I'm buying my first shotgun. Previously I've used my dads 870 wing master 12 gauge. Looking back when I had a nice turkey come in this spring and fan out but then hang up I wonder if it was due to having a shiny gun. After reading many reviews I'm really intrigued by a 20 gauge. Also trying to decide between a pump and auto. I shoot off my left shoulder if that makes any difference. I figure that in general a 20 will have less recoil and be a touch less loud. Thanks for any tips you can give to someone just learning about the art of shotgunning. I would also consider shooting trap and pheasants with it, but turkeys will be the#1 purpose.
If you want to shoot clay you may want a general purpose gun over a "turkey" gun. Don't know that a 20 is any more or less loud than a 12. I don't shoot 3.5 shells in any twelve though. Good luck
I would go for a 3.5" 12g autoloader like a Remington, Winchester, or Browning. Just my opinion. Good luck.
All The Way!
870 in 12 ga. Most have a parkerized finish. Probably the most versatile, bulletproof gun for the money ever made.
I'm a lefty and have always shot right handed guns without an issue. The good thing about most auto's these days is that they come with shims to adjust the cast for a right or left handed shooter. I use my 20 gauges for everything without issue. If I hunted waterfowl I would probably have a 12 ga, not because I feel handicapped by the 20 but for the simple fact that 12 ga waterfowl loads are much easier to come by. As for upland game and turkey the weight savings of a 20 compared to a 12 is a pretty big deal to me. My recommendation is to go for the best gun you can afford in an auto: benelli m2, sx3, beretta 390-400 series, or browning. If it's a pump I would say 870 wingmaster or browning bps.
I would say that one of the main things I would consider is that you can operate the safety easily. My grandad is a lefty and always preferred semi's and pumps because of it. Was pretty awsome to watch him operate a right handed bolt action tho. Plenty of guns that can do what you need for a reasonable price.
Good luck.
You've got an awesome gun in a wing master. The gloss finish doesn't really matter that much. Sure every once in a while, the gloss might spook a bird but it sounds like your bird this spring just hung up like many more will do if you keep turkey hunting. Two of the most successful and best turkey hunter I know hunt with gloss guns (browning gold and a wing master).
Your budget is going to dictate what my suggestions would be. I'd go with an autoloader if you're going to go spendy, you can't go wrong with a Beneli SBE 2 or a browning maxxus/A5/silver hunter. If you're trying to save a little money and still get a good gun, stoeger 3000 or 3500.
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A few cans of Rustoleum camo paint is pretty cheap also.
I spray my old 870 about every five years or whenever it starts looking ratty. Makes me feel like I have a NEW gun, lol.
I hunted for years with a stainless steel Marlin 22 WMR and had zero problems killing birds well within shotgun range. Happy can attest to that as he's called in numerous birds for me in the past. I'd shot several in the fall by myself well before that and even shot quite a few birds with another hunting buddy of mine. The finish on the gun means diddly in the grand scheme of things. Your movement will dictate how a bird reacts more than anything. As for a shotgun to cover all the bases you're speaking of, I'd lean towards a 12ga. Ammo is cheaper and when you start using the smaller bores for trap, things get exponentially harder. Nothing wrong with a challenge but when speaking of waterfowl and the nontoxic shot requirements, unless you plan to use something other than steel for ducks and geese, you're really cutting down the payload. When heavily feathered birds are being shot from the sky at breakneck speeds, I'd want the 12ga for the extra pellets. Upland game will give up the ghost fairly quick but ducks and geese are another story. I'm not in any way saying it can't be done as many have done it. It's a personal choice for me.
As for gun choices, look for something you can manipulate easily. Not real sure I'd want an auto as a lefty simply because I've shot them left handed for grins and giggles. They tend to leave me feeling a bit awkward when powder residue comes flying out of the ejection port and hits my nose and cheeks. I'd prefer a pump with a breech that wasn't open until I worked the action myself. Just me though. That being said, while not a frilly gun in any fashion, the Mossberg 535 can be bought with a couple barrels to meet your needs. If looking for something with more pizazz, look into the 870 or the browning line. If you're really leaning towards the automatic line, Winchester and browning are hard to beat. If you can find a good used A5, awesome. Another great pick is the Remington 11-87. Personally, I'd be looking for a used one there too but that's me. If you don't need the 3.5" requirements, I'd find an 1100 and understand that there's a good chance it may only cycle 3" shells. You can load for that though and still shoot cheaper than buying 2.75" shells. My buddy squirrel hunts now with reloaded 3" shells and it's still cheaper for him than buying the cheap bulk packs of shells at the big box stores.
