[duck slayer02]

I am looking at a Remmy 870 camo with a 23" barrel and a thumbhole stock. Would this work for waterfowl too? Or should I stay away from the thumbhole and get a longer barrel for waterfowl?
Thanks, David

 

[535sx2]

i dont think that the barrel length is a problem i now a couple guys that shoot barrels like that with no problem. i never shot a thumbhole on waterfowl but i would stay away from it

 

[Srmn8r]

I hunted Currituck with a guy 4 years ago who had a thumbhole stocked gun, and he was deadly with that thing!

- PJ

 

[Ajgall1055]

That really depends on if you feel comfortable wing shooting with a thumbhole. it would seem awkard to me but that just personal preference. as for the barrel length i'd look at a 26" as a compromise again just personal preference but i think it feels better to swing with a longer barrel i personally use a 28" but it seems like a 26" is a good compromise to meet your turkey and duck hunting needs. I know several companies offer guns with a waterfowl and a turkey barrel or a waterfowl and a slug barrel.

 

[HotDog]

I learned that it is easier to shoot turkeys with a duck gun, than to shoot ducks with a turkey gun.

I sold my win. 1300 and bought a Mossberg 930.

I am happy.

 

[apexhunter]

The only drawback I could see with the thumbhole stock would be doing a really quick mount, with a gloved hand on the flock of birds that appear from nowhere.

As far as the barrel length, there is going to be some but not an appreciable loss of velocity or pattern...but the noise will be greater- especially to those around you. On another thread Ned S said you will typically lose around 10 fps per 1" of length and a small percentage of pattern, and he has done the testing.

 

[don taylor]

The longer barrel gives you a longer sight plain that would help in aiming. Then there's follow through and balance. Just foolin around I shot trap once with a pistol grip. 18/25. thumbhole might be cool.

 

[muddydog]

If it fits, shoot it, It it dont pattern good enough find another longer barrel. They are fairly inexpensive. You just never know about short barrels, some work good some dont.

 

[joshco84]

I shoot all my geese and ducks with my turkey gun :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Its not a thumbhole, but it is a mossberg 500 grand slam 12 ga with the 20 in barrel. I have no problem shooting with it, and it is always always always the first one up. Dont worry about the barrel length, where you point the barrel is more important than the 30 or 40 fps you are going to lose by going short.

 

[jrockncash]

If its all you got take it out and try it before you buy a new barrel. If it patterns good and your smokin ducks who cares if its a turkey gun. Josh Im glad you like that quote. Take off eh hoser. Lets go feed the hose hound some beer eh!

 

[sigep538]

I prefer longer shorter barrels my self. I wacked plenty of birds with my 24 inch NWTF Beretta 390, and it will be a pleasure to hual around in the spring! Also I didnt miss a beat shooting skeet!

 

[schoon1]

Dont forget to change the choke, especially if you are sooting steel shot, you might end up with a blunderbuss

 

[doubleducker]

When I started duck hunting my only shotgun was a Thumbhole Mossberg 535, It was a great way to develop discipline, and wait for the sure shot, not to mention the pump time gives you less chances. It all began there, now my arsenal is full of auto loaders. If you become good with the old pump and short barrel gun, you will smoke them once the addiction sets in and you step up your arsenal.

PS: Change your choke

Good luck