Hey guys I'm thinking of building a very dedicated spring turkey gun. I hunt almost all public land and sometimes I have to walk up to 2 miles to get where I'm going. I was hunting with my Charles Daly auto 12 and I have to say I love that gun. I haven't found an auto that light that has such soft recoil. My extractor broke during teal season last year and now that CD is out of business getting a replacement is next to impossible. So currently I am using my 26 inch 870 3.5 inch gun. I really laid it to a bird with som Hevi 7-2.25-3.5 last monday. I could really use a lighter more manuverable gun however. So I've been thinking about building my ultimate public land turkey gun.
I want it to be light, have sights or scope(which do you guys prefer?), Pistol grip and adjustable stock would be great. Reliabilty is a must so to me this takes auto loaders off my list, even though I love the way gas guns feel to shoot. I have really narrowed it down to a single shot for my needs. When I take my son out for youth season we take his HR pardner youth and it sure is handy to carry around. If I could get one with choke tubes I think it might just be a good starting point. I'm also thinking 20ga and handload some tss. My sons gun has killed birds out to 35yds with hevi 7.5's and a modified choke so a real turkey choke and tss 9 should go al long ways. Anyway thats what I'm thinking, you guys with more experience tell me what you think
If I wanted to build a dedicated single shot turkey gun I would start by finding a good used Mossberg SSI-one smooth bore 12 gauge. I see them on Gunbroker sometimes. All the benefits of the 835 in a single shot, backbored barrel, 3.5" chamber, ported, uses same chokes as the 835, and has a rail already attached for an optical device.
Quote from: Skeeterbait on April 25, 2011, 12:08:59 PM
If I wanted to build a dedicated single shot turkey gun I would start by finding a good used Mossberg SSI-one smooth bore 12 gauge. I see them on Gunbroker sometimes. All the benefits of the 835 in a single shot, backbored barrel, 3.5" chamber, ported, uses same chokes as the 835, and has a rail already attached for an optical device.
I agree wholeheartedly! I have one of those guns and try to take it on a turkey hunt each year. It's just a great gun with all the features you've mentioned. It's a quality product.
Thanks,
Clark
Quote from: allaboutshooting on April 25, 2011, 12:25:23 PM
Quote from: Skeeterbait on April 25, 2011, 12:08:59 PM
If I wanted to build a dedicated single shot turkey gun I would start by finding a good used Mossberg SSI-one smooth bore 12 gauge. I see them on Gunbroker sometimes. All the benefits of the 835 in a single shot, backbored barrel, 3.5" chamber, ported, uses same chokes as the 835, and has a rail already attached for an optical device.
I agree wholeheartedly! I have one of those guns and try to take it on a turkey hunt each year. It's just a great gun with all the features you've mentioned. It's a quality product.
Thanks,
Clark
X3!! I love the SSI-1 platform! Shoulda bought 2 when my store was closing them out at $199.00.
Quote from: Skeeterbait on April 25, 2011, 12:08:59 PM
If I wanted to build a dedicated single shot turkey gun I would start by finding a good used Mossberg SSI-one smooth bore 12 gauge. I see them on Gunbroker sometimes. All the benefits of the 835 in a single shot, backbored barrel, 3.5" chamber, ported, uses same chokes as the 835, and has a rail already attached for an optical device.
if i were wanting a single shot turkey gun that is what i would get
I'd buy a Benelli and put a plug in the magazine.. :you_rock: Mike
Thompson Center Encore, Indian Creek Choke Tube and Nitro's, absolutely awesome!!!!!!!!!! Light weight and deadly.
Quote from: runngun on April 25, 2011, 04:45:04 PM
Thompson Center Encore, Indian Creek Choke Tube and Nitro's, absolutely awesome!!!!!!!!!! Light weight and deadly.
That too! :toothy12:
I concur.. Very nice rig..
Quote from: runngun on April 25, 2011, 04:45:04 PM
Thompson Center Encore, Indian Creek Choke Tube and Nitro's, absolutely awesome!!!!!!!!!! Light weight and deadly.
