Author Topic: Good Single Jr size Turkey gun (Read 638 times)

littlecanoe · « **on:** January 22, 2006, 02:37:01 PM »

I have an 11yo who is showing interest in turkey hunting with me this spring.
I'm looking for any suggestions for a good single shot 20guage. Obviously this is the smallest guage allowed for turkey in many states but is a good starter for a jr size person.

Does anyone have suggestions on a Single or other fairly low cost entry gun that would do for turkey? I'd prefer screw in chokes if possible.

Much thanks.

Mike103 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 23, 2006, 01:33:42 AM »

Look at the Mossberg 500 pump Bantam (youth) model. It comes with a plug that allows only one extra shell. It has screw in chokes. MIKE.

Robert · « **Reply #2 on:** January 23, 2006, 04:59:03 AM »

Just a plain & Simple NEF works just fine. Full choke is nice for Turkey, but a Modified choke will be more useful for all sorts of shooting and still works fine for turkey inside of 30 yds. I started with a 12 gauge NEF, but I have also taken Toms with a 20 and modified choke.

dawei · « **Reply #3 on:** January 23, 2006, 08:13:43 AM »

Quote from: littlecanoe

I have an 11yo who is showing interest in turkey hunting with me this spring.
I'm looking for any suggestions for a good single shot 20guage. Obviously this is the smallest guage allowed for turkey in many states but is a good starter for a jr size person.

Does anyone have suggestions on a Single or other fairly low cost entry gun that would do for turkey? I'd prefer screw in chokes if possible.

Much thanks.

Here are 3 choices for your son:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3138397

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3138423

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3138472

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2006, 09:48:07 AM »

Got to go with Dawei on this one .

The H&R's are the way to go and when he gets bigger you can change the sholder stock to an adult size real easy .

littlecanoe · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2006, 02:11:53 PM »

Thanks for the Heads up guys!!

I was looking at NEF stuff but was concerned that the full choke may be too open. I use screw-in chokes for my guns. Plenty of options that way.

I do think I'll stay with a single shot. Initial investment is nicer too! :-)

Anyway, I like it if it puts more turkey in the freezer!! Man but is it good stuff!!

littlecanoe · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2006, 04:09:46 PM »

Ordered the Pardner Jr Turkey in 20ga today.

Now we have to practice a bunch with the 2 3/4" loads on the paper turkey targets.

I'll try to give a report on it when it gets in and we get some range time in.
THanks
LC

Busta · « **Reply #7 on:** January 26, 2006, 02:23:07 PM »

littlecanoe,

Back in '96 I bought a 20ga modified choked N.W.T.F. H&R Topper Jr. Classic J.A.K.E.S. gun for my son and it will put them gobblers down hard out to 30 yards with 3" turkey loads. The full choke in your Pardner Turkey Gun should be better for turkey pattterns. Practice with light loads at first then use the heavy 3" loads for final patterning. It helps if you shoot the heavy loads for patterning to see what the maximum effective range is,then let your son shoot a couple before season. Both my son and daughter had no problem with the 3" turkey loads at age 12.

Good luck! :grin:

PEPAW · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2006, 03:12:40 AM »

Do those NEF's have a quality recoil pad? I have a tiny daughter who can't wait till hunting season. Any hunting season.

I would add a Limbsaver or Pachmayr if they don't.

pepaw

Busta · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2006, 05:48:51 AM »

Quote from: PEPAW

Do those NEF's have a quality recoil pad? I have a tiny daughter who can't wait till hunting season. Any hunting season.
I would add a Limbsaver or Pachmayr if they don't.

pepaw

pepaw,

Some do some don't, depends on the model. The plain NEF Pardners don't. The NEF Pardner Youth and H&R Topper Jr. Classic my son has does. I'll give you a link to their site and you can look at the different models.

http://www.hr1871.com/

littlecanoe · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2006, 12:21:27 PM »

Fella's we got the gun!!! It's a success. :grin:

Went out last night and shot some light loads with 7/8oz shot 2 3/4" federals. Used the colored turkey heads. At 20 yds from a rest she was hitting well once she figured out how to sight down the barrel with no rear leaf to use.

I tried some Winchester Supreme X 3" shells in #4 shot at 30 yards and wasn't impressed. What shot weight have you guys found these little guns to like? I'm thinking minimum #5 and possible #6. Is there a particular brand that they like?

My turkey set-up likes the Winny's best over Remington HeviShot. I need to figure out where to go with this little 20. 1st one I've owned or shot.

The recoil pad is OK. It is perforated and not overly soft. A Decelerator would probably be a nice addition. My younger daughter only weighs in at about 60 lbs and the 2 3/4's were too much for her. Maybe in a year or two.

Busta · « **Reply #11 on:** February 02, 2006, 04:51:33 PM »

#6shot in a 20ga all the way. You want as much shot as possible and at 30 yards and under the #6's will floor those gobblers. You really don't want to be shooting the 20ga over 30 yards anyways. 3" Federal, Winchester and Remington all shot good in my sons modified choke.

Just remember the #6's out of the 20ga will hit just as hard as they do in the 12ga.