Mossberg 500 for turkeys?

[Gary O]

I would like to purchase an inexpensive shotgun to hunt turkeys and for home defense. I know that there are plenty of accessories for that gun, but how do they pattern at 40 yards? I keep reading about those great pattern densities in high dollar gas guns, but very little about the Mossberg 500. What say you? Thanks...

 

[clamman]

Mine works just fine. Also have the slug barrel for deer. Go for it.

 

[Striker]

Patterns are a function of barrel choke and ammunition, irrespective of the type of shotgun used.

Assuming you are buying a barrel that utilizes choke tubes, there are a variety of aftermarket 500 chokes tubes specifically designed for tight shooting turkey loads, if Mossberg OEM tubes don't work for you.

As always, YMMV.

 

[LOLBELL]

My 500 will put 63 pellets in a turkey's kill zone on paper using Federal Premium 3" 6 shot at 40 yards. I know there are new fangled shells and choke tubes that will do alot better, but I have lost only 1 turkey in 22 years of hunting. I tried to stretch that one too far. Most of the shots taken were 15 to 20 yards, the new fangled stuff will shoot a rifle like pattern at that distance.

 

[oneounceload]

but how do they pattern at 40 yards? I keep reading about those great pattern densities in high dollar gas guns, but very little about the Mossberg 500.

see this:

Patterns are a function of barrel choke and ammunition, irrespective of the type of shotgun used.

Full choke in one of several constrictions should do the job at your distances, BUT you will need to try those loads through those chokes in YOUR gun - each patterns differently

 

[MCgunner]

Personally, in Texas, I'lll hunt turkey with a .22 magnum rifle unless I'm on a public area that restricts me to shotguns. There, one of my Mossys would be fine, but I think I'd use my 10 gauge H&R turkey gun with turkey choke instead. 6's patter pretty awesome in that gun. No holes for a head to fit in at 40 yards, put it that way.

 

[bikerdoc]

You cant go wrong with a 500. I have had mine for years.

I have 3 barrels, rifled, 28 inch and 20 inch, took a lot of time and money to learn what each barrel and choke does for me in this shotgun.

Money and time well spent learning what my gun likes and what will work in my gun.

Bottom line, buy ammo, pattern and learn your gun, barrels, and chokes. It is productive and so much fun.
Good luck

 

[eastbank]

it,s not the gun that realey kills turkeys,but the hunter. if done right and with a little luck you will be ok. the mossy with get the job done. eastbank.

 

[MCgunner]

One thing about Mossberg pumps that is detrimental to hunting an animal with a sense of hearing is the fact that the slide is sorta loose and can rattle. That's one reason I'd hunt with my H&R turkey gun, no noise. Just be careful with the gun when you hunt and don't make noise. I own my Mossbergs for wing shooting, mostly waterfowl, which noise doesn't matter so much. But, if you're motionless as you should be, you'll be noiseless.

 

[tactikel]

Mossbergs are more than adequate for Turkeys! my buddy's taken 3 with his 500, and my 835 has taken 1 so far.
A few tips- patterns are a function of load, barrel, and choke.
Give your barrel a very good cleaning and maybe a polishing.
Consider premium shells, Hevishot or others can add quite a bit of yardage to your patterns.
Consider an aftermarket choke, for a few bucks your patterns can improve dramatically.
Once you have your gun , pattern it extensively to find what load it likes, and then determine your ethical maximum range .
Many thousands of Turkeys have been taken with Mossbergs.

Generally a pattern of 100 pellets in a 10" circle is a killing pattern for Turkey. My Moss 835 can place 100 hevishot #6 pellets in a 10"paper plate at 50 yards