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I plan on doing some Spring turkey hunting. I currently have a single shot Remington 12GA with a full choke that can take a 3" shell. I know this can work, but is it reasonable to use?
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Hillbilly,
It can serve quite well as a turkey gun. Most toms are taken at less than 40 yards. Long shots at Gobbler's can be troublesome. I hear all sorts of stories of shotguns that will put X number of pellets in the head and neck of a turkey patterning target at 55 yards. My answer is that when pulling the trigger on the real thing you are not shooting off a bench and patterning targets don't move!
Buy several brands of turkey loads in differnet shot sizes (4,5 and 6's) and test them against each other. Don't think you have to use 3 inch stuff either, I have a shotgun that will pattern better with 2 3/4 inch loads than 3 inchers!
When I started hunting turkeys as a kid I used a Browning Sweet 16 in improved cylinder very effectively. My load, 1 1/8 ounce of 6's. But, I did't take a shot past 25 yards, never had too.
Be patient, call them close and the old single barrel will do well for you! -
Hillbilly,
One last thing. Test the different loads at 5 yard intervals starting at 20 yards. When you hit the yardage at which you can't get 8-10 pellets in the head and neck area consistantly... that is your max range. Shoot for the base of the neck on the target and the live bird. This will help you make the most of your effective pattern.Comment
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I always have used a full choke in my BPS with 3 in shells for turkey. I've never had any problems and my longest shot was about 30 yds. As long as you don't take to long of shots you'll be okay, I'm not comfortable shooting anything outside of 40 yds regardless of what choke I have in though.Comment
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Yes, you should only need one shot to kill a turkey.Comment
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That would work great, remember to wait for the right shot and don't rush it. You'll be fine and good luck on gettin a turkey!Comment
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A single shot 12 gauge should do you just great. Definetly try different types of loads to see what brand and shot size delivers the best performance with your gun. Practice shooting form the position you will most likely be in so that you are confident with your shot placement and performance of your gun. If you are concerned about your pattern, just be patient and try and take the closest shot possible. This might mean you will have to pass on a few shots, but it will make the end result that much sweeter. Good luck and good shooting!
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I turkey hunt with my 12 gauge Remington 870 WingmasterComment
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That is more than acceptable. Pattern it so you know the furthest distance you can shoot. Start at 20 or 30 yds. and keep moving back until you reach your optimal range.Comment
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My little brother used a single shot 20 gauge for years and killed more birds than most people here. the key is staying in the woods, practice your calling and go where the birds aren't pressured with a lot of hunters and bad calls... Good Luck!!Comment
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You'll be fine just stay in the woods as much as possible, and practice.Comment
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I have only gotten more than 1 shot at a turkey a couple of times. Both of those times it was a waste of a expensive turkey load. I would almost say that a single shot is not only sufficient, but a good idea. It will keep you from crippling a fleeing bird if you happen to miss with shot #1. I hope you find one that really puts on a show for you! Good Luck!Comment
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yes you only need one shot.Comment
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Heck yes that's an acceptable gun for turkey. I'm sure millions of turkeys met their maker back when 2 3/4 shells were all they had. Just make sure you don't shoot a load that isn't meant for full chokes. Lots of great choices out there. Best advice I've heard is to aim for the base of the neck. When you aim for the head, hald your pattern is in space abover the bird. Good luck!Comment
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Yes.Comment
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