I ordered a Nikon Turkeypro 1.65x5 scope to put on my SBEII. I've never hunted with a scope for turkeys and am worried i will have trouble picking up a moving turkey or getting a second shot if needed. Do any of ya'll hunt with this scope or another scope for turkeys? does it help in the turkey woods?
To eachs own,but I would rather have open sights to get a better field of view
If you are have used scopes a lot and are good at getting in the scope you should be ok.
I've shot a scoped turke gun for years. I love it. Its only bit me one time thats because another turkey sneeked in on my lft side and was silent, but he didn't get any either
I bought the same scope but haven't mounted it yet. If you are too concerned get the see through mounts to have the best of both worlds.
I think you will be ok at lower power. I had to take my old pro diamond 4x32 off because target acquisition was difficult at close range. If I had the variable power I still would have it on today. 1 or 2x should be perfect.
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I found a Pentax Zero Power shotgun scope. Good field of view and I sill get the precision of the cross hairs. It also has the Circle that represents 30" at 40yds. Can't wait to get it on a turkey.
My father-in-law just picked up the scope you have. Its very nice. You have the luxury of sighting in POA/POI at high power, then hunting on low. Good field of view.
Good luck
Clint
I used a scope for a year then decided it wasn't for me. On one occasion I had two coyotes run in on my decoys so fast at first light that i could get only one because of the scope. I had the same thing on a tom that just came running across that I just could not get him in the scope guick enough. Scopes not for me.
Scopes can certainly work, but I don't see the need.
Calling in a turkey is hard. Shooting it is easy. You're shooting at a more-or-less stationary target, at a range of 50 yards or less with a shotgun. It's not 22 target shooting for groups.
I'm a big fan of some sort of sight because it's just too easy to get your head in not exactly the perfect position, but open sights are fine. I don't use open sights on rifles anymore, but I can put the red blur between the green blur well enough for turkeys.
See through mounts sound like a good idea, but in reality, they mount the scope too high for a proper shooting position. The last thing you want is to have to decide which set of sights to use for a quick shot.
I prefer a scope on my turkey guns. It allows me an unobstructed view of the whole turkey, and no I have never had trouble "finding" them in the scope or getting off a second shot if needed.
I prefer a scope on my turkey gun. I actually use the same nikon that you mentioned and IMO, it's one of the best scopes on the market. Leave it on 2x when you hunt and you're good to go! You can have a hard time with target aquisition if you leave it on high power..
Do you need a scope to turkey hunt? No, but you can be downright surgical with them at long range and up close. Most misses are because the turkey was either too close or too far and for me a scope is the way to go. Most peoples guns don't hit true poa after they install custom choke and shoot hevishot (In my experience), so they do need an adjustable sight. Whether or not it is a scope, red dot, reflex, adjustable iron sights is up to them. It is MY OPINION that a scope is the most precise and allows you to shoot more accurately in low light conditions.
EVERY type of sight has pro's and cons. I'm just glad there's alot of good choices!
I like a red dot!
I tried the scope thing a few years ago and it wasn't for me. I've had good luck with the Truglo iron sights. They are durable, easy to install/adjust and rock solid. To me a scope adds to many variables to my gun. Most shots are not taken on the edge of my max range anyway. Lots of guys love them and you won't know till ya try it.
I'm going to test the truglo gobble dot adjustable sights on my gun before i commit to putting the scope on
As was stated earlier, each to his/her own.
We have an 870 with iron sights that has the ability to mount a Scope, a red dot or any other optical device.
9 out of 10 time, we go with just the iron sights.
Good luck , just make certain that you spend some time at the range, prior to going afield.
Good Luck
:cowboy:
My only concern would be picking target up quickly. I think the way I hunt, open sights benefit me. I do have a ghost ring though.
I have that same Nikon scope on by Benelli and love it! To me I think it makes you a lot more accurate because you can pick a spot on the turkey. Especially if he is far away.
Quote from: Spurcollecta on February 07, 2012, 02:20:58 PM
I prefer a scope on my turkey gun. I actually use the same nikon that you mentioned and IMO, it's one of the best scopes on the market. Leave it on 2x when you hunt and you're good to go! You can have a hard time with target aquisition if you leave it on high power..
Do you need a scope to turkey hunt? No, but you can be downright surgical with them at long range and up close. Most misses are because the turkey was either too close or too far and for me a scope is the way to go. Most peoples guns don't hit true poa after they install custom choke and shoot hevishot (In my experience), so they do need an adjustable sight. Whether or not it is a scope, red dot, reflex, adjustable iron sights is up to them. It is MY OPINION that a scope is the most precise and allows you to shoot more accurately in low light conditions.
EVERY type of sight has pro's and cons. I'm just glad there's alot of good choices!
You've made a good case for having some sort adjustable sight so that POI can equal POA. But you haven't mentioned one single reason why it should be a scope. There's no such thing as "surgical shooting" with a shotgun.
I have used scopes, red dots and open sights.
