Dedicated turkey shotguns did not become popular until the early 2000s. At the time, turkey populations were booming—there were an estimated 7 million birds inhabiting the U. S. and Canada—which ushered in a new era of optics-ready, short-barreled shotguns that catered to turkey hunters.
Truthfully, any shotgun can kill a longbeard. Browning Auto-5s and Winchester Model 12s were used to punch plenty of turkey tags. But to take down a gobbler, you have to aim a shotgun, not pull the trigger like you would a flushing rooster or cupped mallard. Specialized turkey guns improve accuracy because they are designed to shoot more like rifles.
They frequently resemble rifles in that they have a short barrel and are either drilled and tapped or already have a Picatinny rail attached to the receiver. When paired with the proper shotshell, this extends a shotgun’s range and allows for the precise delivery of a payload through the mounting of scopes and reflex optics.
Ah, turkey hunting! The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of the gobble and the satisfaction of a successful harvest. But before you head out into the field, you need the right tool for the job: a trusty shotgun. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newbie taking your first steps into the world of turkey hunting choosing the right shotgun can be a daunting task. Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts, for we’re here to guide you through the intricacies of selecting the perfect shotgun for your turkey hunting adventures.
Understanding the Shotgun Landscape: Pump vs. Semi-Auto
The world of shotguns offers two primary action types: pump-action and semi-automatic. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, making the choice a matter of personal preference and hunting style.
Pump-Action: The classic pump-action shotgun is a reliable and affordable option. Its simple design makes it less prone to malfunctions, and its manual operation allows for precise control over each shot. However, pump-action shotguns require a bit more effort to operate, as you need to manually cycle the action after each shot.
Semi-Automatic: Semi-automatic shotguns offer the convenience of automatic reloading, allowing you to fire multiple shots in quick succession. This can be advantageous in situations where a quick follow-up shot is necessary. However, semi-automatic shotguns tend to be more expensive than pump-action models, and their complex mechanisms can be more susceptible to malfunctions.
Gauge: Finding the Right Balance of Power and Comfort
Shotguns come in various gauges, each with its own unique characteristics. The most popular gauges for turkey hunting are 12, 20, and . 410.
12 Gauge: The 12 gauge is the most powerful and versatile option, offering a wide range of shot sizes and loads However, its increased recoil can be uncomfortable for some shooters, especially beginners
20 Gauge: With less recoil than the 12 gauge and enough power to take down a turkey, the 20 gauge strikes a good balance between comfort and power. It’s a popular choice for youth and smaller-framed hunters.
410: The . Since 410 is the smallest and lightest gauge, it’s a good option for beginners and people who want a lightweight firearm. However, its limited shot capacity and reduced power require precise shot placement.
Barrel Length: Maneuverability vs. Effective Range
The length of your shotgun’s barrel plays a significant role in its handling and effectiveness.
Shorter Barrels (18-22 inches): Shorter barrels offer increased maneuverability, making them ideal for hunting in tight spaces like blinds or thick brush. However, they typically have a shorter effective range, meaning you’ll need to be closer to your target for a clean kill.
Longer Barrels (24-28 inches): Longer barrels provide a longer sight radius, improving accuracy and effective range. However, they can be less maneuverable in tight spaces.
Sights: Aiming for Precision
Unlike other types of hunting, turkey hunting often involves stationary targets, making precise aiming crucial. Choosing the right sights can significantly enhance your accuracy and success rate.
Fiber Optic Sights: Compared to conventional metal bead sights, fiber optic sights are brighter and easier to see in low light. For turkey hunters looking for an easy-to-use and reliable aiming solution, they’re a popular option.
Red Dot Sights: Red dot sights project an illuminated dot onto the target, providing a clear aiming point. They’re considered the most accurate sights for turkey hunting, especially for longer-range shots.
Additional Considerations: Comfort and Customization
When selecting your turkey shotgun, take comfort and customization into account in addition to technical aspects.
Comfort: Choose a shotgun that fits your body comfortably. You should feel comfortable with the overall weight, grip size, and length of the stock. You can shoot more accurately and relish your hunting experience more if your shotgun is comfortable.
Customization: Many shotguns offer various customization options, such as different stocks, sights, and chokes. These options allow you to tailor your shotgun to your specific needs and preferences.
Choosing the right shotgun for turkey hunting is a personal decision that depends on your individual preferences, hunting style, and budget. By understanding the different factors to consider, you can make an informed choice that will enhance your turkey hunting experience and increase your chances of success. Remember, the perfect turkey hunting shotgun is the one that feels comfortable, performs reliably, and helps you put birds on the table.
Benelli M2 Field Price: $1,499 “Benelli redesigned the M2 this year for a better grip with updated controls.”
Benelli modified the M2’s foreend to increase grip this year and updated the controls to resemble those of the Super Black Eagle 3. The Italian manufacturer also added a 24-inch barrel option, which was previously only available at the M2 Performance Shop and costs twice as much as the Field. The M2 can be upgraded with a red-dot reflex sight by taking out the stock using a socket wrench. If you don’t feel comfortable mounting the optic on your own, a gunsmith can do it for you.
Better cylinder, modified, and full chokes come standard on this gun, so you’ll likely need to buy an aftermarket turkey choke to get the most out of your pattern. Benelli’s are inertia driven, so the recoil is more stout than if you were shooting a gas gun. The Comfortech recoil system, which included interlocking chevrons in the stock that flexed when the gun was fired, was also eliminated from the original model. However, a recoil pad is still attached to the buttstock. And for turkeys you only need to shoot once, so recoil is less of a factor.
- Platform: Semi-Auto
- Gauge: 20
- Chamber: 3″
- Weight: 5.8 lbs
- Price: $1,499
HOW TO PICK A TURKEY SHOTGUN
It’s challenging to select the right shotgun off the shelf because you can’t check the gun’s accuracy before buying it. Plus, every gun fits differently. One nice feature of turkey guns is that you can modify the way the gun shoots by mounting an optic on the majority of them. The gun will most likely shoot well for you if it has a mounting system and feels comfortable when you bring it to your shoulder at the gun counter. The shotshell pattern won’t change much, but the point of impact will with proper sighting in the scope or red dot.
In terms of functionality, there are manufacturers that have a proven track record for building great turkey guns. The four gun makers I selected all fall into this category. Remington and Mossberg have been particularly successful in filling the market for turkey guns, which is why so many seasoned hunters are using those highly regarded shotguns on the field. Like cars, some shotguns are bound to be lemons, so before you buy, research the return policy. And, if you don’t like the gun, you can always trade it in for something else.
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