O/T 410 Turkey Gun

[flinthead]

Shortly after deer season ends, my thoughts turn to the ol' turkey birds! It was a nice 59 degree day here in the lovely state of South Carolina and I have been itching to sight in my new Stevens 301 410.

It is well established that the guy right here behind the keyboard will fall for a new gimmick, especially one clad in Mossy Oak, and a 410 turkey gun surely fall into that category. Oh well!! After mounting a nice red dot and buying some Federal TSS #9 shells (ouch!!) I decided today was the day to dial the little peashooter in.

Today results were promising... 203 hits in a 10" circle at 20 yards and 72 hits in a 10" circle at 40 yards using the factory choke. 40 yards is usually my max distance turkey hunting anway, regardless of weapon, so I think this little guy will work out just fine!

By the way, if you have dialed in a turkey gun before, you know that it's sometimes accompanied by a dislocated shoulder this thing is like shooting a 22 rifle... I giggled with every shot!

[janesy]

Nice!

I took a candle stick load from an 870 in the shoulder when I was leaned between it and a tree...Now I shoot a versaMax!

[artifact]

A couple years ago I had a Tom facing me, in full strut. at exactly 40 yds., I didn't get it. I also have an 870 super mag., with a red dot scope, that I patterned, I bought it just for turkey hunting and it has never impressed me! On paper it looks great, but when it comes to killing turkey's, I did better with my O/U 12ga. 3" Mag.
I have read quite a bit about the .410 with TSS shot being very effective on turkeys, one thing for sure is that the .410 won't feel like a mule kicked you in the shoulder every time you pull the trigger, those 12 ga. 3 1/2" magnums definitely put a hurting on the shoulder!
Good luck with the new pea shooter, I think you will be happy with it!

[Normous]

Somehow most recent offerings in "come back" Mossy Oak retro camo gets my attention too.

Thats a sweet looking 410....don't miss.

[flinthead]

Come on Norm... the M-Word???

Many years ago I swore off bowhunting turkeys after several misses with a longbow and at least one with a compound (knocked a few feathers out each time)... I did eventually kill one with my Ibex a couple of years ago.

Over the years I have noticed that I average two longbeards in good killing range during the season with many more just out of range... with all those misses under my belt, only a crazy person would take a single shot 410 into the turkey woods... but what can I say?? Just a glutton for punishment I guess!

[artifact]

Just had to look!
In regard to the (ouch) on the price of .410 TSS shells, they are "CHEAP" compared to the TSS 12ga. 3 1/2" mag!
Getting to the point, (if you're old ), where a box of ammo now costs almost as much or more than you paid for the gun.

[grouse]

I really like the idea behind this gun and I like the price. The only thing that makes me hesitate is the small size. I'm 6' 2" and I'm concerned that it would fit me poorly. I already have an H&R Topper single shot 410 with a fixed full choke. It might be better to have it modified to accept choke tubes and try it. It's also a little small but I've killed a lot of rabbits with it.

[longbow joe]

Sounds like fun ...mark l was thinking about turkey season yesterday .
Last night was our last day of archery deer l had two doe come by at last light but all l could think about was my date with Mrs at the steakhouse didn't want to deal with a carcass so the ribeye won..damn it was good too.
I haven't been hunting in a few weeks it felt good to just sit in the tree in the semi warm.
Last year l had very little turkey time for the crossbow and opted for the ten guage l hope to use the crossbow again this year l enjoy it a lot after shooting a lot of turkey the crossbow was just better .
I'm sure the .410 will be the same fun also.
I bought my new England 10 guage in 1994 l purchased 2 boxes of 10 quantity shells ..its crazy but l can say l killed a turkey with evey one of the 20 lol.
The gun was 159.00 dollars ..between the deer and turkey l killed with that gun I feel l got my money's worth
Lol.hell I have even lent the gun to friends and they killed deer and turkey with it.40 years old and still works as new what a bargain.

[gerald strine]

Congrats on the new tool I am betting it will become a favorite very fast as single shots lend themselves to quite easily.
The short receivers of single shot actions make for a very nice handling gun and the simplicity of it just grows on you.
My frustration is that ever since the "judge " revolver came out chambered for 2 1/2 inch shells I have not seen a 3 inch shell for sale in Michigan in a dozen Years.
I am revering to standard lead .
My first gun was and Is a Savage .410 single shot walnut stock from around the 1950 area or earlier with a 3 inch chamber.
It is a delight to hunt with but i have not tried the TSS shot in it.
Here is a good talk on the .410 and TSS that i watched last week I thought was interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v83euYMNJD0

[longbow joe]

.410 shells are very scarce .l too have a judge and enjoy shooting .410 slugs out of it.
Basically mail order is my only option.
I have seen some .410 birdshot at walleys world last week .

[adzsask]

Tiger arms has some shells, act fast.

[AJ01]

Mark that should be a fun hunt with that pop gun!
Many years ago, during the fall season for Rio's, I started hunting Rio's with a scoped T/C Contender in .223. Needless to say, that combo killed a few birds before I let it retired.

Back in East Texas now, there are only 12 counties that allow spring season for the Eastern's. You must use a shotgun or bow.
I wish you success with the .410!

Post pics of the aftermath!!

[Robinsons Rebel]

Thats not a bad pattern for a .410