Finding The Best Turkey Shotgun For Hunting: 6 Shotguns You Need To See
This post may contain affiliate links for products I recommend. If you click a link and buy something I may receive some compensation. This does not change the price you would pay.
If you’re getting ready for hunting season, or if you’re planning on hunting some turkey for thanksgiving, then you should equip yourself with a fine turkey shotgun that will help you hunt down those gobblers with ease.
There are several turkey shotguns available today. Most have similar specs, but each one offers a different feel. In this article, I will share with you some of the best turkey shotguns you should consider checking out if you want to hunt for turkey. But before diving in to the list, you must first know about the essential properties of a turkey shotgun.
What Should You Look For In A Turkey Shotgun?
There are several things you should look out for when buying a turkey shotgun. You should consider the shotgun’s gauge, choke, ergonomics, and the need for accessories such as sights before you choose the turkey shotgun you want to buy.
The Right Gauge
When looking for a turkey shotgun, you should opt for one that has a 12 gauge load. 12-gauge shotguns offer more velocity and energy because it generates more pressure. The most effective choice for hunting turkey is probably the 3-inch magnum 12-gauge shotgun. What’s more is that it can offer you more ammo options.
The Right Choke
The choke is another thing you should be mindful of when it comes to selecting your shotgun. What you would want is to have a tight pattern to ensure a successful shot. I recommend going with .670 chokes for a No. 4 shot or .665 chokes for a No. 6 shot. These are great chokes to start with especially for standard barrels.
The Right Feel
As for ergonomics, you should of course look for a shotgun that is firm to the grip, has the right trigger, and can easily be carried around. When it comes to the shotgun grip, most hunters including myself prefer a pistol grip since it keeps the hand at a comfortable position while waiting for turkeys to come.
Another thing you should consider for your shotgun is a recoil pad. Turkey shotguns can be quite powerful, and can put a lot of force on your shoulder.
You should also get a shotgun with a good trigger. Unlike other shotguns, turkey guns are more similar with rifles when it comes to shooting, and when it comes to rifles, a good trigger is the key.
If you don’t like the way a certain shotgun’s trigger feels, you can easily swap it with a new trigger. If you don’t know how, you may ask for assistance at your local gun shop.
The Right Accessories
Last thing you should consider are the accessories. You should get yourself a decent piece of camo to cover up your gun. Apparently, turkeys have great eyesight, which means you should make some effort to hide yourself if you want to be successful in hunting one.
Getting yourself some sights may significantly improve your chances as well, especially if you’re new to hunting. Hunting turkey isn’t always that easy, the most common mistakes people make is shooting too far, and shooting too close when the pattern is very tight. Simply put, sights give you better control over your gun.
If you get your turkey shotgun some sights, you will most likely hit your target with ease. I suggest getting red-dot sights for maximum efficiency.
But if you want to buy cheaper ones, you can choose fiber-optic sights or iron sights instead. What’s great about getting sights is that you would no longer have to think about your shot. Just aim the crosshair at the turkey, pull the trigger, and you’re done.
The Benelli 12-gauge SuperNova comes with a synthetic SteadyGrip stock and a ComforTech recoil reduction system and weighs 7.8 pounds. It’s a superb turkey gun that not only performs in the field, it will make you the envy of your hunting buddies. It’s got a sleek black matte finish. It’s a great turkey gun that can last a lifetime of spring turkey seasons.
Pros
- Has a 12-gauge bore that fits large shells
- Light and easy to handle
- Comes with Camouflage for stealth
Cons
- Doesn’t come with sights
- Doesn’t come with an extended choke
f you’re looking for a shotgun with an optic-fiber sight that will help you do the job, the 12-gauge semi-auto Escort Turkey Tactical might be the one for you. It features an upper and lower Picatinny rails, a cushioned pistol-grip stock, a fiber-optic front sight and a ghost ring rear sight.
The stock has a cut-out that holds two shells and is fitted with a low-density recoil pad. The SMART Valve gas piston ensures reliable follow-up shots and lighter felt recoil.
