Best Turkey Gun selection is a crucial step in preparing for a successful spring gobbler season. Finding the right shotgun that fits your hunting style, budget, and experience level can make all the difference in bagging that trophy tom. Whether you’re a seasoned turkey hunter or a novice just starting out, understanding the key factors to consider when choosing a turkey gun is essential. This article will guide you through the process, exploring different types of shotguns, gauges, actions, choke tubes, and other features that contribute to a truly effective and reliable turkey gun.
Choosing a turkey gun involves a delicate balance between power, accuracy, and maneuverability. You need a shotgun capable of delivering a tight, lethal shot pattern at typical turkey hunting ranges, typically between 20 and 40 yards. At the same time, you might need a gun that’s easy to carry and maneuver through dense woods and brush. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of popular turkey gun options, including 12 gauge vs 20 gauge, pump-action vs semi-automatic, and the importance of specialized turkey loads and optics. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and confidently head into the woods with the best turkey gun for your next hunt.
Contents
- 1 Best Turkey Gun: A Guide to Choosing the Right Firepower for Your Hunt
- 2 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Turkey Gun
- 3 Conclusion: Choosing Your Ultimate Turkey Gun
Best Turkey Gun: A Guide to Choosing the Right Firepower for Your Hunt
1 Remington 870 Field 20 12 Gauge Shotgun: A Reliable Workhorse for Turkey Hunting
The Remington 870 Field 20 12 Gauge Shotgun is a classic pump-action shotgun renowned for its reliability, affordability, and versatility. While primarily designed as a field gun, its adaptability makes it a solid choice for turkey hunting, particularly for hunters seeking a dependable and budget-friendly option.
Notable Features:
- Pump-Action Operation: Provides smooth and reliable cycling, allowing for quick follow-up shots when needed in the turkey woods.
- 20 Gauge Chambering: Offers a lighter recoil compared to 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions and suitable for younger or recoil-sensitive hunters.
- 21″” or 23″” Barrel Options: Provides maneuverability in tight spaces while still offering sufficient accuracy for turkey hunting ranges.
- Modified or Extra-Full Choke Options: Allows for customization of shot patterns to optimize for different turkey hunting scenarios and distances.
- Solid Steel Receiver: Ensures durability and longevity, making it a shotgun that can withstand years of use in the field.
- American Walnut Stock and Forend: Provides a classic look and feel, adding to the overall appeal of the shotgun.
- Twin Bead Sights: Offers a simple and effective aiming system for quick target acquisition on turkeys.
Pros
- Reliability: The Remington 870 is known for its robust and dependable pump-action mechanism, ensuring consistent performance in the field.
- Affordability: Compared to many dedicated turkey shotguns, the Remington 870 Field 20 offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
- Versatility: While suitable for turkey hunting, the 870 Field 20 can also be used for other hunting applications or clay shooting, making it a versatile addition to your firearm collection.
- Reduced Recoil: The 20 gauge chambering offers a noticeable reduction in recoil compared to 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions.
- Easy to Maintain: The 870’s simple design makes it easy to clean and maintain, ensuring its longevity and performance.
Cons
- Not a Dedicated Turkey Gun: While adaptable for turkey hunting, it lacks some features found on dedicated turkey shotguns, such as specialized sights or camouflage finishes.
- Limited Capacity: Typically holds 4+1 shells, which might be a disadvantage in situations requiring multiple shots.
- Weight: While lighter than a 12 gauge 870, it’s not the lightest shotgun on the market, potentially a factor for hunters covering a lot of ground.
- Basic Sights: The twin bead sights are functional but might not offer the precision of fiber optic or red dot sights favored by some turkey hunters.
The Remington 870 Field 20 12 Gauge Shotgun is a reliable and affordable option for turkey hunters seeking a dependable workhorse. While not specifically designed for turkey hunting, its adaptability and proven performance make it a worthy contender, especially for budget-conscious hunters or those seeking a versatile shotgun for various applications.
2 Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge: A Reliable Workhorse for Turkey Hunting
The Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge is a semi-automatic shotgun that has earned a reputation for reliability and performance, making it a popular choice among turkey hunters. Its combination of features, including the powerful Power Drive Gas System and the fast Lightning Trigger, makes it a formidable tool for bringing down those elusive gobblers.
Notable Features:
- Power Drive Gas System: This reliable system cycles a wide range of loads, including 3.5″” magnum turkey loads, while also reducing felt recoil for quicker follow-up shots.
- Lightning Trigger: This fast trigger boasts a superfast lock time, ensuring that your shots are on target when it matters most.
- Ergonomic Design: The Maxus II is well-balanced and comfortable to shoulder, making it easy to swing and point naturally.
- SoftFlex Cheek Piece and Inflex Recoil Pad: These features further enhance comfort by reducing felt recoil, especially with heavy turkey loads.
- Trimmable Stock: The composite stock can be easily trimmed by up to 3/4″” to ensure a perfect fit for a variety of shooters.
- Fiber-Optic Front Sight: This bright sight makes it easy to acquire your target quickly, even in low-light conditions often encountered during turkey season.
- Invector-Plus Choke Tubes: The Maxus II comes with a variety of choke tubes, allowing you to customize your shot pattern for different turkey hunting situations.
Pros
- Reliability: The Power Drive Gas System is known for its consistent cycling, even with heavy turkey loads, ensuring that your shotgun won’t let you down when a big tom steps into range.
