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David Draper

New Turkey Loads 2014

Federal-Mag-Shok-2

New Turkey Loads 2014—These new optimized turkey loads hit strutting toms like a Mack truck and do so with astounding efficiency. Don't go after longbeards this season without some of these turkey loads in your vest.

Federal Mag-Shok Heavyweight

With all the marketing hype surrounding magnum turkey loads, you’d think it was nearly impossible to kill a turkey with anything less than a howitzer round. The engineers at Federal Premium know differently and have proven it with a 2¾-inch turkey load that hits hard downrange, yet is nearly 50 percent easier on the hunter side of the shotgun compared to a similar 3-inch round. It is filled with 1¼-ounces of tungsten-based Heavyweight shot packed into a pattern-producing Flitecontrol wad atop optimum loads that deliver up to 1,300 fps at the muzzle. (federalpremium.com)

Remington-Premier-Turkey_Magnum_box_shells

Remington High-Velocity Magnum Turkey

Magnum charges can play havoc on lead pellets, deforming them in the shot column and creating scattered patterns with holes big enough for a turkey to escape unscathed. To help reduce the chances of that happening, Remington fills its high-velocity loads with buffered, copper-plated shot that resists deformation and uses a specialized piston-like wad to absorb some of the initial blast at ignition. The result is a tight wad of shot that exits the muzzle at 1,300 fps and retains that energy to produce a turkey-killing pattern well down range. (remington.com)

Win.-Long-Beard-XR

Winchester Longbeard XR CutawayWinchester Long Beard XR

Winchester’s newest turkey offering hits the market hard with perhaps the most innovative, and certainly the most hyped new load to come along in years (see review on page tk). And with good reason—independent testing has shown Long Beard XR is truly capable of pushing the killable range beyond what most folks thought possible. The unique secret is a resin that bonds the lead shot together in the shell, yet shatters upon ignition, creating a buffer that essentially eliminates any shot deformation. This results in tight, turkey-killing patterns at, dare I say, up to 60 yards. (winchester.com)

WL-box-with-org-buffer-shell

Spectra Shot White Lightning

Continuing the trend of downsizing loads, yet optimizing performance, Spectra Shot packs White Lightning turkey killers with just 1 5/8 ounces of shot. That, along with a special blend of all-weather Hodgdon powder that pushes a muzzle velocity of around 1,200 fps, makes these shells lighter on the shoulder, but the dense, uniform nickel-plated lead shot still retains plenty of energy downrange to ruffle more than just the feathers of a strutting tom—it also puts them down hard. The manufacturer also claims the lighter load allows for tighter choke constrictions, something both turkey hunters and competitive target shooters can appreciate. (spectrashot.net)

This article appeared in the April 17, 2014 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.


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Gun Digest Shooter's Guide to Shotguns

Reloading for Shotgunners

Top Turkey Guns for 2014

Beretta A400 Xtreme.
Beretta A400 Xtreme.

Turkey Guns for 2014: Beretta A400 Xtreme

In the American auto-loading shotgun market, Beretta has invested its money and marketing pretty heavily into the waterfowl side of the business, but its new A400 Extreme is just as capable of tagging a tom as it is a big honker.

That’s especially the case if you stuff the tube full of 3½-inch magnum strut stoppers, which the Extreme version of the A400 is capable of handling with aplomb. If the thought of shooting off such a shoulder-bruising load makes you wince, consider that the Beretta is fitted with a third-generation Kick-Off dampening system that uses hydraulics built into the stock to reduce felt recoil by what the Italians claim is 60 percent.

Still not convinced? That’s okay, because the A400’s Unico designation signifies it’s designed to function without a hitch using a wide variety of loads, from those thumping 3½-inchers to a standard, low-brass field load.

You’ll really appreciate that on the patterning board when you’re dialing in your sights before season. The Blink gas-operated action is also fast and reliable, thanks to a cylinder and piston design that vents excess gases and scrubs itself clean with each pull of the trigger.

