First of all...hello to everyone. Brand new here and this is my rookie season hunting turkeys. I have killed 2 this year thanks to the guiding and tutolage of one of my best friends who has been hunting them for years. I am HOOKED to say the least! I killed my birds with a Mossy 500, Mossy brand .670 choke, and Hevi-Shot 3" Mag blends....get between 160 and 180 pellets in a 10" circle at 40 yards. This gun was my wife's grandfather's gun that he intended to use turkey hunting and he never made it out due to health problems. I told her I wanted to kill my first bird with it and have actually killed 2 some I'm very happy about that happening.
Now, I am planning on buying a dedicated turkey gun soon after our season closes here and tinkering with it with plans of having something I'm a little more satisfied with before next season. Here are the guns and specs I'm most interested in:
Mossberg 935
Remington 1187
Stoeger 3500
Definitely want a 3.5" gun
Want rifle sights
Have become a big fan of the 24" barrel but open to suggestions
Am a rifle NUT and lean toward a Remington simply because the trigger can be worked
Definitely want to shoot Hevi-Shot 3.5" 6's, 7's, or Mag Blends
What would you buy? Which choke would you buy if money wasn't as option and why? What gun/choke combination statistically has the best chance of throwing the best patterns?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Also, please feel free to suggest different firearms as long as they aren't $1000 guns. Also want to note that another of my good hunting pals is reloading TSS 8's and 9's and I could get my hands on some if I had to, but I would rather not do so if I could create a dependable 50 yard gun with the Hevis or even the Nitros. Thanks in advance.
Well personally I have never owned an automatic shotgun other than a Sweet 16 I got recently, but I have one on tap for next season. I already had a BPS 10 on lay-a-way, but after figuring TSS prices and weight/killing.... I went back and opened an account on a Benelli M2 Field 20 gauge with 26" barrel. The guy told me I could just put what I had on the 10 over on the 20 if I decided against it.
So to me the Benelli was IT --- I love the way it feels and I don't think money can buy a morre reliable gun. Yes it was around $1k, but you ain't gonna get off much under $800 with any auto 3.5" camo turkey gun these days.
Best of luck to you though!
Daman
Turkey. Browning Maxus.
Duck. Maxus or SBEII
Dove/clay. Beretta.
Quote from: Daman on April 14, 2011, 05:32:07 PMSo to me the Benelli was IT --- I love the way it feels and I don't think money can buy a morre reliable gun. Yes it was around $1k, but you ain't gonna get off much under $800 with any auto 3.5" camo turkey gun these days.
Forgot to mention that I am in a gun club and get firearms at slashed rates so I won't be paying anything close to MSRP. I'll check out the Benelli and see what our prices on them too. Thanks for the suggestion.
No problem JugHead.
By the way, :welcomeOG:
I would reccomend handling and shooting as many guns as you can get your hands on before buying. I believe with Nitro ammo, Fed HW, H13, or TSS you can get any gun you want to shoot killing patterns to 40 yards. From there it is all about personal preference.
Daman
Quote from: JohnDoe on April 14, 2011, 05:51:10 PMI know you asked about auto's
I was thinking gas auto mostly for recoil reduction mostly (realize the Stoeger isn't a gas gun but thought I would throw it out there too in case some folks are producing killer patterns with it). That Shur-Shot stock kinda turns me off at first glance, but it looks like a lot of folks like it. I have to admit that I haven't shouldered one yet, but I will. I'm not anti-pump for turkey hunting WHATSOEVER. I've got a couple of guns that I could keep using, but neither are 3.5" guns. I really lean away from the high end Benelli stuff for the reason you mentioned. The only wing shooting I do is dove hunting and I've got a 16 gauge Wingmaster that was my Dad's that gets the nod for that every single time. That thing has killed enough doves to restock Argentina to current levels if they all suddenly died. ;D
I am in the same situation. I can't comment on the others, but I did a fair bit of research and decided on the 935 with pistol grip. I like the overbore, and the price was nicer than the Beneli SBE (I would be sleeping with the turkeys if I spent that much). They must be a popular gun this year cause I've been waiting over two weeks for it on backorder. Be interesting to see others thoughts.
