Looking for smooth bore turkey gun!

[shmrck1]

I am thinking of exspanding my turkey hunting
by using a smooth bore shotgun,preferably
percussion. What do you recommend. Guage,choke,
price,both new and used.In other words what should
I look for.I have never owned a smoothbore B/P
gun.I know the answer is here.
Thanks in advance
snake-eyes

 

[Mike Brooks]

I'd look for an antique 10 bore in good shape if you are going with percussion.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

If you want the most effective, I'd say a percussion double, 10 or 12 gauge, choked modified and full. If you want a more aesthetic experience, a long fowler in any gauge, flint or percussion, with a full choke. In any case a full choke will nearly double the effective range of a cylinder bore, especially on turkeys where one can aim carefully to put that thick center pattern on target.

 

[hawk]

if your used to taking birds at 45-50yards...you'll need to find your sense of humour and dig up some patience...

i use full choke 12ga with #5 and git them into 20 or so yards...don't be suprised if you go home empty handed a once in a while...thats all part of the black powder experience...


you'll also get good at soft calling...that's been my experience anyways

as for the double never had the need for a second shot...can only harvest one bird a day here

good luck do you have a fall season your way?

 

[roundball]

"...as for the double, never had the need for a second shot..."

That's my feeling about it...you're basically shooting a smoothbore like a rifle at a very small target...and if you don't make a good killing head shot with the first shot...presumably at a motionless target within range...the odds of hitting that same small target by throwing a "hail-mary shot" at it while its in a paniced, full flight, going away condition, would really be stacked against you...

 

Snake Eyes,
Check the classifieds, I've got what you need and I'm right down the street.
Mark