2 3/4" 20 ga. for turkey?

G

gary c coffey

New member
I have an old Remington model 48 sportsman that I started my grandson out on dove shooting this year. It is a 28" barrel with a full choke and he loves the gun. However, he wants to use this gun turkey hunting in the spring. I have no problem with the gauge or the choke. However, I am not sure about the 2 3/4" chamber. Would this shell be adequate for turkey with any load? Is there one particular type of shot that may be better for turkey? If this would work, What would you consider to be the maximum yardage? I have offered to buy him a 12 gauge or 20 ga. with 3" chamber. But he really can shoot this shotgun. All opinions welcome. Many thanks.
 
A 2.75" 20 ga. is fine. That's what a lot of people used before the magazines and tv shows decided that a shoulder-fired 10 ga. or 12 ga. cannon was necessary to kill a turkey. Get some #5 or #6 game loads, the high-dollar ones if you can afford them, and see how they pattern at 30 or 35 yards.

If he can hit them, a 20 ga. will definitely kill turkeys. Many years ago my father killed two with two quick shots shooting high brass #6 in a 20 ga. and those birds were flying. Not bad shooting with a pump. My uncle saw him do it.

John
 
When I was a kid, I hunted turkey with a single shot .410. Shoot a turkey in the head with lead and it goes down. If it is still alive, run out and ring it's neck (watch the spurs).
 
Started shooting shotguns in a 20ga stevens model 58 bolt action. Took many many turkeys, dove, pheasants, squirrels, etc.. with this. As lon as he aims for a head and neck shot he has no problems. no 4, 5 or 6 shot in 2 3/4 does the trick no problems. Also a .410 does the trick as well for a head shot or real up close body shot. A fresh shot wild turkey on thanksgiving can't be beat!

Also I wouldn't recommend this but my brother actually shot one once with a 10/22 while out squirrel hunting. He had the tag, but had intended on trying out his new 835 the next weekend. The turkey came within about 10 yards of where he was sitting calling the squirrels and presented a clear head shot. 1 quick shot to the head and the tag was filled. :) Fresh turkey without all the pesky bb's to deal with.
 
A good friend of mine’s son has been hunting with a 20 ga for the past 5 years. He has killed 5 turkey in that time using a full choke and 2 ¾” #6 shot. He will not take a shot at over 30 yards. As stated above, a 20 ga will do the job just fine.
 
Guys I really appreciate all the info. I am taking him today to get some high brass #6's and some #5's if we can find them. I have let him read all the posts and we have agreed he can use his 48 if he can put 7 or more pellets in the head/neck area at 30 yards. THEN, limit his shots to no more than 25 yards. He has used this shotgun on squirrels, rabbit, and grouse and I have no doubt he can hit a turkey. Just wondered if this was enough lead to do the job. You gentlemen have answered that one. Again, Many,many thanks.
 
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