Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Only asking because I'm thinking about trying it myself.  LOL
Don't know if I want a pump gun or a 20g barrel for my T/C Encore.

With the new shells it's every bit as effective as a 12. It's all in what you want to use.

Biggest reason would be less felt recoil IMO.

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Because six pounds totes more easily than eight.

Because thats all the gun you need when set up right

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Lighter weight and when your older like me and walking in a ways to set up a few less ounces can make a difference. Plus it's enough gun with the shells they make nowadays with a proper set up

I know this is tongue in cheek, but what set me to thinking about it was a pinched nerve in my neck.  It is mostly healed and really, I fire so many 12 gauge shots (lighter loads) during duck season that a few rounds of sighting in and then if I am lucky 2 shots a season don't really amount to much. 

My main reason I love my little 20 (Weatherby SA 45) is I can hold it up and point it for a much longer time than my 12 without getting shaky.  Without a prop it just points so sweet and light.  Also with the shorter barrel, I have less issue with brush interference - both shooting and busting my way in to thick creek heads. 

Quote from: howl on May 13, 2018, 08:33:09 PM
Because six pounds totes more easily than eight.

This

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My 20 gauge Rem. 11-87 weighs more than my 12 gauge Encore.  However, it does shoot three times without reloading.

I love the light weight and don't feel under gunned with the new shells. It's pretty cool to reload your own shells too. My son and I will do 8 this year with 20 gauges. I see my 12 getting very lonely in the back of the safe.

Get an 870 with a 26" bbl and don't look back! After tagging out in MS with a 20 ga this year, I can tell you that I have no desire to go back to my 12 ga.

20 Gauges are for jakes.  ;)

Quote from: 2eagles on May 13, 2018, 08:22:59 PM
Only asking because I'm thinking about trying it myself.  LOL
Don't know if I want a pump gun or a 20g barrel for my T/C Encore.

I bought a Remington 870 in real tree hardwood with a 21 inch barrel this year and I like it but I would rather have your Encore in a 20 ga that's just me. They feel so sweet up against my shoulder. And a single shot is pretty quick to reload and most of the time you don't need an extra shot anyway.


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My third year with my 20, I wish I knew early how deadly they were, less weight,less recoil and just as dead as I want them at the range I want to kill one!

Quote from: Buckman18 on May 13, 2018, 09:52:54 PM
20 Gauges are for jakes.  ;)

And 25 pound toms with 11 inch ropes! 
https://youtu.be/TiuGBhBY_Jc


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Quote from: 2eagles on May 13, 2018, 08:22:59 PM
Only asking because I'm thinking about trying it myself.  LOL
Don't know if I want a pump gun or a 20g barrel for my T/C Encore.

20 gauge will kill a turkey just fine. I killed may when I was a kid with my grandfathers old Ithaca


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After a dozen Tom's in three years I'm convinced it's all your need.  Not that I'm against the 12 because I've broke out my old 12 ga this year and killed three with it. 

I quess it is all the rage. I purchased a Winchester sxp 20 turkey edition for my nephews or kids to use for next year. Me personally I will stick with the 12

There's only a one pound difference between a 20 and 12 870....I don't use/carry a decoy so I'm carrying less than most 20 gauge users. I've seen some impressive patterns with the TSS 20's but I hunt thick areas a lot and would rather have the extra pellets a 12 provides when you don't have a completely clear shot. And I've used the same 870 since I started and wouldn't want to switch now.

Pure and simple, I now tote a 5lb gun, to each his own but I laugh when guys have 7lb 20ga guns...with the hand loads my 20 throws patterns way out past my personal limit!


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I switched to a 20 7 years ago.  First five years with Fed Heavyweight 7s and last two years with TSS 9s.  This combo has resulted in 20 dead birds and they all were very dead.  Most under 30 yards with one at 42.  I did give in to a FF3 when I switched to TSS, patterns are very tight and with a bead the POA/POI was off about 6 inches.  When the pattern is 350 in the 10" with 500 total in the 20"  you really do not want to be off 6 inches!!

Any chance you guys who are looking to lug around 2 fewer pounds of gun could also lose a couple lbs from under your belt?    :funnyturkey:

Shoot what ya like regards,

20 gauge is effective but you will always get more pellets in the kill zone with a 12.  I shoot my 20 for almost everything but for turkeys I want all the advantages I can get so will stick with the 12. If I want to go light I can barrel my encore

I killed my bird this spring with a SX3 20 ga .  It did a great job but it was on 12 yds away too. A 410. could've looked good at that range.

