shotgun advice

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heavy metal

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hello all,

I'm looking into geting my first shotgun for duck hunting. I am new to hunting so please forgive any ignorance I may display.

I am looking at:

Mossberg 535 All Terrain 12 Gauge Turkey Thug Pump Action Shotgun w/ Pistol Grip

Remington 870 Express ShurShot Synthetic Turkey 3'' 12 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun

both a little pricy, I don't mind saving up for them.

enter newbie questions, they are both a 'turkey' pump action, will this effect duck hunting negatively?

I like pistol grips, it's what i am used to shooting, is money wasted on the pistol grip?
 
Well they have shorter barrels and that can negatively impact your swing which is important.
If your used to it and shoot well the pistol grip won't impact you, and you can always change it to a more conventional butt stock easily later.
 
just make sure you get INTERCHANGEABLE CHOKES and you should be fine- turkey chokes are usually choked pretty tight, and i think you want a more "open" pattern for ducks and geese- or is it the other way round?
 
You might find that the pistol grips do not work well when you are using the shotgun in any sort of shooting at moving and flying birds. I would try one on the clay pigeon range of your choice first, preferably either sporting clays or skeet. You might be disapointed and have to resort to a 'normal' stock style.
 
The turkey barrels are shorter but most have removable choke tubes just thro a mod in and be fine. A shorter barrel will need more perceived lead. As for the stock if you like shoot it. Personally I'd go for the mossberg. I love all 3 of mine. I also shoot with standard wood stock. 6 pos ati ajustible pistol grip and a standard pistol grip no stock. I shoot all very well. With shotguns fit is everything. Try them out wearing your hunting cloths to see which is best for you
 
Personally... You said duck hunting... So, for me the pistol grips don't work, but they may for you...

That being said, consider a 3.5 inch chambered gun, not because you need it, but because of the payload they can carry in a shell... 3 inch will kill ducks & geese just fine, I just personally prefer to shoot a 3.5 inch steel shell going 1550fps with 1&3/8 oz of #2... Works for both ducks & geese! Used to use a 3 inch #4 shell... But started getting into more & more geese, so the 3.5 inch shell with #2's is a 'best fit' for me at this point...

Enjoy your duck hunting, it IS a blast!!!

Cheers
Jay
 
Al-Sway said:
You might find that the pistol grips do not work well when you are using the shotgun in any sort of shooting at moving and flying birds. I would try one on the clay pigeon range of your choice first, preferably either sporting clays or skeet. You might be disapointed and have to resort to a 'normal' stock style.
Click to expand...

+1 on this. The ergonomics required for wing shooting and the more "rifle" type shooting in turkey hunting are vastly different. A longer barrel will help smooth out your swing on a moving target. If it were me I would buy the conventional stock, 26" min barreled pump of your choice. Buy another, shorter barrel and pistol grip later and you can configure the gun at will. Or save up money and buy a second gun:D

As suggested above, trying before buying is a great idea. Contact a local club that throws skeet or sporting clays. Explain your situation and ask if you can come out and try the games. See if they can arrange to have someone there to mentor you with the safety rules, how the games are shot, and coach you on technique. Most clubs will do this if there is a possibility of recruiting a new shooter. They can most likely provide you with a gun to use since you don't own a shotgun (YET). At worst you will get some hands on experience. At best you will have found a new shooting sport :evil:
 
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