RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Those new thumbhole designs are really nice. If you really set down and think about it, the standard grip on our shotguns isn't ergonomically natural, and doesn't help take recoil off of your shoulder. Your wrist is angled such that your natural reaction is to push the stock downard after firing,causing the muzzle to raise up, and slamming you with the full recoil. In the big 3.5" magnums, this makes a difference, as most of us know. Those guns can jar your teeth loose after a while.

The thumbholes allow you to absorb some recoil in the palm of your hand, and utilize your arm to take some of the foot-pounds as well.

Those 3.5" magnums recoil violently, and some of the guns really jump, which puts the shooter at risk of a seriousfacial injury if he's got a scope mounted on it, or you can break your nose with your thumb if your thumb is in the wrong place. I've seen guys get tagged by even the long eye relief shotgunning scopes. Big guys. I think the thumbhole stocks have done a lot to alleviate some of the problems with that.

About the make of the gun, I don't think it matters. It's all in what you like. I hate cleaning guns, so I only look at the camo dips. 870's and 835's in the black matte are notorious rusters. Either gun will pattern with the high-end Benelli's and 11-87's, but just like those guns - you might have to play "musical chokes" to find something that works. If you plan on buying the bigger and better model down the road, pick a gun with resale value. There's a good market for 870's and 835's due to their reputation as being a decent gun for the money.

If you're low on cash, I'd recommend buying the same type of gun that some of your buddies have, so you can trade chokes, scope mounts, sling swivels, etc.. Every serious turkey hunter has some old chokes in the cupboard that they'll loan ya - and it'll save you $50.


The '06 Mossberg comes in camo dip with the thumbhole, sling and turkey chokefor around $400.

Remington will likely follow suit next year, but I think right now, they only offer thumbhole stocks in the 11-87 SPS.

Hope some of that helps.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Here is the 870 SPS-T camo thumbhole

I just wanted to correct the above statement;)

I was actually looking at this model at the dealers when I purchased my 870 Super Mag.I really liked the feel of the gun and the weight balanced out perfect on this model but I got a good "deal" on my model.
I also had the intention to purchase a new cantiliver barrel for my shotgun for a multi purpose gun to also hunt deer in november with it.I just wasnt sure on the thumbhole stock with big gloves on .
Can anyone give me some feedback on a good cantiliver barrel for the gun.I know Remington makes them,Mossberg offers one for the 870 ,maybe Hastings.I am looking for accuracy and wouldent mind getting one ported if the price is right;)

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Thanks Extreme. I was almost sure they made the 870 with the thumbhole for this season, but while I was writing that, I started second-guessing myself, so I jumped onto Remington.com and could only find the 1187 SP thumbhole on their site. I probably didn't find the right link. Thanks.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

That thumbhole 870 looks awesome, so does the Mossberg, no one around here really cares too much about turkey hunting, at least in my immediate area. They slap a full choke in if they remember and buy the biggest loads they can find, using a 10 gauge if at all possible. They think they are set up for turkeys and they get mad when they miss one at 60 yards. The gun "should" pattern good out there since they bought big expensive loads they say.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

My friend has the Stoeger 2000 w/28" barrel,and it is awesome.It's got the same inertia recoil action that the benelli's have.The down side...it only shoots 3" shells.HOWEVER.We patterned it with the factory choke,and it shot fairly good with 3" Win HV #4's.

Then he bought a Kicks .660 choke,tru glo magnum gobble dot pro sight,and we tried some more shells.It loves the WIn HV #5's(which is what kicks says that choke is desined for).His gun will shoot about the same as mine.I am shooting an 870 super mag 28" barrel Mad max .665 3.5" Win Hv #4's.I can cleanly take a bird at 65 yds.I try not to shoot until he is 40 or less,but it will shoot that far.The #4's have plenty of energy.My friends stoeger still holds a killing pattern at 60yds.He has not shot a bird with it yet,he just got it 2 weeks ago.I was against him getting that gun,but after shooting it I am very impressed.

Either one of those guns will give you what you want,and they are both in your price range.Hope I helped.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I was looking at Stoegr-2000's as an all around gun, but I was told since I already have a do-all 20 gauge I should look more into speicalized turkey gun. I still like the Stoegers, especially since it's semi-auto, and a 3" shell shouldn't be too much of a hindrance, lots of times they pattern just as good better.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I usually use my Benelli Super Black Eagle, but due to an addictive habit of gun buying I just purchased this Beretta Xtrema 3.5" 12 ga. It is the factory "Turkey Package" that was only offered in 2004 and comes with camo scope mount, tru glo rifle sights, extended turkey choke, and sling.
Good Hunting
BD

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

i would opp for a mossberg you can get a good 500 in camo and with fiber sights on it for around 300. i have a 500 thats black with triviz turkey sights and a full choke and 26 inch barrel and blew the head off a jake at 30 yds. 835's are other good choice very affordable and reliable guns.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Just bought the Rem 870 with the pistol grip stock Realtree HD Camo,Tru Glo fiber optic rifle sights... Basicly the same gun as extreme1 show except has the pistol grip... I'm a lefty so I had to get the pistiol grip... I think this gun is a pro mo for bass pro because I have not seen it on Rem web sight...

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Do you guys prefer a pistol grip or thumbhole stock?