12 Gauge for Deer and Turkey

[fsh4trout]

I'm in the market for a 12 gauge for deer and turkey. Benelli supernova is snazzy but spendy if you want a slug barrel too. The expensive thing is the extra barrel. I've looked at 870s but they seem cheap. Suggestions?

[Froggy4371]

I am not sure what you mean by cheap but the 870 is a GREAT gun. They are one of the most reliable ones on the market and that is why that are still there and there are a lot of them out there. I have a 870 with a smooth bore slug barrel and one with a rifled barrel. I love them both. Probally the best gun for the money. I agree there are great guns out there including the Winchester, Benelli, Beretta, and Browning. They are all great guns. Find one that fits. That is the big issue. I would say that 90% of all my deer are shot within 60 yards and I can pound nails in wood with my 870 at that distance.

Just my .02

Froggy

[TrophyEyes]

I have a Nova and Cantilever Slug barrel. Trying to decide whether to sell it or not because it is a great combo. I also have an M1 so I am trying to justify having two guns that do the exact same thing. I would strongly suggest buying one. I was going to sell my gun and the slug barrel to a buddy for $400 with some 3 1/2" ammo thrown in. I thought that was a pretty good deal and it beats any 870 combo. That slug barrel is made by ithica and shoots very tight groups.

[zzammon]

870, can't beat it. I use the same smooth bore barrel for Deer, Turkey, Pheasants, Ducks, and the occational skunk (when my dog gets into them).

[96trigger]

That combo would be a pretty good deal. I had a supernova and I hated it, but I know plenty of people that love them, thats why I bought it. It was just a lemon for me.

Also, the 870 express is not the 870 wingmaster. I think the express has gone a little on the cheap side. Still a great gun, millions of them out there. Hard to just say 870 when the two guns are so different. What kind of 870 were you looking at?

If you are looking at a chaper gun, look at the new rem, I think its an 887. Don't know if there is a slug barrel for it yet, but I would think there will be one soon.

[picksbigwagon]

I have the 870 express and it is very accurate (as far a rifled slug gun with open sights can be) It is a beater of a shotgun meaning that I don't care if it gets beat around.....

[Gordie]

870 might look cheap but there like the energizer bunny they keep shooting and shooting and shooting. I have three 870's from a 2 3/4 only to an express that I have turned into a awsome waterfowl gun and I have shot deer and just about every smallgame animal with them and even a few fox and yotes. shot the he!! out of the clays with them as well. for the money 870 is worth every penny and cant be beat in my book.

[crazyice]

I agree with the majority, the 870 is a tough as nails gun that seems to work no matter what the conditions are. I have two of them. Love em!

[fsh4trout]

Thanks for the replies. My current shotgun is a 20 gauge 870 express youth model. It is a good gun, killed 4 turkeys, three deer some squirrels and rabbits. I was thinking of "upgrading" to a "better" shotgun. I am reconsidering the 870 express.

Is the Super magnum worth the few extra bucks to handle 3.5's? I don't hunt waterfowl which I think is the purpose of 3.5 inch loads.

The camo 870 express turkey gun is cool. But does anyone know if Remington offers a camo rifled slug barrel? I could just use it mismatched. Thanks

[crazyice]

The 3.5 inch chamber is also for turkey loads. You will find plenty of turkey loads in 3.5 inch.