New to turkey hunting need shotgun input

[Jcsal]

I am new to turkey hunting. I am having a hard time with the options of shotguns. I am just wondering what would be a good gun to start out with without spending $900 or more. I would like to have something that is chambered in 3 1/2". Thank you in advanced for any and all input.

[Bowguy]

Make your life simple, get a 835 Ulti mag. Overbored barrel (10 gauge) which lessons shot deformation, forcing cones open which allows shot to start off properly and again not bang around. The price is right n see how many guys use em w no problems. I've got a lot of guns, some higher end, 5 dedicated turkey guns at present. Gun Ive grabbed for over 20 years is still the 835

[Dr Juice]

The 835 is a great choice but if I had a money constraint, I would get a Rem 11-87. I have one chambered for 3" and it was manufactured in the early 90s and it shoots great.


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[lowoctane]

Read Clark's write up on the new Mossberg 835 with recoil reduction. 12ga 3.5" with less recoil and around 500$.

[Gtown78]

Any good pump action will work for you. You don't really have to have a 3.5in gun unless you like punishment. A good 3in shell will kill just as good. I have used both and most guns I have tried have patterned the 3in shell better. All I use now is a 3in Remington 870. Most turkeys are killed inside of 30 yards and any good #5 turkey load will do the trick. Goodluck with your serch I have looked long and hard and bought a lot of guns over the last 20 years. I just like a good pump action for reliability.

[Yoder409]

Go to GunBroker and type in "Super X2".

There's reasonably used 3 1/2" guns starting around $550.  Yes...............the Mossy 835 is horrendously popular and shoots 3 1/2" shells.  But where the 835 is the AMC Gremlin of the shotgun world, the Super X2 would be a 'Vette Z06.

Do yourself the favor...................

[wvmntnhick]

Go to GunBroker and type in "Super X2".

There's reasonably used 3 1/2" guns starting around $550.  Yes...............the Mossy 835 is horrendously popular and shoots 3 1/2" shells.  But where the 835 is the AMC Gremlin of the shotgun world, the Super X2 would be a 'Vette Z06.

Do yourself the favor...................

I've got both the 835 and the SX2. Have killed a bird with the SX2 but not the 835, yet. The comment about not needing the 3-1/2" shell is correct. I've killed more birds with the 2-3/4" and 3" than with the 3-1/2" so far but I've not really killed a pile of birds with a shotgun. Most have been with a rifle but still at shotgun ranges. Having said that, if you're dead set on the 3.5" capabilities, the SX2 will certainly save your shoulder some agony. The 835's kick like they were made for it. I'll be loading TSS this year so that should be a lovely change as the shell is only 3" and the pressures are lower. I'm stoked about the change.

[Bowguy]

You don't need 3-1/2" shells, this is correct. The 835 can shoot 3" n actually is one gun made for it (3-1/2) as stated. And it normally shoots better with those 3-1/2"  since that is the case. Most guns can't compete. Bear in mind w some modern loads it matters less but the 835 is an easy patterner. As far as the car comments we aren't going to a race or car show we're hitting the turkey woods. Side by side patterning, the Mossberg wins and patterns kill turks. Also bear in mind guns like the x2 mentioned are 2-3x the price n that particular gun is made in Portugal. Not exactly a gun manufacturing place, certainly not where most guys kids are born or live. God bless the USA.
Another option no one has mentioned is the Ithacas. They're a close to your max price but cheaper than guns mentioned, also made here n have forcing comes open n great triggers.
Not knocking anyone's preferences, given your financial constraints and desire for a great turkey gun, if you were my brother and asked advice which mine has, Itd be the 835, the same gun my brother does carry too

[bbcoach]

Another vote for the 835.  It is one of the best patterning guns available.  You can buy one new for about $350, so they don't break the bank.  Add a aftermarket choke and you'll have a dedicated turkey killer for life.  GREAT gun IMO.

[CrustyRusty]

BPS. Top tag safety and excellent build quality.

[lowoctane]

Any good pump action will work for you. You don't really have to have a 3.5in gun unless you like punishment. A good 3in shell will kill just as good. I have used both and most guns I have tried have patterned the 3in shell better. All I use now is a 3in Remington 870. Most turkeys are killed inside of 30 yards and any good #5 turkey load will do the trick. Goodluck with your serch I have looked long and hard and bought a lot of guns over the last 20 years. I just like a good pump action for reliability.

X2! I haven't used 3.5's in years...

[Gobspur]

I've had them all.  Recommend Remington 870 Supermag.  Look at the threads, someone just was asking similar question in last few days.  Think they picked up 870 express.