What Gun Should I Use for Turkey Hunting?

One of the hottest trends in the shotgun market is the “turkey gun. Today’s top shotguns for turkey hunting are typically modified versions of small game or waterfowl shooters’ shotguns, with shorter barrels and stocks for easier handling and better maneuverability in tight areas. Manufacturers of guns added pistol grips to make shooting more rifle-like, and many turkey guns have receivers that are drilled and tapped for optics. They all come with chokes designed specifically for printing tight, gobbler-killing patterns.

There are as many variations of a turkey hunting gun as there are versions of turkey hunting styles. There are heavy, long-range guns available for hunters who want to sit in a blind and take down turkeys at distances greater than fifty yards. Small, light guns are an alternative for private-land hunters who want to stalk turkeys closely during the season. There are also antique pump shotguns available for traditionalists who believe that the only way to kill a turkey is to stand in the woods with your back to a tree. Because of this, our editorial team has put together a list of the best shotguns for hunting turkey that takes into consideration different hunter types and styles. Over the years, we have hunted with most of these guns and shot a great deal of all of the product lines listed here.

Yo, fellow turkey hunters! Picking the right gun for turkey season can be a head-scratcher especially if you’re new to the game. But fear not my feathered friends, for I’m here to guide you through the jungle of shotguns and help you find the perfect weapon for bagging those gobblers.

Pump vs. Semi-Auto: The Great Debate

First things first, let’s talk about the two main types of shotguns: pump-action and semi-automatic. Both are effective for turkey hunting, but each has its own quirks and advantages.

Pump-action shotguns are the classic choice. They’re generally more affordable, durable, and reliable. But if you need to quickly take a follow-up shot, you have to manually cycle the action after every shot, which can be a drawback.

Conversely, semi-automatic shotguns enable you to fire more quickly by automatically cycling the action after each shot. They also typically have less recoil, which makes shooting with them more comfortable over longer distances. However, they can be more expensive and may require more maintenance.

Ultimately the choice between pump and semi-auto comes down to personal preference and budget. If you’re on a tight budget, a pump-action shotgun will get the job done. But if you want a faster-shooting and more comfortable option a semi-auto might be the way to go.

Gauge Matters: Choosing the Right Size

Now, let’s talk about gauge. Gauge refers to the diameter of the shotgun’s barrel, and the smaller the number, the bigger the gun. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common gauges used for turkey hunting:

12 gauge: This is the most popular gauge for turkey hunting, offering a wide variety of shell options and plenty of power to take down even the biggest gobblers.
20 gauge: This is a good option for smaller-framed hunters or those who prefer a lighter-recoiling gun. It’s still powerful enough to kill turkeys, but you’ll need to be more precise with your shots.
10 gauge: This is the biggest and most powerful shotgun commonly used for turkey hunting. However, it’s also the most expensive and has the most recoil. Unless you’re a seasoned turkey slayer with a strong shoulder, you’re probably better off sticking with a 12 or 20 gauge.

Length Matters Too: Shorty vs. Long Barrel

The length of your shotgun’s barrel can also affect your turkey hunting success. Many turkey hunters prefer a shorter barrel (22-26 inches) for easier maneuverability in tight spaces like blinds or thick cover. However, a longer barrel (28-30 inches) can provide more accuracy and velocity, especially with larger shot sizes.

Ultimately, the best barrel length for you depends on your hunting style and the terrain you’ll be hunting in. If you’re mostly hunting from blinds or in thick cover, a shorter barrel might be the better choice. But if you’re hunting in more open areas where longer shots are possible, a longer barrel might be more advantageous.

Sight It Right: Aiming for Turkey Perfection

Turkeys are notoriously difficult to hit, especially when they’re strutting and gobbling their heads off. That’s why having a good sight on your shotgun is crucial. Here are two popular options:

Fiber optic sights: These sights are brighter than traditional metal beads, making it easier to acquire your target and line up your shot. They’re a great option for both beginners and experienced turkey hunters.
Red dot sights: These sights project a small red dot onto the target, making it even easier to aim accurately. They’re a popular choice for turkey hunters who want the best possible chance of making a clean kill.

