10/22+Mosin Nagant OR Rem 870

[birdshooter1]

Guys I might be hunting turkey and deer next season so Im going to but the gun/guns.
Here it is, I'm short on budget - these will be my first firearms, and the first time I'm hunting deer/turkey.
I shortlisted two choices;
(1) Remington 870, with 26in smooth bore barrel, wood stock, 3in chamber, 12ga.... i intend to use it on deer with slugs (whats the max range I can shoot em confortably with this barrel and rifled slugs), and turkey with birdshot (again, which shot to use and max range)

(2) .Ruger 10/22 with a 3-9x scope, for turkey hunting (I'll be aiming for the head/spine. Is .22LR legal for turkey in VA?)
.Mosin Nagant for deer with S&B soft point ammo (Till what max range are deer easily taken with this gun using iron sights?)

Plz answer the questions and guide me re. which combination to go for...

Thanks

[OakRidgeStars]

Too many limitations on hunting with rifles in VA, which vary greatly from one city/county to another. Unless you plan on hunting from a tree stand.

Go for the shotgun.

Just make sure you check the DGIF website to determine what loads you can shoot where.

[birdshooter1]

Okay............... will go for the Remington 870.

And I thought VA was going to be a fun place for shooters and hunters

[Jamie]

Hippies run the hunting laws.

[birdshooter1]

Could you give me an estimate of the max range I'll be able to shoot deer with using a smooth bore 26in 870 and rifled slugs?

[FiremanBob]

Birdshooter, if these are your first firearms, I must ask: What training in firearms use, hunting, and marksmanship have you had? Buying the right tool is less than half the task; the important part is becoming skilled enough to use it successfully and safely. If you aren't already a trained shooter, I recommend you seek such training as it will enormously improve your chances of success and your enjoyment of hunting as well.

[birdshooter1]

As my username states, I am only a birdshooter till now... I do hunt every now and then, but mostly doves and pigeons with a .22LR or PCP air rifles.
I also hunt quail, doves twice a year with a 12ga sxs owned by my uncle.....
Actually I've tried out a few of my uncle's guns and received hunting/gun safety training from him.
Now I insist on getting my own firearm, and go deer hunting (may be accompanied by my uncle)

Never shot skeets, but practiced 'flying shots' on doves... and my fellows say I'm an exceptional shot.
Also, never grouped any big bore rifles, but trained with a DIana 350 Magnum .22 pellet gun as it's aesthetics are the same as a big bulky rifle.
I shoot targets with a friend's .22, and my air rifles (BSA PCP, Diana 350 Mag) and the best group I've managed to pull from 25yds is 0.4 inches, and 0.9 inches from 50 yards.

[birdshooter1]

What would be the ideal barrel length for the aforementioned types of hunts?

What do you suggest, 26in smoothbore 870 OR a 28in " "?

[scrubber3]

If it were me, I'd use the Mosin Nagant to take deer. Problem you have with a shotgun is limited range and wounding the deer only for it to die by itself in a creek bed some 2 miles later just to get eaten by vultures. The iron sites on the Mosin are god for up to ~500 meters pending how good you are. Most will say and effective hunting range of ~300 yards. Whatever you hit with a 7.62x54 round isn't running away either. Pending proper shot placement.

Why not get a mossberg 500 for turkey? Those are easily found and very inexpensive.

100 for the Mosin Nagant, and less than 200 for the mossberg.

300 dollars and you have a nice hunting arsenal. Probably less if you by the shotty used.

[birdshooter1]

scrubber3,

That combination sounds good too. But as said by OakRidgeStars, there's too many limitations to using rifles for Deer in VA, and I wouldnt appreciate that, I think ill just stalk upto 50yds and use a 870, same for a turkey.... but 26" or 28"?