So our team of editors put together a list of the best turkey hunting shotguns for all the different styles of turkey hunting and types of turkey hunters.
- Most Underrated: TriStar Viper G2 Turkey.
- Best Affordable Semi-Auto: Winchester SX4 NWTF Cantilever Turkey.
- Best Bolt-Action: Savage 212 Turkey.
What is the best caliber for turkey hunting?
Our Picks For The Best Calibers For Turkey Hunting
- 12 Gauge. 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.
- 20 Gauge. For all the benefits of the 12 gauge, there’s one resounding drawback: recoil – especially if you’re using 3 1/2″ shells.
What’s the best gauge shotgun for turkey hunting?
Plenty of Power. As mentioned above, there was a time when 40 yards was considered the far side of a turkey hunter’s effective range with a 12-gauge. However, with the introduction of TSS loads, 40 yards and beyond, is easily accomplished with the 20-gauge shotgun.
What is the best 12-gauge load for turkey hunting?
Lead Turkey Loads
A good compromise is #5 copper-plated lead pellets loaded in a 12-gauge 3-inch magnum shot shell. With this setup, you’ll be good out to 40 yards, and perhaps 50 if your gun is patterned tight. If you want better range and lethality, you’ll need to consider using tungsten shot.
Is the Mossberg 500 a good turkey gun?
The Mossberg Model 500 pump shotgun, is, for the money, one of the best duck hunting shotguns you can buy. It’s also the best deer hunting shotguns. And one of the best turkey guns.
Does barrel length matter for turkey hunting?
In general, a longer barrel allows the projectiles to harness more energy from the explosion of the gunpowder and to fall into a truer flight path. 20″-24″ barrels: These short barrels are best left to turkey hunters, who are taking careful aim at standing-still birds.
Is a 22 good for turkey hunting?
There has to be a limit somewhere so that the turkey is still intact and edible. This is why most of the states that do allow you to hunt turkey with a rifle, only allow small calibers such as a . 22 long rifle, . 22 magnum, or a .
Is a 410 A good turkey gun?
“TSS pellets make hunting turkeys with a . 410 a very viable option,” he says. “It provides the performance of conventional 12-gauge loads with a significant drop in recoil.”
Does a turkey gun have to be camo?
Almost all modern turkey guns are available in camo patterns, but many people prefer a more subtle, regular black gun.
How far can you shoot a turkey with a 20-gauge?
about 30 yards
The ammunition will be priced slightly lower, too. There is one disadvantage to hunting with a 20 gauge instead of a 12, and as you may have already guessed, it is effective range. You will have to work the bird about 10 yards closer—a maximum range of about 30 yards—to make a killing shot.
Where do you aim a turkey?
When hunting wild turkeys with a shotgun, greater success is achieved when hunters shoot at the head and neck area of the bird. The most effective firearm shot for a turkey is to the head and neck. The preferred shot angle for bowhunters is broadside, aiming for the heart or lungs.
What’s the best turkey shot?
Here are the year’s best turkey loads and guidance on how to pick the right one for your needs.
- Best TSS: Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS Turkey Shotshells.
- Best for 12 Gauge: Winchester Long Beard XR Turkey Shotshells.
- Best Lead: Remington Nitro Turkey Shotshells.
- Best Non Toxic: Boss Tom Tungsten Shotshells.
Do I need a choke for turkey hunting?
“Turkeys are a lot different than hunting pheasants. They’re a tougher bird and you need to get pellets into their vital areas to kill them cleanly and a tighter choke will allow you to do that, allow you to throw a dense pattern so you put more pellets in the turkey’s head or neck, in his vital areas.”
Which is better Mossberg 500 or Remington 870?
Conclusion. Both the Remington & Mossberg are super popular and reliable pump action shotguns. Mossberg has the ambidextrous safety, double-extractor, nicer shell lifter, tons of upgrades, and is used by the military. While Remington has the smoother action, steel receiver, and better pistol grip setup.
Can Mossberg 500 shoot turkey loads?
144 turkey loads through two barrels and four different choke tubes later, the new Mossberg 500 FLEX is ready to rock. Bob Robb’s new Mossberg 500 FLEX produced this pattern at 40 yards with a Trulock . 650 Long Beard choke tube and Winchester Long Beard 1200 fps 1 ¾ oz.
What is the difference between Mossberg 500 and Maverick 88?
Maverick 88s do not come equipped with any sling mounts, as the Mossberg 500 series does. Maverick 88 shotguns feature a trigger guard-mounted cross-bolt safety as opposed to a top tang safety, which is used on the Mossberg 500 series.
What is the best choke for turkey?
Full choke has tight constriction. The shot holds together even longer, making this choke good for squirrels, turkey, and other game shot at 40-yard and longer ranges. Turkey hunters sometimes use Extra Full or Turkey choke for even denser patterns at long range.
How long should a turkey shotgun be?
Choosing a turkey gun with a barrel length between 21 – 24 inches will suit you well. The shorter barrel length of a turkey gun makes it easier to use in a blind and is ideal for both adult and youth hunters.
Why are turkey guns shorter?
A shorter barrel allows a hunter to maneuver the shotgun easier, avoiding catching the gun on brush, and ultimately eliminating unnecessary movement in front of a keen gobbler.
Can you hunt turkey with an AR 15?
A standard AR-15 is a perfect rifle to take a turkey with. And you can be the head of your local chapter of “.
Where do I put the turkey arrow?
When a turkey is facing straight towards you, place your arrow between the base of the beard and the base of the neck. There is often a thin vertical line formed by the breast feathers that can act as an aiming point.