Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Turkey Guns & Shooting => Turkey Guns => Topic started by: deerbasshunter3 on February 08, 2017, 10:35:05 PM

Title: Help me through this process...
Post by: deerbasshunter3 on February 08, 2017, 10:35:05 PM
    Ok, I am in the beginning stages of acquiring a dedicated turkey gun (saving money and actually deciding to do it). For starters, I already have an all black, synthetic stock Remington 870 Express Super Mag 26" (maybe 28") barrel, pump.

So, before I go any further, am I really in need of another gun for turkey, or should I just stick with what I have and soup it up?

Now, my first decision: pump or semi-auto? I would like a semi-auto, but feel like a pump would suffice, being that I don't see me needing a fast second shot, or even getting the opportunity if it presents itself.

Secondly, if the gun is only going to be used for turkey hunting, does the brand name really matter?

Next, I am assuming it does not matter, but new or used?

If I get a second gun, I would like for it to be camo. I don't know why... I feel like if I just get a new camo stock/forend for my Remington, it would suffice.

I feel like I am being crazy thinking that I need another gun, but figured I would toy with the idea. If there is anything that anybody would like to add, please feel free to do so.

Thank you in advance.
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Waynesworld23 on February 08, 2017, 11:21:04 PM
Hit a pawn shop or gun shops used rack many deals to be had
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Philippe on February 08, 2017, 11:23:48 PM
Save a ton of money and invest in a good choke like a Sumtoy .665 or Jellyhead and a box of longbeard shells and deep clean and polish that barrel. Nothing fancy is really needed in a gobbler getter. Honestly, the gun could be hot pink with purple dots on it and the turkey wouldn't notice it. If you want to take it a step further, maybe put a nice Mueller Red dot on it, or a nice bright fiber optic bead. Otherwise, save your money.
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Greg Massey on February 09, 2017, 12:04:00 AM
If your crazy eat up with turkey hunting like most of us on this forum your going to want more than one turkey gun...Most of us on this forum have any were from 1 - 5 turkey guns...i have 5 , lol
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 01:16:49 AM
Quote from: Philippe on February 08, 2017, 11:23:48 PM
Save a ton of money and invest in a good choke like a Sumtoy .665 or Jellyhead and a box of longbeard shells and deep clean and polish that barrel. Nothing fancy is really needed in a gobbler getter. Honestly, the gun could be hot pink with purple dots on it and the turkey wouldn't notice it. If you want to take it a step further, maybe put a nice Mueller Red dot on it, or a nice bright fiber optic bead. Otherwise, save your money.

I have a Hevi Shot .662 choke paired with LB 3" #6. I have already killed two turkeys with it. Honestly, I think I just want to buy something...
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Philippe on February 09, 2017, 01:48:41 AM
Quote from: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 01:16:49 AM
Quote from: Philippe on February 08, 2017, 11:23:48 PM
Save a ton of money and invest in a good choke like a Sumtoy .665 or Jellyhead and a box of longbeard shells and deep clean and polish that barrel. Nothing fancy is really needed in a gobbler getter. Honestly, the gun could be hot pink with purple dots on it and the turkey wouldn't notice it. If you want to take it a step further, maybe put a nice Mueller Red dot on it, or a nice bright fiber optic bead. Otherwise, save your money.

I have a Hevi Shot .662 choke paired with LB 3" #6. I have already killed two turkeys with it. Honestly, I think I just want to buy something...

Makes sense. One of my personal recent favorites was the Weatherby SA-459 turkey gun with a Burris FFII and Sumtoy choke, it was absolutely a joy to carry on long hikes, the recoil was mild, and the patterns were wicked. 
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: 1iagobblergetter on February 09, 2017, 01:56:08 AM
Hey sounds like your fitting in just fine then!!!! Lol... My motto is...Bills are paid ahead of time, wife and kids are well taken care of, money set aside for retirement,  if I want it and am paying cash for it I'm buying it...
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Tom Foolery on February 09, 2017, 08:10:15 AM
You've already got a good 12 gauge buy a 20 gauge and work it over.  That's what I did and I got rid of one 12 gauge and the other hasn't left the house to go turkey hunting in years.
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 09:05:50 AM
Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 09, 2017, 08:10:15 AM
You've already got a good 12 gauge buy a 20 gauge and work it over.  That's what I did and I got rid of one 12 gauge and the other hasn't left the house to go turkey hunting in years.

