SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
Ok boys and girls. Gonna start a new thread here to post your turkeys harvested with your vintage shotgun. Don't forget pics!
Throwback Thanksgiving
- Thread starter SmallGameAddict
- Start date
Robin
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Made the calls too, fletch my arrows with the primary feathers.
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
Nice! Right after the pilgrims landed?
spat
.950 JDJ
Who do you think taught them ?
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
I know. What a great contribution tho.
Robin
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Shucks
Robin
Robin
stokes
.338 Win Mag
Nice rifle and turkey......but that outfit?
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
I gave that some thought. I'm thinking mid-1980's and older with fixed chokes. This was the time frame when choke tubes were just starting to become popular and available on most shotguns.
Bonus points for using 2-3/4" or less non-magnum loads. (2-7/8" for 10 gauge).
Bonus points for less common gauges, 10, 16, 28 etc.
Bonus points for muzzleloading shotguns, esp old doubles with external hammers.
That is I think the spirit of the thread.
Edit: Example- this fall turkey season I plan to use my latest acquisition, a 1947 manufacture Winchester Model 12, 16 gauge, 2-3/4" chamber, 28" barrel with fixed full choke.
Last edited:
No chokes.
The shells I used were older than the gun....does that count?
They are Winchester XX turkey load......ouch!!
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
It's all a matter of personal choice. Winchester-Western introduced their "Double X" magnum shotshells in about 1954, with copper-plated shot (but no shot cups in shotshells, and no plastic shotshells universally until early 1960's). And Western introduced the 12 ga 3" magnum, and the 10 gauge 3-1/2" magnum in the 1930's. Let's not forget those boys were using paper-hulled shotshells, roll crimped with only an over powder wad and over shot wad. Obviously that isn't a viable choice for most of us.No chokes.
The shells I used were older than the gun....does that count?
They are Winchester XX turkey load......ouch!!
I just like the thought of the additional challenge of non-magnum shells.
Traditional magnums:
10 ga. 2-7/8" with more than 1-3/8 oz of shot
12 ga, 2-3/4" or 3" (not even going to discuss 3-1/2") with 1-3/8 oz of shot or more
16 ga. 2-3/4" ' baby magnum' with 1-1/4 oz. of shot
20 ga. 2-3/4" 'baby magnum' with 1-1/8 oz. of shot or more
28 gauge 2-3/4" with 7/8 oz. of shot or more.
.410 bore 2-1/2" with more than 1/2 oz. of shot.
I had an H&R 10 gauge single shot once, 32" full-choked barrel. Shot it with a Federal 3-1/2" turkey load, 2-1/4 oz. of shot. Basically an 8 gauge. Knocked me back 3 steps. Wish I still had it. H&R marketed it as a Goose/Turkey/Fox gun.
Im not a big fan of firing these shells from this gun but they work great for turkey. The shot is very small and does almost no damage to the meat.
But dang do they pack a punch.
I just found the box.
These arent the ones I was thinking of but these are what I shot this turkey with. Dang they hurt with this gun. From the box code I believe they were made in 1992. I do have a box of XX from the 70s.
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
I have a box (of 10) of those that I bought in mid-90's, with 2 oz. of #4 shot. Your 1-3/4 oz. loads were marketed as the "High Velocity" ones. My 2 oz. were the "Magnum" ones.I forgot the picture
But its there now.
Robin
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Who me? I made that coat based on a description from George Washington made about a hunting frock that was excellent for campaigning against the English and their mercenaries. I pretty much don't care what is the latest and greatest, I use guns and gear that suit me.
Are you a fashion consultant?
Robin
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
Fixed choke (no choke tubes) it countsNo chokes.
The shells I used were older than the gun....does that count?
They are Winchester XX turkey load......ouch!!
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Youch, that'll sting a little.
I dont really care to fire the 3" turkey shells I have through a nearly new semiautomatic! I mean, I do it, don't get me wrong...
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
Goes a long way towards explaining why I've never shot them. I just don't see any sense in taking a beating anymore.
I have some Winchester Super-X turkey loads, 12 ga. 3" 1-7/8 oz. of #5's. Shot a turkey with one in my Browning Maxus, and while a gas-operated semi, only weighs 7 lbs. I swear my bell was rung for a good 30 seconds. I was wobbly getting up to retrieve the bird. F that.
BDinPutnam
.475 A&M Magnum
Yeah, similar. I dont shoot a lot of magnums but my impression was the 3" turkey out of the Mossberg 930 I have is very similar to slugs out of my 870.
I don't mean to clutter up your thread tho.
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
General discussion is good to a point. I don't expect a lot of pics til this fall. I certainly hope to post one having used the 16 gauge.Yeah, similar. I dont shoot a lot of magnums but my impression was the 3" turkey out of the Mossberg 930 I have is very similar to slugs out of my 870.