Thanks a lot everyone for all the info. After doing piles of reading over the last week things are getting a little clearer. ..I think? Many like a heavy 12 gauge for trap as they say it swings smoother and on the flip side many prefer a 20 for upland game as it is easy to shoulder and swing even after many miles of walking. For waterfowl a 12 is the hands down winner due to properties of steel shot. I went to cabelas today and shouldered a few, the Frannchi affinity 26" 20 gauge felt really good in my paws. A buddy has one in a 12 gauge so I'm going to shoot that one and see how it feels.
I am primarily a wing and clay shooter... Although there might be a slight disadvantage in barrel length for turkey hunting, for wing/clay shooting I prefer a 28" barrel (or 26" as a minimum).
Shorter barrels are and advantage for turkey hunting, but a disadvantage for wing and clay shooting. They have a louder muzzle blast, and do not swing nearly as smoothly.
As a lefty, I would take a hard look at the Browning BPS or the Ithaca 37, as both have bottom ejection and reversible safeties. Both have very smooth pumping actions and are generally reliable guns... Both are a bit more costly than most pump action guns though.
No doubt but that the 870 is a good weapon, but I would look at an early or pre-1980's gun, as the quality of these guns has unfortunately dropped off considerably (in my opinion). The 870 does make a left-handed gun though.
Benelli makes a left-handed version, as does the Remington Versamax, which are two very popular auto-loaders that I would not hesitate in purchasing. I have owned a Benelli, and it was a very reliable gun, but does have some recoil as compared to the gas-operated Versamax. I would avoid going cheap on an auto-loader, and if I were going to drop the cash, I would want a left-handed gun if I were a left-handed shooter... (Although I have lefty friends who shoot and enjoy right-handed models).
I would have no issue purchasing a used pump shotgun, but would probably avoid purchasing a used auto-loader unless you know the history of the gun. Every make and model of auto-loaders out there has lemons, and my own luck has been very poor purchasing used autos...
As stated above, I would stick with a 12 gauge as it is currently the most versatile gun with a wide array of chokes and loads available for all types of hunting or shooting. If you decide to go with a 3.5" gun, I would go with an auto simply due to the recoil.
Others have already responded as to shotgun candidates for turkey hunting coupled with other uses. For me, my go-to shotgun for gobblers is a 12 gauge Remington 870 using 3" #5 shot. Having said that, probably 90% of the toms I've taken are at 20 yards or less utilizing decoys which makes taking them with my flintlock fowlers, 1889 Remington hammer double barrel, and old Model 12 more than capable of making the shot, which I've done on numerous occasions. So...any shotgun will work at that range which emphasizes the point that waiting for the bird to come in close is more important than a shotgun/shell that will reach w...a...y out there. For next spring, I'm already working on a 20 gauge and LC Smith hammer double barrel for the majority of my turkey hunting. For me, everything in the process leading up to pulling the trigger is more fun than actually bringing home the bird.
A tang safety is a handy thing. Mossberg and Browning pumps have them. Mossberg semi autos have them. O/Us have them. A tang safety and a straight or adjustable stock make a gun for a Southpaw.
I looked at lefty friendly autos while back. I dismissed the Affinity due to fear of the Benelli click and loud safety. I also dslike the extra noise in the stock when firing. It would probably be a great duck gun, though. I got a Beretta A300 instead. Nicer, softer and easy to adjust the stock. Switching the safety around took maybe ten minutes.
If you have an Academy Sports store nearby, see if they have a Yildiz o/u with the steel frame. 28" barrels are a little quieter and on a break action not as long as otherwise.
I'm a lefty shooter. I grew up shooting right handed guns. My 870, 11-87, nova all have the safeties switched for left hand. My sx2 did until I gave it to my son. I never once had an issue with powder residue hitting my face. I have also shot birds with a 935 and an sp10. No issue. If the gun is functioning right then there shouldn't be any powder residue hitting your face! I have also shot sporting clays and skeet with right handed semis. No problem. If the gun is "spritzing" you, then the gun has issues.
