Thoughts on a new turkey gun

[Mjc21706]

Ive been toting around an SP-10 for about 20 years now I bought way back when they didnt make 3.5 12 gauges and they didnt make all the custom shells you can get now, and Im just tired of the weight. Ive been a remington gun fan my whole life but always liked the way a benneli fells and also how light weight they are. Id like some opionions on a new 12 gauge.

[Wingboneman]

New Browning A5 Humpback Autoloader,    It should be bad to the bone, I will get one for sure.
http://www.outdoorlife.com/videos/outdoorlife/hunting/2012/01/new-browning-a5-humpback-autoloader

[drenalinld]

20 is the new 12. Benelli M2 20 ga.

[savduck]

20 is the new 12. Benelli M2 20 ga.

X2....20 gauges are the new 12s. They are many great 20 gauges out there. Reminton 870, Weatherby SA08, Benelli, etc you name it. With the HTL commercial loads by federal and hevi shot and the availablity of getting some TSS 9s to handload....who needs a 12 ga.

Some great chokes out there for the 20 ga too. Sumtoy 562, Indian Creek 555, Truglo SSX550, Puregold tempest 555 and 570, you name it.

[hunter22]

You can call me old school. I have used a left-handed Benelli SBE now for about 15 years. I shoot an Indian Creek .665 choke and Nitro 3 1/2 inch 4X5X7s in it. This gun is deadly out to 50 plus yards. I do not like to shoot past 40 but it is nice to know if you misjudge distance your gun will bail you out. Mine is light and a pleasure to carry. If I had to replace it and I could not find another one like it, I would go with the Benelli SBE II. If the TSS #9 loads were commercially available I might re-think this, but right now I think you have to reload to use the TSS.

[Zumer]

20 is the new 12. Benelli M2 20 ga.

 

[firedup]

I am in the camp that is moving more towards the 20....with the rite setup...deadly to 40 and beyond.  That being said, I retired the old mossy and bought a new Rem 11-87 couple years ago.  Great gun, shoots amazing...but it ain't a lite weight.  Really disappointed by the overall weight.  Seems like I grab the little custom 20 single more than it these days. I may try the 870 in a custom set up I do myself.  I am a Remington man for sure but for whatever reason I just like a single shot or a pump for turkeys.  But I have heard nothing but good about the Benelli, specifically the Super Black Eagle. Currently, my thinking is a turkey hunter is better off buying a solid and dependable off the rack base gun then putting the money and effort into it to tweak it EXACTLY the way you want it. Thus a real basic Rem 870 (or...?) / 20-22 inch barrel / custom choke work / pistol grip type stock / DIY camo / a good reflex reddot sight and put the extra money saved towards shells and patterning. Good luck Jeff, tough decision.
http://www.americanhunter.org/articles/best-turkey-hunting-guns/
http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/guns/shotguns/2011/04/best-turkey-guns-shotguns
http://www.gameandfishmag.com/2012/03/21/your-dream-turkey-gun/

[Mjc21706]

Thanks  men for all the insight.....its much appreciated

[CW]

I still like a 12. It's hard to argue with an 870. I got a new rig for this last season and love it - a SX3 with a fastfire. I also saw recently on old gobbler a guy selling a sweet benelli I setup with 2 barrels and 2 stocks. Good luck and have fun. I love a new gun purchase mission

[rocfish13]

Jeff, I'm thinkimg about getting a 20 gauge, also. So this past season, I used my buddies 1100 20 gauge. I put a cheap turkey choke on it. Man, that thing was lite!!  So easy to care in the woods, and hold in position.  This is the Tom I shot with it at 33 yards. I was using 2-3/4" number 6's. Dropped it like a sack of taters!   Definitely going to a 20 gauge next year, most likely a 870. The 1187 is a little too heavy.      Gary

[B-Ready]

I was in your shoes 15 years ago and wanted a light weight cannon. I had a 11-87 that I used, but everybody knows there a boat anchor. I sold the Remington and pulled the trigger on a new 12ga SBE. I've never had any regrets. If I was to do it today, I would have to look at the 20's hard, caused they have changed so much. I shot a my buddy's new 20ga. rig and I liked it.

[GSLAM95]

20 is the new 12. Benelli M2 20 ga.

 

My pick as well...

[hunter62]

Ive used for many years A500G Browning made in belgium assembled in Portugal the first year Browning made it there been a lot of grouse rabbits hare and turkeys that died in front of that gun i'm still killing with it .

[ferocious calls]

Charles Daley Field, MM 3.5 12 semi, puts em down. Unless I miss 

[jobugg]

I like the 870 20ga, hard to beat with heavyweight #7's.