:agreed: :toothy12:
Quote from: Skeeterbait on April 25, 2011, 12:08:59 PM
If I wanted to build a dedicated single shot turkey gun I would start by finding a good used Mossberg SSI-one smooth bore 12 gauge. I see them on Gunbroker sometimes. All the benefits of the 835 in a single shot, backbored barrel, 3.5" chamber, ported, uses same chokes as the 835, and has a rail already attached for an optical device.
:happy0064:
Quote from: Skeeterbait on April 25, 2011, 12:08:59 PM
If I wanted to build a dedicated single shot turkey gun I would start by finding a good used Mossberg SSI-one smooth bore 12 gauge. I see them on Gunbroker sometimes. All the benefits of the 835 in a single shot, backbored barrel, 3.5" chamber, ported, uses same chokes as the 835, and has a rail already attached for an optical device.
:agreed:
Alright you guys talked me into it and I just won the Gunbroker auction on this SSI.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=227457989
Now I still need your help. First off choke? I will be shooting Hevi's either all 7s or 6x7s. I want long range density since it will have scope. So which scope I see alot of guys like the simmons pro diamond. Any reason not to get that one? Okay here's the big question. I hunt mostly public land with real weary birds and I'm not comfortable leaving it blued. So should I get it dipped, or paint it a more natural color. I thought about Cerakoting the barrel and action in a muted green(kinda like that new berratta) then refinishing the stock in a very matte finish.
The prodiamond will do the trick.. Love mine its preformed flawlessly the last two years i've used it and killed 5 birds. Paint the barrel or use some primos or knight and hale mossy oak fabric tape.
I had the 200 dollar bid.
I already have an encore but that is a nice gun.
Glad you got it.
Thanks!!!
Quote from: JDogg on May 05, 2011, 06:47:00 PM
Alright you guys talked me into it and I just won the Gunbroker auction on this SSI.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=227457989
Now I still need your help. First off choke? I will be shooting Hevi's either all 7s or 6x7s. I want long range density since it will have scope. So which scope I see alot of guys like the simmons pro diamond. Any reason not to get that one? Okay here's the big question. I hunt mostly public land with real weary birds and I'm not comfortable leaving it blued. So should I get it dipped, or paint it a more natural color. I thought about Cerakoting the barrel and action in a muted green(kinda like that new berratta) then refinishing the stock in a very matte finish.
Congratulations! You made a great buy. That gun has a very subdued finish. I've hunted hard hunted public ground birds with mine and never had a problem being spotted. I'd recommend that you try it "as is" before any refinishing.
I've shot several of the Pro Diamond scopes and they work just fine. They are tough.
You will need a pad of some type on that gun. I just use a slip on SF pad over the butt and it works very well.
Again, congratulations on your fine gun.
Thanks,
Clark
What choke is the top shot with Hevi 7's right now?
I was thinking about a Kickeez pad which I've heard good things about, but have no experience.
Man, I've got a bad itch for one of those, I watched that auction and almost bid on it. I've been trying to find one lacally at gun shops, pawn shops but had no luck. That was a good price the last one went for $299 plus shipping best I remember. I found one at a local gunshop but it was a rifled barrel 12ga and they had $289 on it.
You're going to like that one, nice find!
Stick an Indian Creek .675 in that thing and you have an instant 50 yard gun. I personally would not dip or paint a single shot action. Too hard to disassemble the trigger and sear group and I would not want the water and ink or paint getting inside it. You could do everything but the action though.
Be sure and give us pictures when you finish!
Congrats on your purchase! Scope it, put on a Sims Recoil Pad, add a IC choke tube and you'll be ready to go!
FOr 75$ plus shipping to the factory, I can get a 28" 3.5" chamber bbl for my NEF Pardner single shot. Of course I killed at 45 with it this year and 3" Fed HW #7. But I could use a good 3.5" thumpin from a HS 3.5-2.25-7 next year.