I have a New England SB-1 F10 12ga. I patterned it today with 3 1/2" #4 shot at 35 yards and put 35 shot in the head and neck of a H.S. Strut target. What I would like to know is if this pattern is on par with other turkey guns using #4 shot or if it is better or worse.

Sounds like you have a good one. That's probably a little better than average for most. Some will do better, but you have a keeper.

Bob257

Thanks Bob257 for replying!!

WV,

Excellent results. WAY better than my 12 gauge Mossberg with 3" shells.

Two items for you to consider:

1. Depending on the muzzle velocity of your shells, you may be lethal far further out than 35 yards. I would take a few pattern tests from further out than 35, by 5 yard increments (40, 45, 50, etc.), until you consistently have no fewer than 5 pellets land in the head/neck area of the turkey target. That will be your farthest ethical shot distance.

Then, when you go hunt, set the farthest decoy out from where you'll be sitting, no farther than the longest distance you patterned your gun out to.

As soon as the tom comes inside that furthest decoy, you've got a shot you are pretty well assured will kill the bird (if you do your part and aim well.)

2. If your pattern is that tight, your pattern will be no more than the size of a walnut from the muzzle out to about 15 or 20 yards. So, in this case, your aim has to be more precise at close range than at long range, or you'll completely miss the bird!

Practice a bunch at close range, so you are sure of your aim and sight picture.

Hope this helps,

Tim

[ 04-11-2003, 21:53: Message edited by: TimB99 ]

Thanks Tim,

I have patterned further out but I was just using 35 yards as an average comparison. This combo for me has produced at 50+ yards. Thanks for the info!