Good turkey guns?
 

I need help, I want to look into a dedicated turkey gun but I'm not sure what I want. Right now I have a 20 gauge Benelli Nova and I've been pleased with it, but it just doesn't have quite the range I want. Since I have my 20 gauge, I figure if I get a 12 gauge it would be mainly for turkey and possibly waterfowl later. I'm 14 as of now so I don't have a ton of money but after this summer I could probably have $400-$500 to actually spend on a gun. I like the new Benelli Supernova in camo and pistol-grip, seems like it would be nice, along with Mossberg turkey guns. A Stoeger 2000 feels good to me also, but I've heard mixed reviews about it. If anyone could help me on my quest for a good turkey gun feel free to respond. Any results you've had with a non-factory choke and whatever loads you like would be nice too, thanks for the replies.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I shoot a Benelli SBE, its a great turkey gun but in the $1000+ range. My friend just bought the Mossberg 835 thumbhole grip camo turkey gun. It has a 21" barrel, tru-glo sights,and came with an extended turkey choke. It is one awesome turkey gun and shoots excellant patterns, out to 45 yards,with Winchester HV #5 lead loads. He didnt even bother switching choke tubes.
I also like the benelli pistol grip but have not shot it. I would stay away from the Stoeger only because it is not pre-drilled for optics. You may not want to use them but it is always nice to have them on there for future use.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

i also have a Nova in 12 guage.....if you are pleased with Benelli then i might go with the Supernova!!

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

want go wrong with either a 835 mossberg pump i think in the 400 range check the price havnt priced one lately. 935 mossberg which i hunt with now ithink i payed around 550 600 dollars for!!!!!!!!! great value ,great gun

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Thanks for the replies, I saw a Supernova with pistol grip but I didn't get to handle it cause no adult was with me. Hopefully it won't be gone next time I'm by that store, I'm reallly interested in it and it's more interchangeable than the original Nova.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I use the Mossburg 835 ulti and love this gun.. I really like the porting so you don't get all beat up with the recoil.. My friends all have these 1200.00 dollar guns and my $ 250.00 Mossburg shoots just as good if not better.. I really like the new model with the folding stock..

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

A folding stock doesn't get me excited but I like the thumbhole version of the Mossberg. I don't think my grandpa would approve of these fancy new ideas though, unless maybe he sees the patterns outta them.:D

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I've not heard but one negative report on the Stoeger 2000 by people who actually own one. I picked one up last spring and it's been an excellent gun. A lot of bang for the buck so to speak. I've also talked to half a dozen gun managers who sell them and they have had almost zero issues with customers who have bought them. The only complaint they mentioned was that earlier models with the camo had some durability issues. It has since been resolved.

I'm getting excellent patterns with it as well for turkey hunting combined with a comp n choke. It's an enertia operated system so it does have a bit more recoil than gas operated guns. But it also operates more reliable with less cleaning than the gas operated autos.

Good Luck with your decision.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Mossberg 835 was my choice:D 5 deer later i dont regret it, now if these turkeys would just cooperate!

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I have had an 835 and it was a great gun! I did not like it for one reason and that was the safety. It is on the top while most other guns are near the trigger. It is all what you get used to and when you are instictivly looking near the trigger it hard to remember where it is at

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I like semi auto's when it comes to shotguns. Here are a few very good models that are well made, reliable, and will work great for all around use. They all have 3" chambers and are light enough for upland hunting if you ever want to get into it.

Beretta 390 (Wal Mart) and 3901 are gas operated. They are basically the same gun with different shaped receivers. They are fairly light in weight, have stock shims, and automatic magazine cutoffs. They each hold four shells and can't accept extensions. They are not too bad to clean. The 390 (Wal Mart) only comes in B/S with a 28" barrel in 12 gauge.
Beretta Pintail/ES100 is inertia operated. It's fairly light and has a slim forearm. They are very easy to clean and have an automatic magazine cutoff. It holds five shells and can't be extended. Shims are available for this model. This model does not have a magazine release making the unloading take a tad longer than most.
Browning Silver Hunter is gas operated. It's very light in weight and has stock shims available for it. It only comes in a Silver/Blue/Wood finish. It holds five rounds total. It does not have the speed load and magazine cutoff features but has the same gas system as the more expensive Golds.
Franchi 612 and 712 are gas operated. They are the same except for the receiver shape. They are very easy to clean and light in weight. They have an automatic magazine cutoff's and shims for the stock. They hold five shells and more with an extension. They don't have the best triggers in terms of weight and creep.
Weatherby SAS is gas operated. It is fairly light in weight and very easy to clean. It has a magazine cutoff switch and shims for the stock. It has a good safety shape, size, and location. It holds five shells and more with an extension. This model was made by SKB first then Valtro for Weatherby. Parts do not interchange between the two.
Winchester SX2 is gas operated. It has decent weight and is pretty easy to clean. It has a high rib design. It holds five rounds and more if extended. This is the only model that does not have a magazine cutoff of any kind. The Light field model is the same but quite a bit lighter and balances with more weight towards the stock.

