The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

This may be a dumb question, but I'm very new to hunting... I'm in Michigan and it's been tempting to go with some buddies on turkey and deer hunting trips. We'd primarily go in the southern part of the state, so shotguns only.

Would a single shot Rossi or Baikal 12 gauge with a modified choke do the job? I've read conflicting things about using foster/rifled slugs through a mod choke. (I'm also assuming that a slug is better than shot for deer.)

While we're at it, what shot would be best for turkey?

I'm saying single shot because cost is a major factor for a gun I'd maybe use twice a year and probably only pull the trigger once if I'm lucky...

Thanks!

For what it's worth, the manual for my Mosberg 500 says slugs are fine through an improved choke.

Slugs will work fine in your single barrel, won't hurt it a bit. Practice with it some, see where it throws them. Old milk jugs full of water make good targets. However far away you can hit those milk jugs every time, that's how far away you can kill a deer. Don't be surprised if its just 40-50 yards if you don't have a rear sight on that shotgun. Rifled barrels and good sights, shotguns are as good as a rifle out to near 100 yards. Practice, so you know your limits. As far as turkey shot, size 4-5-6 all work good. Some people like the bigger shot, some like the smaller. Again, try shooting them through your gun. Pattern them on paper, even if you're just standing old pizza boxes out at 40 yards and shooting them. See what work in your gun. With a modified choke, you might want to limit yourself to less than 40 yards. Learn to judge distance, it matters in turkey hunting. Sometimes it's hard to get a turkey to come in close enough. Be willing to pass up a shot if they don't.

Thanks, that does make me feel better about picking one of these up. I'll definitely try the milk jug/pizza box idea for gauging target distance.

Hey Sy, if you're buying a gun for hunting, you might want to check out the used shotgun market. Especially now, this time of year is THE time to get a cheap shotgun. Get you a pump, get you an auto, get you whatever you want. Cheap. Don't be afraid of getting a single shot. ONE shot is all you really need. Ask any of our ancestors. But shhhh, don't tell the guys over in the semi auto forum that.

Lodi has good advice. Hit your local pawn shops for a used shotgun. A used Mossberg 500 for less than $200 would fit your bill nicely.

There are some things I like about single shots over pumps:

1. They lock up real tight and there's no wobble in the front hand grip
2. Slightly lighter and easier to carry and the just feel good
3. Shorter receiver that makes for an overall shorter length gun
4. You can buy a single shot cheaper than many pump barrels
5. Simple design that's easy to maintain
6. Whenever a hunter is carrying a single shot shotgun it's like he's saying to the world: "You guys may need a whole magazine full of rounds, but I (the true sportsman) only need one."

Years ago I passed up on buying a used H&R Topper single shot 12 gauge. I'm still kicking myself to this day! :( Hey... Wait a minute... My birthday is on the 5th of March. Hmmmm....

Heh, my birthday is Thursday, hence the discussion.

I did a little shopping around locally. Used single shots (NEF Pardner) seem to go for $110, a Mossberg 500 or rebranded New Haven 600 for $160~175.

Any idea why every single shot I look at has a fixed full or mod choke, versus threaded or adjustable? Just a cost thing?

I've seen single shots listed in catalogs with choke tubes, the Baikal you mentioned once was offered with tubes. The better grades of H&R as well. But I can't say I've ever held one. Back in the day, you'd see a single barrel with a poly-choke every once in a while. Here's a pic of my two main work shotguns.
The single shot is an H&R Topper M48 in 20 gauge. Full choke and over 70 years old. Killed everything I ever asked it to, no complaints. The pump is a 12 gauge Mossberg 500. Notice the Poly-Choke on the barrel. Adds greatly to its utility. Paid less than $150 for it. An old gun, rough shape, shoots as good as a gun that cost five times that. More useful than the expensive guns, too. My opinion. How a gun looks doesn't affect how it shoots. Throw a gun up to your shoulder with your eyes closed. When you open your eyes with the gun shouldered, if you're looking right down the barrel, that gun fits you. Buy it. If you can't find a gun that fits, buy you a bunch of shells, shoot em all up. Your body will learn to hit what you're looking at.

I do love my NEF 20 gauge