Over under for turkey

[Gash632]

Who like to use a OU for Turkey? I like having one barrel with an open choke for most shots and one with a tight choke.

 

[John McLaughlin]

Have used a Browning Superposed 12ga, 3inch mag with F/F chokes. I usually get a bird if they like my calling. JM

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Who like to use a OU for Turkey? I like having one barrel with an open choke for most shots and one with a tight choke.

Makes sense for turkey hunting but few hunters seem to use them. Perhaps because of the weight? Turkey hunting often involves a fair amount of hiking. But uplands usually requires more footwork and O/U is more or less obligatory for them. I'm not sure even alloy receiver 3" or 3.5" semiauto twelve gauge shotguns weigh much less than an O/U but maybe. It seems the big semis are the in thing for turkey hunters. I don't hunt turkeys and my go to gun for uplands is an old plasticized Browning humpback magnum twelve gauge. It's heavy but fit is perfect and it swings on birds or clay targets very smoothly. I don't miss many pheasants. It has a newer Miroku barrel with chokes and I don't doubt it would work fine killing turkeys with a specialty choke. But yes, having the option to switch to a more open choke for moving birds appeals to me. I don't mind picking pellets out of pheasants or ducks. Why do turkeys have to be shot only in the head? I never understood that.

 

[JimP]

I've used a O/U a SxS, single shot, pump, and a semi automatic. With gauges from a .410 up to a 10 ga.

If you have it and want to use it then by all means use it

 

[Gash632]

Rifle/Shotgun combination guns were popular years ago. Some states you can't have a rifle in the woods during bird season and some states don't allow rifle for turkey. I guess if I had to use an O/U gun I would want it choked full and full.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Rifle/Shotgun combination guns were popular years ago. Some states you can't have a rifle in the woods during bird season and some states don't allow rifle for turkey. I guess if I had to use an O/U gun I would want it choked full and full.

Why? As I understand it, shooting turkeys in the head is a one-and-done affair. If they aren't killed with the first shot, they are up and away instantly with little or no opportunity for second shot. I would think #7.5 shot in a first barrel with full or tighter turkey choke for head shot and a second IC barrel with #4 or #2 shot for possible followup shot on the wing. Or for a body shot on a strutting tom that won't stand still. Using an O/U seems sensible to me. But what do I know, I've never had the opportunity to shoot turkeys. Can't use my dogs so not much chance I'll ever do it.

 

[BeeMaa]

My friend uses a Browning Cynergy Wicked Wing with 3.5” chambers with TKY and SKT chokes. We are both using Federal Heavyweight TSS 2 1/4 oz #7’s.

What I would say is equally important is pattern testing the shotgun, choke and load you plan on using at specific distances.

 

[Mekaniks]

I use a Browning Cynergy, with turkey choke in both barrels….

 

[Dirtdart]

An O/U is not my first choice for a gun fight but for everything else you are good to go.

 

[BeeMaa]

I use a Browning Cynergy, with turkey choke in both barrels….

View attachment 720931

That shotgun looks strangely familiar Glad it’s getting some good use.

 

[DocHolliday]

I’m a SxS guy for turkey. Either 28, .410 or BP

 

[Mekaniks]

That shotgun looks strangely familiar Glad it’s getting some good use.

Yes Sir it quickly became my “go to” for waterfowl and turkey.

 

[BeeMaa]

Yes Sir it quickly became my “go to” for waterfowl and turkey.

I was hoping that shotgun would fit me but it was so far off it wasn’t even funny.

The way you are using it is exactly what I had planned as well. Cheers.

 

[503]

Why? As I understand it, shooting turkeys in the head is a one-and-done affair. If they aren't killed with the first shot, they are up and away instantly with little or no opportunity for second shot. I would think #7.5 shot in a first barrel with full or tighter turkey choke for head shot and a second IC barrel with #4 or #2 shot for possible followup shot on the wing. Or for a body shot on a strutting tom that won't stand still. Using an O/U seems sensible to me. But what do I know, I've never had the opportunity to shoot turkeys. Can't use my dogs so not much chance I'll ever do it.

In most states there are limits on shot sizes for turkey. In IL and MO it's between 4,5, and 6 shot. And most places using a rifle is illegal so you can't have one if you're turkey hunting.

I have killed turkeys with body shots, like within 30 yards with 4s. But their feathers are very thick and dense so much past that they won't penetrate.

TSS changes that, states are starting to allow smaller shot in tss, I haven't used tss on turkeys but it will punch a hole through a goose at like 65 yards so I'd imagine it would work on turkeys the same way.

Cheers

503

 

[BeeMaa]

In most states there are limits on shot sizes for turkey. In IL and MO it's between 4,5, and 6 shot. And most places using a rifle is illegal so you can't have one if you're turkey hunting.

I have killed turkeys with body shots, like within 30 yards with 4s. But their feathers are very thick and dense so much past that they won't penetrate.

TSS changes that, states are starting to allow smaller shot in tss, I haven't used tss on turkeys but it will punch a hole through a goose at like 65 yards so I'd imagine it would work on turkeys the same way.

Cheers

503

TSS is a game changer for all forms of shotgun hunting. Just make sure it's safe to shoot in your particular firearm.

 

[503]

12 GA 3" PREDATOR 2 oz TSS

Epic Shotshell provides the best Bismuth shot shotshells, tungsten shot shot shells and steel shot for waterfowl and upland hunting

epicshotshell.com

I want to try these on pigs. And geese.

 

[BeeMaa]

12 GA 3" PREDATOR 2 oz TSS

Epic Shotshell provides the best Bismuth shot shotshells, tungsten shot shot shells and steel shot for waterfowl and upland hunting

epicshotshell.com

I want to try these on pigs. And geese.

I use #7's on geese with excellent results. Using TSS and going with bigger shot runs the risk of more meat damage and fewer pellets. This one was at 40 yards and opening.

 

[Mekaniks]

Here is video of the turkey above with the Cynergy…. Using #9 TSS

 

[503]

I use #7's on geese with excellent results. Using TSS and going with bigger shot runs the risk of more meat damage and fewer pellets. This one was at 40 yards and opening.

Nice shooting

 

[BeeMaa]

I've thought about using TSS T shot for home defense, but I haven't patterned them. T shot gives 24 pellets per ounce and I'd consider that better odds than 9 or 10 pellets of 00BUCK. If you step down to #2's you get 54 pellets per ounce, meaning 108 for the loads you are looking at!