SX3. I love mine.
Can't speak for all semi's, but really like my new Remington Supermag Sureshot. Love the feel and steady aiming this stock provides, and handles 3.5 loads without beating you up. For a turkey only setup, it is well worth the look that doesn't carry the bigger price tags.
Although I do believe there are other semi's that are better shooters and put up better patterns, but it does well.
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Franchi i12 made by benelli and about 700 bucks in camo.This is a great gun that is made in Italy and may be the best gun for the money i know of. I have 2 sbe and love this gun just as well.Mine patterns killer and has been the demise of at least 50 gobblers.but it is a 3inch gun.The 912 franchi is a 3.5,i also have one of those and it is just as deadly ,but have quit dragging around a heavier gun.
i have a remington 1187 SM with a shurshot stock and rifle sights on it. it sports a rhino .660 choke tube and a 23" barrel. i couldnt be happier with it.
also :welcomeOG:
If your only gona use it for turkey get the 935 you will save money plus get a over bored barrel. They work great and the money you save by not buying a 11-87 or other higher priced gun can be spent on shells and a few chokes.
If it wasnt for the high prices on the 1187 that what I would get but Im a remington man. So ruling it out id have to go with the 935, mossberg does make a turkye killin son of a gun
1187 why? It's a Remington.
I would search this forum to see which guns average the best patterns then go handle them to see which you like better.
I would buy a 935, because I like Mossberg for turkey hunting.
definitely 1187 sps-t . Both of my 870's and both of my buddies 1187's out shoot my benelli SBEII.
I would buy the remington 1187 I just like remington shotguns
for an auto I absolutely love my 1187. I love how light the recoil is with magnum loads in that gas operated auto..............
BUT, I can't get used to that trigger guard safety. IMO, it would be the perfect auto turkey gun if it had a top tang safety. 21" bbl, 3" chamber, cantilever mount, puts up over 250 in a ten (266 has been my best) with the hevi 3-2-7's in a ten at a lasered 40, never had misfire or feed problem, no rattles or squeaks.
If I could find someone that wanted to trade for a 935 though, I would do it just for the top tang safety of the mossberg.
I've seen some killer patterns from a 935 Mossberg, In fact I,ve seen it outshoot my 1000 dallar shotgun.
Out of the choices you listed I'd go with the 935. Those overbored barrels on those Mossbergs produce fantastic patterns.
I shoot a Benelli SBE 2 and my dad shoots a Beretta Xtrema II, those are my two favorite autoloaders.
1187 :you_rock: :you_rock:
SBEII .665 gobbler guns choke, Hevi 7's and a speedbead. The gun is awesome, and that combo I watched put down 4 gobblers in SD this week between 25yards and one a little over 60 not intentionally misjudged yardage, all the birds where graveyard dead.
Bottom line the SBEII is an outstanding gun I have one for waterfowl and I don't take care of it, this thing gets beat up and always performs flawlessly.
Good luck with whatever, you decided!
Neal
1187
If all three were offered to me as a gift, I would maybe accept the 1187, and politely decline the other two.
I've owned many turkey guns. Angleport Browning Gold's, SBE's, SBE II's, Browning Silver's, Nova pumps, etc.
Right now, I would probably never spend any more than it would take to purchase a BPS or 870 SM :) With the BPS getting the first nod for being overbored and built like a brick shiphouse.
Sure, some of the others are great, but few are as easy to deal with than the BPS (except for reinstalling that gosh darn trigger assembly) ;D
And I think the current 870 SM is not a 1/2 bad gun for the money...
mudhen
if it was me,it would be without a doubt the Mossberg 935 why?
4 reasons
#1 customer service
#2 over bored barrel (pattern throwing son of a gun)
#3 safety location
#4 price
i really like my Beretta, but I LOVE my Mossy. Mossy has excellent customer service!!! you can't go wrong with the 935, IMO!
