Hunting & Fishing chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

[Jayne]

I'm signed up for a combo archery and shotgun turkey hunt (my first). The plan will be to use the bow from a blind in the morning, and then go walking about for the rest of the day with the shotgun.

My shotgun is just a mossberg 500 with the el-cheapo 28" barrel that comes with it with no provision for choke tubes. There are replacement barrels that come with 3 chokes that seem reasonable in price but I dunno about quality.

So far I've used the el-cheapo for pheasant and chuckar and they seem to go down OK when I do my part.

However, is it going to help me to tighten up my pattern for turkey in northern California? The guide was talking 20-30 yards for the bow, but didn't mention distances with the shotgun but I'm assuming it's further...?

 

[HOOFER]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

for turkey its a good idea to have a tight choke. just so you dont pepper up the breasts too bad, by head shooting them. with just a smooth bore and turkey shells your gonna pepper the whole bird and greatly diminish your effective range. i had a XXX full choke in my shotty with 3in turkey shells and could kill one about 40 yrds or so.

good luck

try it with the bow its much harder as they have rediculous eyesight

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

lone_soldier is right, it's all about puttin shot on the head. It's really tough to kill a tom with a body shot. Worst case you break a wing and they can easily out run you. I would say the money on a barrel and xtra full choke is well spent, especially since you're going on a guided hunt. The 3 tubes that come with the replacement barrel wont help for turkeys, you need some kind of xtra-super full choke.

I've patterned my gun and know it's limits. With my Berreta and 3" 2oz of PMC copper plated #6 through a super full choke I look at 25-30 yards as maximum range. It's not hard to call'em that close in the spring.

 

[sjohnny]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

How is your current barrel choked? I think the most common before they started coming with tubes was Modified which I would think would be too open for turkeys. I'm hoping to go out for my first time turkey hunting this spring so I've been researching it but don't have any first hand knowledge so take that for what it's worth. If you buy a Mossberg barrel with accu-chokes it will be about the same quality as the barrel you have on there now. It will also make your gun much more versatile. I also have a Mossberg 500. I have a couple of different turkey loads that I am going to pattern through the full choke and if that's too loose I'm going to get an aftermarket turkey choke. The main thing you need to do is pattern some loads through your gun to see what it likes and what your effective range is.

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sjohnny</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The main thing you need to do is pattern some loads through your gun to see what it likes and what your effective range is. </div></div>

X2

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sjohnny</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How is your current barrel choked? </div></div>

Modified at best, there seems to be pretty open to me.

So getting the choke compatible barrel and patterning seems to be a good use of money.

They offer a 20" and 28" 3-choke kit. Advantage of one over the other?

 

[sjohnny]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I'll be using a 28" barrel this year on mine. I also have an 18.5" but it's cylinder only. It depends on what else you want to do with it. If you want to also use it as a defensive shotgun the 20" would be good. If you also want to use it for bird or duck hunting or what ever the 28" would be good. I think they have a 24" and a 26" also. If I had it to do over again I would have gotten a 26" instead of a 28". A lot of the guns coming from the factory set up for turkey hunting are coming with 21" to 24" barrels and extended choke tubes so there's that also.

If it were me spending my money and it was just going to be a hunting/informal clays gun I would get a 26" or 28".

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sjohnny</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If you want to also use it as a defensive shotgun the 20" would be good. </div></div>

I have the 18.5" it came with so I've got that angle covered already.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I think they have a 24" and a 26" also. </div></div>

It looks like the barrel kits are only 20 or 28 in 12 gauge (26" in 20).

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> If it were me spending my money and it was just going to be a hunting/informal clays gun I would get a 26" or 28". </div></div>

That's the role of the choke setup barrel. clays/pheasant/chuckar/turkey. I've already got a rifled slug barrel for whatever that's useful for too.

 

[sjohnny]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Knowing that I'd get the 28".

 

[Jayhawker]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I recommend you get a Carlson's compensated turkey choke...great value, very effective.

I've never liked long barreled turkey guns as they are just to unwieldy, especially when you have to resort to spot & stalk.

