September 26, 2007, 02:36 PM | #1 |
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turkey gun question
I'm interested in going fall turkey hunting this year, but I don't have a suitable turkey gun yet. I'd like some opinions on my options:
I do have a matte black winchester 1300 , 3" chamber, with a smoothbore 18" barrel and decent sights. Could I get a local gunsmith to thread the barrel to accept a turkey choke and use that? Or should I just buy a dedicated turkey gun? Thanks for the guidance |
September 26, 2007, 03:16 PM | #2 |
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I would suggest first pattern what you got. Try a couple of different brands of turkey loads at realistic ranges. You might be lucky and not have to do anything!
I have no idea what it would cost to have your barrel threaded for choke tubes, but it might be less costly just to buy a new barrel.
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September 26, 2007, 03:27 PM | #3 |
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With the winchester line, its virtually impossible to get replacement or extra barrels. ( I think).
I was under the assumption since I don't have any choke on my shotgun, it would spread the pattern out way too much. I have a few type of turkey ammo, I guess it doesn't hurt to try and see how it is. I called one local gunsmith and he charges $85 to thread the barrel for a choke. That would be in addition to whatever chokes I would buy, so it would be a fairly costly job. That's why I was considering just buying an inexpensive turkey gun for ~$300. I'm open to any and all possibilities.... |
September 26, 2007, 11:55 PM | #4 |
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As cheap as shotguns are, I'd just buy a dedicated turkey gun or an all-purpose shotgun. My NEF Excel Auto-5, full camo job, 22" bbl, came with 4 chokes, including an extra-full turkey, and a fully adjustable rear and fiber optic front sight, cost me only $351 plus tax brand new. It's smoked a couple of turkeys so far. And pumps are dirt cheap. If you get a Mossy, Remington, or Winchester with a threaded barrel, then you can find chokes from various companies *everywhere*.
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September 27, 2007, 09:17 AM | #5 | |
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Quote:
If that doesn't work out well, do you have to use a shotgun where you hunt? If you don't have to use a shotgun try a .22WMRF rifle. I like using a .38 Special revolver with 158gr. LRN loads. I haven't tried them but some of the lever action rifles in .218 Bee, .25-20, or .32-20 seem like they would be fun. There are plenty of other options out there and you probably own something else that would work well. $85 seems like a good deal if you have to use the shotgun and it doesn't pattern well enough. |
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September 27, 2007, 10:16 AM | #6 | ||
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Quote:
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Mavrik |
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September 27, 2007, 12:48 PM | #7 |
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If your current shotgun will not pattern well, and you jsut want a shotgun for turkey once a year, look at a Mossberg. They are fairly good quality and relatively inexpensive, and come with screw-in chokes. If you want an aftermarket barrel for you Winchester, look at Cabela's or Midway.
The only state I know of that allows weapons other than shotguns for turkey is Montana. Most states dropped firearms other than shotguns for turkey back in the 1970s and 1980s.
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September 27, 2007, 04:13 PM | #8 |
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Definitely pattern your current shotgun. Hevi-shot patterns better with a little less choke.
If you've never turkey hunted before, I would hold off on a dedicated turkey gun. If you really want a dedicated turkey gun, look at the H&R single shots. They do thump you pretty good, but you won't notice it shooting a turkey. A recoil shield will help with patterning.
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