Will a 20 gauge reach out and kill a turkey at 40 yards, or is the distance limited because it is a smaller gauge?
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Waynesworld23 on February 09, 2017, 09:12:54 AM
With federal heavy weights you can kill at 40 all day as long as the gun will put up the numbers I am currently setting up a single shot 20ga carrying a pump isn't as nice as carrying my single shot
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: northms on February 09, 2017, 11:07:01 AM
I would send it off to get it camo dipped in whatever pattern you like. My preference would be getting the whole thing dipped in bottomland camo. It would really look good. Also add you a red dot scope if you want.

Doing both of the those would be half the price of a new gun and you'd have a unique, well rounded gun.
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 11:23:53 AM
Quote from: northms on February 09, 2017, 11:07:01 AM
I would send it off to get it camo dipped in whatever pattern you like. My preference would be getting the whole thing dipped in bottomland camo. It would really look good. Also add you a red dot scope if you want.

Doing both of the those would be half the price of a new gun and you'd have a unique, well rounded gun.

I am thinking of getting the Shurstock (mossy oak camo) and then getting the camo wrap for just the receiver. It would be all camo with a black barrel. It would certainly look different.
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: dirt road ninja on February 09, 2017, 02:02:22 PM


Will a 20 gauge reach out and kill a turkey at 40 yards, or is the distance limited because it is a smaller gauge?


Yes, they will kill at 40 with a little research and quality ammo. You will give up some range to a 12.
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Tom Foolery on February 09, 2017, 02:14:57 PM
Quote from: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 09:05:50 AM
Quote from: Tom Foolery on February 09, 2017, 08:10:15 AM
You've already got a good 12 gauge buy a 20 gauge and work it over.  That's what I did and I got rid of one 12 gauge and the other hasn't left the house to go turkey hunting in years.

Will a 20 gauge reach out and kill a turkey at 40 yards, or is the distance limited because it is a smaller gauge?

I shoot a 21" barreled 870 youth, Sumtoy 562-5 and Federal HW #7's and I'm good for a stretch past 40.  Lots of guys have better patterns than mine.  I could chase higher numbers but this one is even and is good to 50 so why chase?


42yds:

(http://i558.photobucket.com/albums/ss29/Tom_Foolery_74/IMG_0646_zpsmoruzqgd.jpg) (http://s558.photobucket.com/user/Tom_Foolery_74/media/IMG_0646_zpsmoruzqgd.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 03:33:42 PM
You know, I could buy a turkey gun and say it is a graduation present for finishing my bachelor's in January... I found a Mossberg 500, with extra barrel (slug barrel) for $325. I believe it is new.

My wife should go for that, right...
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: SteelerFan on February 09, 2017, 04:04:23 PM
Quote from: deerbasshunter3 on February 09, 2017, 03:33:42 PM
You know, I could buy a turkey gun and say it is a graduation present for finishing my bachelor's in January... I found a Mossberg 500, with extra barrel (slug barrel) for $325. I believe it is new.

My wife should go for that, right...

I don't see why she would have a problem with that! You can also tell her your friends @ Old Gobbler said it was ok (just don't tell her our names...please)
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: nickp on February 09, 2017, 04:38:07 PM
The federal hwt #7's and hevi #7's with the right choke will smoke them in 20 at 40.  Can even get real crazy with it and reload. 
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: BottomLand54 on February 09, 2017, 08:52:45 PM
Remember to tell her you are wanting to make sure you have a turkey for Thanksgiving. That may help :fud: :OGani:
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: turkey buster on February 09, 2017, 08:53:41 PM
Love my 870 youth 20 gauge
Title: Re: Help me through this process...
Post by: Izzyjoe on February 10, 2017, 10:05:22 PM
There's nothing wrong with wanting another shotgun, but you're current set up will do anything with a simple choke change. A lot of guys are going to the 20ga because of better loads that have come out, but a 20ga will get the job done!