I want to build a single shot turkey gun bad. The only thing holding me back is its a SINGLE shot. I have killed one bird with a follow up shot after a miss. I just love how light, compact and simple they are. I just cant decide if I should get a more versatile youth 20ga pump or go with a short hammerless 20ga single shot. I think I can build a pretty slick single shot for about $ 200-250 or go with an youth 870 for about $350. Any input would be great.
Single shots are awesome! I have a old school bottomland hr 20 and 12 they shoot great and are a joy to carry. I was in the same thought position as you but I look at it this way you really only get one shot follow ups are usually at a running bird which a lot of times the end result is a wounded bird. When I have a bird comming in I put an extra shell in my hand in case I neeed a quick reload. Good luck!
I too have the old NEF 12 ga in original Bottomland, and a Winchester 1300 in New Breakup. The single goes to the woods almost exclusively. Singles are perfect for spring season.
I say go for it! Can't have too many turkey guns, it's an addiction. And like you said, your not going to have a lot of dough into it so if you don't like it you can always trade it off or use it as a loaner or backup. Bows are single shots too, but that doesn't keep people from enjoying hunting with them, just dial it in good and be picky with your shots. I think the light weight would be great if you cover a lot of ground or got a lot of hills to climb in you hunting area.
My 2 main gun's are a h&r 10 and a h&r 12, both with red dots and change out chokes.
Build the single shot! Just make sure to stick with that hammerless design IMO. I have always hunted with a single shot and I believe I aim "harder" at turkeys because of it. One shell should be all you need. Also, simple single shot turkey guns are light and compact; never a burden to lug around or hold motionless as a gobbler slowly approaches. And there's just something charming about a little single shot!