I don't mean to clutter up your thread tho.
stokes
.338 Win Mag
just messin with ya,Robin
ArmedCorgi
.475 A&M Magnum
In Robin's case I think you mean he dropped the "speaking-trumpet" or "loudhailer".
Robin
.577 Tyrannosaur.
16 Ga. has been and always will be my favorite. My two flintlock turkey/goose etc. guns are both the equivalent of a 16 ga. bore.
I have been trying for years to get a fall turkey, without success. hopefully this is the year!!!!! Good luck to you in your pursuit!!!
Robin
ArmedCorgi
.475 A&M Magnum
Hope so!
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
I've always had a soft spot for the 16 ga. Plenty of punch with reasonable recoil in a (usually) fairly lightweight upland gun that's a pleasure to carry.
Very cool about your 2 flintlocks. What a great challenge.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Here's a pic of a fall Jake I got, when I unexpectedly called in a flock of gobblers-
SmallGameAddict
.308 Win
I'll tell ya, @Robin, what's worked best for me in the fall. You're older than me and take on a greater challenge than me with your black powder arms so...you can leave this at the curb or bring it inside by the wood stove, your choice.
I've been most successful using the 'lost' call, all day, to get a response from a bird. Most often hens with their brood, they also seem to group up in fall, a few hens with their broods.
I'm in the woods at the first gray of dawn, about a 1/2 hour before legal shooting time. They're usually still in the trees then, and I hate stumbling around in the dark, with first light I can see where the hell I'm going. This gives me a chance to get set up and let the woods settle for 20-30 minutes while I wait.
At sunrise legal shooting time, I call with the lost call softly, in case there's a flock close by. Listen for a response for 5-10 minutes. No answer. Medium volume to be heard further. No response then as loud as I can call. After that I call once in awhile. Usually I'm in the woods for awhile, at least a few hours, sometimes I make a day of it. When I get an answer of a few yelps I answer back in kind. They've pinpointed my location and are swinging by to pick me up and join the party. People talk about their eyesight a lot, but their hearing is god-like. They can pinpoint your location from your call within 25 yards from hundreds of yards away. Amazing.
I've learned after I call to set the call down immediately and be ready for action. I've had them fly in immediately, and also a leisurely stroll while they fed in my direction taking their time. Turkeys are noisy if you listen. Sound like a man walking thru the woods raking leaves, while they scratch the leaves away looking for most anything to eat. Salamanders bugs seeds, you name it. You van hear them stretch and flap their wings.
If it's a mama hen and her brood I usually take one of her young. A tender 10 lb. bird is 2-3 meals for me and the Mrs. I leave mama hen to teach her young survival skills.
I've called in groups of toms by calling a lot at midday. I think they come in to see what all the fuss is about. Fight? Wounded bird? They just have to know. I shoot the first jake or Tom that sticks his neck out for a clear shot. A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. I don't waste time or opportunity trying for the biggest bird. Too many sharp eyes.
Best of luck to you this fall sir.
I've been most successful using the 'lost' call, all day, to get a response from a bird. Most often hens with their brood, they also seem to group up in fall, a few hens with their broods.
I'm in the woods at the first gray of dawn, about a 1/2 hour before legal shooting time. They're usually still in the trees then, and I hate stumbling around in the dark, with first light I can see where the hell I'm going. This gives me a chance to get set up and let the woods settle for 20-30 minutes while I wait.
At sunrise legal shooting time, I call with the lost call softly, in case there's a flock close by. Listen for a response for 5-10 minutes. No answer. Medium volume to be heard further. No response then as loud as I can call. After that I call once in awhile. Usually I'm in the woods for awhile, at least a few hours, sometimes I make a day of it. When I get an answer of a few yelps I answer back in kind. They've pinpointed my location and are swinging by to pick me up and join the party. People talk about their eyesight a lot, but their hearing is god-like. They can pinpoint your location from your call within 25 yards from hundreds of yards away. Amazing.
I've learned after I call to set the call down immediately and be ready for action. I've had them fly in immediately, and also a leisurely stroll while they fed in my direction taking their time. Turkeys are noisy if you listen. Sound like a man walking thru the woods raking leaves, while they scratch the leaves away looking for most anything to eat. Salamanders bugs seeds, you name it. You van hear them stretch and flap their wings.
If it's a mama hen and her brood I usually take one of her young. A tender 10 lb. bird is 2-3 meals for me and the Mrs. I leave mama hen to teach her young survival skills.
I've called in groups of toms by calling a lot at midday. I think they come in to see what all the fuss is about. Fight? Wounded bird? They just have to know. I shoot the first jake or Tom that sticks his neck out for a clear shot. A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush. I don't waste time or opportunity trying for the biggest bird. Too many sharp eyes.
Best of luck to you this fall sir.
Robin
.577 Tyrannosaur.
Lot of good information there Addict!!!!!! I've tried variations of some of that stuff, but your info seems more complete (if that is the right word) and I certainly will incorporate all of it in the hunt this fall, good stuff, thank you!!!!!!
Robin
Robin