|
|
Post by Genesis 27:3 on Oct 30, 2012 7:34:51 GMT -5
I do not currently own a "bird" gun. I do have a turkey gun. I don't really have any bird ground but I do have access to a 3 acre grass patch that has pheasants going in and out it all the time. Can I use my turkey gun to hunt them (mossberg 835 12 ga.). I also have an old winchester 20 ga. single shot.
|
|
|
|
Post by Boilermaker on Oct 30, 2012 7:43:23 GMT -5
I'd just use the Mossberg 835. As someone said previously on another thread about an old Ithaca, the barrel length doesn't matter all that much for patterns, mainly the choke. Find an Improved Cylinder or Modified choke that'll work for your gun and head for the field. I hunt with a guy who used to use an old 835 turkey gun for duck/goose; he just made sure he had the right choke in and would outshoot anyone.
|
|
|
|
Post by dadfsr on Oct 30, 2012 8:00:14 GMT -5
If it wasn't for my 835 I wouldn't have a "bird" gun!!! Just change the chokes and go for it!
|
|
|
|
Post by esshup on Oct 30, 2012 9:13:49 GMT -5
+3. Change the chokes and use it. 2 3/4" shells will do you just fine too.
|
|
|
|
Post by foamyflyer on Oct 30, 2012 9:42:51 GMT -5
Use a larger shot size, plated preferably. I use Winchester Pheasant Loads #5 shot 2 3/4 12 gauge in my Rem 1100. The larger pellets are easier to find and remove and the plating cuts down on the lead contamination of the meat. IC or MOD for choke will work just fine. A tip I've learned is lead ahead of the bird by looking at the beak, not at the tail so you don't shoot behind it. Good luck!
|
|
|
|
Post by Genesis 27:3 on Oct 30, 2012 11:21:39 GMT -5
Thanks folks! Like I said, it's just a few acres and I will probably just take a few passes through it. Those birds make my stomach growl when Im in my deer stand watching them so may as well try to see if they are as tastey as they look! LOL!
|
|
|
|
Post by hornharvester on Oct 30, 2012 13:51:39 GMT -5
Use a larger shot size, plated preferably. I use Winchester Pheasant Loads #5 shot 2 3/4 12 gauge in my Rem 1100. The larger pellets are easier to find and remove and the plating cuts down on the lead contamination of the meat. IC or MOD for choke will work just fine. A tip I've learned is lead ahead of the bird by looking at the beak, not at the tail so you don't shoot behind it. Good luck! FYI, plating shot is done to make the shot hard so it doesnt deform which causes fliers in the pattern, it has nothing to do with meat contamination. Lead shot doesnt contaminate meat and passes right through a person without any ill effects. Any 4,5 or 6 high brass shells will knock the birds down if they are in reasonable distance. h.h. |
|
|
|
Post by foamyflyer on Oct 30, 2012 16:04:23 GMT -5
By meat contamination, I wasn't worried about lead poisoning, I just don't care to bite down on a piece of shot. From our last trip I cleaned 10 birds and only found two pellets, so I agree most will pass right through. The larger shot was definitely easier to find than the smaller 7 1/2 shot.
|
|
|
|
Post by hornharvester on Oct 30, 2012 16:17:57 GMT -5
I agree, nickle plated shot would be easier to see and biting a piece of shot is a jaw breaker. h.h.
|
|
|
|
Post by claybustr on Jan 18, 2013 7:00:17 GMT -5
Many years ago I switched to Fiochi Golden Pheasant nickel plated #4s. Nickel plated just seems to kill pheasants better than copper plated. Since then I don't lose birds.
I also prefer a more open choke with larger shot. My experience as a competitive sporting clays shooter taught me that larger shot patterns just fine out of IC. I don't ever use anything tighter than IC in my 20GA Benelli. I don't know if it's a problem using tighter chokes but it's really not necessary IMHO.
|
|
|
|
Post by HighCotton on Jan 18, 2013 7:23:38 GMT -5
Just a little sidenote here for those hunting preserves: "Most" will not allow anything larger than #6 shot, 2-3/4" shells.
|
|
|
|
Post by indyqdog on Jan 18, 2013 23:05:55 GMT -5
the way i look at it, no matter the gun, the birds can drop with good shooting. my 870 makes pheasants just as dead as guys shooting at em with 10000 dollar guns
|
|
|
|
Post by Jamie Brooks 1John5:13 on Jun 11, 2013 23:44:09 GMT -5
Genesis 27:3, I have a 1961 O/U Browning 12ga with a 26" barrel that you may use anytime. It is a hunting gun; I use it for rabbit. It's an excellent gun and it will be great for pheasants. I'm new to hunting, but not to guns. I hope to hunt a put and take this fall, and will take this gun. Seriously, you are more than welcome to use it.
|
|
