New Turkey Gun Project -- Opinions

[Southern Sportsman]

I've bee lurking around here for a while but haven't posted. There is a lot of knowledge among everyone, so I would like your opinion.

I just purchased a new gun which I intend to make my primary turkey gun. For years I have been wanting an over under that I could set up with two separate chokes, one for long range and one for when they get too close. Two years ago I missed a bird a 10 yards and this reinforced my desire. The gun is a Fausti Waterfowl II, imported by Traditions. 28" barrels, chambered in 3.5", single selectable trigger. The bottom barrel will be my "close range" barrel in which I will likely shoot a factory full or even modified with 3" 6s or 7s. My ultimate goal is to set up the top barrel for long range, and I would like it to be 100% lethal at 50 yards, beyond which I will never shoot. (Note: I do not want to shoot a turkey even at that range, but there has been more than one occasion on which I misjudged the range of a turkey in a field thinking it to be 42 or 43 and it was actually 52 or 53). I am aware that some O/Us have POA/POI issues when shooing tight patterns. I may put steel sights on it to adjust for this if necessary and if it's still a problem I will cross that bridge when/if I come to it.

Here is where I want your opinions:

(1) What shell to use? For the past 3 years I have shot Winchester XR 3.5" 6s, but the way I understand it I wont be shooting them anymore.

(2) Barrel work? I am thinking about sending it to Sumtoy and having the forcing cones lengthened. I know that this will help recoil, which will be more of an issue with an O/U -- especially shooting 3.5"s.  How much will this help with recoil and how much with patterning? Also, on the website they offer lengthening to 3" and 5"  -- is there any/much difference in performance between the two?

(3) Choke? This gun takes American Arms threaded chokes which are not exactly obscure, but not exactly common. I know that every gun patterns different with various chokes, but no one I know has this gun so I don't even know where to start. I suppose if I send it to sumtoy for barrel work I could just tell him what I want, and as I understand he will make one that works. I've heard good things about sumtoy but don't have any personal experience so your opinions are welcome.

(4) Cammo pattern ? I'm leaning toward having it dipped in Bottomland but could be persuaded otherwise.

Thanks for the help,

SS

[savduck]

I looks into getting that gun a few years back. There several choke companies out there that have turkey chokes for it. Trulock and kicks used to carry them. Sumtoy probably does.

There was an article in the NWTF magazine back around 05 or 06 abouth that very gun. If you should fine it, probably answer some of your questions.


Bigges issue I've heard with the O/U is that both barrels could have different POI. 

[Old Gobbler]

Ive seen a Fausti with barrel POI issues it also had two extended turkey chokes in it - You might want to take a closer look at the Pure Gold chokes , they have a more flush smaller outside diameter than some other brands - with double barrels you may have contact issues - not sure

The POI issues on that gun were corrected with tru-glo sights

Shoot the gun first before you start spending a load of money on it - it may shoot amazing already - use the straightest shooting barrel as your primary barrel  - many other hunters use a open choke in the second barrel for point blank work , you may want another tight choke , like turkey ammo its going to be personal preference

camo , its up to you -   

[SumToy]

I have one of them guns.  The AA chokes we do have.  Now I will say top barrel shoot POA and Bottom will be a little low.   Now Old Gobbler has a point about the chokes.  If you order and dont send the gun let us know it is a O/U so we can turn the od to fit it.   

Forcing cone will take alot of the pop out of the gun. 

[cahaba]

Sometimes lengthening the forcing cone will hurt the pattern. I wouldn't do it if you can get an acceptable pattern without it.