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Help with turkey gun

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caseyb73

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Hey, everyone. I'm wanting to get in to turkey hunting next season and am looking for a "very affordable" entry level gun. By "affordable", I mean under $250. With that criteria, any suggestions? What should I be looking for in barrel length, chamber size, etc?

Thanks for the help.
 
Mossberg 535,835 if you can find one or 870 would be your best bet. I thought there was a mossberg of some kind in the classified adds for under that. 250 may take some searching but possible.

Really any barrel length will do, IMO 26" would be a good choice for all around use. If just for turkey 24 or 21" are the norm.

Finding a 3.5" chamber may be a bit harder to do at that price but possible. 3" is all I shoot these days so you will be fine if that's all you can afford.
 
Thanks for the advice!

Wow ... that was a nice gun and an even nicer price. I'm gonna have to find something a little closer to home. Anybody know someone selling one close to Chattanooga?
 
as it gets closer to turkey season you will find more for sale, you can always post a "WTB 870" thread in the classifieds and see if anyone will help you out.

also you can check around at pawn shops and what not, they are a very common gun so you should be able to find some, just not sure if they will be in the price range you need. just and FYI make sure whatever one you buy has a screw in choke system unless you get a heck of a deal. If you get a set barrel then you will have to have it tapped for chokes. I dont know anyone in the Chat area but will keep my eye out for a good deal in that range.

Also you can look around for a benelli Nova, you can find them in that range sometimes.
 
If you want a really cheap gun just for turkeys, look at H & R single shots. They can be bought at a cheap price, have removable chokes, and are light weight. The downside is they kick like a mad mule and you only get one shot.
 
What do y'all know about the Maverick 88 by Mossberg? It looks pretty similar to the 590 that I'm used to shooting and is definitely in my price range.
 
dont have any personal experience with the maverick but seems like a decent gun. Nothing fancy about it and will lack some of the quality the 835 or 870 will have but if it fits you and you like the feel then should work just fine.

IMO i would just save the extra and get an 870, 835, 535 or Nova. Those are just flat out good guns and once you get one you will prob hold onto it forever. I dont know you financial situation or anything so you do what is best for you, but a Maverick will for sure kill turkeys with the right set up.
 
Maverick is as cheap as you can get. I think I bought mine for 80 bucks way back when. I sold if for 80 and felt like I got the better of they guy I sold it to. IIRC has no removable choke and is blued very cheaply. The one I had the safety stopped working/seized up.
 
Finances are the biggest concern, but they're still always something to think about. I may just go for the 500, 835, or 870. I just didn't want to sink a lot of money into something that I haven't really tried yet (turkey hunting). I'll probably get hooked like I do on everything else outdoors, though, and next year this conversation will be a moot point. Thanks for the help!
 
just something to think about. The better the gun you get the easier it is to sell and get you money back IF NEED BE. Even if you dont get fully into turkey hunting you can always use it for other things.

Guns are a great investment, but if you buy cheap you may be stuck with it. There is not a large market for a Maverick, however everyone knows what an 870 is.
 
Very true. Thanks, Ren. Looks like it's time to hit the pawn shops. Anyone have any advice as far as what to look for/watch out for when buying from pawn?
 
ive never bought one from a pawn shop but i know plenty of folks that have.

Just check the gun from top to bottom looking for any issues like scratches and rust.

look for wear patterns on the metal parts of the action. If it were me i would make him take off the barrel and look into it to be sure there is no pitting or corrosion sitting in there.

ask what all chokes come with it if any. You can also take it to a gunsmith after you buy it to have it check out for peace of mind but that will cost some money to do.
 
I love this forum! People on here are very helpful. I hardly hunt in tn and this is the first forum i go to for information. People over here in Arkansas all act like they know some kind of secret and are not willing to help people. I know I'm just rambling here but thanks to all the folks on Tn deer for the help of your fellow sportsman!
 
That's why we are like an extended family..... Many, many good folks on here, I have met several, and made some great friendships thanks to this place.

:grin:
 

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