How do I get a Rem 11-87 to work for turkey?

[JJE]

I've never owned or fired a shotgun, but was starting to look for one for turkey. As it happens, this weekend I inherited a Remington 11-87 12-gauge with 28" vent-rib barrel, with 2 RemChokes, including a full choke.

A little reading tells me this is a fine, soft-shooting waterfowl or dove gun. But I need a turkey gun. Also, it seems that I can get short barrels (20"-21") that are either:

1) rifled with either rifle sights OR set up for a scope
2) RemChoke with either rifle sights OR set up for a scope

I guess if I was starting from scratch I would get a shorter barrel for turkey, but if it isn't going to make much difference, I'm in no hurry to spend $200 and I would just as soon stick some camo tape on it, screw in the full choke and shoot it like it is.

Why is it that turkey hunters prefer shorter barrels anyway? And if I really do need the short barrel, I imagine I would get the RemChoke barrel instead of rifled, but would I get rifle sights or scope-mount?

Help! I don't want the turkeys to laugh at me.

 

[MAX100]

Sounds like you are about ready to go. Install your full choke tube, maybe install a set of TruGol adj sights on your vent rib, get some Turkey shells, do some pattern testing and you will be ready. You don't need a shorter barrel unless you prefer one. Other members can probably help you with which Turkey shells is likely to pattern well out of your Rem 11-87


GC

 

[Smitty in CT]

Your gun will be fine for Turkey Hunting, if you want camo get a camo "sock" that slips over the gun, that is by far the easiest way to go. The shorter barrel helps if you're going to be in the brush and maneuvering around. Stick with what you have for now, once you've got the "bug" you'll be able to find plenty to spend your money on...

As far as chokes, go to your local sporting goods store and find some "turkey" targets, (you don't need them, but they'll help you visualize what you will be shooting at) set them out at 40 yards and see how your gun will pattern with the "FULL" choke tube, it is recommended to get at least 3 pellets in the 3" circle on the neck, of course the more the better.

Turkey chokes are usually X-FULL or XX-FULL, but, there are litterally hunderds of so called "Turkey Chokes" out there that will claim to do everything except stuff the bird for you, the only way to know what works best for you is to try what you already have then work on improving it.

Turkey hunting is a science all on its own and if you've never turkey hunted get some videos and start learning some of the basics, especially calling... this will help you bring the turkeys in closer so hopefully you don't have to take a 40 yard shot. Be verry careful, Turkey huning is addictive....trust me I know..