.410 vs 20ga? Need a Turkey gun for my daughter

[Pogue]

Father in-law called and asked my daughter if she was interested in being entered for some Turkey draw hunts this year. The enthusiasm snowballed into *she’s going Turkey hunting this year….period. Even if she doesn’t get drawn for a lottery hunt, there’s tons of them on my deer land. (Got my first there last year, annnnnnd it’s still at the taxidermist…..grrrr)

Anyway, she’s almost 7, has shot .17hmr, .22lr, even did some skeet shooting with what I think was a .20 gauge that someone brought out.

I’m about to do some YouTube homework but of course had to ask CFF’s opinions as well!

Which caliber would suit her needs now and for at least a few years to come? She’s growing like a weed any suggestions on an adjustable lop stock?

 

[BBD280]

The .410 w/ TSS loads is all you need to kill turkeys @ 40+ yards. The TSS loads are the real deal. We have a Stevens 301 .410 with a red dot.
I'd recommend using a ground blind and a tripod to help her out. We use a Bog Pod Death Grip tripod, and with it the recoil is nothing.

 

[BigWaylon]

.410

Like this one. 😁

 

[BlackGun]

28 gauge

 

[Chdamn]

How old is she? Weight?

If at all possible I’d go with a 20. Yes the 410 will work but is usually more expensive and harder to feed

 

[Chdamn]

28 gauge

Can’t hide money.

 

[BlackGun]

Can’t hide money.

LOL. Far from it. But I do think for kids 28 is that gauge for kids with a bit more shot pattern forgiveness and the gun for lifetime bird hunting. But shotshells for each species is less abundant making internet purchases necessary. But I’m an over under guy.

 

[Average Joe]

The .410 w/ TSS loads is all you need to kill turkeys @ 40+ yards. The TSS loads are the real deal. We have a Stevens 301 .410 with a red dot
I'd recommend using a ground blind and a tripod to help her out. We use a Bog Pod Death Grip tripod, and with it the recoil is nothing.

This 👆. Price is very reasonable and a great little Turkey gun.

 

[LeeMajors]

I vote 28 as well. 28 will suit her well in to her late teens.

 

[Walkabout Dan]

410 and TSS shot.

 

[np307]

Another vote for the .410, especially if this is a dedicated turkey gun. Some #9 TSS and you're good to go. Plenty of adults have switched to that combo for turkeys.

 

[Jmoser]

Never done it but have to say I am wildly impressed with the #9 .410 Turkey load development.
Shotshell and wad design science has come a long way.