Quote from: bigbird on May 14, 2018, 09:41:40 AM
I killed my bird this spring with a SX3 20 ga .  It did a great job but it was on 12 yds away too. A 410. could've looked good at that range.

I've seen .410 patterns that beat 3 1/2" 12ga patterns. That's great .410 vs bad 12ga, but it's still food for though.

I've always tried to use the right tool for the job. 20 gauge is the right tool for turkeys in my opinion. I've seen no downside.

To each their own I'v hunted with both a 12 and 20 but find myself using the 12 90% of the time I personally had an instance this season and several in the past I wont talk about specifics but believe my 3.5 inch 12 resulted in a dead bird that with a 20 I would have been much less confident. I agree the 20 is easier to carry I sometimes put in 10 miles or more in a day on a new piece of public land when I don't know the area all that said as stated earlier my Remington 870 12 comes with me on most hunts.

As somebody that has had surgery on both shoulders within a year I can understand why somebody would want to reduce recoil. Lucky for me I did not have a problem with my 12 but it has made me rethink my desire for a 10

Quote from: Ozarks Hillbilly on May 13, 2018, 08:27:40 PM
Biggest reason would be less felt recoil IMO.

I might disagree with that...

With the light-weight of many of the 20 gauge guns, I have found that a hot 20 gauge load has every bit as much recoil as a hot load in my 12 gauge, due to the heavier weight of the 12...  It depends on weight of the gun, the type of action (i.e. pump verses semi-auto) the loads being used, etc...

I took my wife duck hunting, and she remarked about the recoil shooting duck loads in her light gun, so I gave it a try, and was unpleasantly surprised by the recoil...

The reasons I would and do use a 20 gauge is due to the light weight and manueverability of the gun...  I use mine primarily for upland, and it is easier to carry and faster to the shoulder...

The reasons I would use one for turkey hunting are because it would be easier to carry, and more comfortable to hold in the ready position for longer periods of time...

Even with the improvement in loads, comparing similar type of loads and shells between the two gauges, the 12 gauge is generally going to produce better killing patterns out to longer distances...  However, from what I have seen with 20 gauge loads, they are more than an adequate weapon for the type of hunting I do.

Were I to start from scratch (having no turkey ammunition or chokes) I would create a 20 gauge turkey gun, and purchase the appropriate ammuntion based on the ease of carrying and hold the gun...

Another 20 ga fan here.  I didn't even pull my 12 ga from the gun safe this spring.  The 10" numbers are about the same for me and the setups I have for each.

Not toting enough stuff.

Like most have said with the advent of Hevi-shot and even more so TSS 20 has become every bit as lethal as a 12 with much lighter weight. Not for me tho. I still anxiously await the arrival of 8 gauge 4 inch shells with 3 1/4 oz of TSS ;D

My 20 gauge took 2 of the 4 birds I killed this year and would have easily killed the other two as well. Think I will only be carrying the 12 ga next year when I girlfriend or a youth hunter tags along with me.

20 gauge Rem 870 youth compact, FFIII Sumtoy choke and Apex #9's, anything under 40 is a guarantee. Never patterned in farther than that but will next year. THis year I used it when I knew for sure I would be hunting thick woods or swamps where most shots will be 30 yards or less.

Quote from: spaightlabs on May 14, 2018, 09:17:14 AM
Any chance you guys who are looking to lug around 2 fewer pounds of gun could also lose a couple lbs from under your belt?    :funnyturkey:

Shoot what ya like regards,

Could be .With the 3:00 am donuts, cookies and granola bars snacks,cheese burgers and fries for lunch.

And the fried turkey nuggets from the bird just taken with the 20 gauge  :toothy9:

The 20 gauge I hunt with know throws a better pattern than what I used think was great shooting a 12 gauge with copper-coated lead 5's.  This is all in a 5.5 lb package that lethal out to 45 yards.

A better question is why would you carry 12 gauge?

A better question is why would you carry 12 gauge?

