I'm a bit hesitant to even consider this, since I have a hard time buying a firearm that I know will get pulled out, used once (hopefully) then put away again until next year. However, after having some barrel issues with my 500A that cost me a bird at 25yds last season, and BARELY downing my bird at the same distance the year before, I just don't have the confidence with it that I need. I've toyed with switching over to bow only, but on the property I hunt, with the time we have in PA (limited) during the spring season, it doesn't make much sense. I've thought about forgoing the possibility of buyers remorse getting a one time use gun, and trying to buy a higher end gun that could serve multiple uses (clays/trap/turkey), but in the end, they're just too entirely different animals with different requirements. So, with that being said, I don't think it's wise or justifiable to drop serious $$ on this setup, so Semi-auto is out (unless I'm going with an off-brand Benelli (Stoeger) or a Franchi. I'm looking at some of the obvious pump actions, and would like your thoughts. Mossberg 835, Rem 870, and the Benelli Super Nova are the three at the top of my list. The first two are the classic go to turkey pumps it seems, and have plenty of loyal followers. The Benelli, not so much. Some people love them, others seem to find them a bit awkward, and heavy for mobile turkey hunting. I will say this, the fit and finish of my Tactical Nova was/is not as impressive as the 870 tactical. Not sure how that translates over to the turkey variants, since I haven't gotten to cycle or hold either yet. Thoughts? Oh, and if you think I should just man up, save the $500-$600 and just go bow only, feel free to give your two cents as well:D
I really like the Rem 870 Express combo that comes with the slug and bird barrel. Granted, my bird barrel is like 28" and the choke I have adds another 1-2" haha, but it patterns well and I have no doubt in its performace.
This may likely 'ruffle some feathers', but I have shot turkeys with my 'goose gun' a 12ga 3"ch..24"barrel full choke CharlesDaly -which I no longer use at all, a 16ga 2 3/4"ch..20"barrel full or mod choke Rem870, a 20ga 3"ch..24"barrel Full choke Win singleshot, a 20ga 3"ch..28"barrel full choke Savage/Springfield pump, and my Hoyt Protec. I have lost a bird with any of the shotguns except one head shot that I missed at about 7-9yards with the single shot on the run...I have missed a couple with the bow. I would never waste my money on a gun just for turkey and the guns I carry most when turkeys are my main target is the single shot(1st) or pump 20ga(2nd) in the spring season when I only have one tag. In the Fall(2-3 tags) I usually just take what presents itself to me, with the bow, from the deer stand. Otherwise it is whatever shotgun I am carrying that day for grouse or ducks which is usually the 16ga or 20ga pump. Any shotgun that you know shoots a good pattern and you are comfortable with will do the job - if you keep your shots within the limits of the gun/shotshell load capabilties.
You know ive been researching shotguns for a while as I plan on buying some when I get back. You referred to the Benelli Supernova as the one where people provide mixed reviews, do you think that could possibly be because its the more expensive brand so not as many people use it? Thats my #1 choice right now for turkey and waterfowl, I didnt find the mixed reviews which you wrote about.
That's what I use as well. My son has a Nova and I actually like it a little better than my 870 SM. I am going to ruffle some feathers here, but I'm not a fan of the 835.......and I like mossberg. The 835 just feels clumsy to me.
I LOVE my 835 I mean really love it. I've killed a ton of thunder chickens geese ducks and yotes with it
No loose stock here. Fit and finish on my gun is great and for the price, which I believe was of issue for the OP I say great gun. I have beat the crap outta mine for many seasons now without issue. I have bought and sold a Nova and a super nova. And own an 870. But for me.... The 835 is the one that hunts.
I agree with these. I shot two birds the first year I went after gobblers and the 870 put both of them down no problem.
I love an 870 turkey gun. I used my dads for a while, bought a real nice one with the thumbhole stock a couple years back. Sweet set up, although a tad heavy.
I love me some 870. I have an old Wingmaster from the 60's and a Super Mag. I will say this: the 870's made in the last 5 or so years aren't nearly the fit and finish they used to be. I have fiddled with a few, and basically they need a complete teardown and every stamped part needs to be deburred and polished to get it to run right. I simply don't care for any Benelli or Mossberg shotguns. They are pricepoint weapons, and just feel cheap and clunky in the hands. If you have the budget, Browning and Beretta are still the tops. If you love the classics, an old Winchester Model 12 or an Ithaca is a great way to go. All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure - Mark Twain
I've killed more turkeys than I can count with my old Win model 1200 20 gauge with a modified 28 inch barrell. I use either 6 or 7 1/2 shot and they drop everytime out to about 30 yards. Just find a gun you can shoot well and that patterns well. That is far more important than all the other concerns. An 28 inch modified or full 870 or something similar should be an excellent choice.
