Turkey hunting with an over/under?
- Thread starter Texaszach
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buck460XVR
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Go for it. I've hunted turkeys with SxS and never had an issue. Just need to pattern them like any other turkey gun. While they only give you two shots, the second shot is as fast as an auto-loader. My experiene has been, if it takes you more than two shots, the bird is gone anyway.
If you only have one gun you don't really have a choice if you want to hunt.
Plus, you might be able to use different shot sizes in the barrels. You never said what your setup is, but if you have choke tubes maybe #6 in the full for a head shot and #4 in the modified in case you miss and he's running or flying.
Laphroaig
Plus, you might be able to use different shot sizes in the barrels. You never said what your setup is, but if you have choke tubes maybe #6 in the full for a head shot and #4 in the modified in case you miss and he's running or flying.
Laphroaig
desidog
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Recent marketing studies have shown that if you're turkey hunting with a gun that is 1.) not garishly camouflaged, and 2. is not equipped with a high-dollar optic that blocks the iron/bead sight, you aren't going to see a turkey, let alone shoot one. That being said, turkeys don't read marketing studies. 
It wasn't that long ago when your average hunter would use the same shotgun for everything from doves to deer and everything in between. As long as it puts the pattern where you point it, there is no disadvantage to using your O/U. Most Turkeys are put down with one shot.
An O/U would work just fine. I've never had to take a second shot at a turkey and the odds of needing more than two are remote. Frpm watching the reaction of other birds, either they are gone instantly or they hang around wondering what the loud noise was long enough for you to reload.
A double could offer several advantages. Having 2 different chokes for different situations and a shorter overall length and still having a longer barrel for improved velocity.
The biggest disadvantage is that turkey are shot like a rifle with very tight patterns. Almost all doubles, SXS and O/U shoot each barrel to different points. Usually not enough to matter with large patterns and wingshooting. But it could create a miss at longer ranges and tight patterns. I'd pattern each barrel and know where they hit at various ranges.
Most doubles are quite expensive and turkey hunting can be hard on a gun. Pumps are most commonly used because they are cheap and lighter than most other styles. But there have been a few attempts to market a double designed for turkey
The biggest disadvantage is that turkey are shot like a rifle with very tight patterns. Almost all doubles, SXS and O/U shoot each barrel to different points. Usually not enough to matter with large patterns and wingshooting. But it could create a miss at longer ranges and tight patterns. I'd pattern each barrel and know where they hit at various ranges.
Most doubles are quite expensive and turkey hunting can be hard on a gun. Pumps are most commonly used because they are cheap and lighter than most other styles. But there have been a few attempts to market a double designed for turkey
sage5907
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Ammunition is more important than the gun as long as you use a full choke and know how the gun patterns at various ranges. A modified choke can be used for closer shots. I wouldn't shoot at a turkey if I didn't know I could disable or kill the bird with one shot. My favorite turkey load for years has been Winchester XX Magnum with #4 copper plated shot. I shoot 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch shells and regularly kill turkeys at 50 yards. Some hunters frown at shooting turkeys at 50 yards but if you live in a region with lots of turkeys to hunt and are confident in your ability it works well. Hunting with a shinny shotgun is not that difficult either, just keep the muzzle pointed toward the bird when it approaches. That way they don't see the gun from the side. You must wear full camo with gloves and a face mask. If you have to move your body or the gun on a turkey as it approaches it works to do the move at normal speed, because a turkey can pick up on a slow movement just as quickly as a quicker movement.
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I'll definitely plan on using it this spring.
As far as chokes it came with a set of 5, and I have been using number 3 and 4 for dove hunting, which I believe to be a modified and improved cyl.
I'll definitely pattern it out soon, it's not a greatly expensive gun, but was a gift from my grandfather so it is worth something to me.
As far as chokes it came with a set of 5, and I have been using number 3 and 4 for dove hunting, which I believe to be a modified and improved cyl.
I'll definitely pattern it out soon, it's not a greatly expensive gun, but was a gift from my grandfather so it is worth something to me.
gamestalker
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I took a turkey with a single shot .410 one spring. I called him so close I thought he was going to brush against me, then when he strutted a few feet away I nailed him with a clean head shot.
GS
GS
Captcurt
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An O/U works fine and sometimes even better because of two chokes or different loads. The only advice that I can give is to pattern both barrels. Sometimes a double barrel doesn't pattern both barrels to the same point of impact. No biggie unless the bird is in you face. Then you need to know exactly where the the load is going. I once shot a bird so close that I shot the front half of his beak off.
I probably killed 100 turkeys with an O/U through HS and college. It was the only 12 g I had and some of them I killed with the same loads I used for dove hunting. I knew I had to let the bird get real close. Back then I didn't have the knowledge or money to buy the latest and greatest so I used what I had.
I moved to a Remington 1100 after I got married because that's what all the guys in my deer club had for our deer drives. By then I did at least know enough to buy the correct ammo.
I now use the same gun for turkey that I use for ducks, the Beretta A391. 3 1/2" magnum shells and most of the time I still let them get close before I shoot them. I have no interest in shooting a dumb bird at 60 yards. I want them inside 20 if possible and most of the time I just let them walk if they hang up at 40. I also have no interest in ambushing a turkey. I LOVE finding them on the roost and trying to call them in.
I moved to a Remington 1100 after I got married because that's what all the guys in my deer club had for our deer drives. By then I did at least know enough to buy the correct ammo.
I now use the same gun for turkey that I use for ducks, the Beretta A391. 3 1/2" magnum shells and most of the time I still let them get close before I shoot them. I have no interest in shooting a dumb bird at 60 yards. I want them inside 20 if possible and most of the time I just let them walk if they hang up at 40. I also have no interest in ambushing a turkey. I LOVE finding them on the roost and trying to call them in.
Captain Capsize
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My idea of an over/under turkey gun is my Savage 24 .22 mag/20 gauge. This season I was squirrel hunting when a flock of turkeys walked across the trail about 60 yds. away. I let them cross into the woods then flanked them for about 20 minutes. I could see them in a clearing feeding about 100 yds. They were moving toward me and since I was wearing orange I felt I better take the shot at 80 yds. I put the cross hairs on the biggest one right at the throat. The .22 mag did a number on it, DRT. I thought I may have damaged a lot of meat with that ballistic tip but not so. It went in through the crop and exited through the wing joint. Must have passed through the vitals, not a bit of meat wasted.
HellTrain
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An o/u will work just as good as any other shotgun.
SunnySlopes
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I doubt the turkey cares what killed him.
returningfire
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It only takes one shot to kill a turkey, the second shot is for just in case.
You are good to go with the o/u, although I do prefer the sxs.
You are good to go with the o/u, although I do prefer the sxs.
dubbleA
Member
Exactly.....
Truer words haven't been spoken, I concur!!!
The problem is than some don't want to do their homework and fire shots down range to find out what their limitations are.:banghead:
KC45 said:
Truer words haven't been spoken, I concur!!!
The problem is than some don't want to do their homework and fire shots down range to find out what their limitations are.:banghead:
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