By very definition the spring turkey woods can be dripping wet. However, the A400 shrugs off moisture and its harmful effects with what Beretta calls Aqua Technology, which includes stainless steel or plated components to resist corrosion. Of the two camo versions available, I’d opt for the Optifade version with a 26-inch barrel. ($1895; berettausa.com)

Browning Maxus All-Purpose.
Browning Maxus All-Purpose.

Browning Maxus All-Purpose

While owning a separate shotgun for every outdoor pursuit is great for gun manufacturers, it can be hard on the average hunter’s gear budget. Better instead is a one-gun mentality that handily takes a hunter throughout the season, like something along the lines of Browning’s aptly named Maxus All-Purpose.

When the original Maxus was introduced a few years back, Browning loyalists raved about the Power Drive gas system’s ability to swallow anything they fed it, and the All-Purpose should be just as reliable. Expect it to cycle light field loads and heavy, high-brass magnums, including those 3½-inch loads serious turkey hunters have grown so fond of.

The Power Drive system, along with a Vector Pro forcing cone, should also reduce recoil to tolerable levels under those heavy loads, and the extended cone reduces the likelihood of lead shot deformation and the resulting scattered patterns that so often result in a miss.

Because Browning expects hunters to carry the Maxus All-Purpose from spring to fall, it packages the autoloader with four Invector-Plus chokes, including an extra-full tube for the turkey (and coyote) hunter.

Slings that are so handy in the turkey woods are often shunned by waterfowl and upland hunters, but thanks to a unique Speed Lock system, straps can be quickly removed, as can the composite forearm for easier cleaning. Both the forend and stock are finished in Mossy Oak Infinity and featured a textured surface for a sure grip. ($1,679; browning.com)

Mossberg FLEX 20-Guage
Mossberg FLEX 20-Gauge

Mossberg FLEX 20-Gauge

While there are a lot of turkey hunters clamoring for bigger, faster, harder-hitting ways to reach out and touch stubborn toms at previously unheard of distances, there’s a just-as-passionate part of the market that likes calling turkeys in as close as possible.

It’s open to interpretation as to who of the two is the masochist, but one thing the latter group doesn’t have to worry about is a separated shoulder, as they often reach for smaller-gauge guns when they head into the woods.

Once such option is the Mossberg FLEX, now available in a 20-gauge version that the company just released to the public earlier this year. Like the 12-gauge FLEX, the 20 is built on a venerable and reliable Mossberg 500 receiver with all the same adaptive capabilities the LEGO-like system is known for.

Don’t take the toy reference to mean this Mossberg isn’t up to the tough task of turkey hunting. Instead it’s in reference to the system’s ability to build your gun just about any way you like using all the available FLEX accessories, including sliding and standard, fixed stocks, pistol grips and Picatinny-fitted pump forends—all without the use of tools. Just snap and go. No other manufacturer offers such a customizable option.

The FLEX 20-gauge is currently offered in tactical and hunter versions, both of which would truthfully be perfect for turkey hunting, depending on the user’s preference.

Me? I’d carry the FLEX Hunter, which features a standard, straight stock covered in Mossy Oak Infinity and OD-green receiver and barrel, which happens to come in a short, 24-inch barrel with an X-Factor ported choke tube screwed in. ($484 & up depending on model; mossberg.com)

Remington Versamax Sportsman Turkey.
Remington Versamax Sportsman Turkey.

Remington Versamax Sportsman Turkey

I’ve written about Remington’s reliable Versamax in this space before and it continues to be the gun I turn to the most when I head into the field. My favorite feature is its soft-on-the-shoulder attributes, even when firing heavy magnum loads, thanks to the unique gas system and a proprietary SuperCell recoil pad.

The Versamax remains what I consider the softest recoiling autoloader on the market, although Benelli’s new Ethos does give it a run for its money.

