Talk me out of a 28 Gauge

[michiganoutdoorsman]

Lately I've had the itch to get another turkey gun. I already have a Franchi Affinity 20 gauge with a red dot that's lights out for turkey hunting. Then I have a Tristar Viper .410 that's getting drilled and tapped as I type this. My son has a .410 single shot with a red dot for when he's old enough, and now I'm wanting a 28 gauge because they throw phenomenal patterns. Why not buy just one more gun, right? I don't know if I should look into the Mossberg SA-28 or its brother the Tristar, or look for one without a pistol grip. Any help would he appreciated. Pros and cons of owning one or just avoiding it altogether and hunting with what I've got. Thanks guys!

[Ihuntoldschool]

I think you should definitely go for it. The 28 Gauge in the guns you referenced will give you a heavier gun to tote than the Affinity 3 you already have. In addition to that you'll get that Turkish made semi auto that's truly in a class by itself when it comes to quality and reliability.  You'll also get a smaller, less forgiving pattern up close and a less effective more marginal pattern on the longer shots ( compared to your 20). Another plus is that you'll find commercially made turkey loads less available and harder to find compared to your 20 or 410.  Also if you decide to load it as heavy as you do your 20 you'll get the added benefit of beating up your forcing cone and putting undo stress on the internals. 

[michiganoutdoorsman]

I think you should definitely go for it. The 28 Gauge in the guns you referenced will give you a heavier gun to tote than the Affinity 3 you already have. In addition to that you'll get that Turkish made semi auto that's truly in a class by itself when it comes to quality and reliability.  You'll also get a smaller, less forgiving pattern up close and a less effective more marginal pattern on the longer shots ( compared to your 20). Another plus is that you'll find commercially made turkey loads less available and harder to find compared to your 20 or 410.  Also if you decide to load it as heavy as you do your 20 you'll get the added benefit of beating up your forcing cone and putting undo stress on the internals.

You did quite well on the sarcasm  That makes me not want to get a 28 at all lol.

[Upfold99]

If going tristar I would plan for red dot. I have a 20 and .410. Buddy had .410 and 28. All shot to low to hunt with bead. He sold both of his.  Both of mine have vortex vipers to correct the problem.

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[Greg Massey]

I just bought one of the Mossberg SA 28 Tactical Turkey guns last summer and got it setup before this spring season and it's one awesome gun... With Indian Creek 525 and Apex Ninja 8.5 it's one bad sub gauge turkey gun and easy to maneuver and carry. SO my suggestion is to buy the 28 gauge of your choosing Mossberg / Tristar

[Kyle_Ott]

I understand the temptation but I've got too many 12's, 20s and 2 .410's now to want to dabble with the 28.

That and they aren't that light (compared to a Franchi or Benelli 20), they aren't that different ballistically (to the 20) and turkey ammo isn't readily available. 

I think they're a fad that slips in between the .410 and 20 without any significant need or benefit. 

[Greg Massey]

I've never had any problems finding 28 ga. I will say I have found it easier to find the 28 ga than the 410 shells ...

[mdmitchell]

I'll admit I was intrigued by the 28 but I went 20 mostly because my primary state is IL and they have sub gauge restrictions (looking like that might change soon)

Regardless, I went with a Franchi affinity compact in 20. It weighs nothing. Idk what gain you'd have in a 28 - maybe 1 less ounce for less payload?

Personally I'd pass until there's better gun options. The SA28 looks sweet but the Turkish guns always scare me a bit, especially in a SA platform. I killed a pile of birds with a Turkish weatherby in 12 but man was it cheaply made...

If we start seeing more options in a 28 and ammo gets easier to find, then I might be swayed.

[FL-Boss]

I have owned nearly 10 Turkish SA guns...Vipers, SA-28, SA-20, SA-459, .410 etc.. the semi are all basically the same gun, but imported under a ton of different brands, most popular Moss and Tristar, Escort, etc.

The Moss SA-28 tact turkey is probably the lightest turkey gun made...less than my tristar .410 

I haven't had any issues with any of mine, but they are all only used for low shot volume shooting TSS. They probably aren't the best quality, but they don't cost $1K+ either...

And ammo (regardless of gauge) is only an issue for the same guys that wait until March/April every year to buy it.  Yes.. there is less .410 and 28GA, but much fewer people are buying it. Everyone is buying 20GA, and I see availability on that that is just as bad once season starts.

[michiganoutdoorsman]

I appreciate all the replies, I really do. I think I'm gonna hold off on the 28. I think I'm gonna focus on tricking out my .410 and getting that dipped in either MO original bottomland or greenleaf. Thanks guys. 

[Ranman]

I bought the SA28 tactical turkey and love it. I hand load, so ammo is not an issue. There are several companies that offer TSS in a variety of options, including 1 5/8oz load. Same load I was shooting in my 20ga. It is a joy to carry and a stone cold killer..

[turk3ythug]

I bought the SA28 tactical turkey and love it. I hand load, so ammo is not an issue. There are several companies that offer TSS in a variety of options, including 1 5/8oz load. Same load I was shooting in my 20ga. It is a joy to carry and a stone cold killer..

I was offered a SA28 at a good price, I'm pretty set in my ways on 12/20 gauge but willing to try the 28 but just never had any experiences with one. Do you find it having the same lethal distance/ knockdown power as a 20ga?

[Ranman]

I bought the SA28 tactical turkey and love it. I hand load, so ammo is not an issue. There are several companies that offer TSS in a variety of options, including 1 5/8oz load. Same load I was shooting in my 20ga. It is a joy to carry and a stone cold killer..

I was offered a SA28 at a good price, I'm pretty set in my ways on 12/20 gauge but willing to try the 28 but just never had any experiences with one. Do you find it having the same lethal distance/ knockdown power as a 20ga?

I do. Same payload as 20ga.. I was skeptical at first, but after talking one bird last year, and three this year, I am very confident with it.

[turk3ythug]

I bought the SA28 tactical turkey and love it. I hand load, so ammo is not an issue. There are several companies that offer TSS in a variety of options, including 1 5/8oz load. Same load I was shooting in my 20ga. It is a joy to carry and a stone cold killer..

I was offered a SA28 at a good price, I'm pretty set in my ways on 12/20 gauge but willing to try the 28 but just never had any experiences with one. Do you find it having the same lethal distance/ knockdown power as a 20ga?

I do. Same payload as 20ga.. I was skeptical at first, but after talking one bird last year, and three this year, I am very confident with it.

Good to hear, are you running a red dot on your SA? I'm not a fan of the pictanny rail so I'm looking at the rib mount options.

[Ranman]

I did not like the rail. I bought a low profile mount from Sumtoy, and have a Swampfox Kingslayer green circle dot on it. Also put a Beartooth comb kit on it to make it more comfortable looking through the sight. Indian Creek .525 choke