I am going to be hunting again this year after 4 years off due to breaking my neck and multiple surgeries. My 870 Wingmaster is too much recoil. I have found an old 16 gauge Springfield that I might get. Anyone know of a good shell for turkey hunting and is the recoil very much? I have shot 2 3/4 turkey load from my 870 and it was too much. I can walk and get around good but my neck and shoulder can't take too much. Also, has anyone here hunted with a 16 and what kind of range can I expect. Thanks for your time. ><>del
Just my opinion, but that 16GA is likely recoil operated? If so, it will kick as much as the REM 870 12ga with 2.3/4 shells. I have a 16ga REM 1148 auto - it kicks as harder than all my gas operated 12ga guns I have.
I would look to get a gas 20ga auto. Plus you will have a ton more flexibility when it comes to load types. A little gas 20ga with some #7 hevi shot will kill turkeys like crazy and feel like butter when you shoot.
Agreed, I would look into the 20 gauge. Little recoil and can hammer birds with the Fed. HWT #7's or Hevi #7's out past the 40 yard mark with the right load/choke combo.
Every 16 gauge I've shot recoils like a 12 gauge and it out patterned by a 20 gauge.
Thanks for all the replies . I do appreciate the help. I did find an 11-48 16 too but it may be too much recoil as well. I guess I am a recoil wuss. Oh well, if I can't find something I will call for the boy and take pics. ><>del
That Rem 11-48 16GA won't be any different than you 870 12ga... I have them both.
If you want something cheap - I would get a mossberg SA-20 auto. Light, shoots easy, auto and fairly cheap. I have slaughtered many birds with that one.
Quote from: FL-Boss on January 31, 2017, 02:22:30 PM
Just my opinion, but that 16GA is likely recoil operated? If so, it will kick as much as the REM 870 12ga with 2.3/4 shells. I have a 16ga REM 1148 auto - it kicks as harder than all my gas operated 12ga guns I have.
I would look to get a gas 20ga auto. Plus you will have a ton more flexibility when it comes to load types. A little gas 20ga with some #7 hevi shot will kill turkeys like crazy and feel like butter when you shoot.
Dude i agree on the recoil,it is recoil operated,i have a 1148 sportsman in 16 ga and it kicks worse than all my 12,s!
:camohat: Kenny Morgan killed a couple of hundred toms with a 410. double barrel but called em in close. Read his book "Turkey Hunting a One Man Game", its on Mid West Turkey Call Supply. :OGturkeyhead:
Get a 20 ga gas powered autoloader.
Well I got the 11-48! My son shot it first and said it wasn't bad. I shot it and really like it. Wasn't too bad. I tore it down and put the parts in the ultrasound for cleaning. Put it back together and ready for patterning! Thanks for the help guys! ><> del
Try and load that gun up with the maximum rounds in the magazine to weight it down , and try a slip on limb saver pad , those two things With the 11-48 gas/recoil operation reduce the recoil
You say that you tried the 12 and it's to much. Then go use the 12! It may have hurt shooting at a target but as long as it doesn't cause actual injury then you won't care as much when a bird is right there. Other than that, forget the 16 and go to a 20. Much more options. And less recoil. If you can't handle short 12 gauge load then a stout 16 gauge load ain't gonna be any comfort.
Run the 12 with a pheasant or target load and keep your shots close. even the 20 in a magnum turkey load can pack a punch. Of course a 20ga target load would be even better.