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Recommended shotguns?

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  • BucDan
    Veteran Member
    • Dec 2011
    • 4062

    Recommended shotguns?

    I really want dip my toes into turkey hunting here in San Diego.

    What's a good shotgun to get? If it can be multi purpose with home defense, that will make the purchase much easier.

    Pump? Semi auto?
  • #2
    TheReluctantCraftstronaut
    Member
    • Aug 2017
    • 430

    A lot depends on budget and availability.

    Look for any "combos" that will give you one shotgun with two barrels that work for your desires.

    Often that will be something like a 28" barrel and an 18.5". Not sure many, if any, are available right now.

    If that's the case, I would find a shotgun you like, that has a variety of barrels available (even if none are in stock at this time). That way, when that shotgun comes in stock, in one of the two barrels you want, grab it. Then save the cash to jump on the additional barrel when it's available.

    For pump:

    Remington 870, Mossberg 500, and Benelli Nova would all do well.

    I'm not big into semi-autos (no particular reason), but I'd look at the Remington 1100 or Benelli A400. A400 would probably be my first choice from my limited experience between the two. Don't have any experience with Mossberg semi-autos, so I can't comment.

    I am no turkey hunter, but I've always figured a 24-inch barrel with a turkey choke would be a tried and true set up. But if you are not looking to hunt turkey from a blind, then I'd consider a 28" barrel because that will likely be easier to find.

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    • #3
      geedavell
      Senior Member
      • Jul 2011
      • 1820

      Beretta A300

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      • #4
        357manny
        Senior Member
        • Jan 2016
        • 1676

        Benelli M2 Field semiauto 12g shotgun with a 26"-28" barrel, and then buy a 18.5" barrel for HD. You're set for everything.

        this is a signature

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        • #5
          deckhandmike
          Calguns Addict
          • Jan 2011
          • 8325

          Originally posted by 357manny
          Benelli M2 Field semiauto 12g shotgun with a 26"-28" barrel, and then buy a 18.5" barrel for HD. You're set for everything.

          https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/m2-field-shotguns
          That’s the fancy option, but also stupid expensive. Even the 18.5 barrel cost more than a regular pump shotgun.

          I use a 870 for both turkey and HD. For turkey you absolutely don’t need a semi. You get one shot and it’s dead or gone. You’ll likely never fire a round in a HD situation so a pump isn’t really a handicap. Get a 870 with two barrels or Mossberg 500 combo and call it a day.

          I often just use a 870 with the right barrel. I got an 870 with a 20” barrel that has a choke. It wears a breacher choke for HD and a hunting choke for turkey and coyotes. The 20” barrel is fine for yotes and turkey. But you’re going to want a longer one for upland birds.
          Last edited by deckhandmike; 10-21-2020, 8:52 PM.

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          • #6
            Imageview
            Senior Member
            • Jul 2018
            • 1621

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            • #7
              NATEWA
              Calguns Addict
              • Jun 2012
              • 5977

              Pump is fine for turkey hunting.

              Rem 870 or Mossberg 500 will work - lot of different options.

              21” barrel will be good for turkey hunting and home defense.
              Check out the deal on Remington 870 12 Gauge 3" Matte Vent Rib Turkey Barrel, 21" at MGW


              You’ll have to take care of the mag tube detents to increase your capacity and add on a mag extension.

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              • #8
                MJB
                CGSSA Associate
                • Sep 2010
                • 5925

                SBE anything
                One life so don't blow it......Always die with your boots on!

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                • #9
                  hermosabeach
                  I need a LIFE!!
                  • Feb 2009
                  • 19243

                  Start with Ammo- some prefer 2 ounce 3 1/2” magnum loads for turkey

                  Tight pattern for a head shot at 35-45 yards

                  A simple 870 was the old answer but as Remington is in strange times I would look at something else.


                  Camo pattern that takes 3 1/2” magnum shells. I would go 24-28” barrel
                  Rule 1- ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

                  Rule 2 -NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY (including your hands and legs)

                  Rule 3 -KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

                  Rule 4 -BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT
                  (thanks to Jeff Cooper)

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                  • #10
                    Bainter1212
                    Calguns Addict
                    • Feb 2013
                    • 5936

                    I would go with the Mossberg 500 for now.

                    Remington has had some QC issues the last few years and now they are bankrupt, stripped and sold off in pieces. Who knows what the parts or warranty situation will be coming up.

                    If you go Mossberg, stay away from the models with a pinned forend.

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                    • #11
                      BajaJames83
                      Calguns Addict
                      • Jun 2011
                      • 6033

                      If you can still find an 870 that would be my top choice.
                      NRA Endowment Life Member
                      USMC 2001-2012

                      Never make yourself too available or useful...... Semper Fidelis

                      John Dickerson: What keeps you awake at night?
                      James Mattis: Nothing, I keep other people awake at night.

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                      • #12
                        lewdogg21
                        Cattle Thieves Pro Staff
                        • May 2009
                        • 10369

                        Anything with a removable (screw in) chokes will work. It doesn't need to be camo or semi-auto. I've shot plently of turkeys with a flat black gun and if you get a wood stock with blued finish you can apply some camo tape if you would like and I've shot them with that too. You also don't need 3.5" turkey loads, 3" will be fine or if we could still use lead 2-3/4" would work too but those days are gone.
                        Originally posted by jmonte35
                        Disagree. Been trying to teach lewdogg21 how to hunt. It's like trying to teach Steve Wonder how to see. Not sure we're ever going to get there.
                        .

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                        • #13
                          Trapper
                          Senior Member
                          • Dec 2007
                          • 2159

                          I hunted with a 28” barreled 870 express for 20 years and never had an issue but shifted to a Franchi Affinity a couple years ago due to the limited availability of 2 3/4” turkey loads.
                          When the battle drum beats, it is too late to sharpen your sword."
                          Sir Winston Churchill

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                          • #14
                            Chiro22
                            Senior Member
                            • Aug 2013
                            • 912

                            The one that fits you the best. All shotguns that can pack a turkey load will kill a turkey. Go to the shop and see which one fits you the best. I have had expensive shotguns and cheapy guns...the ones I used the most where the ones that fit me the best.
                            Thank you,

                            Doc.

                            ---------------------------------------------------------------
                            Walk softly and carry a big stick!

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                            • #15
                              357manny
                              Senior Member
                              • Jan 2016
                              • 1676

                              this is a signature

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