Installed a Carlsons in my 18" Benelli M1 S90 and with the ghost ring sights, it's evolved into the perfect turkey gun

 

[Spartan67]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm signed up for a combo archery and shotgun turkey hunt (my first). The plan will be to use the bow from a blind in the morning, and then go walking about for the rest of the day with the shotgun.

My shotgun is just a mossberg 500 with the el-cheapo 28" barrel that comes with it with no provision for choke tubes. There are replacement barrels that come with 3 chokes that seem reasonable in price but I dunno about quality.

So far I've used the el-cheapo for pheasant and chuckar and they seem to go down OK when I do my part.

However, is it going to help me to tighten up my pattern for turkey in northern California? The guide was talking 20-30 yards for the bow, but didn't mention distances with the shotgun but I'm assuming it's further...?

</div></div> Walking about for the rest of the afternoon? I hope your not in the spring season! This is a great way to get shot!

You should NEVER stalk birds!!!! Other hunters are calling them!! The last thing you need to be doing is walking up on another hunter.


As far as witch choke is best, its all by trail and error. You need to try different chokes with different size shot at 40 yards to see what patterns best. Steel,lead, hevi-shot, and other non-toxics, all pattern differntly. Also, make sure your using the lenght shell that completly fills the chamber. ( ex. 3in in a 3in chamber) I know it sounds like alot of work, but if you want to get good patterns, its a must.

Good luck!!

 

[benellibrian]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

In my SBE2 I just used my pattern master last year and it did the trick.I have use factory full in my other sbe and it work till I bought turkey xxx full.Like they said up above avoid the body shot just make sure hes close enough for the ammo your using.They always look closer then they really are at first light.

 

[sjohnny]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I just patterned a couple of turkey loads through the full choke in my Mossberg 500 last week. I definitely need to get a turkey choke. The patterns were just a little too thin for me to have any confidence.

 

[strick9]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

You need the 28 inch and pattern the factory full choke, if it looks dense at 40 then your gtg, if not pick up another custom choke. Ass tons of them out there, having tried them all and made anchors of most of em, I stick with Kicks High Flyer.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spartan67</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
You should NEVER stalk birds!!!! Other hunters are calling them!! The last thing you need to be doing is walking up on another hunter.</div></div>

I was assuming we would be walking around, maybe he meant walking to various spots? He asked if I was in good enough shape to hike all day anyway.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As far as witch choke is best, its all by trail and error. You need to try different chokes with different size shot at 40 yards to see what patterns best.</div></div>

I picked up a 24" barrel with 3 chokes, it's on it's way. I also made a stop in to bass pro shops and got 1 of every 3" shell they had in stock (in #4) and some turkey patterning targets. Looks like some range testing for me in the near future.

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Well done, you are definetly on the right track.

As far as stalking birds, not a huge issue so much in CA as almost all turkey ground, especially on a guided hunt, will be private land with no public access. Ca actually has one of the lower hunter shoots hunter rates nation wide and hunter orange is not required at any time. Go figure.

My guess would be that your guide intends to walk, setup, then call rather than stalk.

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Go with a short barrel and a Carlson's or some other well known brand. I called around to several different manufacturers and told them that I was partial to #4 shot (better retained energy at 40-45 yards) and got their suggestions as to which of their tubes worked best with the load I had in mind.
I've had good luck staying away from the 2 oz. loads. Seem to get better pattern density with 1 3/4 to 1 7/8ths loads.
I'm probably going to mount a 1x4 scope on my shotgun this year (50 year old eyes) to aid in centering the pattern even better.
Probably the best money I spent after getting the tube/load combo I liked was buying a small range finder. Money very well spent. I bought it for bow hunting but wound up using it more for turkeys because I've leased two farms that have several large fields and tons of turkeys. I go prepared.
As as for the short barrel, it's just easier to maneuver in a makeshift blind (cane stuck in the ground) or pop up blind AND it don't hang up on every low limb while your carrying it slung.
Just remember....this is one of those situations where you will have to be mobile a great deal of the time and you'll do a lot more toting than shooting!
Feel free to contact me by PM anytime.

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I also had a couple of manufacturers that told me I could send my barrel to them and they would find a suitable choke/load combination through in-house testing by putting my barrel on one of their guns and testing different load/choke combinations.


