Modified choke single for turkey???

[riddleofsteel]

I recently got a H&R Model 99 12 gauge single shot shotgun with a modified choke barrel as part of a trade. It is a pretty nice gun. It has a brushed nickle looking finish and nice "hard wood" stock. The gun is in 98% over all condition.
Here is the question. I have a deer lease that is literally crawling with turkeys. I see the same 2 flocks every time I go in there. They work the creek bottoms and hardwood hill sides all day long for food, consume most of my corn piles and roost in the pines along the access road at night. I have not hunted turkey for 5 or 6 years now and as a result I have no suitable shotgun. My 12 year old son is fascinated with hunting them during this year's winter season.
Would this gun be suitable for turkey? What loads should I start to test for patterns? If it is I plan to cover it with a roll of cammo tape. I seem to remember modified chokes not being much good beyond 35 yards. This is no problem as we see these birds closer than that several times a day. (That will change when the first few bite the dust I know)

Let me know what you think.

Thanks
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[Ramrod]

It will work just fine, you just need to be about 10 yards closer than you would with a full choke. Get some good turkey loads with copper plated shot. I like # 5 shot Federal Premiums, but any of the Big Three are good. You might be better off with #6 shot for more pellet count at the closer range. Then get some turkey head and neck targets and start shooting. Back up five yards, shoot. Back up 5 yards, shoot. When you can't kill the paper turkey, you have gone too far. Now you know the gun and load's max range.

[fffffg]

it will be great and will teach your son  patience/true hunting skills..  on the mlml forum good hunters take turkeys with black powder  cylinder bore 20 guage flintlocks  every year.. put the decoy out at his pattern range and when the turky comes inside or even with  that  shoot.. or put out a stake for distance..  if you want full choke use number 4 or five steel shot.. whichever patterns best.. its higher velocity should equal out for the lighter shot..    dave..

[riddleofsteel]

I found a 20 gauge Mossberg bolt action shotgun for $50.00 with a polychoke. I am hoping that between the two guns we will be well armed for the late winter turkey season here in N.C.
He took his first deer this year and is on fire about everything that has to do with shooting and hunting. Just this evening he was searching the internet for a turkey gun. Little does he know what Christmas has to offer this year!