Remington Wingmaster weak pattern question

[minkman]

I have the above gun and am trying to sight it in for turkeys at 30 yards. In the middle of the pattern I get a 3-4 inch weak spot. With # 4 shot I might get 2 pellets in there but it's much better on all sides. It's a 12ga,3 inch and I've tried Remington and Winchester turkey loads. I'm not a gun expert by any means . Can anybody trouble shoot on that for me ? Any help will be appreciated . thanks

[johnboat]

What choke are you using?

[minkman]

Full --not a turkey choke

[johnboat]

I should have also asked if it was a fixed choke or interchangeable.

I wouldn't fret over a 3 inch circle. I'd widen it out to a 10 inch circle and do a count. As long as your getting around 80-90 in that 10 inch circle, I can't imagine a turkey will run away from that.

If you are able to switch out chokes, maybe an extra full would be worth a try.
It'd tighten your pattern and give you another 10-15 yards.

Also maybe experiment with different brands of ammo. You might just find one that your Remmy likes (and patterns) better than the others.

Pellet counts:

12 guage 4 shot = 135
12 guage 5 shot = 170

Maybe a switch to 5 shot to get rid of your bare spot. However, you'll lose a little distance. 5 shot through an extra full choke might be the ticket to a good pellet count and keeping your knock down power.

Myself I prefer 4 shot.
I've used a 12 guage, 4 shot, 3" inch magnum with no issues.

[minkman]

I have an interchangeable choke. I have tried different Brands but didn't help much. My best pattern is with 6's but really would like to shoot 4's for the range . Experimenting with Brand and shot size I've gone through $70 worth of shells and no improvement. Guess I'll go get a extra full choke today and try that -If that doesn't work I will be looking for a"thumb through " Wingmaster . If any of you have one of those for sale, please let me know

[johnboat]

Report back on the extra full choke results.

[minkman]

Report: I put the turkey choke in and the first shot had a beautiful pattern . The next 2 shots had weak spots in the center of the pattern . I'm pretty disappointed. I don't know enough about this sort of thing to figure what is wrong . I do know I want a better pattern . Guess I will look for another gun . I would like to find a thumb through Wingmaster but difficult to find I guess . Darn !!

[johnboat]

Hmmm.....

Yeah, you got me. I figured the choke would be the answer. Lots of variables that are beyond me. Could be the forcing cone, barrell condition, or who knows what.

Maybe visit with a gunsmith.

Chances are pretty good your current shotgun will kill a turkey.

Just curious, what make you believe a thumb through Wingmaster is the answer?

[minkman]

The thumb through won't make it shoot any better but I used one and just kind of fell for it. Probably another sales gimmick but got it in my head that I'd like one . Nothing else !---Hard to find ...

[johnboat]

Ahh, got'cha. Can't say as I have seen many myself.

I just happened to read an article on patterning and they suggested shooting 20-30 rounds of each shell to get a good idea of what you can expect for coverage.