2 Tricks For a Sure Shot on Tricky Toms

Better your odds by using a holographic sight and shooting sticks.

by posted on May 3, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Bachman Looking Down Eotec Sight On Winchester Turkey Gun

About six years ago I started using sights on my turkey shotgun and haven’t looked back. Why the switch? Well, it comes down to a couple of misses where I simply got excited and didn’t really focus on getting my cheek down on the gun. I wasn’t even sure what I had done wrong, but it was an easy shot. I was excited, and the turkey got away. In the interest of now making things as easy as possible for myself, I’ve become a huge fan of putting turkey sights on guns, especially for new hunters. 

I came to the realization that in my big-game hunting I’ve become accustomed to using a scope. With this in mind, I decided I needed to find a better method.  I tried a low-power scope for a while, but I didn’t like the fact that I always had to check each state’s regulation on permitting magnification. Instead, I started looking into no-magnification holographic sights that are often used on turkey guns. I settled in on an EOTech because of it durability and simplicity to mount it to my gun—and even switch between guns as needed.

I primarily shoot a Winchester SX3 or SX4 NWTF Cantilever Turkey Gun. It comes with a rail so the EOTech snaps on tight and I’m set in a matter of a couple shots. But not all turkey guns have a rail. For instance, I planned to my Winchester SX4 Waterfowl Edition, so I brought it to my local gunsmith to have it tapped and drilled so I could top it with a rail. So if your current setup doesn’t feature a rail, you can add one.

The EOTech is actually a holographic sight, so even if my gun isn’t perfectly square with the world, my shot will be spot on. To me this was a game changer because it made it so simple and so similar to all my other hunting. Settle down, put the dot where the feathers meet the head and squeeze. I also recommend this sight for new hunters because its easy for them to understand what is necessary for them to take a clean shot. With standard sights, it’s often difficult to explain the concepts of having their cheek down on the gun, or lining up their front sight and back sight. With this sight, I just instruct them to put the dot where they want the bulk of their pattern to hit.

I’m also a huge believer in using shooting sticks—always. Not only does it help keep movement to a minimum as a firearm is already setup and in the ready position, but it keeps the shooter so much more steady. I use the BOG Death Grip, as it locks a gun in place and allows the hunter to be hands free when setup. Once the gobbler is coming in, hunters can get in and shoulder the gun or slowly re-situate, but they’re not picking it up all the way from the ground trying to get setup.

With this in mind, hunters do need to pattern their gun with the loads with which they intend on hunting. Take it to the range and either put up a turkey target or draw one on a piece of paper. Ensure that the bulk of the pattern is hitting right where you aimed. Also practice shooting at various distances so you can understand the limitations of your setup and ensure quick, clean and ethical shot.

Latest

Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao
Rao Off Season Rifle Getting Into Position Photo By Rao

It's Time for Your Rifle's Off-Season Check-Up

When fall hunting season is just around the corner, summer is time to make sure your guns and gear are in shape for shooting.

The Armed Citizen® Reload July 18, 2025

A spousal abuser and a registered sex offender met their fate while attempting to carry out their crimes. 

Want to Become an Outdoors Woman? Here's One Way to Start.

The successful BOW program (Becoming an Outdoors-Woman) began in 1990 in Wisconsin but its popularity as one of the leading programs for women has propelled its expansion into 38 states.

Winchester Safes Donating to Kerr County Flood Relief

Through July 31, 100 percent of its profits from online sales will go to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.

The Headrest Safe Company Introduces Compact Model

Take your firearm, cash, medications and more in your vehicle and relax knowing it will stay out of the hands of kids, valets or intruders.

What’s a Monolithic Bullet?

What do monolithic bullets do, and what are they good for?

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.