Turkey Hunting Shotguns | Turkey Guns

Wild turkey hunting has to be the most traditional form of bird hunting in the United States, with a long history of many centuries. Popularity has not decreased even one bit, on the contrary, recent statistics show that turkey hunting is more popular than ever. Wild turkey hunting has succeeded to place itself on a high stand in the American history and in the conscience of people as a distinctive entity. 

Turkey Hunting Guns

In the recent decades that passed, a considerable number of hunters used the ever classic 10 gauge because they thought that the large loads would give cleaner kills but that situation was far from reality. A regular 12 gauge with 3 – 3 ½ shells does the exact same job and is considerably lighter, making it easier to handle. The most difficult choice a turkey hunter has to make is which one to choose between a pump shotgun and a semi-automatic model from the wide range of turkey hunting guns. It is quicker to have a second shot, if the situation requires one, with the semi-automatic, but many wild turkey hunters still prefer hunting these birds with the classic regular pump action repeater.

Turkey Hunting Shotguns

When thinking of a good turkey hunting shotgun, the hunter must think about the fact that most of the shots will be done from a standing position which means that a short barrel is the best way to go as it will be easier to swing around and make a shot with little to no effort. This is very useful when a wild turkey approaches the hunter earlier than he might have thought and he has to shoot as quickly as possible. Another advantage a short barrel has is that it is easier to carry around in heavy brush areas. Here are a couple of good ideas for turkey shotguns: Benelli Nova Pump, Savage Turkey Gun, Model 210FT Camo, Benelli Montefeltro, Remington Model 870 Express Super Magnum Turkey and the Benelli Super Black Eagle II.

Turkey Hunting Rifles

A turkey hunting rifle is somewhat unpopular in the United States, but some hunters prefer them over the classical shotguns. For those of you interested in using a rifle, it is recommended to use a .22WMRF. Keep in mind that in many states in the US it is prohibited to use a rifle for wild turkey hunting.

The best shotgun for turkey hunting has to be a 10 or a 12 gauge with a tight or extra tight choke. Most of the wild turkey hunters out there use regularly the #4, #5, or #6 shot with lengths from 2.75’’ to 3.5’’. The smaller numbers have more pellets in their shells. The best ammunition choice comes down to how the ammunition is patterned with your brand of gun; each gun patterns ammunition differently and it is a good idea if you test out different types of ammo with your gun. Reviewers along with visitor of the website have debate upon which would be the best gun for turkey hunting and they came up with a fascinating answer, the Remington 870. It was introduced back in the 1950s and it is a legend. The 870 is a lightweight yet affordable shotgun that proved its reliability over the last 5 decades and still is a huge success among hunters all over the world. Today, the 870 is available in both 12 and 20 gauges, with wood, synthetic or even camouflage stocks, with or without thumbhole grip and in a variety of barrel lengths with either 3- or 3 1/2-inch chambers.

Turkey hunting guns are available from many known manufacturers, like: Benelli, Beretta, Franchi, H&R Firearms, Ithaca Gun, Mossberg, Remington, Weatherby and of course, Winchester. Choosing the most suitable model has to be done by the end user. It is advisable to try out as many shotguns as you can before deciding. Only you can find the best shotgun for turkey hunting that suits your needs and requirements.

As a last piece of advice, regardless of your choice, it should be a camouflaged version of the shotgun (if available). Combine the shotgun with your camouflaged clothing and you will be like a spy.