scope vs. open sites

MarineStud · 11-15-2005, 09:12 AM

I was just wondering what are the pro/cons of having a scope when turkey hunting vs. having open sites. I've thought about putting a scope on my turkey gun but it rains alot where i turkey hunt in the spring and am worried about having poor visibility from the lens getting water all over it.

mauser06 · 11-15-2005, 10:08 AM

i too have mixed feelingson it...you can check them out better and get a better shot with a scope...but turkeys move alot.....youd need a low magnification with a good FOV...and fall alot of times i have them running...that would make hard shooting for a scope...possible...but easier to point and shoot...although im shooting hevishot and have a nice pattern...190pellets at 30yds on a target...its dead center on the bead on my gun...so i think ill keep it how it is......and i dont like taking long hailmarys......rather have them withing 40....like em 30 or less......nothin like a longbeard goin nuts in your face!!

hawglips · 11-15-2005, 01:27 PM

Never used a scope on a turkey gun. Don't like dekes or 50 yd shots either. I like to keep it basic.

Bobgobble2 · 11-16-2005, 06:20 AM

Both sides have there place here.Scopes can center a pattern that quite commonly in shotguns can be a little off!A fella that has a little eye trouble can also benifit from the clear view of a scope!For myself I like the open view of open sites!And as the fellas talked about stay within my lethal limits!I will say this though agood set of fibre opticsis a must imho!Low light conditions can present unclear shots and fibre optics can help greatly in this regard,I knowthey've saved me on several occasions!!

maytom · 11-16-2005, 06:29 AM

I have been shooting with a scope on my gun for a number of years now. I "had" to go to a scope because my gun never shot to the point of aim. So by mounting a scope, I just dialed in the crosshairs right into the center of the pattern. (With todays supertight chokes and powerful turkey loads, you almost need a scope for improved shooting.) I now have a turkey gun that shoots where you point. I agree, that using some sort of a fiber optic sight like Hi-Viz or Tru-Glo would be nice, but I have been hearing that they aren't very sturdy and seem prone to damage very easily. I guess after shooting with a scoped gun all this time, I'm spoiled, and I like using one a lot. Personal choice all the way.

Rebel Hog · 11-16-2005, 08:04 AM

Always have shot them within 20-30yds and sometimes closer. Never had a need for scopeson turkeys.

sour01 · 11-16-2005, 03:43 PM

I REALLY likethe 2X scope on my turkey gun. It centers the pattern and helps you see small obstructions (small sapplings, etc.) that you may have missed. I hunted in the rain last year and was concerened about visibility problems. I had no problems.

My only drawback is the inability to take a quick and acurate second shot if ever neccessary. I have not had to do it yet though.

PA GOBBLER · 11-16-2005, 07:18 PM

im the same way as hawglips

Quote:

ORIGINAL: hawglips

Never used a scope on a turkey gun. Don't like dekes or 50 yd shots either. I like to keep it basic.

kbick · 11-16-2005, 07:53 PM

i use a scoped 12 gauge stoeger and love it.u can get a little longer shootingtoo.i have used open and scope shootguns equally,and i'd have to say my choice is scoped.

newguy23 · 11-18-2005, 08:01 PM

I am a scoped shooter through-and-through. I have a Mossberg 500 with a Burris compact 1-4x on it. Maybe it is me, but I have NEVER had a turkey come in so quick I wouldn't be able to scope him. I find that most of the time that I have minutes to watch a Jake/Tom come up to my Decoys. I also use the scope kind of as a spotting scope.

I find the scope most necessary in Fall season when I don't use decoys and can take Hens. I have had to take as long as 40+ yard shots and have dropped them dead with my scope. Something I am not sure I am capable of with open sights.