I had a mossy 935 last year befor it was stolen from me very nice shotgun only problem I had was I shot 4 rounds of 3 1/2 winchester #5 thru it to pattern it and my son and I did the fall turkey hunt the 935 went boom and the extractor broke game over for me son took his turkey with a H&R pardner pump turkey model extra full choke at 45 yards I replaced the mossy 935 with a new winchester NWTF superX2 3 1/2 black model and that gun is a turkey killer so I say get what fells good in your handsI love my super X2
Browning Maxus
:icon_thumright: BENELLI
IMO Beretta builds the best auto shotguns but I see that wasn't one of your choices. I would buy one with a 26" barrel and just use the bead if it shoots to POA. The 26" barrel will normally pattern better than a shorter one and also work great for wingshooting. I have run thousands of rounds through 390's and 391's on dove fields without a single failure. If you want to shoot 3.5" shells try the Xtrema II. The felt recoil on the gun is minimal and it throws a mean pattern with the right choke and load.
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Quote from: knotheadedfool on April 14, 2011, 08:37:01 PM
for an auto I absolutely love my 1187. I love how light the recoil is with magnum loads in that gas operated auto..............
BUT, I can't get used to that trigger guard safety. IMO, it would be the perfect auto turkey gun if it had a top tang safety. 21" bbl, 3" chamber, cantilever mount, puts up over 250 in a ten (266 has been my best) with the hevi 3-2-7's in a ten at a lasered 40, never had misfire or feed problem, no rattles or squeaks.
If I could find someone that wanted to trade for a 935 though, I would do it just for the top tang safety of the mossberg.
Those are some good points. I do like the top tang safety on my Mossby 500 for sure, but I just cannot get used to how much more "rickety" the Mossberg pumps are relative to an 870 (assuming I went with a pump). For all I know, the 935 might be the same way?? I sure don't know because I've never fondled a 935.
Quote from: JUGHEAD on April 15, 2011, 08:54:30 AM
Quote from: knotheadedfool on April 14, 2011, 08:37:01 PM
for an auto I absolutely love my 1187. I love how light the recoil is with magnum loads in that gas operated auto..............
BUT, I can't get used to that trigger guard safety. IMO, it would be the perfect auto turkey gun if it had a top tang safety. 21" bbl, 3" chamber, cantilever mount, puts up over 250 in a ten (266 has been my best) with the hevi 3-2-7's in a ten at a lasered 40, never had misfire or feed problem, no rattles or squeaks.
If I could find someone that wanted to trade for a 935 though, I would do it just for the top tang safety of the mossberg.
Those are some good points. I do like the top tang safety on my Mossby 500 for sure, but I just cannot get used to how much more "rickety" the Mossberg pumps are relative to an 870 (assuming I went with a pump). For all I know, the 935 might be the same way?? I sure don't know because I've never fondled a 935.
I haven't drug one through the woods, my 11-87 is the only auto I've owned, but the 935 doesn't seem rickety to me at all. The only thing on the 500 thats rickety is the pump, but I've heard other pumps rattle more.
One other thing to note regarding the stocks and safeties, if you get a 935 you would be defeating the purpose of the top tang safety on a turkey gun if you got a pistol grip so that limits you to the straight stock. I put a thumbhole stock on an 835 that I had. Once you wrap your hand around a pistol grip, you can't manipulate the safety while you're down on the gun with the minimal movement that you can with a straight stock. With the other guns it doesn't matter what stock you get its still the same PITA to fool with the safety while you're down on the gun IMO.
Quote from: knotheadedfool on April 15, 2011, 02:45:23 PMI haven't drug one through the woods, my 11-87 is the only auto I've owned, but the 935 doesn't seem rickety to me at all. The only thing on the 500 thats rickety is the pump, but I've heard other pumps rattle more.
One other thing to note regarding the stocks and safeties, if you get a 935 you would be defeating the purpose of the top tang safety on a turkey gun if you got a pistol grip so that limits you to the straight stock. I put a thumbhole stock on an 835 that I had. Once you wrap your hand around a pistol grip, you can't manipulate the safety while you're down on the gun with the minimal movement that you can with a straight stock. With the other guns it doesn't matter what stock you get its still the same PITA to fool with the safety while you're down on the gun IMO.
