:glug::glug::glug:

Since we're all ready for Turkey season...
 

Here are some pictures of the pattern from a 1903 VH 12 (full/full) at 40 yards using RST 2 1/2 #6 - and the result. Our season doesn't open until May3 in NH.

That's a very effective pattern Jim. It looks about like any one of about eight pellets would have put that target turkey on the ground. Larger shot size (fewer pellets) might not have the same effect - but then, any one might be enough.... might be.

WOW, at 40 yds, that's a tight core to your pattern, what weight load and fps are you shooting? scott

A clean kill is what you are looking for. I hate wounding animals. Like Dean, I don't think that target knew what hit him.

Thanks, Mills, Scott and Dean. Both the target and the Tom were "dispatched" with 2 1/2", 2 1/4 dram, 24 grams #6. The Tom was only 25 yds away - he dropped like a rock. The gun is "Ruthie" named after the woman who gave it to me in exchange for getting it out of her house. Took her apart, cleaned her up, stapled the split wrist and she's my turkey gun.

What a coincidence.... See page 4 of the Spring Issue of Parker Pages.

thats a mighty good pattern that gun throws..any turkey at 40 yards would go down for sure..and a fine storey about how you got this turkey gun...charlie

Pure coincidence - I read it and thought the author tells a much better story than I could. The letter on my gun says it was shipped to William Read & Sons in Boston on Oct 2, 1903. Ruthie thinks it was spoils from a poker game her son played years ago during a "wild period" (I'd say lucky period). Since her son was a local semi-pro golfer, I assume the gun has some local heritage I'll never know.