Just looked at your pictures again. DO NOT shoot those steel shot shells through a tightly constricted Turkey Choke!
I say again, feel free to PM with any questions.

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also had a couple of manufacturers that told me I could send my barrel to them and they would find a suitable choke/load combination through in-house testing by putting my barrel on one of their guns and testing different load/choke combinations.</div></div>

That would be awesome, were they going to charge you?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just looked at your pictures again. DO NOT shoot those steel shot shells through a tightly constricted Turkey Choke!
</div></div>




Good advice.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Full or extra full choke, #6 or heavier (lower number) shot, max loads. Camo and stationary hunting. No white, blue, or red for safety, Turkey have very good eyesight and pretty complete color vision. Turkey are way too wary to stalk. Head shots, preferably with a dot scope, and know your shot pattern. If you don't know how to use a Turkey call properly, leave it home.

Greg

 

[strick9]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Get yourself some hevishot in that mix it trumps all the loads you have shown in many ways.

 

[Jayhawker]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spartan67</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

You should NEVER stalk birds!!!! Other hunters are calling them!! The last thing you need to be doing is walking up on another hunter.


</div></div>

You're painting with a broad brush...If you were talking about hunting on public land, I'd agree with you...However, we hunt on private land and are the only ones hunting turkeys on it. Spot & stalk on turkeys is not only very productive, it's also a lot of fun...they'll teach you a thing or two about sneaking up on stuff.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STRICK9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get yourself some hevishot in that mix it trumps all the loads you have shown in many ways. </div></div>

I saw it at the store, but at 3x the cost of the other loads I passed. Even if it's better, I can't imagine it's 3x better and buying cheaper ammo and getting in 3x more practice is probably better at my level than slightly better shot.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm probably going to mount a 1x4 scope on my shotgun this year (50 year old eyes) to aid in centering the pattern even better.</div></div>

I was seriously thinking of pulling the EOTech off my AR and mounting it on the shotgun so I could correct for any strangeness in the location of the pattern. I'll have to see if it's necessary, I don't want to go all mall ninja if I don't have to.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Probably the best money I spent after getting the tube/load combo I liked was buying a small range finder. </div></div>

Got one of those as well with my archery gear and planned to bring it along for sure. I'm trying to get to the field archery range once a week and work on my ranging. I probably spend more time figuring distances than I do shooting right now.

 

[Remsen]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayhawker</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: spartan67</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

You should NEVER stalk birds!!!! Other hunters are calling them!! The last thing you need to be doing is walking up on another hunter.


</div></div>

You're painting with a broad brush...If you were talking about hunting on public land, I'd agree with you...However, we hunt on private land and are the only ones hunting turkeys on it. Spot & stalk on turkeys is not only very productive, it's also a lot of fun...they'll teach you a thing or two about sneaking up on stuff.</div></div>

That's my experience as well. I hunt private land in northern Cal and I definitely spot and stalk turkey during the fall season. In the spring, when the turkeys here will respond to calls, I camo up and become a tree trunk waiting for the turkeys to come to me, but in the fall I'm definitely stalking. It's definitely a lot of fun in the fall to find a group of turkeys and try to crawl through the brush without making noise or visible movement.

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KClark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I also had a couple of manufacturers that told me I could send my barrel to them and they would find a suitable choke/load combination through in-house testing by putting my barrel on one of their guns and testing different load/choke combinations.</div></div>

That would be awesome, were they going to charge you?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just looked at your pictures again. DO NOT shoot those steel shot shells through a tightly constricted Turkey Choke!
</div></div>




Good advice. </div></div>

You bet your a$$ they were gonna charge me. That was back before internet so I got a Turkey Hunting magazine and called everyone that had a 1-800 number. They were really cool about talking to me and giving me good feedback. Great experience overall.
The one I chose told me if I didn't like the pattern, send it back and he'd send a different constriction. He took into account my barrel length, the fact that I preferred shooting #4's and wanted a solid pattern out to 40 yards.