Much has already been said about the gas operating system’s shot-after-shot performance with every shell on the market, so I’ll leave the specifics of that to the rest of gun scribes still playing catch-up. Instead, let’s talk about what the turkey-specific model offers hunters heading into the woods this spring.

Compact from the barrel back, the Versamax Sportsman Turkey is fitted with a short, 22-inch vent rib barrel that swings easy in the thick, tight brush of late spring.

It also eases the weight to a manageable 7.4 pounds, something runners and gunners will appreciate. Up top, Remington’s rifle sights put the payload on target, although it’s worth noting the receiver is drilled and tapped should a hunter want to mount optics for even more precise aiming.

The extended choke tube is of the extra-full variety. The entire package is camouflaged in Mossy Oak Obsession. ($1,025; remington.com)

Winchester Super-X Turkey Hunter.
Winchester Super-X Turkey Hunter.

Winchester Super-X Turkey Hunter

Woodsmen wanting a dedicated turkey gun without shelling out a grand for an autoloader would do well considering Winchester’s pump gun—the Super-X Turkey Hunter.

Everything about this slide-action is designed with taming spring thunder, including a 22-inch barrel that’s been back-bored at .742 inches to combine with the Invector-Plus Extra Full Turkey choke for patterns that stay tight, even at extended ranges.

Of course, the receiver is capable of handling 3½-inch magnum loads, proving that pump-gun hunters don’t need any wussy auto-loading actions to tame that kind of recoil.

That said, Winchester did consider shooter’s shoulders by adding an Inflex Technology recoil pad to soften those blows somewhat. The innovative design pushes recoil slightly down and away from the shooter’s face to ease the sharp kick.

For faster follow-up shots, the inertia-assisted slide action gets a boost from the recoiling shotgun and slams back into battery solidly and securely thanks to four-lug rotary bolt.

Built to withstand the rigors of a fickle spring, as well as a lifetime of wear and tear, the Super-X features a chromed chamber and bore that resists the corrosive effects of burnt powder and moisture.

The composite stock features a textured grip for a secure grip even when wet or muddy. Rifle-like sights are fully adjustable to dial in just the right windage and elevation to put an early end to any tom’s spring fling. And it features Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo. ( $520; winchesterguns.com)

10 Cool Gear Items for the Shooting Range

Wring maximum enjoyment from your time at the gun range with the right gear for the job. From ear and eye protection to instant-feedback targets, this list is a starting point for some of the new, great range equipment worth considering.

1. Radians Leather Shooting Gloves

Radians shooting glove.For 2013, Radians leaned on its long experience making safety gear for law enforcement and first responders to create a comfortable, functional set of shooting gloves. The palms are crafted from goatskin to blend softness and durability, while the mesh backs allow perspiration vapor to escape. Elastic wrists secure via a hook-and-loop strap for a nonbinding, customizable fit. ($20; radians.com)

2. Wiley X Valor Shooting Glasses

Wiley X Valor shooting glasses.Good shooting glasses don’t have to look like they stepped straight out of shop class. These stylish specs feature lightweight nylon frames that Wiley X claims are virtually indestructible. The shatterproof lenses also stand up to hard use and are ANSI-certified to withstand the impact of a .25-inch steel BB impacting at 150 fps. The lenses also swap out easily, so you can go from clear to shaded as conditions dictate. Prescription lenses are also available. ($95; wileyx.com)

3. SightBloc

The In Range SightBloc.Finding a range rest that works well with ARs, bolt guns and pistols just got a lot easier with the introduction of the SightBloc. Crafted from ballistic rubber to offer three different shooting heights, allows the shooter to quickly and easily get on target with just a flip of the block. Made for all-weather use, the recycled rubber is rot, sun and water-resistant meaning you can leave on your home range all season long. ($50; inrangesupplies.com)

