turkeyhntr
02-19-2006, 04:19 PM
I have two shot guns set up for turkey hunting and thought this post might help a few people.
First let me start of by bragging about red dot scopes. I have been shooting BSA ($30) red dots for four years now and have dearly loved them. I have had no problems out of them what so ever. It is amazing how accurate you can aim...get on target...and locate your pattern where it needs to be. While many older turkey hunters know...many younger turkey hunters and hunters new to the sport might really be surprised where the center of your pattern really is...some people will laugh and say that a turkey in range is dead with any shot gun and choke...while that is true...for those of us that really want to make sure our gun is hitting where we are aiming not pointing..than some type of adjustable sights are very good for correcting the natural pattern of your smooth bore shot gun...Never underestimate how much the wind can affect your pattern!
Second, Kicks gobblin thunder chokes have really preformed very well for me. Not that they are the best...just best in my experience.. I shoot a 680 in the 935 with HV Wincherster #4 shot 3 1/2". In the 870 I shoot a 650 #6 shot 2 oz 3" shell Winchester (HV #6 3" Winchester SHOOT GOOD ALSO). Both guns shoot extremly well. The Remington 870 has a B square mount and the 935 is tapped and drilled for bases to be put on. I know there are a lot of people trying to find the right choke and shell for their gun. I would highly rec. that you call kicks direct and tell them what gun you have and what size shell you would like to shoot and what size shoot. If you are not happy with the performance than they will send you another choke out. Every gun has it's poision but I would strongly rec. someone calling kicks and asking about their suggestions for your gun and shot size preference as a good starting point.
Third, if you have not got a limbsaver recoil pad do so....you will not even imagine how much those things work...while none of us feel the recoil when the bird is standing there...it makes it nice for patterning guns in the back forty shooting at sheets of paper that always stand still for us to unload on.
Fourth...What about shells...it is a marketing game I think...You can spend a pile of money quick testing and checking shells...It is hard to beat Winchester's turkey load performance. Remington, Federal, and other shells might shoot good in certain guns but the Winchesters seem to shot well in most all guns. Then you will have the NITRO shooters...tried them but the shells kick like an ol mule...they are super charged turkey loads and the load most guys like have illegal shot size for hunting turkeys in Kentucky...If you ever shoot one you will like them...thats a lot of pellets and a lot of power but I do not like the price and the charge...
Next, I like the way a remington is put together compared to a mossberg..I think a 11-87 is better built than 935...I also think a 870 is better built than 500....But take your time purchasing a gun...do not get so hung up on barrel length...if you are going to buy a gun...make sure it is what you can use...doves, ducks, etc...make sure you get the most for your money...almost all patterns and results you see from shells are with a minimum 26" barrel....A short barrel has advantages over a long barrel...Buy what you like...Shop around...find a deal...but most important...know that a good proper sized choke makes more difference than any thing...
Last...this post is not to make anyone mad:mad: ...just to help out the new guys who have some shell, choke, and sight questions.....Hope everyone has a great spring turkey season....
TURKEYHNTR:)
First let me start of by bragging about red dot scopes. I have been shooting BSA ($30) red dots for four years now and have dearly loved them. I have had no problems out of them what so ever. It is amazing how accurate you can aim...get on target...and locate your pattern where it needs to be. While many older turkey hunters know...many younger turkey hunters and hunters new to the sport might really be surprised where the center of your pattern really is...some people will laugh and say that a turkey in range is dead with any shot gun and choke...while that is true...for those of us that really want to make sure our gun is hitting where we are aiming not pointing..than some type of adjustable sights are very good for correcting the natural pattern of your smooth bore shot gun...Never underestimate how much the wind can affect your pattern!
Second, Kicks gobblin thunder chokes have really preformed very well for me. Not that they are the best...just best in my experience.. I shoot a 680 in the 935 with HV Wincherster #4 shot 3 1/2". In the 870 I shoot a 650 #6 shot 2 oz 3" shell Winchester (HV #6 3" Winchester SHOOT GOOD ALSO). Both guns shoot extremly well. The Remington 870 has a B square mount and the 935 is tapped and drilled for bases to be put on. I know there are a lot of people trying to find the right choke and shell for their gun. I would highly rec. that you call kicks direct and tell them what gun you have and what size shell you would like to shoot and what size shoot. If you are not happy with the performance than they will send you another choke out. Every gun has it's poision but I would strongly rec. someone calling kicks and asking about their suggestions for your gun and shot size preference as a good starting point.
Third, if you have not got a limbsaver recoil pad do so....you will not even imagine how much those things work...while none of us feel the recoil when the bird is standing there...it makes it nice for patterning guns in the back forty shooting at sheets of paper that always stand still for us to unload on.
Fourth...What about shells...it is a marketing game I think...You can spend a pile of money quick testing and checking shells...It is hard to beat Winchester's turkey load performance. Remington, Federal, and other shells might shoot good in certain guns but the Winchesters seem to shot well in most all guns. Then you will have the NITRO shooters...tried them but the shells kick like an ol mule...they are super charged turkey loads and the load most guys like have illegal shot size for hunting turkeys in Kentucky...If you ever shoot one you will like them...thats a lot of pellets and a lot of power but I do not like the price and the charge...
Next, I like the way a remington is put together compared to a mossberg..I think a 11-87 is better built than 935...I also think a 870 is better built than 500....But take your time purchasing a gun...do not get so hung up on barrel length...if you are going to buy a gun...make sure it is what you can use...doves, ducks, etc...make sure you get the most for your money...almost all patterns and results you see from shells are with a minimum 26" barrel....A short barrel has advantages over a long barrel...Buy what you like...Shop around...find a deal...but most important...know that a good proper sized choke makes more difference than any thing...
Last...this post is not to make anyone mad:mad: ...just to help out the new guys who have some shell, choke, and sight questions.....Hope everyone has a great spring turkey season....
TURKEYHNTR:)