20 gauge for turkey hunting

[Byron]

What experience have been had using a 20 gauge for turkey hunting? What chokes, shot size and shell lengths are most effective and what is a proper distance using a 20 gauge? Thanks, Byron

 

[Greybeard]

Brand of ammo, chokes, shot size, etc. highly dependent upon what a particular gun "likes" for best pattern. And the best way to know for sure is to buy at least a 5-pack of each and try on patterning boards/targets.

If I were to attempt such with a 20 gauge, the relatively new Remington Hevi-Shot would be a first choice. And some "Shoot 'N See" turkey head targets. Just guessing probably good out to about 35 yards, maybe 40. And surprisingly, sometimes - with a modified choke.

 

[Byron]

I appreciate your help. I plan to get a 20 gauge in a modified choke and will try the Remington Heavi shot. I am thinking of a New England or Stoeger single shot. Thanks, Byron

 

[saddlebum]

the first eight turkeys i killed i shot with a 20ga. 870 modified choke and #4s. then a friend of mine informed me 20ga wasn't powerful enuff for turkeys, so i bought a 12ga.he also said something about you can't kill em with out camo clothes guess i'll have to get some of that too. saddlebum

 

[grampster]

I think hunting with guns is like just about everything else in life that you use tools for. If you use the best tool, the job becomes eaier. IMHO based on on some friends who hunt them (gonna do that myself one of these days) you should use a 12 ga shotgun, in 3 or 3 1/2" magnum. I have hunted squirrels, rabbits, pheasants, grouse, woodcock and deer with an old 20 ga double barrell and had success. I had much better success with my Ithaca Featherlite 12ga pump. Now I have a Browning Gold Hunter in 12 ga, shoots 3" mags and I can't hit the broad side of a barn. So maybe the best tool in the hands of 60 year old staggering blind old fart is no better than trying to jump and strangle the turkey.

grampster

 

[Byron]

Saddlebum, what length shell did you use in the 20 gauge. I am in agreement on the camo. Thanks, Byron

 

[saddlebum]

2 3/4 " 20ga #4 shot. so i reckon a 3" #4 or#2 would work fine. saddlebum

 

[Byron]

Saddlebum, Thanks for the info. I will stick to the 2 3/4". The 3" was a bit too much. Thanks, Byron