gun in a shorter string. These things combine to produce less pressure on shot, less deformed shot, less fliers, and more shot in a smaller area downrange.
What length barrel is best??
I have shot 24" 835's for many years now with excellent results and got great patterns with several different chokes, finally settling on a .675 Indian Creek. The 24" is easy to find a good shell choke combination for but is still short enough to not feel like you are swinging a section of conduit around in the woods. I am currently building a 935 pistol grip turkey that came with a 22" barrel. I have not shot it yet so I can't speak to that barrel length yet.
Quote from: chatterbox on February 20, 2014, 08:11:51 PM
Personally, my vote goes to the 935 for an auto, and 835 for a pump.
You would be hard pressed to find better patterning shotguns anywhere. However, the best turkey gun is the one that fits you the best, and the one that gives you the most confidence when you draw down on that gobbler.
[/quote
935 gets my vote for my newest addition based on the support here..on the Mossberg website and there is a Magnum turkey and a Magnum Grandslam listed...does it matter here as long as it is a 935?
Difference is barrel lengths, 22", 24", 28"
For years, the "ultimate" gun for me was an 835 Ulti-Mag w/a Comp-n-Choke choke tube; hunted for a really long time with that gun, and as Skeeterbait has stated well, it's a dang good turkey gun (much more really, but that's what I used it primarily for).
*However*, in the last 4-5 years, I switched over to a semi-auto - a Stoeger M2000 12g w/Primos Tight Wad choke tube; I'm shooting a custom shell that essentially equals the Magnum Blend's that are available off-the-shelf now. I've had really great results with this gun - not only for turkey hunting, but skeet & bird hunting (and varmit hunting around the house).
I did this NOT because the 835 was a "bad" gun; I've busted birds with it out to 60 yards before; knocked 'em stone cold. But, I'm a squirt of a guy, and carrying that 835 (for me) was a chore... The Stoeger is a smaller, lighter & quieter gun (it doesn't make noise like the fore-arm rattling on my 835), and I've got it patterning as well as I need it to in order to kill birds consistently with it. I was pretty quick on follow-up shots, but I'm quicker with the Stoeger than I ever was with the 835.
These are just my opinions - and as they say, opinions are like a certain body part - everybody's got one, it has a hole in it, and usually stinks! :) haha...
my turkey guns...
12ga M1 Benelli
20ga 870
11-87 supermag
SBE II (just now setting it up)
I am partial anymore to the little 20ga. With federal HW 7's and the right choke it is tough to beat.
The ultimate turkey gun IMO....Benelli M2 20ga.....just can't see dropping 1,000 on a 20ga.
love Mossberg 835
Thanks to all who contributed..my 935 will be ordered today..going with the 24" in Mossy Oak Infinity
835 pump 935 auto
I really like my SX3. It's soft shooting and throws excellent numbers.
835 with a .676 Stardot. W-W XX 3.5-2-5 = dead turkeys. Lots of them.
SBE 2
870 SPS-T 20 ga.
M2 20 ga.
Montefeltro Camo 20 ga.
If I were buying one today it would be a 3.5" Browning Maxus.
Beretta Xtrema
24" bbl
Hevi 13 choke
Tru-glo Pro series sights
Hevi 13 3.5/2.25/7's
333 in a 10" @ 40
Quote from: Skeeterbait on February 20, 2014, 04:06:10 PM
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
No it is more than an opinion. Countless patterns we have seen posted here over the years of many different guns, loads, and chokes, the 835/935 consistently posts higher shot counts. The 835 and 935 have basically the same barrel. Their barrels are unlike any in any other 12 gauges. There was at one time a single shot also made by Mossberg called the SSI-ONE that also had this unique barrel. Basically the barrel is bored out to 10 gauge bore. The bore of these guns is .775 where the average 12 gauge is around .729. European guns like the Benelli are even tighter. Any time a shotgun has a bore smaller than the shell itself requires a choke ahead of the shell called the forcing cone. This forcing cone tends to be abrupt and compresses and deforms shot. Basically the forcing cone is removed from a 835/935 because the bore is so large. In addition, a small bore requires the shot to string out in the barrel since the area is narrower. An 835/935 leaves more room for the shot to exit the gun in a shorter string. These things combine to produce less pressure on shot, less deformed shot, less fliers, and more shot in a smaller area downrange.