Of the three, I prefer the red dot sight. I do not need the magnification that a scope provides, but if someone does, or enjoys using a scope, go for it. I like the wide FOV that an open red dot or reflex style provides. I don't like open sights due to the fact that I have to think about keeping my head down on the stock, and lining up the red dot between the green.
For me, that's just too many things to think about.
I used a scope for the first time last year. I really liked it. I have always just used the bead but the eyesight isn't as good as it used to be. My contacts are sometimes a little blurry. The scope helps take that away.
The main disadvantages is it limits your field of view and your shotgun no longer feels like a shotgun.
I shoot a leupold 1.5-4x20 scope on my 870. Before putting the scope on my gun I had missed several birds. I need glasses or contacts but I'm too stubborn to get them. I have shot multiple running birds, but I'm also very used to shooting a scoped gun. Another reason I shoot a scope is because my gun shoots a golfball size pattern out to about 25 yards. Crosshairs give me an extremely precise aiming point "aim small miss small". I tried the tru glo sights but the turkeys head was always just a blob when looking through them and didn't work for me.
Quote from: natman on February 18, 2012, 04:37:26 AM
Quote from: Spurcollecta on February 07, 2012, 02:20:58 PM
I prefer a scope on my turkey gun. I actually use the same nikon that you mentioned and IMO, it's one of the best scopes on the market. Leave it on 2x when you hunt and you're good to go! You can have a hard time with target aquisition if you leave it on high power..
Do you need a scope to turkey hunt? No, but you can be downright surgical with them at long range and up close. Most misses are because the turkey was either too close or too far and for me a scope is the way to go. Most peoples guns don't hit true poa after they install custom choke and shoot hevishot (In my experience), so they do need an adjustable sight. Whether or not it is a scope, red dot, reflex, adjustable iron sights is up to them. It is MY OPINION that a scope is the most precise and allows you to shoot more accurately in low light conditions.
EVERY type of sight has pro's and cons. I'm just glad there's alot of good choices!
You've made a good case for having some sort adjustable sight so that POI can equal POA. But you haven't mentioned one single reason why it should be a scope. There's no such thing as "surgical shooting" with a shotgun.
And you haven't mentioned one logical reason why it shouldn't be a scope. IMO, a scope is less complicated than red dots and reflexes due to their battery reliance and risk of electronic failure. IMO, a scope is better than the adjustable fiber-optic sights that you see atop most turkey guns because I've had the fiber optic pieces fall out of every one that I've had. I'd love to use just a bead but any of the already mentioned sighting devises will make you more accurate, period. Pick whatever YOU want because I don't care what YOU or anyone else hunts with. And yes I am "surgical" with my scoped 870...
I think a scope would be the way to go, I just worry about it losing its zero if I was to drop my gun or bump the scope
Quote from: delta hunter on February 18, 2012, 01:12:54 PM
I think a scope would be the way to go, I just worry about it losing its zero if I was to drop my gun or bump the scope
That's a logical concern! I've used a scope for seven or eight seasons and hunt darn near everyday. I don't baby my gun at all and not once has it lost it's zero. I'd be more concerned about the mounts or base coming loose. Just make sure to lock-tite everything when installing and that should eliminate that.
Quote from: Spurcollecta on February 07, 2012, 02:20:58 PM
There's no such thing as "surgical shooting" with a shotgun.
Shotguns make
Excellant surgical instruments. This patient was operated on at close range with a scoped shotgun. The operation was a success
Because the patient died.
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh252/talkstoturkeys/Spring%20Gobbler%202010/2nd%20Gobbler/CopyofIMG_1926_9_1.jpg)
If your gun fits you properly you will have no trouble finding moving game in a scope.
Fixed 2.5 power for me, no problem finding birds in the scope.
I had issues with open sights and being able to focus well on the aiming points without some blurring. Scope gives me one aiming point, no blurring.
Quote from: TalksToTurkeys on February 18, 2012, 02:15:48 PM
Quote from: Spurcollecta on February 07, 2012, 02:20:58 PM
There's no such thing as "surgical shooting" with a shotgun.
Shotguns make poor surgical instruments. This patient was operated on at close range with a scoped shotgun. The operation was a success but the patient died.
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh252/talkstoturkeys/Spring%20Gobbler%202010/2nd%20Gobbler/CopyofIMG_1926_9_1.jpg)
If your gun fits you properly you will have no trouble finding moving game in a scope.
Looks like a successful surgery to me! Wasn't the goal of the operation to kill the patient?? Lol
I don't see the need for a scope, And i really don't need a mirror on the front of my gun.
I think the nikon scope comes with a honeycomb style sun filter to eliminate glare or glint
Quote from: delta hunter on February 18, 2012, 02:54:18 PM
I think the nikon scope comes with a honeycomb style sun filter to eliminate glare or glint
Sure does! I don't use it tho cause it's never been an issue. I guess if they seen the glare it was too late. Or maybe they liked the way they looked in the "mirror" and kept coming...