4. Remington Squee-G System Kit

Remington Squee-G gun cleaning kit.Some folks like cleaning guns, but me, I hate it. But I do love this new universal cleaning kit. The rubber tips make cleaning easier, with just a simple, pull-through motion that wipes the bore clean in just a few steps. The 32-piece kit accommodates everything from a .22 all the way up to 12-gauge to cover nearly all rifles, handguns and shotguns. It also includes a bottle each of Rem Oil and All-In Bore Cleaner. The carrying case doubles as a range bag. ($80; remington.com)

5. Cabela’s Pinnacle Shooting Bench

Cabelas Pinnacle Shooting Bench.Inspired by professional massage chairs, this collapsible shooting bench features an adjustable seat that leans forward allowing the shooter to rest against an ergonomically designed sternum pad, putting him at just the right angle for an accurate shot. Cabela’s also claims the set-up helps the shooter better absorb felt recoil when shooting heavy calibers or sighting in a shotgun stuffed with magnum turkey loads. Bench and platform are constructed from ABS plastic with a powder-coated steel frame. ($280; cabelas.com)

6. Howard Leight Impact Pro Muffs

Howard Leight Impact Sport ear muffs. A good set of electronic muffs, like these from Howard Leight, not only help save your hearing, but also increase range safety by allowing the wearer to clearly hear range instructions and commands. Each slim-cut housing is fitted with a stereo microphone controlled by a single volume control knob. Active-response circuitry within the muffs amplifies voice and ambient sounds, yet instantly shuts off at 82 decibels to protect the shooter’s hearing. Runs on standard AAA batteries. ($55; howardleight.com)

7. Benchmaster Bison Bags

Benchmaster Bison Bags.There are a lot of quality bench bags on the market, but few as distinctive as these made from top-grain bison leather. These bags blend the toughness to resist wear with a soft hand that cradles your firearm with care. Even the vegetable-tanning process is designed with fine guns in mind as it won’t corrode bluing like cheaper, chromium-tanned leather bags do. An easy-pour spout makes filling or emptying these bags with sand, beans or other media a breeze. ($60; benchmasterusa.com)

8. Blackhawk! Diversion Range Bag

Blackhawk Diversion Bag.Sometimes you don’t want to call attention to yourself, which calls for equipment from Blackhawk’s new Diversion line of gun cases, backpacks and bags. Designed to look more like something you’d carry to the gym, the Range Bag features a fold-out front flap with removable pistol rug. Inside the large compartment utilizes removable dividers to organize ammo, eye protection and muffs. Two end pockets have hidden handgun compartments, and the whole package is wrapped in sporty colors that don’t scream, “I’m carrying a gun!” ($150; blackhawk.com)

9. Birchwood Casey 3-Gun Nation Targets

Dirty Bird 3-Gun Nation Targets.The official targets of very popular 3-Gun Nation now feature Birchwood Casey’s Dirty Bird splattering, hi-visibility technology. Each hit within the 17¼-inch target circle reveals a white splatter-mark for instant feedback to both the shooter and the range master. A red 8-inch circle within a circle represents the primary or A zone, while the remaining black ring is the B zone, which requires two hits for a pass. It’s worth noting these targets are nonadhesive. ($13/per five targets; birchwoodcasey.com)

10. MGM Long Range Flash Target

MGM Long-Range Flash Target.This auto-resetting target delivers an immediate answer to the question “Did I hit it?” With every hit, the 10-inch steel target swings backward, causing a bright orange polycarbonate panel to pop-up for visual confirmation. As the target falls back into place, the orange cue disappears and you’re ready to fire again. Great for the home range or competitive shooting, it’s designed to work past 400 yards when shooting a .223 and has been competition-proven to activate well beyond that, though the company suggests having a spotter to confirm hits at longer ranges. ($427; mgmtargets.com)

This article appeared in the May 12, 2013 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.

Photo Gallery: 8 New 2013 Turkey Shotguns

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New Turkey Shotguns for 2013

This article originally appeared in the March 25, 2013 issue of the newly-redesigned Gun Digest the Magazine. Click here for more information and to subscribe!

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