I will answer this one.
1. I ain't a weakling.
2. I ain't skeerd of a little recoil.
3. I don't have to pay $5.00 (or more) a shell to kill a turkey at 40 yards.
4. I don't use a turkey satchel.
5. I don't care about what's popular.
6. I don't lug around a blind, decoys, turkey chairs or a cooler which frees me up to actually carry a real gun.
7. Real guns look better with me carrying them.

Now to all those who are offended because they don't get my sense of humor or logic, please understand this. I don't care what you shoot. Have fun and understand I like being a smart alec.

I almost forgot my last reason.
8. Because Chuck Norris wouldn't be caught holding a 20 gauge.

Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 14, 2018, 11:50:39 AM
As somebody that has had surgery on both shoulders within a year I can understand why somebody would want to reduce recoil. Lucky for me I did not have a problem with my 12 but it has made me rethink my desire for a 10

Rem SP 10 is the softest shooting gun you will ever shoulder.  Gun weighs in at something like 118 pounds and is so heavy it doesn't move when you pull the trigger.  Tremendous benefit for waterfowl hunting as once you get that sucker moving, ain't nothing gonna stop your swing.  Plus, if you lug that sucker around the woods for a bit you can skip leg day that week.

My 12 gauge hasn't left the safe in years after getting a youth 870.  I enjoy the lighter weight and shorter stock allows more maneuverability when setup on a bird.

Quote from: Happy on May 14, 2018, 06:48:42 PM
I almost forgot my last reason.
8. Because Chuck Norris wouldn't be caught holding a 20 gauge.

The flaw in your logic is...  Chuck Norris would probably not even use a gun to kill a turkey...  He would probably be embarrassed to use anything more than his bare hands (gloves are for wimps).

You have a point. Prolly just eats watermelon and spits the seeds at them.

I have become a big 20ga fan but still (and always will) love my 12ga. Personally, I don't care if you chase them down and choke'em to death so, what gauge shotgun you use don't make one bit of difference to me. Just have fun.

Quote from: spaightlabs on May 14, 2018, 06:56:58 PM

Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 14, 2018, 11:50:39 AM
As somebody that has had surgery on both shoulders within a year I can understand why somebody would want to reduce recoil. Lucky for me I did not have a problem with my 12 but it has made me rethink my desire for a 10

Rem SP 10 is the softest shooting gun you will ever shoulder.  Gun weighs in at something like 118 pounds and is so heavy it doesn't move when you pull the trigger.  Tremendous benefit for waterfowl hunting as once you get that sucker moving, ain't nothing gonna stop your swing.  Plus, if you lug that sucker around the woods for a bit you can skip leg day that week.

I am having a bit of a hard time carrying around my 1187 now because of the weight, when they did the right shoulder (Butt stock shoulder) they also had to remove part of my bicep muscle so I don't have all I had strength wise anymore. I am hoping working out some will help me improve. Left shoulder is still weak because it was just done Jan. 26th and I am still in PT for it. I used to walk all over with it but right now am having to carry it in a case in my right hand as I am also lugging around a blind and decoys. I would still like to try a 10, but worry about it  a bit. I was really worried about the 12 til I shot it but no problem at all, did not even hurt a little bit.

I will have to remember that waterfowl trick, trying that for the first time this fall/winter.

For me, it's because you can pack all the.killin of a 12 in a lighter, more compact package with a 20.

So far this spring I've killed 2 longbeards with a 3 1/2" SX2 and 2 longbeards with a 3" SumToy tweaked NEF single.  All 4 got the tar whooped out of them real good.   The farthest kill was with the 20 and it was as violent a whoopin as the closest kill which was with a 3 1/2" 12.

Boils down to the modern, pimped-out 20 will do today what NO 12 would do 25 years ago.   

To each, always, his own.   But I'm really liking on these little 20 singles my kids and I have taken to using.

