Turkey Huntin, Is 9mm Rifle enough gun?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Sam Norton

Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2003
Messages
18
Location
Sarasota, FL
Hi Guys
I had 17 Turkeys walk by when I was hog hunting. Once season opens would like to let my daughter try to get one, She's 12

I have a ruger PC9 she likes to shoot, and shoots well. I am thinking of Winchester 147gr. SXT. I know the extra barrel legth of the rifle helps, but I am still wondering if this is enough gun? Shot's should be about 30 yards.

It's that or my 454 Casul Ruger Super Redhawk with 45 colt cowboy loads. She shot it for the first time last week. She loved it. She was shooting bowling pins and hitting the heads, consitantly. 255 keith bullets going 800 fps.

One last question My nephew is also wanting to go. I have a Model 7 in 7mm-08. with a 3x9 scope Should I let him use this instead of the 9mm rifle. He does not have the skill with a handgun. I have been told to shoot head shot's with the 7mm-08. Thats seems pretty iffy for the average hunter.

Thanks for the help
Best Regards,
Sam
 
although i've never done it, i can't imagine why a 9mm rifle wouldn't work out ok at 30 yards. she also likes the casull... so, turn her loose w/ both on the range, and let her decide. it will boost her confidence, and i find a direct correlation between my confidence in my gear and my success rate.

as for the 7-08... yes, let him use the 7-08. i would not force him to make head shots, though. that is an awfully small target for a novice-level hunter. instead, focus on making a clean, ethical kill. the rest will take care of itself. if you use big game bullets, especially the heavier for caliber bullets, you'll keep meat loss minimal, and give him a positive experience.

while shooting is fun, shooting and missing sucks. it will shake his confidence, and leave him frustrated. turkey heads are small...
 
I do believe that for the 9mm, full-jacket ammo would mean less ruination of meat. After all, a .22 magnum solid is plenty enough gun.

With the 7mm08, either load way down or take the head shot; however, shooting into the body behind the legs won't ruin meat. ("Instant field dress")

:), Art
 
Turkey head shots...

Ferget the head shots with a rifle.

Shoot for the base of their neck. You get a bigger and more stable target and you still won't touch the meat.
 
Make sure you read the regs carefully. In TX, you can use rifles for spring turkey, but not fall turkey, IIRC.
 
Well darn...

I was going from memory and I don't even hunt turkey. (I know, excuses, excuses ;) )

I guess I'll have to read them regs a little MORE carefully next time!
 
Methinks dem TX regs also differentiate between rio grande and eastern turkey in the spring season ... back to findin' the little book, get out the glasses for the fine print and "Know before ya go" ...
 
The carbine will work great. The PC9 will be perfect with the 147 SXT. There is no reason the 454 shouldn't work. There 7-08 could be downloaded, but there is no factory load I'd centerpunch a turkey with.

David
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top