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm probably going to mount a 1x4 scope on my shotgun this year (50 year old eyes) to aid in centering the pattern even better.</div></div>

I was seriously thinking of pulling the EOTech off my AR and mounting it on the shotgun so I could correct for any strangeness in the location of the pattern. I'll have to see if it's necessary, I don't want to go all mall ninja if I don't have to.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Probably the best money I spent after getting the tube/load combo I liked was buying a small range finder. </div></div>

Got one of those as well with my archery gear and planned to bring it along for sure. I'm trying to get to the field archery range once a week and work on my ranging. I probably spend more time figuring distances than I do shooting right now.
</div></div>

Mall Ninja turkey hunter...I laughed my butt off at that mental image. Paul Blart in camo.
As far as the Eotech that would be a killer set up, I just don't like changing things back and forth once I get something set up that works.
The 870 WingMaster I'm using now (my Dad's old gun) has a 21 inch barrel that came from an 870 Express Package. That's it's only job...killin turkeys. I was gonna go with the saddle type scope mount that comes with the rings cause I got a 1x4 scope laying on the bench out in the shop that needs a job!
AS far as ranging, I don't practice estimation. When I get in a bow stand or get hid in a turkey blind, I range several objects and try to have a "mental range card" but mostly I find one object that defines my maximum killing range and then try to let the animal get well within that arc.
Keep us informed on what you go with!

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: STRICK9</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get yourself some hevishot in that mix it trumps all the loads you have shown in many ways. </div></div>

I saw it at the store, but at 3x the cost of the other loads I passed. Even if it's better, I can't imagine it's 3x better and buying cheaper ammo and getting in 3x more practice is probably better at my level than slightly better shot.
</div></div>
I tried the Hevi-Shot and it patterns great if you use a Hevi-Shot choke tube. I think they're slightly more open than super tight choke tubes for lead shot...sorta like steel shot choke tubes.
I still favor shells I can find at Wal-Mart the day before I go hunting (for the worst case scenario). I usually just buy up all I can afford when I find my brand in the right shot size!

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hatchie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
As far as the Eotech that would be a killer set up, I just don't like changing things back and forth once I get something set up that works.</div></div>

My AR hasn't been fired with the eotech yet, it's just on there to look cool at the moment so moving to the mossberg wouldn't waste any effort.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Keep us informed on what you go with! </div></div>

My 24" barrel arrived yesterday and I've got it on the shotgun with the full choke installed. The mossberg site says steel is OK unless I use the 'extra full' turkey choke which I don't have. (I hate the arbitrary names for chokes, mod, improved, full, extra full, etc... why not just number them 1,2,3,4,etc?)

Hopefully I can hit the range this Saturday and test some loads.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I ended up working on Saturday, so no testing for me.

I also called 4 different places trying to find a range that would let me shoot 3" shells and #4 shot. The county places don't allow it due to "noise" (and they only have a 20 yard pattern board anyway) and the private places get all freaked out by the idea of using shot over #7.5. It's also a good thing I didn't go with the 20" barrel, they're not allowed at a lot of ranges either (one even has a 26" minimum, but they don't allow 3" or shot over #7.5 either so no loss there).

Who knew the hardest part of all this would be to find a range to try the damn loads out at???

 

[KHOOKS]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Man sounds like you don't even live in the USA to me. Where I from you can go out on a old dirt road and find places to shoot. Thur the 90's no telling how many rounds were fired at a old bridge just a few miles out side city limets. I am in Alabama after all. In the county you just hear gunshoots from time to time and no one even thinks about it. I do most of my shooting at private/public ranges and the matches they hold now. But I still have a few shooting holes out in the county.

Maybe you could get out of Cally HAHA and come back to the USA. Sounds like people are gun scared out there I know can't be true just the crazy laws.

ROLL TIDE ROLL

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm signed up for a combo archery and shotgun turkey hunt (my first). The plan will be to use the bow from a blind in the morning, and then go walking about for the rest of the day with the shotgun.

My shotgun is just a mossberg 500 with the el-cheapo 28" barrel that comes with it with no provision for choke tubes. There are replacement barrels that come with 3 chokes that seem reasonable in price but I dunno about quality.

So far I've used the el-cheapo for pheasant and chuckar and they seem to go down OK when I do my part.

