A Brief History of Turkey Hunting
The wild turkey has greatly influenced much of American culture and mythology, dating back to the early Aztec and Maya. In the American Southwest, Navajo were known to pen the wild birds and fatten them up, while in the eastern US, turkeys were much more abundant and regularly hunted by indigenous peoples.
When Europeans came to the Americas, they were transfixed by the wild gobblers and fell in love with their unique flavor. By the early 16th century, these highly prized turkeys were being shipped back to Europe to be domesticated and farmed. Both wild and domesticated turkeys would eventually become a vital food source for settlers from Europe. The turkey had such an importance to early Americans that Benjamin Franklin even voiced his preference for the tom — or male turkey — becoming the national bird over the bald eagle.
As turkey hunting grew to become a fundamental American tradition and deforestation continued to wipe out their habitat, turkey populations faced a rapid decline. By the early 1900s, they were nearly wiped out. Conservation measures were taken to help turkeys regain their past ranges and populations, and in 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) was founded to help promote education and conservation efforts.
Today, there is an excess of 7 million turkeys gobbling throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, and hunting is regulated to ensure the species continues to thrive while we continue to enjoy fresh turkey. This age-old American sport is growing in popularity for its challenge and excitement, and we are here to discuss the best turkey shotguns for your next tom-knocking adventure.
What Makes a Turkey Hunting Gun?
Regulations vary from state to state when it comes to hunting turkeys. Some states allow you to use small caliber rifles and most states allow shotguns and bows. While bow hunting for turkeys is on the rise, shotguns remain the most popular choice when it comes to hunting turkeys because shotguns require less skill and practice to be accurate and are much more forgiving than bows.
A turkey gun essentially refers to a shotgun with specialized characteristics. Turkey shotguns generally semi-automatic or pump-action and feature short barrels, tight chokes, a matte or camo finish and the ability to shoot heavy loads.
Shorter barrels are quickly becoming the favorite among turkey hunters, as a short barrel offers increased maneuverability and less weight. Moreover, most shotgun loads reach maximum velocity around 20 inches, so a longer barrel doesn’t necessarily mean more power. Turkey shotgun barrels generally range between 20 and 26 inches but most hunters prefer the shorter side.
Having a tight choke is also very important when hunting for turkeys. The choke on a shotgun determines the shot pattern — the tighter the choke, the tighter the shot. This is important to turkey hunting because it ensures that the shot is only hitting the turkey in the head and neck area, minimizing the chances of maiming and getting shot in other parts of the animal. Most turkey hunters prefer an extra full choke, but if you prefer something different, you can always replace it.
When choosing a turkey hunting shotgun, you’ll most likely want a 12 gauge that can handle heavy loads, but some hunters prefer 10, 16 and even 20 gauge shotguns (mostly for beginners and younger hunters). While suiting the gauge to your preference is a bit more respective of the individual, the finish of the shotgun is important across the board. Because turkeys have very keen eyesight, certain colors and sunlight reflection can spook them off, so it’s important that you look for either a camo or matte black finish.
Pump Action vs. Semi-Automatic Shotguns
When browsing for turkey hunting shotguns, you’ll find they fall into two major categories — pump action and semi-automatic. Here, we will lay out the differences between the two to help you make a choice that fits your personal needs.
Pump Action Shotguns
Pump-action turkey shotguns tend to be cheaper than semi-automatics, but this does not make them a secondary choice. For the most part, they are easier to maintain and keep in good working condition because fewer moving parts make them easier to strip down and ensure longer durability. They are also known for smoothly recycling a variety of rounds without jamming. One downside to the pump action, when compared to semi-automatic shotguns, is that they are slower in reloading. Because you have to pump the shotgun to expel the spent shell and chamber the next cartridge, you lose time that could either be spent aiming or making that clean follow-up shot. However, with lots of practice, most pump-action hunters can do this rather quickly and with ease.
