Thanks for your help guys - 870 Rem SF/HW #7 combo works!

[mwess1113]

Well guys, after getting your advice, I bought the Federal Heavyweight #7's (on sale at Cheaper than Dirt, thanks!) and the Rem SF choke (for $10 from Midwest gun works, thanks again!). I had my gunsmith drill and tap my new 870 youth 20 gauge, and put an EGW base on it.  The old Aimpoint 9000 SC went on top of it...  Two light 2 3/4" shells and she was sighted in, then followed up with 2 of the HW#7 loads to fine tune it.

Finally connected this morning.  Shot a tom in full strut at exactly 40 paces.  He was facing right toward me and getting nervous about the hen decoy that wasn't coming to him...

The shot flipped him over backwards.  Man, does that HW work!  Broke his right wingbone and also his leg.  He just went DOWN.  Flapped a few times and it was over.  I'm thinking the HW#7 "might" be good at further than 40 yards!

[mwess1113]

There's a bit of glare, but you can see the damage it did to him.  The wad flew 35 yards - is that normal?

[FullChoke]

There's a bit of glare, but you can see the damage it did to him.  The wad flew 35 yards - is that normal?

Absolutely. I usually find the wad up by the target when I pattern that shotshell at 40 yards.

[Devastator]

nice rig,i have the same scope on my 1187 sm and want to get another.pricey but ya get what ya pay for with optics.

[surehuntsalot]

fine looking turkey gun

[mwess1113]

nice rig,i have the same scope on my 1187 sm and want to get another.pricey but ya get what ya pay for with optics.

Yeah, MidwayUSA had them on sale last year for $250 (I think it was the mossy oak brush version), and like a dummy I didn't buy another one.  I can see a lot of arguing between my two boys over who gets this one first...