I'm probably a little backwards from most, but I hunted for 20 years with an 870 Youth 20 gauge as my primary turkey gun and most of that time shot a flush extra full choke with Winchester 1-5/16 5's in the black box. At some point, I saw an extended choke in a cabelas mag and had to try one, so I got the first one I could put my hands on - Truglo GSX and shot the same Winchesters or Rem Nitro 5's. I didn't know you should have X pellets in a circle at any distance. My folks shot their guns at 30 yards and made sure it shot where you pointed. Even my stepdad with his 835 and Federal Premiums. Now don't get me wrong, he killed turkeys a heck of lot farther than I would even dream of shooting one with my 20 at the time. Then, somewhere around 2006 or 2007, I ran across a handful of Nitro Ray 4,5,7's at a sporting goods store and bought all 10. My granddad's Win 1300 NWTF Laminated had a Kick's 660 in it and it shot Winchester Black Box like it was on fire, but I had to try these new shells. I shot exactly one at a turkey target at 50 big paces and we all just shook our heads and couldn't believe what we saw. We had never seen anything like it. We killed 9 turkeys between us that year with that load. The next year, I went right back to using my 20 but I had the itch for a 12 now. Somewhere along the way, I bought a 28" 1300 in all black and I honestly tried to like it but I was used to those short barrels we all had and it went down the road. I kept looking around locally for a short barreled 1300 and never had the cash when one came up. Finally got college behind me and bought 2 of the short 18.5" 1300's. I kept the best one.

I've had or have everything from single shot 410 up to a 32" 10 gauge double with M2 Tactical and a Super Vinci mixed in. I have settled on for a short, light gun you simply will not beat the youth 20 gauge in your flavor or brand. I have 3 dedicated turkey guns and one of those is the 870 Youth and the other 2 are 12 gauge 1300's - one 22" and one 18.5". I want to build one more and it will be a SxS double with double triggers and FF3.

Point being, I have had the 20 as my go to gun but it has mostly become a loaner or back-up gun because I have really noticed no difference personally when carrying it and the 18.5" 1300 except I can run 8's in the 12 and keep the same pellet count pattern as 9's in the 20. I have that short 12 gauge set up as my field gun and running 265-275 with straight 8's and it will kill one a long way. I thought I would use the 18.5" 1300 exclusively, but I bought a Maxus for a wing shooting automatic and like it so much I carried it all season except twice this year.

The only way I see myself going back to a 20 exclusively is if I build the SxS and just fall in love with it.

Quote from: g8rvet on May 13, 2018, 08:53:36 PM
I know this is tongue in cheek, but what set me to thinking about it was a pinched nerve in my neck.  It is mostly healed and really, I fire so many 12 gauge shots (lighter loads) during duck season that a few rounds of sighting in and then if I am lucky 2 shots a season don't really amount to much. 

My main reason I love my little 20 (Weatherby SA 45) is I can hold it up and point it for a much longer time than my 12 without getting shaky.  Without a prop it just points so sweet and light.  Also with the shorter barrel, I have less issue with brush interference - both shooting and busting my way in to thick creek heads.

Using a gun you truly like is fun.  Take it out to the turkey blind!

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Like most, I grew up shooting a 20g as a kid.  (Rem 870) Then 'graduated' to a 12 gauge 870 Turkey Special.  I've used that gun for 20+ years but just started getting the itch to get the 20g  back out. 

I primarily hunt the mountains of VA and TN.  Even with the leaves off in early season, 35 yards is a long shot for me.  So the 20 is enough gun and it's a heck of a lot lighter for hiking up those crazy Appalachians.  It may see some time in the woods next Spring.

Why would you shoot a 12 or a 10 is a better question, with today's loads. :)

Quote from: PharmHunter on May 16, 2018, 09:14:22 AM
Why would you shoot a 12 or a 10 is a better question, with today's loads. :)

Because I already own a 12 :D

Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 16, 2018, 09:56:26 AM

Quote from: PharmHunter on May 16, 2018, 09:14:22 AM
Why would you shoot a 12 or a 10 is a better question, with today's loads. :)

Because I already own a 12 :D

For the win!

When I ask my wife why she has so many pairs of shoes she asks why I have so many shotguns, so many turkey calls, so many different pieces of camo, so many pairs of boots, and more boxes of hevi turkey loads than I could shoot in 3 lifetimes hunting 3 states a year...

shoot what ya like. 

Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 16, 2018, 09:56:26 AM

Quote from: PharmHunter on May 16, 2018, 09:14:22 AM
Why would you shoot a 12 or a 10 is a better question, with today's loads. :)

Because I already own a 12 :D

Oh come on, you know you want a new shotgun. Get a new 20 turkey killing special  :z-guntootsmiley:

Quote from: owlhoot on May 16, 2018, 05:26:37 PM

Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 16, 2018, 09:56:26 AM

Quote from: PharmHunter on May 16, 2018, 09:14:22 AM
Why would you shoot a 12 or a 10 is a better question, with today's loads. :)

Because I already own a 12 :D

Oh come on, you know you want a new shotgun. Get a new 20 turkey killing special  :z-guntootsmiley:

Quite happy with this one, I am wanting to get it camo'd though but with the vehicle problem I am going to have to take care of that first. What I would really like is a new 30.06 I wish I had not let my friend talk me into the Remington 700 ADL and had gone for the mountain rifle DM I really wanted, I now know I prefer a clip fed.