I just recently bought a 20 gauge and set it up for my 74 year old Mom, who loves to turkey hunt. I went with a Weatherby SA459. I installed a Sumtoy 562 choke, topped it off with a Vortex Venon sight. I patterned it with 3" Fed HW 7's. After shooting it I have about decided to get another one for me and set it up the same way. Wicked little set-up that I'm sure will prove to be deadly on turkeys.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/Pattern_zpskojkz4do.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/8539d291-f501-4be7-a4c6-22f3df453538_zps4rbejimm.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/f56021e5-e3b2-41bd-b2a1-8883eb561efc_zpsyjg5gefw.jpg)
^^^ nice looking setup and patterns
One gun? No doubt, 870 12 gauge, 26" barrel. I have killed, in no particular order with mine: ducks, geese, dove, quail, turkey, deer, hogs, squirrel, and various other nuisance critters. It has never jammed once, never failed to fire and is easy to break down and clean. My brother shot one too for years and is also a lefty. It is very versatile and very reliable.
I now shoot an O/U for all flying birds/skeet (12 gauge) - although my son outshot me at sporting clays this past fall using my old 870 that he learned to hunt and shoot with - he broke 44/50 and 46/50 at a clay range. I raised him too well to use a pump.
I hunted a rainy nasty muddy field for snow geese one time - there were 8 guns in the field. The only 2 left still working at the end of the hunt were my O/U and my nephew's 870. All the autoloaders were single shots.
Shoot what fits and what feels good. Honestly, that is why they make so dang many options, we all like something different. Kinda like redheads, blondes and brunettes - they are all good, it is just that some are better! :toothy9:
Quote from: guesswho on July 01, 2016, 07:21:03 PM
I just recently bought a 20 gauge and set it up for my 74 year old Mom, who loves to turkey hunt. I went with a Weatherby SA459. I installed a Sumtoy 562 choke, topped it off with a Vortex Venon sight. I patterned it with 3" Fed HW 7's. After shooting it I have about decided to get another one for me and set it up the same way. Wicked little set-up that I'm sure will prove to be deadly on turkeys.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/Pattern_zpskojkz4do.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/8539d291-f501-4be7-a4c6-22f3df453538_zps4rbejimm.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/f56021e5-e3b2-41bd-b2a1-8883eb561efc_zpsyjg5gefw.jpg)
Nice rig. What is the name of the added on cheek piece?
It's by Triad Tactical. Well worth the money. Provides perfect eye alignment with optics.
http://www.triadtactical.com/Triad-Stock-Pad.html
Go pick em up and get what feels right. 20 or 12s. With today's available loads, you can do anything with either
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To clarify the righty lefty thing first off you need to learn eye dominance. If you shoot w wrong eye you'll be shooting sideways. Sights will help so will will closing dominant eye if you must shoot opposite eye but Id not recomend it.
Now pumps are available that shuck a shell straight down n out. Single shots shouldn't be ruled out either.
Yes 20 or 12 can work but can it work for you? Do you reload? Havd extra money for expensive shells?
If not you'll find most 12s pattern better w identical shot. Larger bore means more pellets down range simple as that. 20s often need shot sizes illegal in some states. Best option is get a safe n get a buncha guns like everyone else. Oh n btw most turks are shot fairly close so 20s can do the job. Confused yet?
Main thing is whatever gun you get pattern it n shoot in effective rangd for that gun/load combo
Good luck.
Quote from: Bowguy on July 22, 2016, 08:16:31 PM
To clarify the righty lefty thing first off you need to learn eye dominance. If you shoot w wrong eye you'll be shooting sideways. Sights will help so will will closing dominant eye if you must shoot opposite eye but Id not recomend it.
I am an eye doc, and my kids will learn to shoot off their dominant eye. Wish I had, but as an adult, I shoot reasonably well (shotgun) right-handed and left-eye dominant... It has taken some effort, and I have no doubt I would be a better shot if I had learned to shoot left-handed as a child...
Some can do it, I am not one that could successfully switch to shooting left handed as an adult.
Quote from: Bowguy on July 22, 2016, 08:16:31 PMNow pumps are available that shuck a shell straight down n out. Single shots shouldn't be ruled out either.
The Ithaca Model 37 and the Browning BPS are great pumps for left-handed shooters (or anyone for that matter). Two of the smoothest pumping actions currently made... As far as an all-around gun, I do not think that a single-shot is a good choice... And remember, that most single-shot guns have excessive recoil (in my opinion, there is not a worse gun to learn on than a single-shot 20 ga. due to the excessive recoil).
For a single gauge with the most versatility, the 12 ga. wins hands down.... There are better guns for certain tasks, but for an all-around gun, the 12 gauge is tought to beat.
