Although I don't hunt turkeys in my area, my son will a couple hundred miles south. He asked about a 20 gauge and I referred him to the Rem 870, but I suggested the 12 gauge. I figger if he is working closer ranges, he can use lighter loads and get a better pattern. However! I have never shot a turkey so I thought I would ask the pros for their experience here.
Blessings of the season.
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Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
If your son can handle the recoil, the 12 ga. is the standard for turkey hunting. Be advised, the recoil on turkey loads is impressive. With a good choke tube, a 20 ga. can take turkeys out to 35 yd with no problem. A 12 will give him about 10 more yds of range.
The 20 gauge will definately do the trick. My little brother swears by his NEF single shot 20. I agree with wingbone, make sure its got a full or xtra full choke, and can shoot 3 inch mags. and pattern the gun, with a few different types of shells! 20 guage shells hold a lot less shot, which means a lot thinner pattern. My brother leveled a bird at 43 yrds with his 20, but things like that take a real in-depth knowledge of what your gun is going to do and where your pattern's "tight-spots" are.
Best of luck to you and your son,
PABigBore
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"The scope on the .450 just ripped my face off, but I think we have enough firepower now."
-Old Man Hoover, Living Legend
I would say he really should go with the 12 gauge and use 3" shells... I have had no problem with dropping my turkeys quickly with that round. I don't thing the 3.5" is necessary at all. This year I actually made the mistake of shooting one with a 2 3/4 shell which crept its way into my 3" shells. The turkey dropped with no problem.
It all comes down to putting as many pellets in the vital area of the turkey (head/neck). It is more important to use a good choke and no the pattern of your gun than anything. You can use whatever shells you want to sight in the gun and than use the turkey shells to hunt with. That is what I do... A lot cheaper and much easier on your shoulder.
By the way Biscuit Jake, why dont' you turkey hunt, I see your decal is a nice tom?!?! I find turkey hunting, while not as rewarding as deer, very fun!
newguy23, I would love to bag a turkey. I have a lifetime hunting license, but even when I have been out 3x a week in my area, I have never even seen one except 93.
In 93 I finally came across a bunch and had their area pegged. We then had horrific floods... Racoon River went over treetop (it has no dams or constraints) and any and all ground and tree nests for birds and game went to Mississippi.
Haven't seen any since. Perhaps little Biscuit will spot us some in Missouri & we will duo. It will cost me an arm & a leg, though!
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Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
Man... Where I hunt I see at least 2 dozen turkey a day (North-Central Kentucky)... I do have some trouble getting the Toms/Jakes out of the woods... Too much competition, so far my best was a double bearded 8 and 10 inch; 26 pound turkey! I took two Jakes one year, and I have always been able to get a hen during the fall season. It's a case of not being good, but lucky.
By the way I have a Mossberg 500 camo 12-gauge and absolutely love it, recoil is miserable though. I think they pattern much better than the Remingtons for about 1/3 less, I would have to buy at least a 25 dollar choke for the remington 870 to make it as good. Although I have to admit the new remington with the thumbhole stock is interesting!
If he can handle the recoil, I would seriously recommend the 12 ga. I have killed birds with 20 ga. 3", and 12 ga. 2.75", 3" and 3 1/2" and the 3.5" sure puts the most pellets in there and seems to be the most consistant for me at least, I shoot a Benelli Nova with a Hastings X full Turkey choke, get awesome pattern out to 40 yards plus, which 40 is far enough if they cant be brought to 40 let em walk!
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turkey hunting, 12 & 20 gauge