Quote from: spaightlabs on May 16, 2018, 03:10:52 PM

Quote from: Sir-diealot on May 16, 2018, 09:56:26 AM

Quote from: PharmHunter on May 16, 2018, 09:14:22 AM
Why would you shoot a 12 or a 10 is a better question, with today's loads. :)

Because I already own a 12 :D

For the win!

When I ask my wife why she has so many pairs of shoes she asks why I have so many shotguns, so many turkey calls, so many different pieces of camo, so many pairs of boots, and more boxes of hevi turkey loads than I could shoot in 3 lifetimes hunting 3 states a year...

shoot what ya like.

Yell your wife she asks to many questions

I have a 20 guage 11- 87, it's a great gun, and I've gotten 2 birds with it, but it doesn't have a sling.I really like a sling.

Quote from: warrent423 on May 17, 2018, 12:25:15 PM
Because you are either one of these new millenial breed or you are one of the mid life crisis guys trying to fit in and be trendy ;)

I'm none of the above , but i have carried it all from early years of 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 20 gauge and 410... i'm no millennial breed which is the correct spelling and i can't pronounce that other word you spelled ... but anyway, i do enjoy my 20 gauge and 410 with these new chokes from Sumtoy customs and these Federal HW and Tss.... just having fun after turkey season... guys....

I have shot a 20 for dove, for literally longer than any millennial has been alive.  A sweet little O/U Winchester 101.  For 43 years now.  I just like shooting little guns.

But when it matters, like for geese a lot, and ducks a little, the 12 goes along. 

I would shoot a 28, but dang those things are expensive in the O/U as are the shells.  Have killed a pile load of dove with a 410 as well, just because I could.  Loved walking out of a dove field with as many or more birds than the big dogs carrying their high dollar 12 gauges and shooting a little 410.  It is all about the challenge to me.  I don't need them to survive, so I liked making it more sporting.  Don't hunt many dove anymore, they don't come here like they used to.   

Since I've started traveling to hunt, and hitting mountainous states, I figure why carry around a 12 ga 3-1/2" land cannon when you can carry a 20 ga and shoot TSS. That's my plan starting next season.

Quote from: RutnNStrutn on May 17, 2018, 05:43:13 PM
Since I've started traveling to hunt, and hitting mountainous states, I figure why carry around a 12 ga 3-1/2" land cannon when you can carry a 20 ga and shoot TSS. That's my plan starting next season.

You will never regret it.  You will never think "dang i wish I had my 12", ever.


Plus it is fun to run into guys you know seeing the little popgun on your back and ask "What are you shooting????" in the same way they would say "What in the he77 is WRONG with you?".  Not that anyone has ever said that to me.   :funnyturkey:   They want to hold the muzzleloader and ask about it, but the 20 just gets looks that say "Have you lost your mind?"   Kinda funny.

I believe you were a witness to my duck taken with a muzzleloader, if I am not mistaken.  We will not discuss the species however. 

Because when a 10 year old asks you why you use that big ole cannon and also says can't you call them in close and kill em like me dad ?    :turkey2:

If I was starting from scratch, I would be tempted to put together a 20 for turkey. I've got a lifetime supply of 10 and 12 gauge turkey loads and chokes, and 3 excellent turkey guns in those gauges, so I don't want or need to start over. I have been keeping an eye out though for a nice old savage double 20, so you never know. If I could swing it, I would have a new sweet 16 a5 browning and reload some hevi 7s for it. That would be one of my dream guns for turkey. I did buy a box of 20g longbeard 5s to try out of my little single shot stevens, but didn't have time to pattern before season.  Really curious as to how they will do!

Wow guys! I would have never thought this thread would receive so much attention. Yes I am planning a turkey specific shotgun for next year and from all the chatter hear, I'm thinking it will be a 20. My biggest concern is the backward state of Iowa where only legal shot is 4,5,6,71/2 and 8. No 7's or 9's and technically that could get a hunter a ticket. That means some of the new loads maybe should be avoided. Rumor has it that is something the DNR is going to work on this year though.