The 7.4-pound Turkey Tactical autoloader is packed with all the features a turkey hunter could want, including a full wrap of Realtree APHD camouflage and a 24-inch barrel.
Pros
- Has a 12-gauge bore that fits large shells
- Semi-automatic
- Comes with Camouflage for stealth
- Comes with sights
- Has picatinny trails for additional accessories
Cons
- Heavier than the other models
- Can be a bit hard to maneuver because of the weight
- Doesn’t come with an extended choke
Enter your text here...
This turkey shotgun has long been a favorite among turkey hunters because of its affordable price. The Turkey THUG edition will provide you with a modern twist to a time-tested classic. This shotgun features a tactical, adjustable stock, a 20-inch barrel for added maneuverability, a pistol grip to lessen recoil, and rifle-style fiber-optic sights to aid in rapid target.
This shotgun is compact, concealed, and quick. The Mossberg 500 Turkey THUG is a shotgun that will surely impress your buddies and perform time and time again.
Pros
- Easily maneuverable
- Has adjustable stock
Cons
- Doesn’t come with camouflage
- Doesn’t come with stealth
- Doesn’t come with extended choke
(NOTE: This guest post was published in November of 2016. As of May 2019, we are seeing that this model may be out of stock at Brownells - but here is their link to other Mossberg 930 Turkey model for comparison.) You won’t regret getting the Mossberg 935 Magnum Turkey shotgun since it is crammed with features that make it an ideal companion in the spring gobbler woods. The 3 ½-inch chamber gives you extra firepower for gobblers that refuse to take that extra step.
It also comes with a Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage and a synthetic stock not only help you hide better, but to help you hunt in the most extreme conditions without worry. An adjustable fiber optic sights, a 14-inch length-of-pull, and an easily-accessible top thumb safety make this auto-loader the perfect tool to hunt turkeys effectively.
Pros
- Has a powerful 3 ½-inch chamber
- Comes with sights
- Comes with camouflage for stealth
Cons
- Heavier than other models
- Can be a bit hard to maneuver because of the weight
(NOTE: Update in May 2019: This was written in November 2016, and we aren't seeing this particular model offered at this time at either Brownells or even at Remington's site.) Coming at a hefty price tag, the Remington 11-87 SuperMag is – to quote Jesse Woodrow in his article “Gear & Gadgets” from the April-May 2015 issue of Ozark Hills and Hollows, “a reliable, smooth-cycling, heavy-hitting auto-loader that gives you the security of a rapid, just-in-case follow-up shot.
As he says, it’s likely that you may not need it, but this 12-gauge really makes for a great shotgun that will surely get you the kill. This model is chambered for shells up to 3 ½ inches. Woodrow really likes it – he points out the fully adjustable TruGlo rifle sights, the Wingmaster HD turkey choke and the ShurShot pistol grip stock.
This Remington 870 pump with a modern twist is built specifically for spring turkey hunters. A Shurshot synthetic pistol-grip stock standard on this 3 ½-inch magnum, will provide you with more mobility and knockdown power at extended ranges.
It features fully-adjustable TruGlo fiber optic sights and a Wingmaster HD Extended Choke. It weighs 7 ½ pounds and comes with a 23-inch barrel. The SPS Surshot is well within reach of even the most budget-conscious turkey hunter looking for a gun that will last a lifetime.
Pros
- Has a powerful 3 ½-inch chamber
- Light
- Comes with sights
- Comes with an extended choke
Cons
- Doesn’t come with camouflage
- Can be a bit hard to maneuver because of long barrel
The Verdict
As you can see, there are plenty of turkey shotguns you can choose from. From high-end ones with hefty price tags, to simpler ones that are fairly affordable, this list contains the best shotguns you should check out if you want to start hunting. If you’re new to hunting, I recommend getting the Mossberg 500 Turkey THUG because of its affordable price and impressive specs.
AUTHORSHIP NOTE: This was a guest post, originally published November 28, 2016. A number of these models may now be discontinued. We'll work on getting more current reviews soon!
