Title says it all. Looking to set up a small bore specifically for turkeys. One reason is to increase the challenge for myself, and work my birds in closer. Second is to have a setup for my daughters when they're old enough. Third, I'm tired of lugging around over 8lbs of 12 gauge that's really overkill with TSS shot. What are some good options? Requirements are lightweight and compact. Thanks.
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SA-28 tactical hands down. Just over 5lbs.
Trust me. You are not at a disadvantage with a 28 loaded with TSS.
I have a friend I grew up with that hosts a well known outdoor tv show. He's using the Mossberg SA-28 Tactical and has nothing but great things to say about it.
Mossberg SA28. I have a mossberg SA410 and it's a nice little set up.
Another SA-28 user and love it. So does my wife. TSS #9 handloads make it my perfect gun with the IC .520. You won't be disappointed with one bro. Z
I'm also a SA-28 user. Compact SA-28 with a 24" barrel shooting an Indian Creek. 525 and #9 TSS. I still tote my Model 12 on occasion for nostalgic purposes. Shooting basically the same load out of each, 1-1/2 ounces of #9 TSS.
I retired recently and like to tinker. I set up a CZ Bobwhite sxs that has become my favorite. If I didn't, I'd go with the SA-28 as mentioned here.
Not very common but this little 870 28ga is Thunder on the noggin!
(https://i.ibb.co/jHWSsWc/63-B337-A6-FBB3-4902-938-F-495248-E7-F396.jpg) (https://ibb.co/st6Zz60)
Quote from: limhnger on April 08, 2023, 03:40:42 PM
Not very common but this little 870 28ga is Thunder on the noggin!
(https://i.ibb.co/jHWSsWc/63-B337-A6-FBB3-4902-938-F-495248-E7-F396.jpg) (https://ibb.co/st6Zz60)
I just bought me one. Now I'm going to have to figure out who can thread the barrel for chokes.
It has wood furniture, so I may be looking to put synthetic on it and camo. I think I'm going to try a kick lite stock.
I have a hatfield semiautomatic I thought about trying out
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Quote from: Jstocks on April 08, 2023, 05:22:11 PM
Quote from: limhnger on April 08, 2023, 03:40:42 PM
Not very common but this little 870 28ga is Thunder on the noggin!
(https://i.ibb.co/jHWSsWc/63-B337-A6-FBB3-4902-938-F-495248-E7-F396.jpg) (https://ibb.co/st6Zz60)
I just bought me one. Now I'm going to have to figure out who can thread the barrel for chokes.
It has wood furniture, so I may be looking to put synthetic on it and camo. I think I'm going to try a kick lite stock.
Give Sumtoy Customs a call, William can mostl likely do it for you.
Thanks for all the recommendations everybody. Sounds like the Mossberg is definitely a winner. Their Bantam model sa28 looks like it may be what I'm after. One other thing I'm curious of, I don't intend to choke this gun incredibly tight. I want more of a hunting pattern, a bit wider than I usually hunt. Can a 28 with a moderately wide pattern reliably kill at 40 yards?
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Quote from: Jstocks on April 08, 2023, 05:22:11 PM
Quote from: limhnger on April 08, 2023, 03:40:42 PM
Not very common but this little 870 28ga is Thunder on the noggin!
(https://i.ibb.co/jHWSsWc/63-B337-A6-FBB3-4902-938-F-495248-E7-F396.jpg) (https://ibb.co/st6Zz60)
I just bought me one. Now I'm going to have to figure out who can thread the barrel for chokes.
It has wood furniture, so I may be looking to put synthetic on it and camo. I think I'm going to try a kick lite stock.
Found this one coupe years ago at a pawn shop. It has wood stocks just put the Shurshot on it. Also came with a remchoke factory barrel. Found a short barrel to just have to get it threaded. Shoot a pure gold choke...
Quote from: StruttinGobbler3 on April 08, 2023, 07:57:25 PM
Thanks for all the recommendations everybody. Sounds like the Mossberg is definitely a winner. Their Bantam model sa28 looks like it may be what I'm after. One other thing I'm curious of, I don't intend to choke this gun incredibly tight. I want more of a hunting pattern, a bit wider than I usually hunt. Can a 28 with a moderately wide pattern reliably kill at 40 yards?
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The full choke that comes with the SA-28 will give you what you're looking for, I believe. And yes, it will be good to 40 yards using TSS.
Quote from: strut-n-rut on April 08, 2023, 07:25:23 PM
I have a hatfield semiautomatic I thought about trying out
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Do it! I have one that we made into a youth gun- had the barrel cut and shortened LOP. It could only be fitted with true size choke tubes, but the full choke is perfect for a youth hunter.
I would go Benelli ultra light personally.
Picked up a Mossberg sa about a month ago. I like it.
