I understand that there is a Spring turkey season. I would anticipate going with a guide for at least the first time until I learn the ropes (unless some successful turkey hunter on this board would like to let me tag along). I have an old 12 guage shotgun my grandfather got in the 40's or 50's from Sears. The thing works fine. I've shot plenty of pheasant with it. However, I am not sure it is suitable for turkey hunting. Most of the guns I see being used are specialty or modified shotguns made specifically for turkey shooting. I know there are certain choke adaptors available to put on a standard 12 guage that will tighten your pattern and extend your range, but I am not sure my gun would take one, since it is so old. Can anyone name a good quality gun the sells at a good price that would allow a guy to kill Turkeys effectively and also other game as well. I would prefer one shotgun that can perform various functions. Also, can anyone hunt the Spring Turkey season, or is it a raffle only hunt? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I thank everyone on this board for the often thoughtful and helpful replies. Oh, I was also wondering if any of you muzzleload for turkeys?? If so, do you shoot em' with the old 50 cal and round ball, or do you use a muzzleloading shotgun? Thanks in advance. Brass

These shotguns are all under $300 and will be perfect for Turkeys.

Remington 870 express 12ga. 3 or 3 1/2"
Benelli Nova 12ga. 3 1/2"
Winchester 1300 12ga. 3"
Mossberg 500 or 835 12ga. 500 is 3" 835 is 3 1/2"

If you shop around you can find any of these at close to $250.

I just bought a Benelli Nova at GI Joes for $249.

You could use the gun you have now,but a really tight choke is a good idea for turkeys. How much would it cost to have removeable choke tubes installed on your gun? Its probably easier and not much more $$$ to buy a new gun.

HPB-thanks a ton for the gun list and advice. Do you hunt birds on the west or east and what season? Brass

You can get mossberg 500s for under $200. Quite a few people dont like them, most havent tried them.

The 835 is the best mossberg choice, typically $200-250, and I believe it comes stock with removable chokes. At least I know my bros did.

Sorry if the English is a lil rough... Got my wisdom teeth pulled so the drugs are workin against me here.

Curtis

The Mossberg 835 is the best 3 1/2in gun out there! And was the first 3 1/2in gun made.
I have a Mossberg 835 gun and it is so much better built then my Remington 3 1/2in gun that I once had...
The Remington did not even last a season. I also heard people having problems with it. The Remington also has much more recoil then the Mossberg 835 gun...
The Mossberg 835 has a ported barrel, the Remington gun don't. Ported barrels are really nice. Takes a way lots of felt recoil. Only down side to ported barrels is its an over size barrel, can't shoot slugs out of it. But your looking to kill birds with it. You can buy a rifled slug barrel for the 835 if you really need one.

The Winchester 1300 makes one very fine 3in gun. I own one with the 28in smooth bore barrel and a 22in fully rifled barrel and have well used it. Only problem I had was the choke tub came lose on me..yada yada yada long story there.

Yet to shoot a Benelli Nova 12ga 3 1/2in gun so I have nothing to say about it.

Don't waste your money on an Auto 3 1/2in gun. You will have problems later down the road.

My 3 1/2 cents

If you're concerned about recoil don't shoot 3 1/2" loads,you don't need them 99% of the time. If you really think you need to use the biggest shells,get a Bennelli Nova. For about $40 you can buy a mercury recoil reducer that fits in the buttstock,takes just a few minutes to install.

I use a Rem 870supermag W/ 26" berral. With a extra full choke and 3.5 federal #4 turkey loads you don't want to have to do a follow up shot. I have had the Rem for three years and it has not failes once. As a former dealer I would say to avoid the mossberg. To many people had to have thier guns fixed for too many problems. I don't think I'll use a 3.5 load this year it's too punnishing. If you want to use your gun more for turkey look for a shorter berral it makes moving thru the brush much easier and won't make and difference in your regular bird hunting. I reccomend hunting in the Colleville area. Last year I saw birds every where and shot my bird by 2pm on my first day out, in fact he was the biggest of 3 I called in. I am hearing some interesting things about Okanogan and Yakima areas. I won't get too excited about Yakima because of the coyote over population.

b on b,

Check out this address here:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/turkey/index.htm

Has about everything you want to know about turkey hunting in WA. Keep in mind that scouting is the key. The northeast usually has the highest # birds, but also the highest # of people. Southeast is also a good area, but a lot more private land.

Anyone ever hunt the population in the southwest part of the state? That's closer to home for me (a little anyway) and I've never heard anyone talk about hunting them so there may not be much hunting pressure on them. I remember seeing flocks of turkeys out near Goldendale when we were coyote hunting, though, so that may be a good area, too.

I would Get a Benelli Nova or a Rem 870 super mag. I have Both and they are great guns, never had a problem with either one, They shoot 2 3/4's -3 1/2 shells