QuoteI am an eye doc,
Opth or Opt ?
My best friend and duck hunting compadre is an Opt (as is his wife). My brother (a retired Lt Fireman) gets bored when we start talking shop.
Guy that works for me got into the cowboy action shooting. The pistol was natural for him, but the shotgun was whooping his tail. I took him duck hunting and immediately noticed something was wrong. I did the dominance eye test and he was left eye/right handed. He switched. It took him 6 months to get comfortable, but his shooting improved in a couple months.
I am left eye dominant and shoot right handed. Both eyes open for both gun and bow. Haven't done a whole lot of wingshooting but I did shoot a running deer once. Seems to work ok for me.
Quote from: g8rvet on July 26, 2016, 02:35:54 PM
QuoteI am an eye doc,
Opth or Opt ?
My best friend and duck hunting compadre is an Opt (as is his wife). My brother (a retired Lt Fireman) gets bored when we start talking shop.
Guy that works for me got into the cowboy action shooting. The pistol was natural for him, but the shotgun was whooping his tail. I took him duck hunting and immediately noticed something was wrong. I did the dominance eye test and he was left eye/right handed. He switched. It took him 6 months to get comfortable, but his shooting improved in a couple months.
Optometrist...
I never could make the switch, and although I will never be any George Digweed, I have learned to compensate for the left-eye dominance as a right-handed shooter... In fact, the fact that I have had to work at it a bit has probably made me a bit better shooter, and certainly improved the basic mechanics of my wing/clay shooting. Gun mount, focus on the target, and gun mount...
My father, with the same issue as me, is one of the best wing-shooters I know, and was on the state skeet team, and missed the national team by one (i.e. number 11 in the nation) when he used to shoot skeet competitively.
Oh yeah, and shooting "at" a lot of pigeons each year probably does not hurt my wing-shooting either... If I can keep access to some of the dairies, my own girls will have a huge advantage in the learning-curve for wing shooting. Those pigeons are one of the most challenging targets I have ever shot at, and although I would be disappointed with a 2 shot average on waterfowl, if you can kill a pigeon for every 2 shots, you are shooting quite well. Most birds flare up after you shoot, pigeons go balls out for the deck (and they immediately start to twist and turn in flight).
A bit off-topic, but I would say that when teaching a child to learn to shoot, a visit to the eye doctor is in order. Correcting refractive errors and checking eye dominance are important issues... And kids rarely complain about refractive errors, cause they don't know any better (i.e. if they see blurry, they just assume that is how they are supposed to see).
I am also a big believer in gun fit (for kids or adults)... A long stock (or LOP) will be more difficult to shoot, and increase felt-recoil. I see too much rib, I will likely shoot over the target... When I pick up a prospective gun, I want the gun to point where I am looking, see just a bit of rib, and likely, I will do something to shorten the stock. When I miss, it is cause I did something mechanically wrong, not cause I was struggling to compensate for a poor gun fit. I put a relatively high priority on gun-fit, and have seen my own, as well as some of my friends' shooting improve drastically with improved gun-fit.
Shooting a turkey with a shotgun, is not at all comparable to wing-shooting in any aspect... It is far more similar to shooting a rifle, as you are generally aiming at a stationary target. Misses on a turkey are generally due to shooting too far, lifting your head, not knowing where the gun shoots (with such a tight pattern), or some other very basic mechanical error on the shooter's part (such a breathing really heavy while the gun is waving around in a circle when you shoot).
All good points and why I wanted to stop shooting my duck gun at turkeys. I think I was overly confident or just not as careful with "rifle shooting" the target. I mean, I water swat cripples with barely a thought - ya just do it. But turkey shooting is a lot different with the tighter chokes and it took me a few years to re think that. Now I have a dedicated turkey gun, that fits, points and shoots more like a rifle. I just feel more confident and that helps a lot too.