Quote from: the Ward on May 19, 2018, 10:49:29 AM
If I was starting from scratch, I would be tempted to put together a 20 for turkey. I've got a lifetime supply of 10 and 12 gauge turkey loads and chokes, and 3 excellent turkey guns in those gauges, so I don't want or need to start over. I have been keeping an eye out though for a nice old savage double 20, so you never know. If I could swing it, I would have a new sweet 16 a5 browning and reload some hevi 7s for it. That would be one of my dream guns for turkey. I did buy a box of 20g longbeard 5s to try out of my little single shot stevens, but didn't have time to pattern before season.  Really curious as to how they will do!

I'm going to be trying to figure out a way to buy a 26" A5 16 in the next year or so

Quote from: BrowningGuy88 on May 19, 2018, 02:10:36 PM

Quote from: the Ward on May 19, 2018, 10:49:29 AM
If I was starting from scratch, I would be tempted to put together a 20 for turkey. I've got a lifetime supply of 10 and 12 gauge turkey loads and chokes, and 3 excellent turkey guns in those gauges, so I don't want or need to start over. I have been keeping an eye out though for a nice old savage double 20, so you never know. If I could swing it, I would have a new sweet 16 a5 browning and reload some hevi 7s for it. That would be one of my dream guns for turkey. I did buy a box of 20g longbeard 5s to try out of my little single shot stevens, but didn't have time to pattern before season.  Really curious as to how they will do!

I'm going to be trying to figure out a way to buy a 26" A5 16 in the next year or so

I had the best hunt with my Sweet 16 this year!  It's posted all over here so I hope you see it!!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180519/ce259bbf3480515d3f5c00d5c181b2de.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: g8rvet on May 18, 2018, 04:28:00 PM
I believe you were a witness to my duck taken with a muzzleloader, if I am not mistaken.  We will not discuss the species however. 

Indeed I was!! :icon_thumright: In fact, I was already tagged out, and leaning against a tree behind you guys. Your muzzleloader roared and through the smoke cloud, a duck came flying through the air towards me. I reached out and caught the duck in my hand. I walked towards you while you were finishing reloading, and reached out to hand you your duck. When I relaxed my hand, the bird sprang into the air and tried to fly away. You were able to drop it with another shot. Darndest thing I ever saw. :lol: I'll never forget that hunt. Are you still hunting that flooded timber?

Quote from: BrowningGuy88 on May 19, 2018, 02:10:36 PM

Quote from: the Ward on May 19, 2018, 10:49:29 AM
If I was starting from scratch, I would be tempted to put together a 20 for turkey. I've got a lifetime supply of 10 and 12 gauge turkey loads and chokes, and 3 excellent turkey guns in those gauges, so I don't want or need to start over. I have been keeping an eye out though for a nice old savage double 20, so you never know. If I could swing it, I would have a new sweet 16 a5 browning and reload some hevi 7s for it. That would be one of my dream guns for turkey. I did buy a box of 20g longbeard 5s to try out of my little single shot stevens, but didn't have time to pattern before season.  Really curious as to how they will do!

I'm going to be trying to figure out a way to buy a 26" A5 16 in the next year or so

I've been filling up my piggy bank as fast as I can!

Quote from: jryser on May 19, 2018, 04:11:02 PM

Quote from: BrowningGuy88 on May 19, 2018, 02:10:36 PM

Quote from: the Ward on May 19, 2018, 10:49:29 AM
If I was starting from scratch, I would be tempted to put together a 20 for turkey. I've got a lifetime supply of 10 and 12 gauge turkey loads and chokes, and 3 excellent turkey guns in those gauges, so I don't want or need to start over. I have been keeping an eye out though for a nice old savage double 20, so you never know. If I could swing it, I would have a new sweet 16 a5 browning and reload some hevi 7s for it. That would be one of my dream guns for turkey. I did buy a box of 20g longbeard 5s to try out of my little single shot stevens, but didn't have time to pattern before season.  Really curious as to how they will do!

I'm going to be trying to figure out a way to buy a 26" A5 16 in the next year or so

I had the best hunt with my Sweet 16 this year!  It's posted all over here so I hope you see it!!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180519/ce259bbf3480515d3f5c00d5c181b2de.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Awesome!

