Worth the switch?

[TNBuck2]

I'm not an avid turkey hunter. In fact, I usually only hunt a couple of times a year. Still, I've kind of got the itch for a new 20ga semi. I've got a 20ga 870 with the ShurShot stock, weaver base and Carlson choke that shoots TSS fine. I think I could probably sell it pretty easily from what I've seen. Anybody here prefer the semi to a pump?

 

[scn]

That isn't a trade I would make. You have the best combo available right now.

But, it will sell quickly if you make a change.

 

[megalomaniac]

I hunted with a semi 12g 11-87 for 5 years, then switched to a semi SP-10 for another 25 years.

Made the switch to the 870 20g 5 or 6y ago and have felt no need to even use the other shotshells in the mag since. I still shuck a fresh one in after the shot but personally I don't shoot a second time if I miss with the first. Bird wins in that scenario. The second shot is only for a followup on a cripple, which hasn't yet been obvious to me thus far. I've had 3 misses since making the switch.

Now switching to a 20g autoloader for doves might very well be in my future, but I just cannot see any advantage to an autoloader over the 870 for turkeys.when using TSS

 

[deerfever]

I like semi autos myself better than pumps but it would be awfully hard for me to give up an 870 if I had one. You will sell it in no time if you decide to go that route. Lots of good options in semi auto that wouldn't break the bank, I always seem to find some excuse to add one , Lol. Good luck!

 

[CHRIS WILSON]

Personal opinion.....I don't believe you'll gain much of anything by going to a semi-auto for turkey. With that said....I don't see it being a detriment either. Sometimes, we just want something new and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The 870 should sell pretty quick if you decide on doing so.

 

[Hevishot 13]

Nope, not worth the switch.

 

[Andy S.]

I own both, and I primarily (99%) hunt with my 870 20G 21" bbl. With that said, I have never seen the need for a semi outside of quick follow up shots, which is typically not the case when turkey hunting. I see it as a one shot sport, but I know that is not always the case. Good luck with your decision.

 

[knightrider]

If your gonna use it for everything from doves,ducks, squirrels and turkeys than yes, only turkeys nope unless you just want one

 

[TN Larry]

I am not a semi auto guy and always shot 870s. It boils down to personal preference, but I wouldn't trade my 870 20 ga setup for a semi auto.

 

[deerhunter10]

We wing shoot so I have several semi autos but no I wouldn't trade or sell what you have. If anything I would keep and buy another. You won't gain anything.

 

[Creek bottoms]

Keep that 870. Buy you an auto if you want it. Can't have too many.

 

[ruger7mag]

I also have both. My 870 compact has an adjustable pistol grip stock and scope. My other 20 is a youth Tristar Raptor. It's also scoped. I set the 870 up for my wife and son. He's about to turn 7, but he started when he was 5. The adjustable stock works really well for both of them.
After toting the Tristar for a few seasons now, I think I prefer it over the 870. I would never sell the 870 though.

 

[MickThompson]

Sounds like you have a dialed in, purpose built gun. That's my preference for turkeys. I sure wouldn't sell right now on the off chance of not being able to get what I wanted dialed back in before the season

 

[PalsPal]

I think I could probably sell it pretty easily from what I've seen.

These guys don't know what they're talking about.

What do you want for it? Pretty sure I can be there by dark, depending on where "there" is.

 

[Gravey]

I went from a 12 to a semi 20 last year and love it. That said if I had an 870 20 I'd keep hunting with it.

 

[REN]

I'll NEVER go back to using a pump for anything. NEVER (just my preference)

 

[Creek bottoms]

I'll NEVER go back to using a pump for anything. NEVER (just my preference)

I just came across and through Alabama. I think they'll eventually cut every hardwood and replace with a useless pine tree. Hard to take your advice.

 

[Boll Weevil]

The older I get, the more old school I get regarding shotgun actions. Singles, SxS, and OUs. I ain't shot a semi in 20yrs or more.

 

[James72]

For turkey I would stay with the pump.

 

[REN]

For turkey I would stay with the pump.

Why? You shoot once and in the event you need a follow up an auto is better

 

[REN]

Obviously it's not required and is all preference but an auto is a better option in almost all circumstances. Easier in recoil, faster follow up, todays versions are VERY reliable, lighter gun just to name a few.

 

[Roost 1]

I'll take the 870 off your hands
.

 

[woodsman04]

I'd keep it because it's a remington 870. They are a big deal these days. Wish I had one.

 

[Gobble4me757]

So I started with a 870 youth pump of mine. I switched to a benelli and now a franchi. I like my semi autos as they weigh less. Definitely keep the 870 pump though.

 

[Andy S.]

Why? You shoot once and in the event you need a follow up an auto is better

Until it jams. While likely exceedingly rare, that chance on a turkey is not one I am willing to take. Furthermore, the fact I have to trim hulls for finicky autoloaders (will not routinely eject same 3" hull my 870 will), is just another "thing" that steers me away from an autoloader "for turkey hunting". I have not shot any of the newer $2k autos, so my concerns may be dated and misplaced, but I have witnessed autos jam across all game species. One jam is too many IMO.

 

[Soft Talker]

Until it jams. While likely exceedingly rare, that chance on a turkey is not one I am willing to take. Furthermore, the fact I have to trim hulls for finicky autoloaders (will not routinely eject same 3" hull my 870 will), is just another "thing" that steers me away from an autoloader "for turkey hunting". I have not shot any of the newer $2k autos, so my concerns may be dated and misplaced, but I have witnessed autos jam across all game species. One jam is too many IMO.

;) And I mean really, are the guys hunting the semi's that big of pansies, that they cannot handle the extra "recoil" and maybe half .lb difference in weight.

 

[TNBuck2]

Well folks, I went ahead and ordered a Stoeger m3020 yesterday. I've had this itch, off and on, for the last 3 years and decided to scratch it. Plenty of good points on both sides of the discussion but in the end, the heart wants what the heart wants. Fun times ahead with chokes, patterns and decisions about using a bead or getting an optic mounted. I'll keep my 870 for now because when it comes to having too many guns, I don't think I've hit the limit.

 

[REN]

Until it jams. While likely exceedingly rare, that chance on a turkey is not one I am willing to take. Furthermore, the fact I have to trim hulls for finicky autoloaders (will not routinely eject same 3" hull my 870 will), is just another "thing" that steers me away from an autoloader "for turkey hunting". I have not shot any of the newer $2k autos, so my concerns may be dated and misplaced, but I have witnessed autos jam across all game species. One jam is too many IMO.

Sure. Didn't mean to imply they won't. I've shot them for almost 15 years now and that's 2000+ shots from turkey, ducks and clays and never had one jam with a wide variety of ammo. TO ME the VERY limited risk is worth it for all the other benefits it has. Having said that I've always shot benelli guns minus some stoegers I've had (only owned inertia guns)

Funny enough the only gun I've ever owned that completely failed was an 870 pump. Literally fell apart during a duck hunt 15 years go and I was stuck with no other gun to use. Remington replaced it, sold it and went to an auto and never looked back

 

[Boll Weevil]

Funny enough the only gun I've ever owned that completely failed was an 870 pump. Literally fell apart during a duck hunt 15 years go and I was stuck with no other gun to use. Remington replaced it, sold it and went to an auto and never looked back

Same except it was an 1187…blew into 3 pieces and scared the crap outta me. Got the new one and sold it a few days later NIB. Last auto I every shot.

 

[scn]

Congratulations on the new shotgun! That is NEVER a bad choice.