I shoot a 28 for lots of game. I saw the Hatfield at Walmart and liked the feel, like an old 100 to me. I shot it at sporting clays and it was fine. TSSloads were too much for it. 3 shots and the fore stock cracked almost the whole length. I did get a replacement, but not shooting anything but target loads now. I think a little more work and they could have a nice little gun there. Z
Quote from: zelmo1 on April 10, 2023, 05:02:39 AM
I shoot a 28 for lots of game. I saw the Hatfield at Walmart and liked the feel, like an old 100 to me. I shot it at sporting clays and it was fine. TSSloads were too much for it. 3 shots and the fore stock cracked almost the whole length. I did get a replacement, but not shooting anything but target loads now. I think a little more work and they could have a nice little gun there. Z
This can't be common with tss, can it? I haven't heard if this happing before, but should I be worried about putting tss through older wood-stocked guns?
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Quote from: ETXhunter93 on April 10, 2023, 10:50:55 AM
Quote from: zelmo1 on April 10, 2023, 05:02:39 AM
I shoot a 28 for lots of game. I saw the Hatfield at Walmart and liked the feel, like an old 100 to me. I shot it at sporting clays and it was fine. TSSloads were too much for it. 3 shots and the fore stock cracked almost the whole length. I did get a replacement, but not shooting anything but target loads now. I think a little more work and they could have a nice little gun there. Z
This can't be common with tss, can it? I haven't heard if this happing before, but should I be worried about putting tss through older wood-stocked guns?
The stock cracking was a common 'Hatfield' thing. I read about it happening more commonly on the 20 gauges.
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It was a new gun. Bought last year. I still shoot it for small game and clays. My thought was that for a little more money spent by the manufacturer,it could be a really good gun. I paid $236 for it. So their cost was low. I would pay $400 for the same gun if they correct the issue. Z
Bought a SBE3 28ga and I absolutely love it.
Just curious why folks would choose the 28 over the 20?
Thanks
Quote from: BDeal on April 11, 2023, 02:17:07 PM
Just curious why folks would choose the 28 over the 20?
Thanks
Weight and recoil would be the two biggest factors for me. Also, while it may be harder to get from the store, some online sights (like Apex) actually have 28 selling a little cheaper than 20 ga.
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Quote from: BDeal on April 11, 2023, 02:17:07 PM
Just curious why folks would choose the 28 over the 20?
Thanks
I find the 28 to be efficient- the right amount of performance for the right weight, recoil and sound concussion.
Availability of ammo/ reloading components is another reason. When 20 ga is sold out, 28 is often available
If you have a lightweight 20ga is there much difference to move to a 28 ga? I was thinking about it
I've seen some of the best patterns out of all shotguns that don't beat the Mossberg SA-28 with an Indian Creek .520
If I were going to buy another shotgun it would be the SA-28 and shoot Apex 9.5's.
The 28 gauge can be phenomenal. I love all things shotgun related, shooting, reloading and reading about both. I recall reading about the 28 in a book that was written by a sure enough shotgun shooter. I can't remember his name, I believe he was from Texas maybe lived around Houston, he won everything, including piles of Green money!!! He said that the 28 gauge was by far the most efficient shotgun shell ever made. I believe he had it right.
Have a good one and May God bless, Bo
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Quote from: BDeal on April 11, 2023, 02:17:07 PM
Just curious why folks would choose the 28 over the 20?
Thanks
Because it's cool. If you not posting social media pictures of your dead birds next to your 28GA and Mr. Fox Vest.. you're not in the cool club.
For real.. 28GA is versatile and light. I think the new SA-28 tactical is the lightest semi-auto made. Plus, some are now loading 28GA TSS at 1-5/8 oz.. which is the same as APEX 3in 20GA load. Ammo is more often in stock... at least for now until everyone jumps on the bandwagon.
For upland hunting the difference between 20 and 28 is pronounced. And that difference is the feel in the hands, the swing, the mount... not the square load mystique. Sleek is the word that comes to mind. For turkey hunting this advantage is lost... but it is usually lighter.
In looking at the specs, the Mossberg SA 28 and SA 20 (both in the tactical versions with the pistol grip) are identical in weight and length. 6 lbs and 22 inch barrels. So you basically have the same gun except the SA 28 won't shoot 3 inch shells so you would be losing 1/4 oz of shot in Apex TSS for example. It looks like the 28 gauge shells are cheaper but not by much. I cannot see any advantage with the 28 gauge other than maybe recoil reduction for a smaller stature shooter.
Def love my SA-28. Def throws a great pattern with an Indian creek choke and my hand loaded TSS. It's light and a dream to carry. I have the stock one and thinking about upgrading to tactical. If you can find a sub gauge Tristar pistol grip it bolts right on the older sa-28
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