Also very good points...didn't think about all that with the safeties. I got my hands on a 935 today at lunch and have to agree that it wasn't rickety at all like the slide on a Mossberg pump gun....very tight gun and felt good looking down those adjustable fiber optic sights with the standard stock. They didn't have an actualy sure-shot 1187 turkey gun in stock, but I did get to handle a sure-shot stock and I have to say that it grew on me QUICK....felt great to my hand and shouldered just right. I can get the 870 sure shot turkey gun in my hand for $430 and the 1187 for $647 after the current rebates they have. Can get the grand slam 935 with 22" barrel and standard stock in my hands for $572...couldn't get the pistol grip price today but it would be a little more and as you mentioned the top tang safety would be tough with the pistol grip. Decisions, decisions.... ;D
Quote
One other thing to note regarding the stocks and safeties, if you get a 935 you would be defeating the purpose of the top tang safety on a turkey gun if you got a pistol grip so that limits you to the straight stock. I put a thumbhole stock on an 835 that I had. Once you wrap your hand around a pistol grip, you can't manipulate the safety while you're down on the gun with the minimal movement that you can with a straight stock. With the other guns it doesn't matter what stock you get its still the same PITA to fool with the safety while you're down on the gun IMO.
A good point, deciding on the stock you want and safety configuration.
As with a Mossberg I like the safety on the back of the reciever vs. trigger gaurd. Although I wanted a strictly turkey setup with some type of pistol grip. With that I personally did not like the Mossberg safety with a pistol grip, too much hand movement, as where a pistol grip stock to me works better with a trigger gaurd safety. Just something to consider if wanting a pistol grip, try them first.
Quote from: SR1 on April 14, 2011, 06:50:31 PM
If your only gona use it for turkey get the 935 you will save money plus get a over bored barrel. They work great and the money you save by not buying a 11-87 or other higher priced gun can be spent on shells and a few chokes.
This is exactly what I was thinking when I first considered the 935. (I've been a Remington shotgun shooter all my life) But, after comparing what I can get them for....$75 difference is nothing when you consider spreading it over a lifetime of turkey hunting. I'm just wondering now about which one (the 935 or the 1187) would be the most dependable as far as ejecting those big, honking 3.5" shells is concerned. To be honest....I'm leaning toward the 870 and getting me a Caldwell Lead Sled to go with it to absorb the patterning recoil for me. I'm old and soft. ;D
Quote from: poorcountrypreacher on April 15, 2011, 04:42:17 PM
I would encourage you to shoot some turkey shells thru a gun with a Shurshot stock before buying one. I got an 870 for a backup gun and I liked the looks of the stock until I fired a turkey shell with it - it felt like it nearly ripped my thumb off. You can't get your hand behind it like a true pistol grip like a Benelli has. Your thumb is gonna catch a lot of the recoil, and it made me not want to shoot the gun.
I was able to buy a regular stock from the clearance place at Remington for $14 and I like the gun much better now. But the 870 still kicks a lot more than an 1187. It also kicks more than my SBE. You've been a Remington man all your life; just get you an 1187 and you know you will like it.
Haven't you done enough damage already by helping to get me hooked on this turkey hunting addiction? Now here you are stalking me over here on this website, wanting me to spend more money than I should. Shame, shame. ;D
That's a good point and I should do that. Are you offering to let me come shoot your gun? In case I bought a standard 1187, would you sell me your sure shot buttstock so I could have both? Assuming they interchange....I have no idea whether they do or not.
Quote from: poorcountrypreacher on April 15, 2011, 04:42:17 PM
I would encourage you to shoot some turkey shells thru a gun with a Shurshot stock before buying one. I got an 870 for a backup gun and I liked the looks of the stock until I fired a turkey shell with it - it felt like it nearly ripped my thumb off. You can't get your hand behind it like a true pistol grip like a Benelli has. Your thumb is gonna catch a lot of the recoil, and it made me not want to shoot the gun.