Quote from: Spurcollecta on February 18, 2012, 02:42:20 PM
Quote from: TalksToTurkeys on February 18, 2012, 02:15:48 PM
Quote from: Spurcollecta on February 07, 2012, 02:20:58 PM
There's no such thing as "surgical shooting" with a shotgun.
Shotguns make poor surgical instruments. This patient was operated on at close range with a scoped shotgun. The operation was a success but the patient died.
(http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh252/talkstoturkeys/Spring%20Gobbler%202010/2nd%20Gobbler/CopyofIMG_1926_9_1.jpg)
If your gun fits you properly you will have no trouble finding moving game in a scope.
Looks like a successful surgery to me! Wasn't the goal of the operation to kill the patient?? Lol
You are correct. I have edited my original post. Thank you.
Im a reflex style site guy after last year but will use open sites also...
The field of view of a scope was my concern.
I used Red Dot sights on my set-ups for a couple of years and went back to sights.
I was always concerned about the battery dying when I had a bird worked in close.
I use a red dot. No magnification. No problem finding birds. Change battery every year whether it needs it or not.
I'm going with a new Vortex Red Green dot this year. Can't wait
I've used the bead, the rifle sights and a scope. I keep going back to the scope and have been shooting one for about the last 15 years. Everybody is different and all choices have their pro's and con's, but I've never had an issue picking a bird up in the scope, and it certainly helps me maintain focus and stay down on the gun at the moment of truth. I've shot them with the scope as close as a couple of steps, on a dead run, walking, standing picture-perfect still, etc.
If you go the scope route, the best advice I could give is:
1 - Buy as high of quality optics as your pocketbook can afford. Heavy recoiling turkey guns are not friendly to cheap scopes. Additionally, the clarity and light transmission of good optics are invaluable, especially in the early morning or under a thick canopy of trees.
2 - Same as the optics, don't skimp on a good mounting system (i.e. rings and bases).
3 - Stay in the lower power range and you most likely won't encounter any issues finding your bird, regardless of what he's doing. I personally prefer a fixed 2.5X
In the end, it all comes down to what you're the most comfortable and confident in.
I put a Browning Holographic sight on my double 20 ga last year - love it. I like being able to see the turkey around the sight = easier picking up the target IMO.
I hunt with double beads, tru glo iron sights on a few guns, and one shotgun with a red dot. I generally take one of the guns with double beads or iron sights because it is one less thing to think about when im focused on how to get in position to get a gobbler to commit to the call. Simple is better in my opinion. Murphy's law will get you in turkey hunting if you over complicate a very basic shot within 40yds with too much technology. Trust me..ive seen it a bunch guiding. Ive had a turkey run right toward us and the guy couldnt get on the turkey because of his scope and the turkey ran right between us and stopped behind and gobbled. There is such a thing as over-teching. Keep it simple
I have the turkeypro it is a very nice scope and a steal now that you can get them for $150 i paid $250 for mine last year
I hunt with a set of truglo fiber optic sights,when I can't see them,I'll quit turkey hunting
I will not put a scope on a shotgun
I Have a Tri Viz on but am looking for something else,Not sure yet,Imnot overly sold on a Scope for Turkey huntin.
SURGERY DOSNT SPEAK TRUE WITH THAT PICTURE. jUST CURIOUS WHAT GUN LOAD CHOKE AND DISTANCE.
HIT ENTER TO SOON. tHE GUYS ON HERE PUT ME ON A MUELLER RED DOT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO AND I HAVE NO REGRETS. CHEAPER THAT THE HIGH DOLLAR REFLEX SIGHTS BUT WELL WORTH THE MONEY
I've got a pentax 2.5x on my browning silver and Williams firesights on my 870 super mag.
I can get very surgical with the browning. The magnification allows me to identify very small shooting windows at close and long range. If you give me 4" of a turkey's head at 40 yards I can and have made that shot before.
Despite the obvious advantages, the scope does present some challenges when encountering multiple birds. It can be difficult to watch all the birds, and identify when to move all while simultaneously keeping the scope centered on the target bird.
The Williams firesights on my 870 have obvious advantages from the simplicity of the design and use. That being said, they do not offer the precision aiming a scope does.
I shoot multiple birds with each gun every season and appreciate the attributes of both set-ups
Said it once say it again, Aimpoint 9000SC red dot.
It took me years to try an optic on my turkey gun. Like most have said "what do ya need it for when your target is under 50 Yards?" Today we are hunting with guns that are designed to get tight patterns and its easy to miss a 15 yard shot if your not right on your target. That being said I finally tried a Eotec 512 and never looked back! I love this sight! Don't matter where your head is or even if the gun is tight on your shoulder, where ever the dot is the shot is going. It don't obstruct field of view as much as a scope and is fast to find your target. Only down side is batteries but I get a year out of a set of AA's. Also solves the problem of point of impact not being the same as point of aim like a bead sight. Just sight it in with the loads you hunt with and that's it. Just my opinion hope it helps.