16Gauge?

[somedude]

I am going to be hunting again this year after 4 years off due to breaking my neck and multiple surgeries.  My 870 Wingmaster is too much recoil.  I have found an old 16 gauge Springfield that I might get.  Anyone know of a good shell for turkey hunting and is the recoil very much?  I have shot 2 3/4 turkey load from my 870 and it was too much.  I can walk and get around good but my neck and shoulder can't take too much.  Also, has anyone here hunted with a 16 and what kind of range can I expect.  Thanks for your time. ><>del

[FL-Boss]

Just my opinion, but that 16GA is likely recoil operated?  If so, it will kick as much as the REM 870 12ga with 2.3/4 shells. I have a 16ga REM 1148 auto - it kicks as harder than all my gas operated 12ga guns I have.

I would look to get a gas 20ga auto.  Plus you will have a ton more flexibility when it comes to load types. A little gas 20ga with some #7 hevi shot will kill turkeys like crazy and feel like butter when you shoot.

[nickp]

Agreed, I would look into the 20 gauge.  Little recoil and can hammer birds with the Fed. HWT #7's or Hevi #7's out past the 40 yard mark with the right load/choke combo. 

[Tom Foolery]

Every 16 gauge I've shot recoils like a 12 gauge and it out patterned by a 20 gauge. 

[somedude]

Thanks for all the replies .  I do appreciate the help.  I did find an 11-48 16 too but it may be too much recoil as well.  I guess I am a recoil wuss.  Oh well, if I can't find something I will call for the boy and take pics.  ><>del

[FL-Boss]

That Rem 11-48 16GA won't be any different than you 870 12ga... I have them both.
If you want something cheap -   I would get a mossberg SA-20 auto. Light, shoots easy, auto and fairly cheap. I have slaughtered many birds with that one.

[Devastator]

Just my opinion, but that 16GA is likely recoil operated?  If so, it will kick as much as the REM 870 12ga with 2.3/4 shells. I have a 16ga REM 1148 auto - it kicks as harder than all my gas operated 12ga guns I have.

I would look to get a gas 20ga auto.  Plus you will have a ton more flexibility when it comes to load types. A little gas 20ga with some #7 hevi shot will kill turkeys like crazy and feel like butter when you shoot.

Dude i agree on the recoil,it is recoil operated,i have a 1148 sportsman in 16 ga and it kicks worse than all my 12,s!

[greencop01]

  Kenny Morgan killed a couple of hundred toms with a 410. double barrel but called em in close. Read his book "Turkey Hunting a One Man Game", its on Mid West Turkey Call Supply. 

[BandedSpur]

Get a 20 ga gas powered autoloader.

[somedude]

Well I got the 11-48!  My son shot it first and said it wasn't bad.  I shot it and really like it.  Wasn't too bad.  I tore it down and put the parts in the ultrasound for cleaning.  Put it back together and ready for patterning!  Thanks for the help guys!  ><> del

[Old Gobbler]

Try and load that gun up with the maximum rounds in the magazine to weight it down , and try a slip on limb saver pad , those two things With the 11-48 gas/recoil operation reduce the recoil

[Farmboy27]

You say that you tried the 12 and it's to much. Then go use the 12!  It may have hurt shooting at a target but as long as it doesn't cause actual injury then you won't care as much when a bird is right there. Other than that, forget the 16 and go to a 20. Much more options. And less recoil. If you can't handle short 12 gauge load then a stout 16 gauge load ain't gonna be any comfort.

[Dtrkyman]

Run the 12 with a pheasant or target load and keep your shots close. even the 20 in a magnum turkey load can pack a punch. Of course a 20ga target load would be even better.