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 kill a gobbler, you must aim a shotgun—not swing the barrel like you do on a flushing rooster or cupped up mallard—and specialized turkey guns increase accuracy because they are intentionally modified to be shot like a rifle.
They generally have a short barrel like a rifle and are either drilled and tapped, or come with a Picatinny rail already affixed to the receiver. This allows for scopes and reflex optics to be mounted and extend the range of a shotgun—when you pair it with the proper shotshell—so that you can deliver the payload with precision.
Turkey hunting is an exciting tradition for many hunters when spring rolls around. With the birds gobbling and strutting, it’s a thrilling experience to try and call one into range. But having the right firearm is key to making sure you can seal the deal when a tom comes strutting in. So what’s the best gun to use for turkey hunting? Let’s take a look at some great options.
The Tried and True Turkey Shotgun
For most turkey hunters, a shotgun is the go-to firearm of choice. The shotgun is versatile, powerful at close ranges, and allowed on most public land hunting areas during spring turkey season. When it comes to shotguns, a 12 or 20 gauge loaded with quality turkey loads is an excellent choice.
The 12 gauge hits hard, but the 20 gauge also gets the job done on turkeys while reducing recoil. A wide variety of shotguns from pump action, to semi-autos, to break action can be effective in the right hands when loaded properly. A quality extra full turkey choke helps to tighten patterns for lethal shots on turkeys within 40 yards.
Top turkey shotgun picks include the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey with its 24 inch barrel, fast cycling action, and adjustable stock. The Franchi Affinity 3 Turkey Elite is another fine choice with specialized features like a lengthened forcing cone for great patterning. And classic pump actions like the reliable Remington 870 are turkey killers in the hands of hunters who know how to sneak up on spring longbeards.
Hard-Hitting Turkey Loads
You can’t just use any old shotgun loads for turkey hunting and expect results. The best turkey loads are specially designed for these large, tough birds. Look for top turkey loads like Winchester Longbeard XR, Remington Nitro Turkey, and Federal Premium Flitecontrol. These shells use carefully engineered shot and specialized wads to deliver dense, hard-hitting patterns on turkeys.
For those looking to push the envelope on range, look for shells loaded with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). This extremely dense shot allows for phenomenal terminal performance, even out to longer distances. Just be aware these shells come with a higher price tag. But in the right shotgun with a tuned turkey choke TSS can be devastating.
Bows and Airguns Too
While shotguns are the most popular, bows and pre-charged pneumatic airguns also have a niche in turkey hunting. Taking a tom with archery gear is an exciting challenge that demands getting even closer than with a shotgun. Heavy arrows tipped with cut-on-contact broadheads take down turkeys quickly when well placed.
Big bore PCP air rifles are another interesting option. Using multi-pump or SCBA tank based systems, big .20, .25, or .30 caliber projectiles can be propelled at high velocities for turkeys. With practice, airgun hunters can achieve lethal shots on turkeys out to 60+ yards. Airguns are also much quieter than firearms, a nice perk for not alarming birds.
Choosing What’s Right For You
When deciding what gun to use for turkey hunting, consider your skills, hunting style, and local regulations. Be sure to pattern your shotgun and zero your sights no matter what you choose. Shooting well at varying distances helps ensure a clean, ethical kill when you finally call in that boastful tom.
Stay safe, hunt ethically and legally, use your preferred firearm responsibly, and this spring turkey season will be your best yet. Gobble gobble! The birds are waiting.
PRODUCTS WE LOOKED AT
| Remington 870 SPS Super Magnum | Benelli M2 Field | Mossberg SA-28 Tactical Turkey | Stevens 301 Turkey Obsession | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Pump-Action | Semi-Auto | Semi-Auto | Break-Action |
| Gauge | 12 | 20 | 28 | .410 |
| Chamber | 3½” | 3″ | 2¾” | 3″ |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs | 5.8 lbs | 6 lbs | 5 lbs |
| Price | $630* | $1,499* | $750* | $227* |
| Product Notes | Product Notes | Product Notes | Product Notes |
Benelli M2 Field Price: $1,499 “Benelli redesigned the M2 this year for a better grip with updated controls.”
Benelli redesigned the M2 this year by changing the shape of the fore-end for a better grip and updating the controls to mirror those of the Super Black Eagle 3. The Italian gunmaker also added a 24-inch barrel option, which was previously only available with the M2 Performance Shop which costs double the price of the Field. You can add a red-dot reflex sight to the M2 by removing the stock with a socket wrench. If you don’t feel comfortable mounting the optic on your own, a gunsmith can do it for you.
This gun comes standard with improved cylinder, modified, and full chokes, so youll likely need to buy an aftermarket turkey choke to maximize pattern potential. Benelli’s are inertia driven, so the recoil is more stout than if you were shooting a gas gun. They also removed the Comfortech recoil system—interlocking chevrons in the stock that flex when the gun is fired—used in the original model, but there is still a recoil pad affixed 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
WHAT FIREARM TO USE FOR TURKEY HUNTING | Hunters Connect
FAQ
What kind of gun do you use to hunt turkeys?
What is the best caliber for hunting turkeys?
What size gun for turkey?
Is a 12-gauge good for turkey hunting?
Do turkey hunters use shotguns?
Not too long ago, turkeys were hunted with standard hunting shotguns. But as the needs of turkey hunters became clearer, manufacturers began producing shotguns designed specifically for turkey hunting. This produced a shorter, handier gun. The accuracy of the turkey gun was augmented with specialty chokes and newer sighting options.
What is the best shotgun for turkey hunting?
This is a 12-gauge, the perfect size for turkey, and you can use up to 3.5” shells. The tubular magazine has a 5+1 capacity, making it one of the best high capacity turkey hunting shotguns you can buy. And the recoil pad built into the butt of the gun will help to keep your shoulder functioning still by the end of the day.
What is a good Turkey gun?
A good turkey gun will be chambered in 12,16 or 20-gauge as well as .410. It should have a ventilated rib to sight down, or a red dot-type sight to increase your accuracy at range using #4 or #2 copper-coated lead shot. TSS shot, with mixed #7 and #9 shot is growing in popularity as well and is a wide pattern alternative to traditional heavy shot.
Can you use a 410 shotgun for turkey hunting?
A few states don’t allow .410 shotguns for turkey hunting. The most popular gauge by far remains 12, with 16 gauge shotguns making a comeback, and youth and female hunters often preferring the lighter kicking 20 gauge. For hard-hitting power, a 12-gauge with a three-inch magnum shell, packed with BB is hard to beat.