shotguns...choices choices

[cammogunner]

hey guys i know this is kinda a gun question and kinda a hunting question so i hope i put this in the right spot..i have just won a giuded turkey hunt and have all of my gear lined out exept for the gun with wich to terminate ol' tom i have two choices an H&R pardner singleshot 12 guage 28 inch mod choke..or an H&R pardner pump 12 guage 28 inch mod choke...but the pump has a screw in choke i just dont have a full one for it..opinions are greatly welcomed..thanks

 

[WestKentucky]

Buy the x-full turkey choke for the pump. A turkey load through a single shot is beyond brutal. Even in a heavy pump gun the recoil is quite impressive. Sounds like you may need to do some shell shopping too, and some shooting beforehand.

 

[MCgunner]

Go with the screw in choke and get aa turkey choke. I have a 10 gauge H&R turkey that came with an extra full choke, but I bought a modified choke to shoot geese with using steel shot, patterns over 90 percent 30" circle at 40 yards using 3.5" steel T shot. If you can't get a choke in time, you could always use Hevi Shot loads which will pattern tighter out of the modified choke of either gun.

 

[MCgunner]

A turkey load through a single shot is beyond brutal

Jeez, it's only one shot. A GIRL could do it.

 

[gamestalker]

Use the pump and at least a full choke, Xtra full turkey choke is even better. Although, I successfully killed many big boss toms with nothing but a mod choke, so the key here is getting a close shot, or within 30 yds., and using a shell that patterns well from your barrel. You don't want to know what it feels like to shoot 3" magnums from that SS, been there done that, ouch!

Best of luck on your hunt! I too have one coming up soon, can't wait.

GS

 

[1911 guy]

Pump gun, buy the extra-full choke tube and take an afternoon to pattern it.

Then try one shot in the single shot so we can laugh at your misfortune.

 

[buck460XVR]

If you can find a full choke before Turkey season for the pump, go for it. Otherwise if your guide is worth his salt, a modified would work just fine. Either way, pattern the gun with several loads to see where they pattern and how well they pattern. Knowing where the gun shoots and how far it can shoot well are more important than the choke tube.

 

[cammogunner]

awsome thanks guys i think i will probably end up with the ol'singleshot this year its two days till the hunt and have no way of getting an x full choke..i went ahead and patterned it and i got 2 in the neck and three in the head at 30 yards with 6 shot in the double x flavor .while that is far from ideal imo it should be a dead bird..what do you seasoned veterans have to say about that pattern..thanks

 

[ldlfh7]

I use a 20 ga single and get similar pattern results you described. 1 shot is not going to break your shoulder. As long as you keep range around 30 yards or less you should be good. Not the fanciest or prettiest setup but works nonetheless.

 

[jmr40]

Several years ago there was an ad in the local paper for a single shot 10 ga. cheap, "fired one time".

Never needed more than1 shot, but for a variety of reasons would pick the pump here with tighter choke. Personally I find the factory full tubes to be fine, but if you have to buy one anyway it wouldn't hurt to get an aftermarket extra full tube.

1 shot is not going to break your shoulder.

There have been injuries from one shot of heavy loads in light guns. Dislocated shoulders, detached retina's, strained muscles etc. It doesn't happen a lot, and probably not with a 20, but it does happen.

 

[MCgunner]

awsome thanks guys i think i will probably end up with the ol'singleshot this year its two days till the hunt and have no way of getting an x full choke..i went ahead and patterned it and i got 2 in the neck and three in the head at 30 yards with 6 shot in the double x flavor .while that is far from ideal imo it should be a dead bird..what do you seasoned veterans have to say about that pattern..thanks

Seriously, get yourself some hevi shot loads in 5 or 6 shot and try 'em. They should pattern like a full choke with lead, or at least that's been my experience.

Here's my 10 gauge single shot H&R turkey. I goose hunt with it. I've put near a box of ammo through it before, shoulder a little sore the next day, but it ain't that bad. It does weigh 9 lbs, though. It has a thick barrel and is built on a different, heavier frame than the other H&Rs. I had a 20 gauge H&R that I swear kicked more than the 10, especially with 3', but even 2 3/4" dove loads were pretty feisty in it. The 10 is more of a shove than a smack...granted, an authoritative shove.

 

[Armor Snail]

I'd use the pump. I have two of them that I love.

This will help.

http://www.choketube.com//choke-tube-cart-contents.php

 

[cammogunner]

ok thanks guys i already think i have my turkey load for this year but next year i think the hevi shot 5s get the nod

 

[hartcreek]

Either shotgun will work but you need to do some practice. Personally I find the factory turkey loads impotent compared to my own but my own turkey reloads will rip that mounting stud right off that H&R. So you had better figure out what you want to use or actually need. You only shoot a turkey in the head and neck.

 

[oneounceload]

Since it is a guided hunt, ask the guide how far your typical shooting distance will be. If he is a great caller, you might only need that modified choke. He knows his area the best and will have the best advice.

 

[loose noose]

I'd take both the pump and the single shot, they're both modified so what's the difference. Who knows the lodge you're going to might have a turkey choke for you. Like one ounce said check with your guide, most are very helpful.

 

[Armored farmer]

Be sure to pattern that gun....it's important. You may change your mind real quick. Those birds are big ant tough and thick feathers. It would be ideal to know you were putting several pellets in his head at 40yds.

 

[Captcurt]

Jeez, it's only one shot. A GIRL could do it.

You will not convince my friends daughter. He let her shoot a 2 oz turkey load once. She will not pick up a shotgun again. I lost 3 teeth shooting a 2 1/4 oz left handed at a bird. Got the bird. 5 years of loose teeth and I finally had to get them pulled.

 

[MCgunner]

Oh well, there's always the .410.