Semi-Automatic Shotguns
While on the more expensive side, semi-automatic shotguns allow you to fire a new round each time you pull the trigger, as an automatic system ejects the spent cartridge and replaces it with a new one almost immediately. These automatic systems are usually run by gas, and allow for multiple shots within seconds. Due to all the extra parts and the complex systems, semi-automatic shotguns need to be carefully looked after and require maintenance more often than pump-action shotguns to warrant durability. A downside to semi-automatic shotguns is that they can have some trouble processing varying shell sizes, making them likely to jam with certain rounds.
When it comes to turkey hunting, there is no right or wrong decision in choosing a pump action vs. a semi-automatic shotgun. The important thing is that you choose the type of shotgun that is right for you. For beginners or younger hunter, it is often recommended that you start out with a pump action simply because they are easier to use and maintain little experience.
Other Features to Consider
Before we get to our 5 best turkey hunting shotguns, we want to mention a few more options to consider when searching for the perfect tom-dropper. Besides the major characteristics of a turkey shotgun previously discussed, other features you may consider include upgraded sights, pistol grip and recoil pad.
A good sight can make the difference in landing a turkey for the Thanksgiving table. Some hunters like to use small scopes or a rear ghost ring paired with blade style front sights. However, our favorite is a high-visibility fiber optic sight, as these are perfect for any condition.
More modern turkey shotgun manufacturers are incorporating pistol grips into their designs because turkey hunters find them useful securing the shotgun with their off-hand while they use a turkey call. Most people take aim with their shotgun similar to how they would if they were using a rifle. A pistol grip can also help manage the recoil and make follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.
Finally, recoil pads are another feature to look out for to help absorb most of the recoil and help prevent shoulder bruising.
The Classics
The long tradition of turkey hunting with shotguns rests on the back of a few solid ancestors, and we would be remiss not to pay homage to these classic shotguns.
- The Winchester Model 12 came about in 1912, when turkey populations were in dire straits. However, the original 30-inch full-choke model 12 quickly earned the nickname “the perfect repeater,” and it still doesn’t live that down.
- From its introduction in 1908 until the late 1990s, the Browning Auto-5 was a solid competitor to the Winchester Model 12. It was also the first semi-automatic shotgun ever produced, and it worked flawlessly.
- Based on John Browning’s 1915 Remington Model 17, the Ithaca Model 37 pump action shotgun was first produced in 1937, following the expiration of Browning’s patent. The Model 37 was used by the United State Military in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, where it earned a reputation for its rugged reliability in the jungle.
These three classics have proven time and again to be some of the best shotguns on the market, and they will always hold a special place in the hearts of turkey hunters. However, technological advancement and firearm innovation have led shotgun manufacturers to new horizons, where turkeys don’t stand a chance against these next 5 turkey hunting shotguns.
The 5 Best Turkey Hunting Shotguns
- Browning Gold 10-Gauge, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades
This Browning Gold 10 Gauge puts other 10-gauge autoloaders to shame. The aluminum alloy receiver provides good balance and a gas-operated action reduces recoil, making for a shotgun that feels as smooth as it looks. The 3.5–inch chamber will handle any 10-gauge load, and the magazine can fit four cartridges with a fifth in the chamber. An ultra-durable, weather-resistant composite stock ensures ultimate protection and a sturdy grip. With a 26-inch barrel and weighing just over 9.5 pounds, this turkey hunting shotgun will certainly satisfy.
- Mossberg 535 ATS Turkey
The ultra-lightweight Mossberg 535 ATS Turkey shotgun is the perfect pump action shotgun for a long day in the woods. This 12-gauge turkey shotgun boasts a 20-inch barrel with a 3.5-inch chamber and X-Factor Ported Barrel choke, perfect to handle any 12-gauge load you pump into it. This model also features a synthetic stock with a pistol grip and a recoil pad. With the adjustable fiber optic sight with red dot scope, you’ll have no trouble picking off a turkey at 40 yards.
- Remington Versa Max Sportsman Turkey Camo
You can’t go wrong with the Remington Versa Max Sportsman 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. This semi-automatic turkey shotgun can easily handle 2.75-inch to 3.5-inch shells with its 22-in barrel and extended pro-bore choke (XF). Don’t worry about recoil because this shotgun also includes a supercell recoil pad, and you won’t miss a shot with the rifled hi-viz sights.