Quote from: RutnNStrutn on May 19, 2018, 05:06:49 PM

Quote from: g8rvet on May 18, 2018, 04:28:00 PM
I believe you were a witness to my duck taken with a muzzleloader, if I am not mistaken.  We will not discuss the species however. 

Indeed I was!! :icon_thumright: In fact, I was already tagged out, and leaning against a tree behind you guys. Your muzzleloader roared and through the smoke cloud, a duck came flying through the air towards me. I reached out and caught the duck in my hand. I walked towards you while you were finishing reloading, and reached out to hand you your duck. When I relaxed my hand, the bird sprang into the air and tried to fly away. You were able to drop it with another shot. Darndest thing I ever saw. :lol: I'll never forget that hunt. Are you still hunting that flooded timber?

Unfortunately he sold it.

Quote from: Yoder409 on May 14, 2018, 10:42:31 PM

So far this spring I've killed 2 longbeards with a 3 1/2" SX2 and 2 longbeards with a 3 inch 20 gauge single

Make that 3 with a 20 gauge single.      :D

Quote from: Happy on May 14, 2018, 06:48:42 PM
I almost forgot my last reason.
8. Because Chuck Norris wouldn't be caught holding a 20 gauge.

If Chuck Norris had watched any one of the 3 longbeards I shot with my 20 this spring get hit, he'd go "Dude............. !!!!!! "

:D

Quote from: deerpoo22 on May 14, 2018, 03:10:30 PM
Like most have said with the advent of Hevi-shot and even more so TSS 20 has become every bit as lethal as a 12 with much lighter weight. Not for me tho. I still anxiously await the arrival of 8 gauge 4 inch shells with 3 1/4 oz of TSS ;D

Nice

The first season I used a 20 on turkeys was because of having my right shoulder done(labrum). I was awfully sensitive to recoil that turkey and duck season.  Now, on my 3rd year with a 20, it's because I can and it works. I've shot them from 8 steps to 39 steps away, and it was very decisive on every bird. The HW #7's are no joke.

Quote from: g8rvet on May 20, 2018, 06:34:52 PM

Quote from: RutnNStrutn on May 19, 2018, 05:06:49 PM

Quote from: g8rvet on May 18, 2018, 04:28:00 PM
I believe you were a witness to my duck taken with a muzzleloader, if I am not mistaken.  We will not discuss the species however. 

Indeed I was!! :icon_thumright: In fact, I was already tagged out, and leaning against a tree behind you guys. Your muzzleloader roared and through the smoke cloud, a duck came flying through the air towards me. I reached out and caught the duck in my hand. I walked towards you while you were finishing reloading, and reached out to hand you your duck. When I relaxed my hand, the bird sprang into the air and tried to fly away. You were able to drop it with another shot. Darndest thing I ever saw. :lol: I'll never forget that hunt. Are you still hunting that flooded timber?

Unfortunately he sold it.

That's a bummer. That was a great place.

Here's why!

Just go to the end of the video!

https://youtu.be/gweMpcz9nik


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Quote from: 2eagles on May 19, 2018, 01:29:47 PM
Wow guys! I would have never thought this thread would receive so much attention. Yes I am planning a turkey specific shotgun for next year and from all the chatter hear, I'm thinking it will be a 20. My biggest concern is the backward state of Iowa where only legal shot is 4,5,6,71/2 and 8. No 7's or 9's and technically that could get a hunter a ticket. That means some of the new loads maybe should be avoided. Rumor has it that is something the DNR is going to work on this year though.

I bought some Apex TSS #8s from Mack's Prairie Wings for my 20 ga. 11-87.  Looking forward to killing a few turkeys with the combination next year...

Quote from: jryser on May 30, 2018, 07:11:40 PM
Here's why!

Just go to the end of the video!

https://youtu.be/gweMpcz9nik


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You get to hunt with them famous boys! Really enjoyed your episode this season. Congrats.

Quote from: Gobble! on May 31, 2018, 10:53:27 PM

Quote from: jryser on May 30, 2018, 07:11:40 PM
Here's why!

Just go to the end of the video!

https://youtu.be/gweMpcz9nik


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You get to hunt with them famous boys! Really enjoyed your episode this season. Congrats.

Thanks Gobble!  Love those famous boys and girl (Greg's bride Myndi!)


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