Mossberg 185-kb

[chrmayo]

I have a 185 kb. It was my grandfathers. It is a 20ga with poly choke and only shoots 2 3/4. Would this gun kill a turkey? If so what load would be good?

[mcgruff1533]

Only way to find out is to pattern test it.   I would start at 25 yards and shoot a test pattern.   Find the densest portion and draw a 10" circle around it.   you're looking for a minimum of 100 pellets in a 10 inch circle.    If you have enough, move back to 30 yards and shoot it again.

If you do your part, there is no reason why your old shotgun won't kill a turkey at reasonable ranges.

[allaboutshooting]

I have a 185 kb. It was my grandfathers. It is a 20ga with poly choke and only shoots 2 3/4. Would this gun kill a turkey? If so what load would be good?

That gun has some age on it and the barrel material may not allow you to shoot tungsten-based shot through it without some damage, streaking most likely. The steel used in those older barrels was not as durable as more modern steels used in gun barrels today.

That having been said, we killed a lot of game, turkeys included, with old guns. There are some Hevi-Shot "Classic Doubles" loads made in 2.75" and with #6 shot that might be a good load to try in that gun.

Winchester also makes a couple of good Super X 2.75" shells with both 7/8 oz. and 1 oz. loads of #6 shot.

I'd agree that the only way you'll really know is to try some different shells at the range and see what kinds of patterns you can get with them.

Lastly, I would encourage you to "deep clean" the bore. That will allow you to really take a look at it and all of the rest of the gun as well, just to make sure it's still safe to shoot.

I'd especially check the safety to make sure it still works. You can cock the bolt and then tap the butt on a hard surface to make sure it won't go off when jarred.

Good luck with your Grandfather's old gun.

Thanks,
Clark