Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted May 18, 2014 Share Posted May 18, 2014 I'm going to take a shot at wild turkey hunting this Fall - first time. If it's reasonably possible, can I get by with one of the shotguns I already have (all 12 ga.), until I determine if this is something I want to do more regularly? The choices are my CZ Cowboy SXS (20" barrels are probably short, but it's the only gun I have with screw-in chokes), a Browning Citori Hunter O/U (Modified and Improved Cylinder), and an 1897 Winchester (Cylinder, I think; uncut). My inclination to get some camo tape and wrap the Winchester, and try it. Any thoughts from real turkey hunters? Gracias! LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 12 ga, I like modified but I believe in getting them close, under 30 yards. Over that use a full choke. I like #6 shot in a 3" shell. Limit your calling and be very very patient. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 With that shorty I'd let em get within about 20 feet!. The 97 might be your best bet if it's uncut. Or maybe you could borrow a proper gun? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 GUN ? I am thinking of using the crossbow , or possabley the compound doubt , I will be able to shoot the recurve or the stick bows for a while CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Utah Bob #35998 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I just run up and whack em with my coup stick. They hate that. Safety tip: Don't try it with bears! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boon Doggle Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Sounds like a good excuse to buy a new gun. Or, buy new full and extra full screw in's for the Citori. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 Sounds like a good excuse to buy a new gun. Or, buy new full and extra full screw in's for the Citori. My Citori does not accept screw-in chokes..... LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrswanson1 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 20" barrels are fine for turkeys, it's the choke that matters. Remington used to sell an 870 turkey specific shotgun with a turkey (extra full) choke and 20" barrel. I'd recommend 2 3/4" buffered #5 shot for turkeys out to 40 yards with that short of a boom stick. You'd want the longer shells if you had a dedicated turkey shotgun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Noz Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I've taken about 20+ wild turkeys with an Ithaca 200E in 20 ga. Barrels are 25" and choked Mod and IC. I've used the IC barrel twice. Once the bird was about 5 yards when the shot developed and the other was less than 6 feet. On the short one, I had called a couple of times then went to sleep. When the jake realized that he had screwed up, he putted which woke me. A quick swing and one dead bird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Birdgun Quail, SASS #63663 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 I know a fellow who's not into CAS but an avid turkey hunter and he uses a 12-gauge Stoeger Coach gun. Yep, the ones many use in CAS. He says the shorter barrels are just the ticket in the thick woods around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172 Posted May 19, 2014 Share Posted May 19, 2014 Interesting information here. I have never hunted turkeys but wanted to do so and my Grandson is interested. They sure are proud of those turkey specific choke tubes, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438 Posted May 19, 2014 Author Share Posted May 19, 2014 20" barrels are fine for turkeys, it's the choke that matters. Remington used to sell an 870 turkey specific shotgun with a turkey (extra full) choke and 20" barrel. I'd recommend 2 3/4" buffered #5 shot for turkeys out to 40 yards with that short of a boom stick. You'd want the longer shells if you had a dedicated turkey shotgun. Ha! That's the ticket! My CZ came with a selection of screw-in chokes, including Full. Now to learn to call....... LL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Balz, SASS#46599 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Them wild ones are way different eating then the farmed raised . Had one a few years ago so tough I broke my fork in the gravy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Plasters, SASS#60943 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Get a special turkey choke it'll keep your pattern tighter. I prefer #4 shot but lots of experts seem to think #5 or 6 is better - 3" if your gun will handle it. Calling work on the kee kee run and lost call - I prefer the diaphram calls cause it keeps my hands free. Two things I use that are valuable is a butt pad and a bladder drinking system to keep my mouth from drying and almost hands free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I just run up and whack em with my coup stick. They hate that. Safety tip: Don't try it with bears! UB take the MOSEIN , coup stick CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michigan Slim Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Sounds like a good excuse to buy a new gun. Or, buy new full and extra full screw in's for the Citori. +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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