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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 118
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 118 |
My 14 yr. old son is wanting to go turkey hunting this spring, so we'll give it a go. Total newbies. I only have one shotgun and it's an old 12 ga. Smith & Wesson 3000. I have three fixed choke barrels. A modified that only accepts 2&3/4" shells. An IC that handles up to 3" shells and a smoothbore slug barrel that has no choke marked on it, but I'm assuming IC or open, that also handles 3". Is it worth trying to pattern the two more open choke 3" barrels, or just stick with the 2&3/4" modified. And is even that barrel probably just too much of a handicap with it's relatively open choke and we need to start looking at some other options completely? Thanks!
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,238
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,238 |
The best bang for your buck will be to try and find some Hevi-Shot for your modified barrel. I don't know if they offer it in a 2.75 shell or not, but use the #7 shot if they do. It WILL get the job done.
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 24,851
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 24,851 |
Yep heavy shot or something of same variance.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,567
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,567 |
Ditto on Hevi-shot. Look no farther.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,112 Likes: 11
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 48,112 Likes: 11 |
My 14 yr. old son is wanting to go turkey hunting this spring, so we'll give it a go. Total newbies. I only have one shotgun and it's an old 12 ga. Smith & Wesson 3000. I have three fixed choke barrels. A modified that only accepts 2&3/4" shells. An IC that handles up to 3" shells and a smoothbore slug barrel that has no choke marked on it, but I'm assuming IC or open, that also handles 3". Is it worth trying to pattern the two more open choke 3" barrels, or just stick with the 2&3/4" modified. And is even that barrel probably just too much of a handicap with it's relatively open choke and we need to start looking at some other options completely? Thanks! Try some federal 2 3/4" turkey loads that have the flight control wads. I usually run #5 shot and have killed many turkey with a modified choke 12 gauge and 2 3/4" shells...Good luck with your turkey hunting, It's a blast..
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style. You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole. BSA MAGA
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 118
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 118 |
Many Thanks! I'll try to pick up some Hevi-shot and also some Federal turkey loads and see what patterns the best. Thanks again!
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 988
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 988 |
Ditto on Hevi-shot. Look no farther. +3 Hevi-Shot or another one of the Heavoer than lead variants made by Federal, REM or WIN. My gun shoots best with the "Heavy Weight" Federals with the FC wads. Good Luck NB
NRA Life Member
"Use Enough Gun"- Robert Ruark
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,193
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,193 |
Even lead #6 shot 2 3/4" pheasant or turkey loads with your modified barrel will kill turkeys to at least 30+ yards. Heavy Shot and/or Flite-Control wads will extend your range by 5 to 10 yards over that.
It's the 40-plus yard shots that make things complicated and empty the wallets of turkey hunters. Most any modified or full choke shotgun from 20-gauge on up will kill turkeys at under 40 yards just fine if you choose reasonable ammo.
Last edited by wildhobbybobby; 03/18/13.
Life is like a purple antelope on a field of tuna fish...
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,464
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,464 |
I've spent a lot of time on this recently...
Go by a box of Federal 3" #6 turkey thugs at Walmart and see what they'll do out of the IC barrel first. If that doesn't turn you on, buy some 3" federal heavyweight #7 and try them.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 118
Campfire Member
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OP
Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 118 |
Well, it looks like it may be worth messing with the 3" IC barrel. I was also looking at some Hornady Heavy Magnum Turkey 3" loads and they say that an IC or Mod choke often works best with their Versatite wad. At least it seems like we've got a shotgun that we ought to be able to find something that works pretty good out of. Thanks again!
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