- Weatherby SA-459 Turkey XTRA Green
You won’t have any worries with the Weatherby SA-459 Turkey XTRA Green semi-automatic shotgun. With its rubberized pistol grip, nimble 22-inch barrel and extra-full fluted choke tube, you’ll have excellent maneuverability, and your shots will be accurate and tight. It features a bright green fiber optic front sight, and it also has a removable Picatinny rail, allowing you to attach a scope of your choice. The drop-out trigger system makes cleaning and maintaining easy, and the dual valve gas system ensures your loads don’t jam up.
- Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter
The Winchester SXP Turkey Hunter Pump Action Shotgun features a super resistant chrome-plated bore and chamber that makes cleaning easy and ensures a long barrel life. This 12-gauge turkey shotgun boasts a 24-inch barrel with a 3.5-inch chamber that can handle any 12-gauge load you need. The shotgun comes with adjustable fiber optic rifle sights, and it’s drilled and tapped for custom optics of your choice.
Popular Shotgun Loads for Turkey Hunting
When gearing up for a turkey hunt, your choice of loads is just as important as your shotgun. Choosing the right load can be overwhelming to new turkey hunters, so we will give you a several options here and discuss why you might like to use them.
- The 12 gauge Winchester Long Beard XR Turkey Ammo features Shot-Lok Technology, protecting the shot during in-bore acceleration. This load spreads twice as many pellets in a 10-inch circle out to 60 yards while offering 10% more penetration power than standard loads.
- Shooting from a distance? Browning BXD Extra Distance 12- Guage Turkey Loads have your back. These 3.5-inch shells will make dropping that red head at 60 yards smooth as butter.
- Hornady Heavy Mag Turkey Loads are perfect for knocking down gobblers. These 3-inch, 12-gauge loads offer the thickest nickel plating in the industry, ensuring the least pellet deformation. Hornady Versatite wads keep the pattern tight so you can hit that turkey at 50 yards with ease.
- The 2.75-inch 12-gauge Federal Mag Shok FliteControl Turkey Ammo utilizes a rear-braking shot cup in the FliteControl wad to stay with the pellets longer and choke them into a tighter pattern — you won’t need to worry about buying an expensive aftermarket or upgraded choke. This high-velocity turkey ammo won’t let you down, and a portion of the profits from each box sold is donated to the NWTF to secure the future of turkey hunting.
- Hevi-Shot Triple Beard 12 loads combine Magnum blend and Speed Ball technologies to create an equal mix of 5, 6 and 7 lead shot with higher speeds than market competitors. These 3.5-inch shells won’t let you down, and you’ll find ease in knocking down a tom at any range.
More Accessories for Turkey Hunting Shotguns
There is nearly an unlimited number of ways you can build the best turkey shotgun with the addition of various aftermarket accessories.
- Stock: Finding a stock that’s right for you is important. You want to make sure the shotgun feels right when you press it into your shoulder. Most shotguns come with an average length of pull (LOP) of 14 to 14.5 inches. While this is great for your average hunter, those who are shorter or taller may feel better with a shorter or longer LOP.
- Choke Tubes: While most turkey shotguns come with well designed, tight choke tubes, many turkey hunters like to buy aftermarket choke tubes to fine-tune their patterns the way they like them. When testing out different choke tubes, make sure you pay attention to whether or not that tube can handle the shot and load you are using. Some ultra-tight choke tubes may be unsafe with heavier shot loads.
- Optics: Most modern turkey shotguns come with adjustable fiber optic sights, but you may want something different to suit your style and needs. Red dot sights are popular, as well as scopes. Most modern shotguns either come ready for aftermarket optics, or they can be drilled and tapped to accept them.
- Slings: Slings make carrying your shotgun easier. Shotguns aren’t the lightest, and when you’re putting some miles in on the trail, a sling will keep your arms from tiring so you can save your stamina for a steady shot.
Buying a Turkey Hunting Shotgun
Finding the perfect turkey hunting gun is no easy task, and we hope this guide helped you find one that suits you. You won’t find a better deal online for turkey guns, so feel free to contact Hinterland Outfitters and talk to our knowledgeable customer service representatives, who can assist you with any questions you have about our turkey hunting shotguns and accessories.