I was able to buy a regular stock from the clearance place at Remington for $14 and I like the gun much better now. But the 870 still kicks a lot more than an 1187. It also kicks more than my SBE. You've been a Remington man all your life; just get you an 1187 and you know you will like it.
I have a shurshot on my 1187 and I don't think my thumb takes any of the recoil. Maybe I hold it a little differently? But then again, like you said, the 870 kicks much more AND I only shoot 3" shells through it. On that 1187, that shurshot stock feels like MONEY. Very ergonomic. I spent a lot of time behind and m16 so I like a pistol grip and to me that shurshot is a step in the right direction.
Quote from: poorcountrypreacher on April 15, 2011, 04:42:17 PM
I would encourage you to shoot some turkey shells thru a gun with a Shurshot stock before buying one. I got an 870 for a backup gun and I liked the looks of the stock until I fired a turkey shell with it - it felt like it nearly ripped my thumb off. You can't get your hand behind it like a true pistol grip like a Benelli has. Your thumb is gonna catch a lot of the recoil, and it made me not want to shoot the gun.
You are mistaken, at least with the new Shurshot stock, it is not a small thumbhole. It's a wide open pistol grip, and to be honest, with it's postion, helps absorb the shock and does not bother your thumb at all. To me my 11-87 with the Sureshot stock and Supercell pad shooting a 3.5in. has about the same kick as my old Mossy 500 shooting 3in. Mags., and 3in. feel like nothing.
This is the Sureshot stock, they come with, to me very good design, when looking for a turkey only setup.
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Just wanted to say THANK YOU so much to each of you guys for your input...it is greatly appreciated...please keep it coming! Once I choose and procure something, I will certainly come here and share my patterns, chosen load, etc. with you guys as well. Thanks again!
1187 shur shot all day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To me my 11-87 with the Sureshot stock and Supercell pad is the way to go. It's what I have.
I had a out of position shot last year that was over behind my left shoulder, I was able to shot one handed with the SM and got my bird, with no thumb damage..
You would have to pry my cold dead hands from my SBE2 if you wanted it.
(http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/huntiowa/SBE%202/IMG_20101029_1904041.jpg)
(http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/huntiowa/SBE%202/IMG_20101029_1901041.jpg)
(http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/huntiowa/SBE%202/IMG_20101029_1904372.jpg)
(http://i990.photobucket.com/albums/af29/huntiowa/IMG_20110327_1452211.jpg)
I LOVE those SBE2's that everybody keeps showing and I sure do wish I could get one, but it ain't happening for a strictly turkey hunting gun. No way, no how. Please stop posting those pics so I won't be tempted. Thanks. ;D
Another long time 1187 fan, mine will shoot #6's 200+ @ 40 all day, even though I enjoy it alot more when I shoot them at half that.
I hunt with a Browning BPS with a Bushnell Trophy red-dot, but find that at 9 lbs rigged out it is getting to be heavy to lug on a full dawn to dusk day. I hunt waterfowl with a Benelli M-2 and I think I am going to either get another M-2 or a SBE2, mount a Burris FF-II red-dot and make it a dedicated turkey shotgun, ought to shed a pound and a half or two by going that route. I know it is pricey, but my children will get more money at the estate sale if I get one (or maybe not)!
It is an investment. I will use it for as long as I can hunt. My grandson expected on 4/27/2011 if he is blessed by God with good health he can enjoy it when I go to live with my Lord. Its only money. I worked for it. And I will spend it. I dont care if it is only used for turkey. It gets the job done and done well. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! buy cheap get cheap crap.
Quote from: Mailman on April 16, 2011, 01:36:07 PMYOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
No doubt about that! If I had the extra expendable income, your gun is EXACTLY what I would buy for the reasons you mentioned. I just can't justify turning loose of that kind of money right now for many reasons. Make no mistake about it....I'm jealous. ;D
I was in your shoes last year (looking at Semi-Auto turkey gun). I tried a pump and hated it. After looking, I bought the 935 pistol Grip Turkey model. I couldn't be happier, and love the way it shoots. If I was buying right now I would buy the 935 model I have now again. If I wanted something lighter I would buy the Steoger 3500.
