turkey gun

[Huntinturk2]

Just joined today. Going away from modern shotguns for turkey hunting and am looking to get a smoothbore.  Plan on using it only for turkeys - have both flintlock and percussion ML for deer. A gun made using a 20 ga. Colerain turkey barrel was suggested to me. No gun builders around me so I would have to get in contact with one. Any thoughts on that or any other gun is appreciated. Thanks.

[prairie dog]

If you can call the turkey in close any type of smoothbore will work.  What type gun do you fancy?  Are you looking for a Trade Gun, Fowler, double barrel, or smooth rifle?

[Huntinturk2]

Open to any suggestions since I'm just starting. Probably looking for something that will take a turkey out to 30 yds. What's the difference between a Trade Gun and a Fowler? Thanks.

[Longhunter]

I've got a Fusil de chase (Tulle) by Center Mark in 20ga. I love the lines of the french gun.

[snake eyes]

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[Darren Haverstick]

Here's some photos of my 12 gauge smoothbore that my friend, John Pruitt, made for me. He would make you one for something around $200 plus parts cost. What I do is pick out all my parts from TOTW or Muzzleloader Builders Supply and have them shipped to him. John then sends me the finished product. PM me if you would like his phone number.

Darren

[prairie dog]

 What's the difference between a Trade Gun and a Fowler?

That's a good question and one that is a little tricky to answer.
(You can see my answer here:  Smoothbores)

If you are interested in an historic time period or particular style of gun, that will determine which direction you want to go.  If you are only interested in killing a turkey, not so much.  

I have a Navy Arms percussion double barrel in 12 gauge and a flintlock Chief's Grade Trade Gun in 20 gauge.  The 12 gauge will kill a turkey at longer distance but I prefer to use the flintlock 20 gauge.  I've never had difficulty calling a gobbler into 20 yards and you can kill them with just about anything at that distance.

For what it's worth, I would say get yourself a double barrel in 10 or 12 gauge then go forth and slay turkey just as effectively as you would with a modern shotgun.  Or, if the flintlock bug is calling your name, start researching all the different types of smoothbores  available and choose what appeals to you.  There is something for every taste and they will all kill turkey.

[Longhunter]

Sound advice prairie dog  

[Huntinturk2]

Great article to clear up all the types of smoothbores. Thank you for post.

[prairie dog]

I hope it helps.  Be sure to show us what you get, we love photos!
And welcome aboard!

[Longhunter]

12 ga English Fowler

[Feltwad]

Enclosed are a couple of English original half stocked fowlers in both flintlock and flintlock conversion images
Feltwad

[Darren Haverstick]

Dang, Feltwad, how long is the barrel on that bottom fowler? You wouldn't have to shoot a turkey with that gun - just reach out and thump him on the head with it!

Darren

[Feltwad]

Darren
The gun in questionis a 2 bore flintlock fowler for shooting wildfowl and waders on the fore shore it is known has a Bank gun or wall gun, it was mostly used on the sea wall and shot a waders ect feeding on the incoming tide .
Has for the barrel length see image it will give some idea.
Feltwad

[Feltwad]

I am afraid there would not be much left of a turkey
Feltwad