Wondering about 10 Gauges

[buckhtr77]

I performed some searches with no results. Anyone out there using a 10 for turkeys. I've read that you can achieve a better pattern with the 10. The kick wouldn't bother me. What model 10's are you folks using? Thanks.

[JW]

My black powder front end stuffer a side by side is a 10. Though I think conventional 10 gauge turkey guns are over kill.

Just IMO.

JW

[RayC]

I use a N.E.F. 10 ga with factory extra-full turkey choke. As for patterns, I think you would have a much better chance of getting a better pattern with a 12 ga with all the options for chokes and ammo the 12 has.

[npockat32]

My BIL has a single shot 10 gauge New England turkey gun and I have the 12 gauge model. He shot his tom at 60 yards with is this year. His gun kicks less than mine cause I have the featherlight model. I really like his gun.

[deeg1502]

Personally, going with a 10 ga limits you to certain chokes and loads. There are so many other options when it comes to the 12 ga. I thought about getting one a couple of years ago, but after a drawn out process I went with the 12 ga Browning Gold. Super awesome gun and can pattern like no other. It's personal preference and if your mind is stuck on the 10 ga go for it. I'm not saying it won't kill one cause I know a couple of guys that use it and it can surely lay the smack down...in all different aspects. Check out Brownings 10 ga NWTF model. Darn sweet! Take care and God bless.

David

[absolut40]

I have an old H&R single shot 10 gauge with a full choke 36 inch barrel that ive used forever.Its weighs about 13 pounds,is awkward as hell and ugly but its never let me down in the 20 years that ive owned it.Theres nicer 10 gauges out there but i wouldnt trade mine for any of them.

[SwampCollie]

When it comes to all out tight patterns, you'll find 10 gauges at the top of the heap. And there is no question about it.

Now an all out tight pattern doesn't necessarily make a great turkey gun. If you are interested in having a gun capable of killing a bird 100% of the time at 60 yards, provided you do your part, then a 10 gauge is probably a good place to start, because while lots of people say their gun can do it, and some folks even luck into doing it, there are not that many 12 gauges around that can.

What makes a good turkey gun is a variety of things. Most turkey guns that will put 100+ pellets in a 10" circle at 60 yards, will probably put almost all of the pellets on a tea saucer at 20 yards... and you can't ask a turkey to take a few steps back so that all of him will fit in the picture... doesn't work that way. Its easy to miss inside 20 with super tight shooting guns.

The two downfalls of ten gauges (in my opinion) as compared to 12s are: 1) WEIGHT... most of them weigh in excess of 8 pounds.. and those are the light ones 2) Ammo selection and availability. You can find just about anything on the internet... but when you need it you need it, and you'll probably have to wait a few days. Most manufactures offer 10ga loads in 4, 5, 6 in 3.5" 2 1/4oz loads... and thats it. Nitro makes a hell of a shell for them in hevi-shot, and they run $8 a shell. And I'm sorry, but that is a lot of money of ammunition.

With a gun that is so heavy, and considering that they are loaded to SAAMI pressures LOWER than a 12ga 3.5", the recoil is considerably less than a 3.5" 12ga. But I wouldn't want to tote it all day.

Its a great turkey gun, and some of the best 12 gauges you'll find will only shoot with marginal or fair 10 bores at 40 yards (most of those guns are 835s... a few BPS....) Bore size has everything to do with it. Its not the number of pellets (to a point)... its how they leave the barrel that makes a great pattern, and the 10 just has it.

[Mr. Longbeard]

I have 10ga and it patterns about the same as my other turkey guns...

[buckhtr77]

100+ pellets in a 10 inch circle at 60 yards is quite impressive.

[recurver167]

ORIGINAL: buckhtr77

100+ pellets in a 10 inch circle at 60 yards is quite impressive.

And 3 1/2 mag if you can stand the punishment.