Turkey Gun help?
#11
Spike
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 4
My Browning BPS has been great over the years. Also, the new Remington 887 is supposed to be all the rage now. I have shot one and they are nice...really affordable and really light, but that means it really jumps when you throw a 3 1/2" turkey load into it.
#13
Hard to beat an 870 - fairly affordable and they make every type of aftermarket part if you want to customize it for different uses. Also for what its worth I really don't think the 3.5 inch is necessary if it is going to be a dedicated turkey gun, 3 inch is really all you need.
#14
I have had a Browning BPS 12 gauge, a Mossberg 835, a Benelli Super Black Hawk, and a Browning Gold 10 gauge. The BPS was my first gun and I really liked it, but it had a beautiful a high gloss wood, was very heavy, and I wanted something with camo. So I sold it and bought the Mossberg 835. To me, the thing kicked like a mule with 3 1/2" shells and would actually give me a headach...even when I was shooting at a bird (and I shot 5-6 birds with it) so I sold it. Next was the Benelli. I like everyting about the Super Black Hawk, but I couldn't get the darn thing to pattern with any shell. So now I have a gun safe full of 12 guage shells, but no Benelli. Finally, I went to the Browning Gold (10 guage 3 1/2" shells) with camo and I put a Kicks turkey choke on it and the gun and choke tube were the best purchases I have ever made. Patterns just perfect and doesn't kick anywhere near as much as the Mossberg did. Think I have now shot 6 birds with it and never with more than one shot. This year the bird dropped at 46 yards. And I knew the gun patterned well to 45 yards. That's just my 2 1/2 cents worth.
#16
I love my Mossberg 535 ATS Tactical Turkey. Only draw back id that it's a pump,but with the 3/12 inch chamber and the double extra full choke (ported) you'll find there will be no need for a follow up shot. It has a pistol grip and an adjustable tactical stock as fund on AR's which makes it really nice when seated so you can shorten the gun up or extend it based on your preferance. Nice gun and it will dust a bird easily out to 50 yards with the right ammo.
#18
all of todays turkey guns are very functional and efficient, pick the one that appeals to you and experiment. I currently use a mossberg 835
a frenchi 912
and a valmet 412 that I set up years ago for predators,
my favorite would have to be the valmet, and not because it has a rifle barrel, its only been used a couple times in the spring when I could see a gobbler and could hear another hunter calling and stalking him when hunting NF land. it though its only 3" chamber, shoots better and seems to hit them harder.
RR
a frenchi 912
and a valmet 412 that I set up years ago for predators,
my favorite would have to be the valmet, and not because it has a rifle barrel, its only been used a couple times in the spring when I could see a gobbler and could hear another hunter calling and stalking him when hunting NF land. it though its only 3" chamber, shoots better and seems to hit them harder.
RR
#19
Exactly what I use. Mine has a 20" barrel though and a Sims Limbsaver pad. It certainly saves your shoulders. Also, the gun patterns much better with 3.5" 2.25 oz loads than 3" loads. Thats just my gun, pattern what ever you end up getting and find a load/choke combo that works for you!
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location:
Posts: 1,837
I have had and hunted with both the 835 and the 870 super mag and although both are very good turkey guns I went with the 870. It is just a better gun. It is just a smoother action pump and has a little bit less recoil. My 870 super mag shoots a pattern with regular Win HV 3.5" 2oz loads of #5's and a Madd Maxx .665 choke that will pattern with any of the hevi shots shells. Don't get me wrong though if your tend to be a Mossy man the 835 is a great gun. My 835 shot best with Federals 3.5" 2 1/4oz loads of #4's and the regular full choke that came with it. The XX full turkey choke that came with it patterned terrible.