Run n Gun turkey rig

[bradb]

Have shot them with a bunch of things. But my go to most always is a weatherby sa o8 youth 20, Sumtoy choke, vortex red dot. I set the gun up for a youth hunt (technically learn to hunt, open to any age new hunters) we have been doing for over 25 years. But I like small, light, less recoil gun so much is about all I use.

 

[Pulleye16]

I personally don’t see why someone would need an ultra light gun for turkey hunting. It’s not like your pack hunting elk out west.

I’d stay with a 12 gauge that offers the most “bang.” Shotguns aren’t like rifles, you can simply buy one and exchange chokes for your specific needs.

My point is, why buy a lesser gun in 20 or 410? What’s the goal here, to reduce your options? Yeah, yeah, a 20 and 410 will take a turkey…just like a 223 will take an elk. But if I owned a 300wm, I’d be using that.

 

[K9kodi]

I think there’s an aspect of “gear optimization” for a lot people. Can they tote around a 12 ga 3.5 semi auto , absolutely, do some of them like the mind gsme of researching the perfect match for the most extreme situation, sure. TBH, if I can’t tote around my 3.5” semi auto 12ga from one spot to the next, I have bigger issues physically then what shotgun to use. But I applaud anyone who puts in time and research and wishes to maximize equipment. At the end of the day it’s just about hunting.

 

[N2TRKYS]

I think there’s an aspect of “gear optimization” for a lot people. Can they tote around a 12 ga 3.5 semi auto , absolutely, do some of them like the mind gsme of researching the perfect match for the most extreme situation, sure. TBH, if I can’t tote around my 3.5” semi auto 12ga from one spot to the next, I have bigger issues physically then what shotgun to use. But I applaud anyone who puts in time and research and wishes to maximize equipment. At the end of the day it’s just about hunting.

My 20ga is way shorter than my 12ga 3.5”. That’s why I like it so much. I didn’t want to fool with swapping a shorter barrel back and forth on my 12ga. TSS is more efficient as well. My 20ga loads call for less shot than my 12ga loads do, so it saves money on shot.
I always wanted a turkey only setup and couldn’t be happier with what I have.

 

[Kimber7man]

I dont know about you guys, but my turkey hunts go one of two ways...

*roost birds*

*tries to get in close*

*birds go to the neighbors immediately*

*attempt to call them across the property line*

*quits*

Experience has taught me to stay put and anywhere from 10 am to 1 pm, that tom will come back looking for you. Just gotta have the patience to sit that long and not get covered up in ticks….

 

[Steve O]

I found a .410 barrel for my Encore. I may do the same for my Contender for an even lighter setup. Pretty nice triggers on those T/Cs with a little work.

 

[Honyock]

Stevens 301 410. Light, fun to shoot and cheap. Spend the rest of your money on Apex Ninga TSS. That combination will bang flop a tom at 50 yards.

 

[schmidty3]

Experience has taught me to stay put and anywhere from 10 am to 1 pm, that tom will come back looking for you. Just gotta have the patience to sit that long and not get covered up in ticks….

Nah. Ive got a schedule and that schedule is i want a coffee and a waffle at 930. Thats happening whether I get one or not

Im aware that a lot are killed mid morning. Ive killed one at 930-10 once out there. Any other place id definitely be out there then. But at my family farm its just not worth my time

 

[bnewt3]

Experience has taught me to stay put and anywhere from 10 am to 1 pm, that tom will come back looking for you. Just gotta have the patience to sit that long and not get covered up in ticks….

permethrin

 

[bnewt3]

I appreciate all of the responses but I think many of you overlooked a couple of things in my OP, maybe those were aimed at the general turkey hunting populace instead of just me.

I am left handed, so while there are some 870s in LH, they arent common and a bunch of other comments are for RH only options(I wish SA-20 or SA-410 were available in LH)

Also, im not spending Benelli or Beretta money, or anything close to it.

 

[robtattoo]

I personally don’t see why someone would need an ultra light gun for turkey hunting. It’s not like your pack hunting elk out west.

I’d stay with a 12 gauge that offers the most “bang.” Shotguns aren’t like rifles, you can simply buy one and exchange chokes for your specific needs.

My point is, why buy a lesser gun in 20 or 410? What’s the goal here, to reduce your options? Yeah, yeah, a 20 and 410 will take a turkey…just like a 223 will take an elk. But if I owned a 300wm, I’d be using that.

Here he is folks......

 

[hunt1up]

I've use a Franchi Affinity Compact 20 as my primary turkey gun the past few seasons. I've used plenty of different full size 12s before TTS was a thing, but I just love using a gun with a smaller stature. It's simply better when setups can vary greatly and you may get in an awkward position. It's just less gun to maneuver.

I also bought a CVA Scout Spur 410 when they were released last year. When that thing came out I knew it was the next turkey gun for my kids. I'll probably use it this season as well. That gun is fantastic and should be the first and last consideration when looking at a 410 single shot. It's a little more money than a Rossi or a Stevens, but the fit/finish and ergonomics of the Scout is far superior. And the trigger is really nice. If every dollar matters then the Stevens 301 will certainly do the job. But I bought both the 301 and the CVA last year and sold the Stevens to a friend. It's fine, but the CVA is better in ever way.