Gents,
Am after a turkey shotgun for my son, who has a slight built and is very recoil sensitive. I've been considering a 20 gauge against some of my friends advice, as they claim a 20 gauge would severely limit the range to under 30 yards. Doing some online research I came across this article on Turkey hunting with a 20 (please see to link to article below), but am not a turkey expert (hunt mostly deer and hogs) and would like your opinion on chokes, shot size, and also what your thoughts are on a Mossbeerg 20 gauge pump combo (comes with a rifled barrel for deer and a 26 vent rib "field" barrel that I would have to choke with an extra full choke.)
Thanks for all your help.
the 20 ga will work fine after you pattern and find the right load/brand that shoots well from the gun.I have taken many birds with a 20 ga over under mod/full!
the 20 won't do what the 12 will, but as lamehawk says if you do your homework with a lot of practice and patterning with the right load and stay within it's limits it should be OK. last thing you wanna do is start the kid off on the wrong foot, or force him into something where it will not be fun or enjoyable for him. I got a late start in hunting at 18 (nobody else in family hunted) and the M-berg 500 combo was my first gun and now at 54 all my best shots, 1st and most types of game taken were with that gun. you could spend a lot more on a gas operated semi combo that would have less recoil but finding a youth stock might be tough. or if still legal next year use a 22 to 1/2 the distance he can consistantly hit a golf ball ( to acount for 1st time nerves/shakes, excitement). congrats for passing it on and being considerate for your sons well being and trying to do it right for him.
I suggest you guys take a peek at the NWTF site and old gobbler site, and look at some of the 20ga threads.
Some of the 40 yard patterns these guys are getting are unreal.
With the technology of these choke tubes and shot shells, I would have no problem hunting with one. If I had it to do over, i would build a 20ga turkey gun instead of a 12 ga 3 1/2". I am tired of getting my shoulder broken
mine does well and yep not thepainin the shoulder,lol
