first turkey hunt

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

Ranger Larry

Member
Joined
Mar 23, 2010
Messages
4
Location
Greeneville, Tn
I was invited to go with some friends to turkey hunt. I only have a H&R 20 ga. with full choke and remington 6 shot express long range. Would this be enough to kill a turkey at 30-35 yards?
 
I think the gun is fine but the ammo is probably too light. I think if you had #4 or larger shot you'd be fine. I've never personally hunted turkey, but I'm pretty sure #4 is the threshold for shot size.
 
I prefer 4s myself, but a LOT of turkeys fall every year to 6s. What is the shot weight? Does your gun accept 3" shells?

The secret is letting the bird get close. Also you should pattern your gun to make sure the pattern is tight and near point of aim.
 
I'd get some shells that were made specifically for turkeys in 4 to 6 shot. Be sure to shoot to pattern to see your max distance. Your turkey hunting friend will be able to help you with that. The gun will work fine within its limits. I've killed plenty of birds with a 20 ga.

Good luck. Once that first gobbler comes in you'll be hooked.
 
Natman the shot weight is 1oz and yes it takes 3'' shells. Im very iffy about using 3'' shells since its just a single shot. I have never shot them before.
 
Natman the shot weight is 1oz and yes it takes 3'' shells. Im very iffy about using 3'' shells since its just a single shot. I have never shot them before.
Click to expand...

What's your concern, recoil? It will pale in comparison to some of the 12g offerings. I don't even remember the sound of the gunshot when I'm looking at that ephemeral gobbler. Pick your shell, and pattern it at 20 yds. If it works, try 25. Then try 30. Trace a claw hammer on a piece of paper, and aim for the middle of the metal. Or as sm would tell you, shoot at hard-boiled eggs, so you can count the hits. That'll tell you what range you're good at with what you got. Nothing beats knowing. :)
 
Not afraid of the recoil just worried if barrel can handle the gases or explode. I read where someone has done that on the net. If you think it should be ok then i will go buy the remmington nitro turkey 5 shot then.
 
I would opt for the heavy shot and go down to #5 if available or even #6 for denser pattern in a 20 ga. 3 in. shell . I have shot a lot of 3 in. mags in an old H&R 20 ga. single . You wont even feel it when old Red Beard gets the "HAMMER DOWN" treatment. Heavy shot is easily the most terminal shot out there. Ask my hunting partners who watch me cork geese at over 60 yds with 3 in. 12 ga. #4 shot while they get belted shooting 3 1/2 in. Bismuth and Tungston shot with less success.
 
I use 3" #5 because they pattern best for my gun. Distant second choice is #4

I believe #6 is too light.

Your gun will do fine.
 
I shot the 3'' nitro turkey shell thru it today and was disappointed that there wasnt more recoil. The 6 shot express long range had more recoil and its 2 3/4 no joke. Blew a much bigger hole in a target though. I promised one of my buds that if i take a bird with this i will buy a 12 ga. turkey gun with 3 1/2 chamber before the start of later season.
 
I promised one of my buds that if i take a bird with this i will buy a 12 ga. turkey gun I promised one of my buds that if i take a bird with this i will buy a 12 ga. turkey gun
Click to expand...

I say if you take a turkey with 20g you should stick with it, and make fun of all the guys who "need" 3 1/2" 12g's. :D
 
I shot the 3'' nitro turkey shell thru it today and was disappointed that there wasnt more recoil.
Click to expand...

Recoil doesn't kill turkeys, pellets do. As long as you have sufficient pellets in the kill zone at your intended max range your set up should be more than adequate.
 
learn to sound like a turkey, learn to hide behind a maple leaf, learn to sit still, and you will kill all the turkeys you want with a 20ga. I used to use 2 3/4 in mag loads of 5 shot out of a Browning auto 5 light 12 back in the turkey hunting days. Practice your woods craft and hunting skills and what you have is all the turkey gun you will need.
Do pattern it to make sure you have a nice dense pattern out to about 35 yards. #6 shot will do.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

A
  • Locked
First Turkey hunt which gun/ammo combo?
Replies
20
Views
1K
mtnjrm
mtnjrm
L
  • Locked
Good Turkey Shells?
2
Replies
34
Views
2K
ldlfh7
L
G
  • Locked
Turkey hunting with mod choke 20 gauge?
Replies
10
Views
4K
shaggy430
shaggy430
Gordon
  • Locked
Turkey hunting Sat. !
Replies
6
Views
673
winchester62
W
W
  • Locked
20 gauge Turkey load
Replies
7
Views
2K
sm
S
Back
Top