Choosing The Right Turkey Gun

Any shotgun can kill a turkey. That’s right, any gun from an old single shot .410 up to a 10 gauge goose gun with the right load can potentially down a gobbler, but that doesn’t make them a good turkey gun. Every year hunters hit the turkey woods with guns that are not quite right for gobblers that cause them to blow opportunities at America’s finest game bird. Grandpa’s hand-me-down shotgun might be a great memento of the past but not an optimal turkey gun.

This checklist will help you make the right decision on selecting the perfect gun for turkeys.

Length: The first thing to keep in mind is the length. Sitting in the ground blind or against the brush with camo draping around, a hunter needs to be able to move the gun without bumping into the brush. Many turkey hunters like a 24-inch barrel, but many are moving to a 22-inch. Both are fine choices.

Camouflage: A camo-patterned gun is not a necessity, but it can help. Turkeys have keen eyesight, and anything shiny or out of place will catch their attention, and since you’re shooting in the 40-yard range, you want to reduce all chances of getting busted. Many modern turkey guns come in camouflage patterns.

Action: Pump guns are more reliable than semi-autos, but some hunters prefer being able to fire off a quick second shot if they miss. Pumps also tend to kick a little more than semi-autos. A third and increasingly popular options are over and unders.

An article at Guns.com, 3 Unlikely O/U Shotguns For Spring Turkey outlines some popular models and makes the point these guns offer something pumps, and semi-autos cannot offer.

“The major benefit of hunting with a double-barrel (over/under) is the ability to have two different chokes in place, one for the 15-20-yard bird and another for the 35-50 yard gobbler.”

Gauge: The 12 gauge is the standard-bearer for turkey hunting and is as large a gun as you will need. Leave the 10 gauges for geese. The 12 gauge offers more power, more pellets and is easy to find effective loads for in a pinch. The 20 gauge is effective and has less recoil, but you will lose some distance in your shooting. Effective range can be cut down as much as 10 yards which can be a difference-maker.

 

Some hunters are using the .410 for turkeys, but it’s all about the load, like the Hevi-X-Strut, and the Tungsten Super Shot offers super dense shot that can get downrange far enough with enough power to take down a gobbler. Turkey hunting is super-exciting and offers hunters a high-level challenge that is relatively affordable compared to many other hunts.

 

Choosing the right gun will ensure when the moment of truth arrives, you come home with a beautiful spring gobbler, not regret and frustration because your gear underperformed.

TF&G Staff