Look at as many as you can with different barrel lengths and pick the one that you like the best.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I have a Mossberg 500 that shoots great. I wouldnt go turkey hunting without it...

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Just purchased a 870 Remington super mag and am extremely happy with it.Got my first turkey with it on opening day at around 30 yards and the pattern was incredibly awesome with Winchester 3 inch number 4's.
Then again,I have always preffered my remingtons.
I will be purchasing a cantiliver barell for it soon to make it an all purpose gun.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Worc, thanks for the long and detailed reply. As to #4 shot, does anyone have a clue how many pellets are in a 1 1/2 20 gauge load compared to a heavy 12 gauge 3 or 3 1/2 inch load?My grandpa is convince hevi-shot #6 or 5 won't work, but I always bring one to slip in the chamber, I've heard #4's don't pattern well in 20 gauges. Thanks again for the replies.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Remington 870.

Or if you are in dyers need...Mossberg 835 might work.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

My daughter 20 gauge 870 is getting 14-19 bone hits at 40 yards with #6 shot Rem Hevishot with a tightwad choke. It'll kill them out past 40 no problem. I can't get any on my guns to pattern #4 shot with multiple chokes and several 12 gauge and a couple 20 gauge guns.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

My 20 gauge with hevi-shot pounded my jake with 25 hits at around 30-35 yards I think, it was 41 steps.

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I have an 835 and love it.
Only thing is, I want the new thumbhole version, very sexy! ;)

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Yes it is...as is the pistol grip Supernova in Camo.:)

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

mossberg 535 no doubt about it... it came out in 05.... i just picked one up this spring... it comes in 3 different models i think, get the turkey model, its light weight(composite stocks),full camo, comes with a 28 inch barrel with fiber optic sights and a 22 inch turkey barrel with fiber optics and a xx full turkey choke straight from the factory, i also have a tru glo red dot on mine... the gun shoots 2 3/4 inch shells 3 inch and 3.5 inch shells,...so for my set up i'm using the 22 inch barrel with the factory choke 3.5 inch shells 4 shot and a truglo red dot... i shot a 30 pack case at 35 yards and almost litterally ripped it in half... i wouldnt worry about an after marker choke, the factory choke produces very very tight patterns... it only cost about 380... let me tell u from my experience THIS IS A GREAT GUN.... NOT to mention the gobbler i rolled at 40 yards with it.. 23.5 pounds, 10.5 beard, and 1 inch spurs;) But this is just my opinion happy shopping!:D

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?

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

Isn't the principal objective of a thumbhole to lay the gun down more, so that you look down the barrel like you do with a rifle? Shooting a shotgun at turkeys with a tight pattern is anti-intuitive, because you ordinarily shoot a shotgun by "feel", rather than along a sightline/plane, right? And with a tight pattern you need to "aim" like you do a rifle.

Bowtech Dually, does that Beretta Extrema have dramatically reduced recoil, as advertised??

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

snowdog2 It does kick a little less than my Super Black Eagle. I shot around a dozen 2 1/4 oz loads off the bench during testing patterns one afternoon and can say that there is definately still some harsh recoil, not something that will bother you hunting but not fun at the bench, afterward I slipped in a 1 5/8 oz 2 3/4 load and all I can say is what a difference. My gun has the recoil reducer in the stock and the gel pad which is still quite firm, however the newer Xtrema2 has the available Kickoff system as a $300+ option which they say softens the blow more. I think if I replaced the factory pad on the Benelli with a thick kickeez it would be hard to tell the difference.
BD

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

So if you had the choice of the 870 SPS-T camo thumbhole or the Mossberg 835 Thumbhole and price didn't matter...which one would you choose and why? I have been going back and fourth on these two models for a couple of months now and I am trying to find pros and cons of each and haven't found much. I definitely want a pump and the thumbhole stock. Thumbhole just feels too good in the hand to not want it. I am also under the impression that Remington is going to do the thumbholes in several of their rifle models...I think???

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

My favorite is my Mossberg 500. It'll knock em dead... Just my thoughts

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

I'm a Remington fan!!!! I own 3 Remington turkey guns and all three shoot!!!!

I have 3 friends who have mossberg turkey guns and they don't shoot as good as my Rems...

Good luck with your mossberg;)

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

for that price range...I would definitely recommend the 835!;)

RE: Good turkey guns?
 

CZ 527 in .223,
(oh wait, you can't use those in the spring season also?darn! :()

Actually I've never had a problem with my 870 Express, set witha heavyshot-safe chokeand an Aimpoint on top. Dad is a singleshot fanatic. And since he's has gotten more birds (& deer, elk, mulies, chucks,so on)than any two other people I know, I'd say his old New England "beater gun" is OK also.