I used to sell guns for a living , and I'll give you my advise that's as good or worse that any other person "the best gun is the one that works best for you " literally any shotgun with s screw in choke can be made to kill a gobbler , there are some messed up barrels out there , but I doubt you'll ever cross paths with one
Go down to a sporting goods store on a slow day and try out and shoulder as many guns as possible , look for a good fit ,and fits your budget. I strongly recommend you get one with a popular screw in choke system , a shotgun with a obscure choke system will be a hassle .pick a quality shotgun -keep a keen eye out ft or a centered choke instalation job and rib from the factory
Nothing against 20's they work fine and set up properly are more than enough, but some of the lighter 12's will feel like a 20 with some additional payload , if a friend is selling you the gun try and pattern it first to test for accuracy and pattern density
Quote from: Marc on July 25, 2016, 10:33:10 PM
Quote from: Bowguy on July 22, 2016, 08:16:31 PM
To clarify the righty lefty thing first off you need to learn eye dominance. If you shoot w wrong eye you'll be shooting sideways. Sights will help so will will closing dominant eye if you must shoot opposite eye but Id not recomend it.
I am an eye doc, and my kids will learn to shoot off their dominant eye. Wish I had, but as an adult, I shoot reasonably well (shotgun) right-handed and left-eye dominant... It has taken some effort, and I have no doubt I would be a better shot if I had learned to shoot left-handed as a child...
Some can do it, I am not one that could successfully switch to shooting left handed as an adult.
Quote from: Bowguy on July 22, 2016, 08:16:31 PMNow pumps are available that shuck a shell straight down n out. Single shots shouldn't be ruled out either.
The Ithaca Model 37 and the Browning BPS are great pumps for left-handed shooters (or anyone for that matter). Two of the smoothest pumping actions currently made... As far as an all-around gun, I do not think that a single-shot is a good choice
I actually was only referring to the single shot for turkey. Personally in anything but a controlled, single aimed shot I believe single shots, besides being imperfect for some tasks can be more dangerous than guns w safeties. Just my opinion
My $0.02; I shoot left handed and hunt with right handed semi-auto SBE II, 870, and Model 70 bolt action rifles in .308 & .30'06. I started turkey hunting with an Ithaca 37R 2&3/4 inch chamber that worked well enough. The bottom eject in that Ithaca was nice, though I seldom see the spent casing/hull eject in any of the right hand guns I shoot. The 37 was stolen when my house got robbed, so I turkey hunted with a single shot Stevens for 8 years, because I got used to it. I never missed a turkey with it either. My granddad taught me to be sure of the first shot and it wouldn't matter how many rounds you had in the magazine.
I prefer the 12 gauge over the 20 because there are more ammo options available. I haven't found more than a 3 inch shell necessary for any hunting situation, but that's personal preference.
A firearm does not need a camo finish, but it sure doesn't hurt. My single shot still has the same No-Mar bow tape I put on it in 1985, though it is kind of ragged in places these days.
Like others said, find a gun that fits your size and wallet just right. You'll be better off buying a quality firearm that will last than buying a cheap one that doesn't hold up as well. There are also a lot of good quality used guns on the market if previously enjoyed is not a problem. I hope your new gun brings a lot of successful hunts and adventure.
Jim
Really easy, go to the gun shop. Look at the shotguns. Handle a Benelli auto. If the price tag won't get you divorced, buy it. If it will buy an 870. That's how to pick out a shotgun.
I've been hunting with a Winchester SX3, truglo choke and Winchester Longbeard #5's. No complaints about any of them
870 has probably killed more turkeys than any gun out there.
Mossberg has a pretty cool 500 out there right now that you might check out if you are on a budget.
Quote from: guesswho on July 01, 2016, 07:21:03 PM
I just recently bought a 20 gauge and set it up for my 74 year old Mom, who loves to turkey hunt. I went with a Weatherby SA459. I installed a Sumtoy 562 choke, topped it off with a Vortex Venon sight. I patterned it with 3" Fed HW 7's. After shooting it I have about decided to get another one for me and set it up the same way. Wicked little set-up that I'm sure will prove to be deadly on turkeys.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/Pattern_zpskojkz4do.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/8539d291-f501-4be7-a4c6-22f3df453538_zps4rbejimm.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v395/olesixbeards/f56021e5-e3b2-41bd-b2a1-8883eb561efc_zpsyjg5gefw.jpg)
Great choice. I'd also look at the Franchi Affinity in 20 ga or 12 ga.
:camohat: About four years ago I picked up a new Rem 870 Turkey/Predator SPS Super Mag and never looked back. Shot it w/the factory HD Turkey/Predator choke, liked the pattern and so far, no bird shot at ever walked away. The short barrel doesn't get hung up in the woods and hardly ever have to prune back my set-up spots. Its the next best thing to sliced bread! Only draw back, muzzle blast if anyone is with you so I make sure I have ear plugs for company.
Great setup. Good luck.