Anyone have opinion on the 12 gauge Shotgun Barrel?

[jw4570]

I was thinking of getting a 12 ga shotgun barrel for the Encore.  I think it uses the same chokes as Mossberg (not Accu-Mag, the regular ones) which I have plenty of.  Anyone have any experience with the REGULAR shotgun barrel.  Anyone patterned one for Turkey Hunting?  I know you can get a Turkey Barrel but I was thinking of adding this Barrel in case I traveled somewhere and wanted to do a little shotgunning, or possibly use buckshot, but I'd want the barrel that would do anything, not a specialty barrel like the Turkey Barrel. 

Any thoughts? 

I posted here because I thought it was most relavent to the Encore, as the Shotgun Section doesn't specifically cater to the Encore.

Jason

[TRM-1]

I have a 12 gauge 20 inch turkey barrel and had a 12 gauge 24 inch turkey barrel that I sold. The recoil on both barrels is pretty stout to say the least. But the barrel seems to pattern well. It would be nice if you could try one before you bought to make sure it would suit you. My only regret with mine is the heavy recoil.

[jw4570]

I can't imagine the recoil is any worse than an H&R Single Shot 12 gauge, not with the Flexteck Stock (I have the non-thumbhole one).

Jason

[Hopalong7]

I use one for Turkey hunting only for last two years(20" barrel).  Yup, the recoil is a little pronounced, specially with heavy 3" er's,but the new flex-tech stock does help.  Mine patterned very good.  It sure is a joy to carry when you're runnin' n' gunnin' for ol' Tom. I would consider one for deer hunting if I deer hunted with a scatter blaster - which I don't. GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt

[TRM-1]

I also have my 20 inch turkey barrel on a pro hunter frame with the thumbhole flextech stock and I can tell you it still kicks the snot out of you especially with 3 inch magnum loads. I believe a lot of the recoil is from the light weight of the gun. I set mine up to turkey hunt and to fox hunt with. with the light weight and thumbhole stock it is a joy to carry, just not to shoot.

[jw4570]

I think it will be OK for what I want to do.  Turkey Loads are the worst kicking crap out there.  An ya'll might be surprised if you try some 2 3/4 loads in your 3" guns, they might just pattern better.  I'd say about 50% of the time I have found that to be the case with regular shotgun barrels.  I imagine Turkey barrels would be designed for 3" shells with proper forcing cones, but who knows?

I was thinking if I went out west again to hunt with my cousin, I could take this as a spare barrel and use it for anything else that might be in season if need be.  I'd be taking the Encore as my backup rifle, and it would be easy to add a shotgun barrel.

I'll see if I can pick one up used or on sale.  I still want the 26" for my purposes though

Jason