Turkey shotgun

[tsnook1969]

Hi Calgunners,

I'm looking for an affordable new or used turkey gun. I'm thinking a single shot in 20 or 12 guage. Likely a break barrel.

Any thoughts, recommendations or opinions?

Thanks!

[dno_2]

I personally wouldn't go with a single shot, just in the off chance you may need a follow up shot. JMO. As far as "affordable" goes, the benelli nova with a 24" barrel is a hard shotgun to pass up. Great looking camo and a wide variety of sight options. Good luck with your search!

[sh1nk3n]

If you are looking for a single shot, you are looking for a NEF/H&R Pardner. If you find one for under $150, just buy it. Note also that H&R has a barrel program for it that is reasonable, and will allow you to purchase whatever barrel you think you needs (rifled, choked, short, long, vent rib, iron sights, etc.).

But yes, I would look for a multi-shot. I am partial to Remington 1100s, but a good pump is a good choice as well (like a Remington 870, Browning BPS, Ithaca 37, or even a Mossberg). The Benelli Nova mentioned by dno_2 is excellent, but not inexpensive.

[WDE91]

a single barrel 12gauge with full power turkey loads is going to be a total mule for recoil

[Stewdabaker23]

Escort makes a pretty decent Turkey gun. Its a semi auto, has a camo finish, and runs about $600.

[AlphaGeek]

I acquired two Weatherby 20ga semi-auto shotguns for the fall turkey season -- an SA-459 for me, and a youth-sized SA-08 for my son.

They're made in Turkey by ATA, which is why they're so reasonably priced. The only issue I've had with them is that even with the light-load gas cylinder installed, lower-powered shells won't cycle the action reliably. If I use shells with at least 1oz of shot (with a correspondingly larger powder charge) they function perfectly. This may go away as the recoil springs break in, as they're very stiff.

We quite like them both, though the youth-stock SA-08 really is too short for me to shoot comfortably. My SA-459 does double-duty as a home defense gun, complete with red-dot sight on the top rail and a flashlight on the magazine extension.

[wjc]

I'd choose a semi-auto. I've had to make two shots before.

I use Beretta Urika 12 ga. with a 28 in. barrel and a turkey choke.

I've gotten 5 turkeys so far with it.

BTW, it's also good for dove, quail, and chucker.

[duckman1]

Benelli, Remington, and Mossberg all make excellent hi value low cost pump guns, this is where you should start.

[SOMIS 13]

I think you should get one that shoots 3 1/2" shells like the mossberg 835