OK, finally got the 12 gauge, now need help with choke & ammo...

[kevin2]

I finally decided to go with a 12 gauge VS the 20 gauge. I figure I've already got my 28g for short distance & the 12 gauge seemed the better choice, as it appears to have more choke & ammo choices.

Got a H&R Pardner 12g 28" Pump field gun, nothing fancy, but it will get us in the dance this year!

Now, I've got to choose a choke/ammo combo! I don't have a bunch of money to play with, so I best get it right straight out of the box OR I might be left throwing stones at the Turkeys!

My gun uses the Browning Invector system & while looking at the Trulock sight I got settled into the Precision Hunter Chokes (extended stainless choke with knurled head and black finish). I read that ported would be better, but not sure?

OK, now what! They have constriction chokes of .06, .065, .07, .08., and .09 PORTED or not. I went with the 12 to get maximum distance, as I'll have both 12 & 28 in the blind with us on most days, as my kids will be hunting with me. So, what one would be best distance? Is there another choke manufacture that might be cheaper AND/or better?

Trulocks list of chokes...

http://www.trulockchokes.com/get-chokes.php?manufacturers_id=33&guage=12&seechokes=See%20Chokes#fam1

Not sure I'm running in the right direction or not.

And finally, what ammo choices?I've read so much on this, I'm dizzy!

[Thomas6689]

i would call william at Sumtoy he has made two chokes for me and i have been more than satisfied.  He will also recomend what kind of shells you need for the best performance with his choke.

[Onpoint]

Sumtoy

[allaboutshooting]

I finally decided to go with a 12 gauge VS the 20 gauge. I figure I've already got my 28g for short distance & the 12 gauge seemed the better choice, as it appears to have more choke & ammo choices.

Got a H&R Pardner 12g 28" Pump field gun, nothing fancy, but it will get us in the dance this year!

Now, I've got to choose a choke/ammo combo! I don't have a bunch of money to play with, so I best get it right straight out of the box OR I might be left throwing stones at the Turkeys!

My gun uses the Browning Invector system & while looking at the Trulock sight I got settled into the Precision Hunter Chokes (extended stainless choke with knurled head and black finish). I read that ported would be better, but not sure?

OK, now what! They have constriction chokes of .06, .065, .07, .08., and .09 PORTED or not. I went with the 12 to get maximum distance, as I'll have both 12 & 28 in the blind with us on most days, as my kids will be hunting with me. So, what one would be best distance? Is there another choke manufacture that might be cheaper AND/or better?

Trulocks list of chokes...

http://www.trulockchokes.com/get-chokes.php?manufacturers_id=33&guage=12&seechokes=See%20Chokes#fam1

Not sure I'm running in the right direction or not.

And finally, what ammo choices?I've read so much on this, I'm dizzy!

First of all congratulations on your new gun. They are well made, very sturdy guns that will give a lifetime of service with any reasonable care. It has a chrome-lined barrel that is easy to maintain and clean. I would recommend that you "deep clean" it before you get started with your patterning.

I also pulled the fire control unit (trigger group) from mine and cleaned out the packing grease that was in it. That grease will attract dirt and "gunk" and eventually may cause a functioning problem.

Trulock chokes are very well made products and very reasonably priced. George Trulock is a pioneer in the choke tube business and also a very nice man. I like his "Precision Hunter" chokes. I'd pick one that is non-ported and has an exit diameter between .650 - .655 - .660.

Everyone seems to have a favorite choke brand or one that has worked well for them or someone they know. There are many good choices. I know the ones that have worked well for me and for my readers and those are the ones that I recommend the most.

Shotshells are maybe an easier choice. I see my best patterns with Hevi-13 with either #6 or #7 shot. I prefer #6 but many others really like the #7. Either will work very well.

I can't find a better lead load than the White Lightning shells with 1 5/8 oz. of #6 shot. They are consistent and with with chokes from .640 to .660 throw excellent, dense patterns.

Whatever you choose, good luck this spring with your new gun.

Thanks,
Clark

[SumToy]

Put you a 660 to 665 in it with Win HV 5's or the Fed Turkey Thugs you will be set

[surehuntsalot]

try the turkey thug 3" #5's

good luck

[Gooserbat]

I have a hunting buddy in MO that says the best $250 he ever spent was on His H&R pump.  I to will say, call William at Sumtoy and listen to what he tells you.  He know his stuff and can diffidently steer you in the right direction.  Just remember no mater what you go with pattern it and be willing to try a few different loads.  Each load will shot differently just like different chokes perform different.

[pdaugherty]

I'd try some of the HEVI-13 #5s and see how those work