Turkey Hunting Shotgun

[cantgetright]

Nice choice. I got one a couple years ago. I put a bushnell trophy 1.75-4 with circle plex reticle on it. This year I'm trying a jellyhead choke in it to see if it'll pattern better than the factory x-full.

 

[blasted_saber]

Given I dont do much turkey hunting, but from what I do know the gun has little to do with success.

I know guys who have $2000 rigs and guys who pulled out shotguns they hadnt used since lead shot was banned for waterfowl decades ago (2.75" chambers, full choke, blued steel and wood). The gun does not impact their success.

 

[Jmcc]

if you get a 20 ga you can also use it for grouse in the fall

 

[53Izzy744]

Well I ended up getting a Remington 870 Express Shurshot Turkey 12 Gauge 3" 21" Barrel, comes with a Turkey Extra Full Rem™ Choke. A friend of mine has one and let me handle it and that made my decision.

I figure I'll slap a rail and a red dot on there, pick up some turkey shells and I should be ready to pattern.

Have fun!!

 

[Slug870]

Given I dont do much turkey hunting, but from what I do know the gun has little to do with success.

I know guys who have $2000 rigs and guys who pulled out shotguns they hadnt used since lead shot was banned for waterfowl decades ago (2.75" chambers, full choke, blued steel and wood). The gun does not impact their success.

Great to know... I'll just head out with my Savage Rascal then and hammer me some gobblers...

I'm just messin' around with ya. The point of asking about a shotgun for turkey was to try and gain insight into preferred barrel lengths, chokes and what not. I am aware I could potentially take out my 20g single shot and get a turkey, or just throw a new barrel on my 870 shorty; but I wanted to buy a shotgun specifically for turkey hunting, hence my post. Besides, it's a great excuse to buy another shotgun!

 

[Slug870]

if you get a 20 ga you can also use it for grouse in the fall

There will be an 870 20g or a Nova 20g joining my herd in the near future.

 

[Alex McKr]

Though I've taken turkey with a number of guns...including a 12 ga. flintlock....my go-to turkey killer is a plain, Remington 870 Express. 3" chamber....though I mostly use 2 3/4" shells....work just as well. Scoped, on a cantilever mount. "Turkey" Remchoke. That's about it. Been using this same gun on turkey most years... since the late-1980's. Has taken its fair share of birds.

I like the Remington. Mechanically reliable. Easy to maintain. Plenty of parts and accessories available. I don't worry whether it gets muddy or beaten up a little. It does the job well.

As already stated....it isn't the gun that impacts success. Its the skill....and especially patience of the guy behind the buttplate.....that makes it happen. Buy what you like, but keep that in mind.

Oh yes.....But it is a great excuse to buy a new gun!

 

[blasted_saber]

Great to know... I'll just head out with my Savage Rascal then and hammer me some gobblers...

I'm just messin' around with ya. The point of asking about a shotgun for turkey was to try and gain insight into preferred barrel lengths, chokes and what not. I am aware I could potentially take out my 20g single shot and get a turkey, or just throw a new barrel on my 870 shorty; but I wanted to buy a shotgun specifically for turkey hunting, hence my post. Besides, it's a great excuse to buy another shotgun!

Lol.

I wasnt suggesting dont buy a new gun, my point was the gun really doesnt matter all that much. So buy what you want to buy.

Aside from that, if legal a Savage rascal would kill turkeys just fine im sure. Headshot and done.

 

[brybenn]

Turkey guns can come in a wide variety of forms. Each of these have also taken coyotes while turkey hunting

 

[Alberta1]

Both the Remington and the Benelli would serve you well, but have you considered Mossberg? They’ve got some really nice turkey shotguns.

 

[Slug870]

Both the Remington and the Benelli would serve you well, but have you considered Mossberg? They’ve got some really nice turkey shotguns.

I am not a fan of Mossberg firearms at all, so I hadn't considered them. I've gone ahead and purchased the 870 shown in post #21, now to get a rail for it and see how it patterns with an Aimpoint H-1 on it.

 

[Brutus]

I have an Ithaca M87 made in about 1997 twelve gauge with dipped camo from the factory, Cation extra full choke and dismountable barrel & rifle sights.
Haven't seen another one like it in decades.
Purchased another Colonial brand Imp/Mod choke for more normal tasks.