Skeeter bait is spot on with his comments. I've been turkey hunting for over 35 years, owned well over a dozen dedicated turkey guns and have spent countless hours at the bench testing and patterning different shotgun,choke,ammo combinations. Among the dedicated turkey guns I've owned were, Brownings, Berettas, Benellis, Remington's, Mossbergs, and Winchesters. In a nutshell .......you can spend more, A LOT MORE, but you won't get more gun than a Mossberg 835 or 935. If terminal performance is your end goal for a dedicated "ultimate turkey gun" then look no further. In all my testing spanning many years the 835 and 935 consistently outperform the others. They simply shoot tighter, denser patterns. Now just to stay on point, I'm basing this on terminal performance. If your into looks, pride of ownership, bragging rights etc then your idea of the "Ultimate Turkey Gun" may be different. To each his own!
My "ultimate" turkey gun would be the one that can throw THIS pattern at 40 yards, still have enough wiggle room at half that and could take off a turkey's head inside of 15 yards. Oh yeah! i already have one that does all those things! :toothy9:
And she looks like this...
Mightyjoe,
Very impressive pattern right there. What is your setup?
Quote from: sierra6 on February 26, 2014, 07:51:58 PM
Mightyjoe,
Very impressive pattern right there. What is your setup?
The 835 thumbhole in the pic with a 24" ported, super cleaned and mirror-polished pipe and a Truglo .670 Smackdown choke. The sight is a bushnell Trophy Multi-reticle red/green dot and it has a custom "slug gun" trigger job. You shouls see how it shoots the Federal 3.5" HW 7's!! Pure turkey murder too!! :OGturkeyhead:
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 20, 2014, 08:15:09 PM
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
It's backbored to 10 ga .775. Does it throw the tightest? It can. Brownings are overbored to but at .743. I've seen them post up the bigger numbers. Believe they hold the records in the still target to
The 835 isn't backbored. It is OVERBORED to .775" diameter. Backboring is taking an existing gun and opening up the bore. Also the standard 12 gauge bore is .729". Remmys (non-pro bore) have a standard bore diameter, the Italian guns are bored to around .723 and aren't SUPPOSED to pattern near as well as standard bore guns, but don't tell my SBE II that, that puts up 250's in the 10" ring with 2 1/4 ounce hevi 6's. all guns with larger than standard bore diameter are considered "overbored"
Very similar to my best shooting gun which is also a 24" 835 with a bore I too Super polished to a mirror. I've got an old TruGlo Strut stopper choke tube on it. It is a turkey killing machine with 3" H13 2oz #6's. U gotta see what those Mossbergs will do with your own eyes to believe it! Nice setup ya got there!!
One that kills efficiently and consistently. Hopefully that equates to what I am carrying to the woods this year.
If I could change anything about my current set up it would be to add a 24'' barrel and adjustable pistol grip styled stock.
Quote from: sierra6 on February 26, 2014, 08:58:38 PM
Very similar to my best shooting gun which is also a 24" 835 with a bore I too Super polished to a mirror. I've got an old TruGlo Strut stopper choke tube on it. It is a turkey killing machine with 3" H13 2oz #6's. U gotta see what those Mossbergs will do with your own eyes to believe it! Nice setup ya got there!!
