You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
opinions please
- Thread starter saddlebum
- Start date
- Status
-
Not open for further replies.
Preacherman
Member
Hi, Saddlebum. Before making a recommendation, there are a couple of important points to sort out.
Firstly, for dove and quail, a longer barrel is usually used (26" sometimes, more often 28" or even 30"). For turkey, a shorter barrel (often 24") is more frequently encountered. You'll have to work out which type of hunting will be your dominant activity, and choose from there. Personally, I'd suggest a 26" barrel as a good all-round choice.
Secondly, the loads you shoot will differ very greatly. For dove and quail, you're talking small shot sizes, and probably 2¾" shells. For turkey, you're talking about 3" or 3½" Magnum shells with much larger shot. If you plan on some clay shooting, you'll be down to low-base, low-charge target loads. Thus, you'll need a gun that is able to accommodate the entire range.
Given these factors, if you want to do them all with one gun, I'd suggest the Winchester Super X2, which is available at around your price range. The Browning equivalent (they're basically identical shotguns) would also be good. If you can find one at a good price, I've also heard very good things about the Fabarm semi-auto (Fabarm is the shotgun division of H&K, which already speaks volumes for their engineering and reliability) - I haven't used one of these myself, but I've handled one, and am very impressed by it. I'd recommend against the Remington 11-87, as its quality control and reliability have been very spotty in recent years.
However, you might be better served to buy two shotguns. Make one a dedicated turkey gun, with shorter barrel, camouflage finish, and a 3" or 3½" chamber (personally, I find the 3½" shells unnecessary and too much to handle recoil-wise - I've never used or needed more than a 3" shell). For dove and quail (and occasional clays use), consider a lighter gun with a longer barrel. Here, the Remington 1100 might be a very good option - it hasn't had the problems with quality control and reliability that the 11-87 has had. There are also good options from Benelli, Beretta, etc.
That's my take on the subject. YMMV...
Firstly, for dove and quail, a longer barrel is usually used (26" sometimes, more often 28" or even 30"). For turkey, a shorter barrel (often 24") is more frequently encountered. You'll have to work out which type of hunting will be your dominant activity, and choose from there. Personally, I'd suggest a 26" barrel as a good all-round choice.
Secondly, the loads you shoot will differ very greatly. For dove and quail, you're talking small shot sizes, and probably 2¾" shells. For turkey, you're talking about 3" or 3½" Magnum shells with much larger shot. If you plan on some clay shooting, you'll be down to low-base, low-charge target loads. Thus, you'll need a gun that is able to accommodate the entire range.
Given these factors, if you want to do them all with one gun, I'd suggest the Winchester Super X2, which is available at around your price range. The Browning equivalent (they're basically identical shotguns) would also be good. If you can find one at a good price, I've also heard very good things about the Fabarm semi-auto (Fabarm is the shotgun division of H&K, which already speaks volumes for their engineering and reliability) - I haven't used one of these myself, but I've handled one, and am very impressed by it. I'd recommend against the Remington 11-87, as its quality control and reliability have been very spotty in recent years.
However, you might be better served to buy two shotguns. Make one a dedicated turkey gun, with shorter barrel, camouflage finish, and a 3" or 3½" chamber (personally, I find the 3½" shells unnecessary and too much to handle recoil-wise - I've never used or needed more than a 3" shell). For dove and quail (and occasional clays use), consider a lighter gun with a longer barrel. Here, the Remington 1100 might be a very good option - it hasn't had the problems with quality control and reliability that the 11-87 has had. There are also good options from Benelli, Beretta, etc.
That's my take on the subject. YMMV...
Dave McCracken
Moderator In Memoriam
In your shoes, I'd consider a used 1100 magnum with a second, long 2 3/4" barrel for lighter loads and smaller birds than turkey.
An A -5 Browning would be a contender also.
Or, the ones mentioned by our chaplain. Good semis are not scarce, and among the top ones, there's none head and shoulders above the rest.
An A -5 Browning would be a contender also.
Or, the ones mentioned by our chaplain. Good semis are not scarce, and among the top ones, there's none head and shoulders above the rest.
sm
member
Well, I can't add anything other than if you can try a few of the suggestion above , by all means do so. I'm suggesting Gun Fit. One may fit a bit better than the other. Shouldering in a store may give an idea, shooting one at a range confirms it.
Partial To SX2, myself, then again I've put many a rd through an 1100. I never warmed up to the 1187, but I do like the old Beretta 302 and 303.
Good point about 2 bbls, and I personally haven't used anything but 2 3/4 " shells in years--I don't own anything else. Todays shells and loads give a lot of choice , we didn't once have.
Check out the threads at the top for more info,or holler out. Good Luck and keep us informed.
Oh Welcome to THR!!!
Partial To SX2, myself, then again I've put many a rd through an 1100. I never warmed up to the 1187, but I do like the old Beretta 302 and 303.
Good point about 2 bbls, and I personally haven't used anything but 2 3/4 " shells in years--I don't own anything else. Todays shells and loads give a lot of choice , we didn't once have.
Check out the threads at the top for more info,or holler out. Good Luck and keep us informed.
Oh Welcome to THR!!!
thanks for the replys, i've been using an 870 special field for about 15 years, but wanted a 3" gun so i could have alittle more punch on turkeys. i've got tendenitis in my left elbow so pumping has become painful, thats why i'm lokking at a semi. i really don't like bbls over 24". i've been looking at the franchi and stoegers both have the benelli type inertia systems any one familiar with them ? thanks agian bum
- Status
-
Not open for further replies.
Similar threads
- Replies
- 11
- Views
- 5K