However, is it going to help me to tighten up my pattern for turkey in northern California? The guide was talking 20-30 yards for the bow, but didn't mention distances with the shotgun but I'm assuming it's further...?

</div></div>
Where are you hunting in CA? I've hunted up around Susanville CA. and near Carson , Minden NV but my brother-inlaws have hunted all over northern CA and could give you some good pointers, they are very avid hunters with Chucker, quail,deer (mule and black tail) and many other game that I am forgetting.

I hope you are in shape for chucker hunting...hahahaha
Those birds will make fun of you.

I would recommend a barrel change that has a longer barrel and turkey chokes.

As far as stalking is concerned verses sitting still.. In Ca sometimes you will have to stalk and glass to get to the birds... It's really different hunting than hunting on the east coast.. I have incorporated the western style hunting into the eastern style hunting and I have to say that it has helped my hunting success.

Do what it takes to get your game and have fun doing it.......SmokeRolls

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body">As far as stalking is concerned verses sitting still.. In Ca sometimes you will have to stalk and glass to get to the birds... It's really different hunting than hunting on the east coast.. I have incorporated the western style hunting into the eastern style hunting and I have to say that it has helped my hunting success.

Do what it takes to get your game and have fun doing it.......SmokeRolls </div></div>

Yeah, it's more of a stalk and setup to call or intercept than a stalk and shoot. We have alot of open country and you can spot toms 3/4 mile away.

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ended up working on Saturday, so no testing for me.

I also called 4 different places trying to find a range that would let me shoot 3" shells and #4 shot. The county places don't allow it due to "noise" (and they only have a 20 yard pattern board anyway) and the private places get all freaked out by the idea of using shot over #7.5. It's also a good thing I didn't go with the 20" barrel, they're not allowed at a lot of ranges either (one even has a 26" minimum, but they don't allow 3" or shot over #7.5 either so no loss there).

Who knew the hardest part of all this would be to find a range to try the damn loads out at??? </div></div>

Reminds me of why I live in the sticks.

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ended up working on Saturday, so no testing for me.

I also called 4 different places trying to find a range that would let me shoot 3" shells and #4 shot. The county places don't allow it due to "noise" (and they only have a 20 yard pattern board anyway) and the private places get all freaked out by the idea of using shot over #7.5. It's also a good thing I didn't go with the 20" barrel, they're not allowed at a lot of ranges either (one even has a 26" minimum, but they don't allow 3" or shot over #7.5 either so no loss there).

Who knew the hardest part of all this would be to find a range to try the damn loads out at??? </div></div>

That right there is discouraging, you must live in socal or the bay area. Two tree stakes and some butcher paper in the desert work pretty good if you can get there. Where is your hunt planned for?

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KHOOKS</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Man sounds like you don't even live in the USA to me. </div></div>

Some might say we aren't part of the USA.

We've got good weather though and I couldn't make the money I do anywhere else in the states so I'm pretty much stuck right here until retirement, or the last tech job get exported.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Where are you hunting in CA?</div></div>

Auburn, up by Sacramento. It's with a guide on private land so I'm hoping we'll have opportunity and that the guy can teach me a thing or two.

What I would really like to know is where I can go rabbit hunting, either with a bow, rifle, shotgun, pointy stick, etc. Your in-laws know anything about that in central or northern CA? I actually did a guided rabbit hunt, talk about expensive! Love the meat though and the challenge... and the .17 HMR feels right at home in the field.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KClark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That right there is discouraging, you must live in socal or the bay area.</div></div>

In some respects now that I think about it more... it's less discouraging that you might think. Yea everyone is afraid of the uber bad 3" shells loaded with killer #4 shot (preferred by gang bangers everywhere), but I did actually have to call 5 places to see where I could try. That's way more ranges within 50 miles of my house than I would have expected in the bay area.


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Where is your hunt planned for? </div></div>

Auburn (see post above)

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I hunt chukars and quail near Susanville and sometimes the jackrabbit population is incredible. I haven't been in a few years so I don't know how it is now. The only other rabbit bonanza I've seen was near Lake Isabella.

