Do I NEED.a shotgun that can shoot 3" for Turkey & Waterfowl?

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Reaper of the apocalypse

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I have an older Wingmaster, it's only chambered for 2 3/4" shells.
I'm getting my hunting license soon, so will this work out? What type of ammo would you recommend and where can I get it?
Is it bad for me if I can't use 3" shells?
 
Sure you can shoot 2 3/4 in for both applications. The issue is chokes. You need an open choke for waterfowl (steel shot) and a full choke for turkey...
 
Main thing is, you shoot turkeys in the head/neck, you need to know, what range will your shotgun keep the pattern dense enough, to guarantee multiple hits on a 1 ft x 1ft zone, consistently, with no big gaps in that zone. That is something you need to check out at a range or whatever place you shoot at, with a few different makes of ammo. For 2-3/4, you may want to check out some #5 and #6 shot, in the heaviest loads you can find for it. Either that, or go to a gunsmith to see if you can justify modifying it to put threaded chokes in, and pickup a turkey choke for it, and then, you still need to pattern that with a few different shotshells to see what works best. Most likely, some plated buffered shot loads will do the best.
 
Any legal shotgun with legal shot will work. What varies is range and shot density. Ive killed dozens with factory full choke from various sxs guns.
Ive even used cylinder bore. On the otherhand i also have a custom 4x full choke for a scoped 12ga
This year im using 2.5" hammer guns.

How you hunt dictates your needs. I hunt private property in thick ravines and open hardwoods. In the thick cover shots are generally 10 yards or less. I dont need alot of shot or tight choke. In the open woods shots of 20 to 50 yards are common. Good calling brings them right in though. For open woods i use full choked sxs guns in 2-3/4"
For hunting field edges i again use full choke with 2-3/4" shells or i use my 3.5" 10ga sxs
I use reloads for all 12 ga turkey huntin with a 7/8oz load of copper plated #6 shot

Set up a bunch of paper targets at various ranges and shoot. Find the range where you can still keep a tight dense pattern that a turkey head cant hide in. Hunt within your limits
I never use 3" and only use 3.5" when i feel like carrying my sxs 10ga
 
I use a older 870 wingmaster 2 3/4" it is harder to find steel shot in some stores as compared to 3", that being said there's lots out there in certain stores, my only advice is just to make sure your stocked up before heading away for a trip incase you run low and can't find any, the best luck I've had for waterfowl are the Challenger 2 3/4" Magnum #4's,
good luck!
 
Reaper of the apocalypse said:
I have an older Wingmaster, it's only chambered for 2 3/4" shells.
I'm getting my hunting license soon, so will this work out? What type of ammo would you recommend and where can I get it?
Is it bad for me if I can't use 3" shells?
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Keep in mind that for waterfowl,you may use steel shot,only,which likely won't be compatible with your older Wingmaster depending on it's age. Whether or not you use 2 3/4" will be moot. It's a good idea to shop for a new shotgun which is compatible for use with steel shot and almost all of them are 3". You can still use 2 3/4" lead shot in all new shotguns for Turkey if you wish without concern of damaging the barrel.
 
You should be able to shoot steel shot just fine out of your poly choke. Just dial it back to the more open settings like IC or M. Remember that Mod lead which is what your poly-choke would be is the same as Full when using steel. If using the Mod I would stick to shot sizes no larger than #2. If you feel the need to go to larger shot like BB then dial back to Imp Cyl minimum. The only way to find the max ranges your given load and choke selection perform best with is through patterning so be prepared to go through a bunch of ammo on the pattern board.
And I would check with a qualified gunsmith as to whether the poly-choke will digest steel loads just to be certain, don’t take my word it will be fine as gospel. It may be a good idea to have the Smith measure the restriction of the chokes various settings for a true determination. If he feels steel is not a match for your guns choke system there are other non-toxic shotshell options albeit more expensive. You could always watch the EE for a used Remchoke barrel as well.
 
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gwes2003 said:
No you don't need 3". You will either need to get your old wingmaster threaded for chokes, or buy a shotgun with chokes.
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If he already has a Remington 870 all he needs to do is buy a barrel from the EE that is already threaded for chokes.
Them buy a Turkey Choke and go from there.
Remington makes Turkey Loads as do other ammo manufacturing companies.
Do your part and the gun and ammo choice will do their part and take that Tom.
Chilliwack show had like new barrels for 870's (express models) and they where asking $200.00 is.
But, if you want a new gun go and buy one three inch chamber and get the Extra Full Turkey Choke for Lead Shot and your good to go with minimal fuss.
Rob
 
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