Anybody use a 20 gauge 2 3/4" for turkey ? I can't think of starting any larger for my son. What would be the max range for a 4 or 5 shot shell ? Thanks in advance.

25-30 yards.

it will work.

Shoot at a soup can. The max range will be the one where you can hit the can reliably and the pellets penetrate one side. I prefer to use the biggest size I am allowed to shoot, if that is #4 where you are.

Hello BighornBreath. My choice of weapon is an 870 youth 21" barrel 20 ga., home camo'ed to be ugly. But it is a KILLER. I put high viz clamp on sights on the rib and a big ivory bead up front and set up for 35 yard shots as max range using turkey targets with a center of neck hold. Ten pellets in the brain or spinal cord marked on the target is the usual pattern I like to see. They will flop but they won't run. I have killed turkeys with both 7 1/2 3" magnum loads and now my favorite, a one oz. load of # l shot in 2 3/4 or 1 1/4 oz in 3 inch shells. OH, yes. I use an extra, extra full extended choketube from Brownells that has a .580 constriction. Have got quite a few with this gun. Set the decoy up at 30 yards, facing you. Most times the boss tom will want to display facing the decoy. Anytime longbeard is within 5 yards of the decoy and sticks his neck out he is mine. I like them turning around and drumming! Bonus!!! Federal cheapo hollow based slugs are .580 in diameter before you shoot them and that same choke with two clicks elevation on the rear sight is on at 75 yards and will shoot fist sized groups. I never could get other 3' magnum loads to pattern shot even with other choke combinations. A 20 just doesn't have the bore diameter for good large shot heavy loads. Perfect choice. Good luck to both of you. ned

I can't add any better advice than you've received already I guess, but the 20 will do just fine. You need to pattern your gun as suggested above, that will tell you how far you can go but my limit is about 30 yards. #4, 5 , or 6 will work for a head/neck shot, stay away from the 6's for anything else. I got an Ithaca 37 in 20 ga that has killed most everything at one time or another, including turkeys. It prefers quail and hogs but that's a personal problem I guess. It refuses counseling.

Dan

Pres., TYHC

www.Putt.Putt

I have shot several turkey with my 20 guage shooting 3" Remington Nitro loads #4. The last one I shot was at about 40 yards. works great

I am surprised that no one has suggested that you test your shotgun pattern on cats. Similiar size vital area to a turkey. At least the turkey is good to eat.

OEH, I tried that years ago. Ended uo chipping a tooth on a piece of shot.