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Where are you hunting in CA?</div></div>

Auburn, up by Sacramento. It's with a guide on private land so I'm hoping we'll have opportunity and that the guy can teach me a thing or two.

What I would really like to know is where I can go rabbit hunting, either with a bow, rifle, shotgun, pointy stick, etc. Your in-laws know anything about that in central or northern CA? I actually did a guided rabbit hunt, talk about expensive! Love the meat though and the challenge... and the .17 HMR feels right at home in the field.

</div></div>
I called my brother-inlaw. He said there are thousands of cotton tails around the Susanville CA dump (It's public land) Get your license (If you don't have one and go.) He also said there are lots of public lands to hunt. Just get the maps that show where public lands are and then find watering holes and try hunting around them. Hope this helps......SmokeRolls

 

[eleaf]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KClark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ended up working on Saturday, so no testing for me.

I also called 4 different places trying to find a range that would let me shoot 3" shells and #4 shot. The county places don't allow it due to "noise" (and they only have a 20 yard pattern board anyway) and the private places get all freaked out by the idea of using shot over #7.5. It's also a good thing I didn't go with the 20" barrel, they're not allowed at a lot of ranges either (one even has a 26" minimum, but they don't allow 3" or shot over #7.5 either so no loss there).

Who knew the hardest part of all this would be to find a range to try the damn loads out at??? </div></div>

That right there is discouraging, you must live in socal or the bay area. Two tree stakes and some butcher paper in the desert work pretty good if you can get there. Where is your hunt planned for? </div></div>

Those restrictions are not uncommon.

My gun club is in as gun-friendly a state as you'll find, Kentucky, and we have 1500 acres the same basic restrictions. No shot larger than #7.5. We don't have any barrel length restrictions or anything like that (I've shot my 18" Tactical shotgun at the skeet range), but they are serious about their nothing larger than #7.5 rule.

I'm highly discouraged because I too need to pattern my gun and don't have anywhere offhand that I can go.

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> He said there are thousands of cotton tails around the Susanville CA dump (It's public land) </div></div>

That's excellent news!

I'm guessing it's this one (since the other two are almost in town)? http://tinyurl.com/y87ou5q

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KClark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ended up working on Saturday, so no testing for me.

I also called 4 different places trying to find a range that would let me shoot 3" shells and #4 shot. The county places don't allow it due to "noise" (and they only have a 20 yard pattern board anyway) and the private places get all freaked out by the idea of using shot over #7.5. It's also a good thing I didn't go with the 20" barrel, they're not allowed at a lot of ranges either (one even has a 26" minimum, but they don't allow 3" or shot over #7.5 either so no loss there).

Who knew the hardest part of all this would be to find a range to try the damn loads out at??? </div></div>

That right there is discouraging, you must live in socal or the bay area. Two tree stakes and some butcher paper in the desert work pretty good if you can get there. Where is your hunt planned for? </div></div>

Those restrictions are not uncommon.

My gun club is in as gun-friendly a state as you'll find, Kentucky, and we have 1500 acres the same basic restrictions. No shot larger than #7.5. We don't have any barrel length restrictions or anything like that (I've shot my 18" Tactical shotgun at the skeet range), but they are serious about their nothing larger than #7.5 rule.

I'm highly discouraged because I too need to pattern my gun and don't have anywhere offhand that I can go.</div></div>
eleaf: Where do you live exactly?

If you are close to Danville then we have a great range with no restrictions other than no full auto,
no 50 cal shooting of steel targets ( They would go thru them.)and no rifle cartridges used on pistol range. ( Steel plates would be damaged and chance of ricochet would be greater at those ranges=25 yards and less).

Membership for one year is like $30-$35.00 per year....SmokeRolls

 

[KClark]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I called my brother-inlaw. He said there are thousands of cotton tails around the Susanville CA dump </div></div>

Remember, cottontails are eaters, don't shoot them and leave them lay. The young ones are tasty in the spring. On the other hand, jackrabbits are jacknasty. I try to stay at least 2 feet away from a dead one. They are swarming with little evil critters inside and out and their pellets are an excellent source of tapeworms for dogs.

