Good all Around Shotgun for Ducks and Turkeys?

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

I shoot a SX3. I love it. I’m not a big bird hunter, but it has ate everything I’ve fed it from light target loads to 3.5” heavy loads. Overall a really nice shotgun IMO.

Thanks. The SX series has great reviews and I could not pass up that deal. Is yours a 12 or 20? So many opinions and options. And so much hype about after market choke tubes. I'm just trying to use what comes with the gun.

[Chase4556]

Thanks. The SX series has great reviews and I could not pass up that deal. Is yours a 12 or 20? So many opinions and options. And so much hype about after market choke tubes. I'm just trying to use what comes with the gun.

Mine is a 12ga.

I did play around with choke tubes and what not. For the longest I just used what came with the gun. However, I did see a difference with aftermarket tubes.

When I was going after those stupid turkeys(turns out they are extremely smart. Not a stupid easy to kill bird. I gave up) I tried a couple different tubes and different loads to find what patterned best. Couldn’t tell you what load I finally went with, and would have to go did the choke tube out.

I think I have a Carlson extended range tube in it now that basically just stays in the gun. I dove hunt with it, shoot skeet…. Whatever. It seems to work fine. Again, I don’t do a lot of bird hunting. So I wouldn’t know the difference if I miss because I stink, or it was due to a poor pattern from a choke tube.

Exit: went and looked. Kicks GT(gobblin thunder?) .680 for the turkey choke.

Blackhole BIP .715 ER for the “everything else” tube.

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

I think I have a Carlson extended range tube in it now that basically just stays in the gun. I dove hunt with it, shoot skeet…. Whatever. It seems to work fine. Again, I don’t do a lot of bird hunting. So I wouldn’t know the difference if I miss because I stink, or it was due to a poor pattern from a choke tube.

Exit: went and looked. Kicks GT(gobblin thunder?) .680 for the turkey choke.

Blackhole BIP .715 ER for the “everything else” tube.

So many options on choke tubes, it's crazy.

[Greenheadless]

Turkey

I would think full. Curious what made you chose #9 TSS?

I am a complete novice when it comes to turkeys and going to hunt them in a couple weeks, interested in feedback.

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

I would think full. Curious what made you chose #9 TSS?

I am a complete novice when it comes to turkeys and going to hunt them in a couple weeks, interested in feedback.

That round came recommended. However, the more i read and the more YouTube I watch I'm not sure I can shoot TSS loads in the factory chokes that come with the gun. I just checked the Winchester website and if I understand it correctly it states that you shouldn't shoot steel from a full choke because it causes a blown pattern.

[Greenheadless]

TSS is tungsten, not steel. I was to understand choke selection options would be same as lead.

[Leverhunter]

Good choice on the shotgun. TSS is the latest and greatest for turkeys. Most aftermarket choke tube labels will say if they are made for TSS. Carlson makes good ones.

[Artos]

I know they are pricey, but I would at least pattern 1 shot with full & modified...assuming those came with the gun including imp-cyl.

[justletmein]

That round came recommended. However, the more i read and the more YouTube I watch I'm not sure I can shoot TSS loads in the factory chokes that come with the gun. I just checked the Winchester website and if I understand it correctly it states that you shouldn't shoot steel from a full choke because it causes a blown pattern.

The rule of thumb used to be that "steel" or things hard like steel perform one choke tighter than lead ratings. So a modified choke will throw a pattern like a full chock when you shoot steel. I'd throw the modified choke in and shoot a turkey-head sized target with it at your expected range. If it's got a bunch of holes in it you'll be fine. The idea is putting a bunch of BB's in the head, the more the better.

[Smart]

On the steel, Hevi and other notox non-deforming shot, the modified choke acts and patterns similar to a lead full with it. They are correct about constricting non deforming shot down in too tight of a choke. It can blow out and make the fringes full of holes

[DUKFVR]

I bought these. What choke is best for these?

Full choke

[Quackerbox]

Tss 20 will patern to 90 yards tight enough to kill a turkey. I've not done it, but I've witnessed the pattern. The fella just completed his 3rd all species turkey slam. 12, 20 and 410. My last hunt convinced me 12 ga isn't necessary for turkeys

[U.S.ArmyRetired]

Thanks guys. WAY too much information out there. Different opinions and options.

[Leverhunter]

Here you go.