Other Considerations: Comfort and Camouflage

In addition to the fundamentals, the following factors should be taken into account when selecting a shotgun for turkey hunting:

Comfort: Make sure your shotgun fits you well and is comfortable to shoot. You’ll be holding it for long periods, so it should feel natural and balanced in your hands.
Camouflage: A camo-colored shotgun can help you blend in with your surroundings, making it less likely that you’ll spook turkeys. This is especially important if you’re hunting in open areas where turkeys can see you from a distance.

Selecting a shotgun for hunting turkeys doesn’t have to be a difficult undertaking. You can reduce your options and locate the ideal gun for your requirements and price range by taking into account the previously mentioned factors. Keep in mind that there isn’t a single solution that works for everyone, so take your time, do your homework, and select the shotgun that feels best for you.

Happy turkey hunting!

Best Semi-Auto: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop

24-inch barrel
Burris FastFire II red-dot
Mossy Oak camouflage finish
3½-inch chamber

Pistol grip adds steadiness
Burris optic delivers better accuracy
The gun’s larger bolt handle and “slammer button” bolt release make it simpler to use.

It’s light for a turkey gun, which means more recoil
Expensive

Rob Roberts is a master at getting the most out of shotgun pattern performance. Known for his aftermarket choke tubes, the Arkansas gunsmith collaborated with Benelli on the SBE3 Turkey Performance Shop. Roberts lengthens the forcing cones inside the 24-inch barrel and adds a custom . 655 choke to deliver superior pattern density. To help hunters place shots more precisely, the 12-gauge comes with a Burris FastFire II red-dot. A 3½-inch gun that only weighs 6. Because the SBE3 is an inertia-driven device, 8 pounds, 2-ounce turkey loads will sting your shoulder a little more than if you were firing a gas gun. When turkey hunting, you’ll be aiming the gun like a rifle, so having an extended pistol grip will help you stabilize the weapon better. —Joe Genzel.

It’s not an overly heavy turkey gun in 20-gauge at 7. 2 pounds but the 12 is over 8 pounds. A bottom-eject pump called the Turkey Slayer will shield your shotshell from the weather, which is crucial if you’re sitting through an unexpected snowfall or spring shower. Moisture entering side eject shotgun actions and contaminating the gunpowder in a shell is not unheard of, rendering the weapon unusable. Alternatively, the water may seep into the firing pin and strike the primer of the shotshell lightly. —J. G.

Best Value 20 Gauge: Rem Arms 870 Fieldmaster Compact

Reliable pump action
3-inch chamber
Barrel length: 21 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
Overall length 40.5 inches
Walnut stock

You’ll want to get aftermarket chokes

Who knows how many turkeys the beloved 870 has taken over the years. Although the most popular shotgun in America is a versatile tool, the 20-gauge design of the new Fieldmaster makes it perfect for hunting turkeys. The new Remington model, called Rem Arms, comes with a 20-inch barrel that weighs only six pounds. This will make for a light, compact, no fuss, no muss turkey rig.

Historically, Remington shotguns pattern well, which is key for a turkey gun. Even though this model comes with IC, M, and F chokes, if you want the most out of your 20 gauge, I would recommend using an aftermarket choke. Even factoring in the aftermarket addition, this will be an affordable setup. MSRP is $540. Overall, the new Fieldmaster is slightly superior to the Wingmaster but still an improvement over the 870 Express in terms of quality. Still, it won our review of the best pump shotguns.

WHAT FIREARM TO USE FOR TURKEY HUNTING | Hunters Connect

FAQ

What caliber should I use for turkey hunting?

Without a doubt, the 12 gauge is the most popular shotshell for use by turkey hunters – and it has been for more than a century. The reasons for this are plentiful. Of all the gauges out there, 12 gauge shotshells are the easiest to find and the most affordable (both of which are relative these days, but still…).

What kind of rifle do you need for turkey hunting?

A 22 Long Rifle and 22 Magnum are good turkey calibers in the right hands under the right circumstances (distance, moving or still target, the accuracy of shooter and firearm).

What gauge is best for turkey hunting?

Some folks even self-loaded hot 20-gauge homebrews that could tip over a gobbler with the best of ’em. But if you were serious about killing turkeys, you were shooting a 12 gauge of some kind. Today, 12 gauges are still the most popular.