Thanks! That gun has accounted for WELL over 100 spring birds and idk how many fall birds alone and has taken the heads off no less than 4 gobblers. I have owned 7 835's from the original version (the old man and I had the first 2 in our area) to this one, that is actually a redone Crown Grade, high polished field gun. She looked too pretty to not mess with! lol
Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on February 26, 2014, 08:54:36 PM
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 20, 2014, 08:15:09 PM
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
It's backbored to 10 ga .775. Does it throw the tightest? It can. Brownings are overbored to but at .743. I've seen them post up the bigger numbers. Believe they hold the records in the still target to
The 835 isn't backbored. It is OVERBORED to .775" diameter. Backboring is taking an existing gun and opening up the bore. Also the standard 12 gauge bore is .729". Remmys (non-pro bore) have a standard bore diameter, the Italian guns are bored to around .723 and aren't SUPPOSED to pattern near as well as standard bore guns, but don't tell my SBE II that, that puts up 250's in the 10" ring with 2 1/4 ounce hevi 6's. all guns with larger than standard bore diameter are considered "overbored"
Don't tell my SBE 2 either.(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/02/27/a4ehuruv.jpg)
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Yeah Boy!!! :drool:
After carrying a 835 around these Kentucky mountians for years and knocking down toms very consistently I picked up a new stoeger m2000 turkey model with the pistol grip stock in a trade. I have it shooting just as good as my 835 with a carlsons coyote choke and federal heavyweight 7's or a kicks gobblin thunder and mag blends. It is much lighter than the 835 and that means a lot walking these mountains.
The ultimate turkey gun is in the eye of the beholder. My ultimate turkey gun is the one i hunt with a H&R 10ga single shot. I could care less about having a pump or a semi because my goal is to kill the turkey I am shooting at with the first shot. And let me tell you thats what this gun does. Anything in front of this guns bead from zero to 60 dies when the hammer drops and since I have started shooting HW's they dont even wiggle. I know it dont shot some of the 300 plus patterns yall speak of on here but it is a stone cold killer of turkey. I have pulled or seen the trigger pulled on this gun 27 times in the spring turkey hunting and 27 birds have got a ride in the truck. I know there are many great turkey hunter on here better than me with guns alot more expensive and fancier than mine but how many can say that about there gun.
Quote from: mightyjoeyoung on February 26, 2014, 08:54:36 PM
Quote from: turkey_slayer on February 20, 2014, 08:15:09 PM
Quote from: 762hunter on February 20, 2014, 03:23:32 PM
Please explain why the 935 patterns better than anything else?
Is this just an opinion?
It's backbored to 10 ga .775. Does it throw the tightest? It can. Brownings are overbored to but at .743. I've seen them post up the bigger numbers. Believe they hold the records in the still target to
The 835 isn't backbored. It is OVERBORED to .775" diameter. Backboring is taking an existing gun and opening up the bore. Also the standard 12 gauge bore is .729". Remmys (non-pro bore) have a standard bore diameter, the Italian guns are bored to around .723 and aren't SUPPOSED to pattern near as well as standard bore guns, but don't tell my SBE II that, that puts up 250's in the 10" ring with 2 1/4 ounce hevi 6's. all guns with larger than standard bore diameter are considered "overbored"
Thanks for pointing that out. Just had a brain fart
NWTF SX3 backbored and bigbird said the rest above.
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff47/cahabarivr/WinchesterSX3002.jpg) (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/cahabarivr/media/WinchesterSX3002.jpg.html)
My SX3 and my backup Mossberg. The SX3 consistently throws up 250s. I have only tried 2 different chokes and shells in it. Shells were all 3".
(http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff47/cahabarivr/88e471ee-2c43-440c-a654-27e8952da902.jpg) (http://s238.photobucket.com/user/cahabarivr/media/88e471ee-2c43-440c-a654-27e8952da902.jpg.html)
The first bird I killed with it at 47 paces.
I own my personal interpretation of the ultimate turkey gun.
Browning Silver with matching Burris rings, Weaver mount, Pentax Lightseeker 2.5x and an Indian Creek .675. Bore is polished and trigger breaks at 2.5lbs.