 

[eleaf]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TheSmokeRolls</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eleaf</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KClark</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayne</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ended up working on Saturday, so no testing for me.

I also called 4 different places trying to find a range that would let me shoot 3" shells and #4 shot. The county places don't allow it due to "noise" (and they only have a 20 yard pattern board anyway) and the private places get all freaked out by the idea of using shot over #7.5. It's also a good thing I didn't go with the 20" barrel, they're not allowed at a lot of ranges either (one even has a 26" minimum, but they don't allow 3" or shot over #7.5 either so no loss there).

Who knew the hardest part of all this would be to find a range to try the damn loads out at??? </div></div>

That right there is discouraging, you must live in socal or the bay area. Two tree stakes and some butcher paper in the desert work pretty good if you can get there. Where is your hunt planned for? </div></div>

Those restrictions are not uncommon.

My gun club is in as gun-friendly a state as you'll find, Kentucky, and we have 1500 acres the same basic restrictions. No shot larger than #7.5. We don't have any barrel length restrictions or anything like that (I've shot my 18" Tactical shotgun at the skeet range), but they are serious about their nothing larger than #7.5 rule.

I'm highly discouraged because I too need to pattern my gun and don't have anywhere offhand that I can go.</div></div>
eleaf: Where do you live exactly?

If you are close to Danville then we have a great range with no restrictions other than no full auto,
no 50 cal shooting of steel targets ( They would go thru them.)and no rifle cartridges used on pistol range. ( Steel plates would be damaged and chance of ricochet would be greater at those ranges=25 yards and less).

Membership for one year is like $30-$35.00 per year....SmokeRolls </div></div>

I'm close to Danville. In Jessamine County (Wilmore). Which range is it? Mine is the Bluegrass Sportsmens League. Our facilities are top notch, but there are a few restrictive rules (such as the #7.5 max load).

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: KClark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remember, cottontails are eaters, don't shoot them and leave them lay. </div></div>

That's what I'm after. I made a deal with the wife that anything I hunted I would cook up and eat. She's mostly OK with that deal.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They are swarming with little evil critters inside and out and their pellets are an excellent source of tapeworms for dogs.

</div></div>

That's good to know. Wouldn't want to get that ick on my arrows.

 

[SmokeRolls]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

eleaf:qouteI'm close to Danville. In Jessamine County (Wilmore). Which range is it? Mine is the Bluegrass Sportsmens League. Our facilities are top notch, but there are a few restrictive rules (such as the #7.5 max load).end qoute

It's the "Boyle county fish and game farm" located just outside of Junction city. It's probably 1/2 hour from you as a guess. We have 350 acres, 300 yard rifle range (covered benches can handle aprox 20 shooters at once) 25 yard pistol range (covered benches-standing area can handle aprox 8 shooters at once), shotgun trap area, 3D archery pathway, archery range with 20,30,40 and maybe 50 yard targets made for repeatable arrow removal, BBQ pavillion. We have poured a massive amount of work into this place for over 8 years and it looks awesome and people really love it. Cost is $30- to $35 per year with a key and we have a custodian that lives on site to take care of the place and watch over it.......PM me if you want to join or need more info.........................SmokeRolls

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I've got my 24" barrel now, and a turkey choke (so no steel shot) but have failed to get to the range the last few weeks. I'll update the thread with pics of the patterns when I get there.

 

[Hatchie]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

I got the saddle mount for my 870 today. I'm gonna see if I can sucker..er..convince my son to help his old Dad out with sighting that bad boy in.
Pics tomorrow...Friday at the latest!

 

[Jayne]

Re: chokes.. how critical for CA turkey?

Finally got to the range for a bit. Here are the results.

Since I had a limited number of targets, my testing was to fire one shot at a target, circle the heaviest part of the pattern then shoot a second at the same target and see if the circle was still in the heaviest part.

I aligned the beads right on the clay in the center. Targets are 30" circles.

All loads are #4 mag, lead (pictures above in the thread). I ended up getting a turkey choke so I left out the two steel loads.

- Kent 1 shot and 2 shots

- Winchester 1 shot and 2 shots

- Remington Premier Copper Plated 1 shot and 2 shots

- Remington Nitro Turkey