And so it begins....

[Mike of the Mountain]

We still have a month to wait here in PA.

[Tenth Legion]

We hunted Volusia County, just outside Daytona Beach.

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Mike Koneski

We still have a month to wait here in PA.

Same in my VT stompin' grounds.





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[Mike Rust]

Very nice bird!

I just purchased a 1902 Parker CHE 12 gauge with 2 3/4 chambers for spring turkey hunting only. The gun is in excellent condition. I was planning to use Winchester XR 1-1/4oz number 5 shot with 1300fps. Any thoughts on whether these rounds will be safe to use in this gun, assuming 2-4 rounds per season? Any suggestions on ammo for turkeys in an older Parker?

[Dean Romig]

Originally Posted by Mike Rust

Very nice bird!

I just purchased a 1902 Parker CHE 12 gauge with 2 3/4 chambers for spring turkey hunting only. The gun is in excellent condition. I was planning to use Winchester XR 1-1/4oz number 5 shot with 1300fps. Any thoughts on whether these rounds will be safe to use in this gun, assuming 2-4 rounds per season? Any suggestions on ammo for turkeys in an older Parker?

Standard 12 gauge loads with #5 or 6 shot is really all you will need. Remember, you’re not taking body shots so you have no feathers to punch through, just a layer of skin and soft tissue over the neck and head bones. Put your bead on the head or a couple of inches lower on the neck.
I’ve used 1 1/8 oz. Of #6 lead shot on every turkey I’ve killed and always with just one shot.





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[Mike Rust]

Thank you Dean. I will try the lighter loads.

I see you are from Massachusetts. My wife and I go to the Berkshires every spring, usually the second full week of May, near Great Barrington. She hikes and I hunt turkeys. Good luck to you this season.

[Mike of the Mountain]

Mike R, the problem you might run into with those heavier loads with higher MV is the possibility of damage to the head or wrist of the stock. If your barrels are solid they should be fine. Those older stocks could have soft wood or it could be dried and already cracked. Doesn’t take much if the wood is compromised to turn it into a repair situation. I shoot TSS shot through my modern turkey gun, do not use it in your vintage guns. That could damage your chokes.

[Mike Rust]

Thanks, Mike. That's good advice.

[Mike Franzen]

Hey Brother, glad to see you keeping the ole Space Age Parker in the hunt. That’s a couple nice looking Toms. Hope you and the family are doing well.