Quote from: grousec on April 16, 2011, 04:21:36 PM
I was in your shoes last year (looking at Semi-Auto turkey gun). I tried a pump and hated it. After looking, I bought the 935 pistol Grip Turkey model. I couldn't be happier, and love the way it shoots. If I was buying right now I would buy the 935 model I have now again. If I wanted something lighter I would buy the Steoger 3500.
Just won a 935 on gunbroker. Bought a slightly used one at a good price with a field barrel and a turkey barrel. We do raffles in my gun club and I shouldn't have any problem getting my money back if I decide it's not for me. If I'm not pleased, I'll move on to the 1187. Thank you guys so much for all the help and information!!!! :thanks:
If you just got hooked on turkey hunting, I hate to tell ya this, but one day you will probably have one of each you mentioned.
If I was going to buy a new gun in that price range I would probably go with the Stoeger 3500 with the steadygrip stock. They shoot good are are so easy to keep clean. All the guns you mention are excellent turkey guns. Just take your time, try some out if you can and pick what is good for you. Happy and safe hunting.
I would go with a Beretta Xtrema II for a heavy duty semi-automatic shotgun. It would be a shame just to use if for turkey hunting though, unless you have a serious bankroll.
The Xtrema is the softest shooting heavy duty 12 there is, and they are tough, and have that special corrosion resistant coating on them.
I have my eyes on one for my next shotgun purchase.
Quote from: Mild Bill on April 16, 2011, 07:09:23 PM
I would go with a Beretta Xtrema II for a heavy duty semi-automatic shotgun.
I purchased one for my dad this past year, great gun. He only uses it for turkey and coyote (we run hounds).
QuoteCutt, its my thumb, how could I be mistaken about it hurting? ;)
Mine looks like yours except for the different color on the front of it. And on an 1187, there is MUCH less recoil than the 870, and it might not have been an issue even for me with the auto. Also, it was much worse shooting off a bench than just shooting it. I finally started putting my thumb beside the grip instead of in it when shooting off the bench. Now I don't have to worry about it anymore.
I still think you are mistaken the Sureshot stock for a thumbhole stock, at least it's what you make it sound like? You stated" I finally started putting my thumb beside the grip, instead of in it" Sounds like you are describing a thumhole, and yes they will beat your thumb. But can't see how a wide open shurshot can beat ones thumb? You put your thumb in a thumbhole stock like you stated, with a shurshot stock you put your whole hand in., it's no different than a pistol grip.
I honestly though you were talking about the small thumhole type? Because it does not effect my thumb like you described? Although I will say my Shurshot with the overmolded grips, looks to have a bigger opening then the stock you pictured? So maybe there is a slight difference as the newer ones have a bit more hand room? Sorry for the confusion, as I also just could not understand if the gun is shouldered tightly the hand doesn't take that much shock, but I guess we all shoot a bit different?
Quote from: Cutt on April 17, 2011, 08:17:17 AM
Although I will say my Shurshot with the overmolded grips, looks to have a bigger opening then the stock you pictured?
Although it's tough to tell with just that one pic, I have to agree with this. That opening doesn't look as big at first glance? Or, PCP has hands like a gorilla. ;D
I have very big hands and my shurshot stock fits fine. If you are holding your shotgun right you will have more pressure on the front of the stock pulling it to your shoulder, witch takes the impact of the shot.
Quote from: Mag10 on April 17, 2011, 03:06:37 PM
I have very big hands and my shurshot stock fits fine. If you are holding your shotgun right you will have more pressure on the front of the stock pulling it to your shoulder, witch takes the impact of the shot.
I agree, think that's why I couldn't picture thumb problems with it? I'm guessing my shoulder takes 75-80% of the recoil, leaving the hand with very litte.
SX3 I picked one up last year and you couldn't trade me a few guns for it. they handle great the shoot great and is light weight. Everything you would want in a gun. I have a lot of turkey guns and this thing is a straight shooter, straight out of the box.TWO THUMBS UP. :icon_thumright:
The 1187SM sureshot is a fine 3.5 auto turkey gun.