280-287 hits in the 10" @ 40yds with Nitro 4x5x7. She's bad news out to distances we aren't allowed to discuss here.
Ive got a Stoeger m3500 with the steady grip and a 28" barrell, the barrell is a little long, but man it shoots some great groups.
870 supermag with shurshot stock
870 SUPERMAG, shut shot stock, APG camo, Pure gold .660 choke Hevi 13 2 1/4 oz #7 I really like the way it carries in the woods, no rattles. Love the fiber optic sights. Is it the ultimate turkey weapon? yes and no. If the hunter is doing his part to put the bird in close a .410 ga will do the trick, if he's close. We all like the option of reaching out there to to put the bird spurs up. :z-twocents:
I love my 870 Bottomland camo,Super Mag, Burris FastFire, Hevi-Shot tube, Hevi-13 #7's.
Quote from: highwaygun on March 04, 2014, 10:17:24 PM
The ultimate turkey gun is in the eye of the beholder. My ultimate turkey gun is the one i hunt with a H&R 10ga single shot. I could care less about having a pump or a semi because my goal is to kill the turkey I am shooting at with the first shot. And let me tell you thats what this gun does. Anything in front of this guns bead from zero to 60 dies when the hammer drops and since I have started shooting HW's they dont even wiggle. I know it dont shot some of the 300 plus patterns yall speak of on here but it is a stone cold killer of turkey. I have pulled or seen the trigger pulled on this gun 27 times in the spring turkey hunting and 27 birds have got a ride in the truck. I know there are many great turkey hunter on here better than me with guns alot more expensive and fancier than mine but how many can say that about there gun.
DBL that !! :icon_thumright:
H & R 10 ga.
21" barrel (cut and sleeved from original 36" barrel, enforcing cone lengthened)
fixed full choke and rifle sights.....using mag blends
SIMPLY an AWESOME turkey gun !!
Been using it since 1979..... 34 yrs. plus and still at the top of its game !!!!
many...many dead birds to its account.
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/oldgobbler3/c9584627d2214bb3140922fe643dfe7d.jpg)
Jealous ...bitches....
Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 09, 2014, 08:40:16 PM
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/oldgobbler3/c9584627d2214bb3140922fe643dfe7d.jpg)
Jealous ...bitches....
Lmao!!!! :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny: :TooFunny:
Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 09, 2014, 08:40:16 PM
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/oldgobbler3/c9584627d2214bb3140922fe643dfe7d.jpg)
Jealous ...bitches....
So that's how you get through a briar patch the east way..
skeeterbait said it right . i agree 100 percent the 835 was built for the 3.5 in shell so was the 935 .the other guns were made to handle the 3.5 in shell basically what he is saying i shoot my 870 but they have never patterned as well as my 835 .but the only thing is the 870 is a little more more refined .
Quote from: Old Gobbler on March 09, 2014, 08:40:16 PM
(http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t456/oldgobbler3/c9584627d2214bb3140922fe643dfe7d.jpg)
Jealous ...bitches....
I like the back up handgun....in case the light and knife don't get the job done.
My ultimate turkey gun is a tristar hunter mag 28" barrel with hevi shot 6 shot with a jelly head choke I get 190 pellets in a 10 inch circle at 50 yards
Olejake----- Hunt with your old standby shotgun without the camo tape. Never met a turkey yet that knew what a uncamo shotgun was. Web
"I hope Ol' Gobbler has "patented" that beauty.....would be a shame if he didn't collect some royalties for his.....inspiration.....GOT MY VOTE....'CEPT.......would have to have a P226 on the butt....with a KaBar on the muzzle.....when I take Ol' Tom out of his....beach bunker emplacement.....OH HELL......FORGIT THE 12 GAUGE.....<sounds of rummaging in closet>.....now where did I put Granddad's flame thrower from Okinawa.....we'll jest fry Ol' Tom up right there in the bunker...."