- Fast Shooting: The Lightning Trigger and reduced recoil make it easy to get off quick follow-up shots, increasing your chances of success when a turkey presents multiple shot opportunities.
- Comfortable Handling: The ergonomic design and recoil-reducing features make the Maxus II a pleasure to shoot, even during long turkey hunts.
- Versatility: The ability to handle a wide range of loads and customize the choke makes the Maxus II suitable for various turkey hunting scenarios and distances.
- Durable Construction: The Maxus II is built to withstand the rigors of turkey hunting, ensuring that it will provide years of reliable service in the field.
Cons
- Weight: While not excessively heavy, the Maxus II might be slightly heavier than some other turkey hunting shotguns, which could be a factor for hunters who do a lot of walking.
- Price: The Maxus II is a premium shotgun and comes with a price tag to match. However, its performance and features justify the investment for serious turkey hunters.
- Limited Camo Options: Depending on your hunting environment, the available camo patterns might not be ideal for perfect concealment.
The Browning Maxus II 12 Gauge is a high-quality shotgun that delivers the performance and reliability that turkey hunters demand. Its combination of features, including the Power Drive Gas System, the Lightning Trigger, and the ergonomic design, make it a top contender for anyone serious about bagging those spring gobblers. While the price and weight might be considerations for some, the Maxus II’s strengths make it a solid choice for dedicated turkey hunting enthusiasts.
3 Savage Arms Axis II XP 7mm-08 Remington Bolt Action Rifle: Budget-Friendly Turkey Hunting Option
The Savage Arms Axis II XP 7mm-08 Remington Bolt Action Rifle is a budget-friendly option for hunters looking for a reliable and accurate firearm for turkey hunting. This rifle offers a combination of features that make it a worthwhile consideration for both novice and experienced hunters.
Notable Features:
- 7mm-08 Remington Cartridge: A versatile cartridge suitable for a variety of game, including turkey. It offers a good balance of power and manageable recoil.
- AccuTrigger: Savage’s user-adjustable trigger system allows for a crisp and clean trigger pull, enhancing accuracy.
- Button-Rifled Barrel: Provides consistent accuracy and durability.
- Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm Scope: A decent entry-level scope that comes factory-mounted and bore-sighted for convenience.
- Detachable Box Magazine: Allows for quick and easy reloading.
- Synthetic Stock: Durable and weather-resistant, suitable for various hunting conditions.
- Thread-in Barrel Headspacing: Ensures consistent accuracy and headspace for reliable performance.
Pros
- Affordability: The Axis II XP offers excellent value for its price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious hunters.
- Accuracy: The combination of the AccuTrigger and button-rifled barrel contributes to consistent and reliable accuracy.
- 7mm-08 Remington Versatility: Suitable for turkey and other medium-sized game, offering flexibility for various hunting pursuits.
- Scope Included: The factory-mounted and bore-sighted scope eliminates the need for separate purchase and mounting, saving time and effort.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: The synthetic stock and overall design make it relatively easy to carry and handle in the field.
Cons
- Basic Scope: While the included scope is functional, it might not satisfy hunters looking for higher magnification or advanced features.
- Synthetic Stock: While durable, some hunters might prefer the aesthetics and feel of a wood stock.
- Limited Customization: The Axis II XP offers fewer customization options compared to higher-end rifles.
The Savage Arms Axis II XP 7mm-08 Remington Bolt Action Rifle is a solid choice for turkey hunters seeking a reliable and accurate firearm without breaking the bank. Its combination of features, including the AccuTrigger and 7mm-08 Remington chambering, makes it a capable and versatile option for harvesting turkeys and other game. While the included scope and synthetic stock might be considered basic by some, they provide adequate functionality for most hunting situations. Overall, the Axis II XP offers excellent value for its price and is a worthy contender in the budget-friendly turkey gun category.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Turkey Gun
1. Gauge: 12 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge
The gauge of a shotgun refers to the diameter of its bore. The most popular gauges for turkey hunting are 12 gauge and 20 gauge.
12 Gauge:
Pros:
- More powerful: Delivers higher pellet energy and denser patterns, increasing the likelihood of a clean kill.
- Wider variety of loads: Offers a greater selection of specialized turkey loads with different shot sizes and weights.
- Better long-range performance: Maintains effective patterns at longer distances compared to 20 gauge.
Cons:
- Heavier recoil: Can be uncomfortable for some shooters, especially smaller framed individuals or youth.
- Heavier weight: Can be tiring to carry during long hunts.
20 Gauge:
Pros:
- Lighter recoil: More comfortable to shoot, making it a good choice for beginners and recoil-sensitive individuals.
- Lighter weight: Easier to carry and maneuver in dense terrain.
Cons:
- Less powerful: Delivers less pellet energy and potentially less dense patterns compared to 12 gauge.
- Limited load selection: Fewer specialized turkey load options compared to 12 gauge.
- Reduced effective range: Patterns may open up more quickly at longer distances.
Verdict: For most hunters, the 12 gauge is the preferred choice due to its power and versatility. However, the 20 gauge is a viable option for those seeking a lighter, more manageable shotgun, particularly for hunters who prioritize comfort and maneuverability or hunt in areas with shorter shooting distances.
2. Action: Pump-Action vs. Semi-Automatic
The action of a shotgun refers to the mechanism that loads and ejects shells.
Pump-Action:
Pros:
- Reliability: Simple and robust design, less prone to malfunctions, especially in adverse conditions.
- Affordability: Generally less expensive than semi-automatic shotguns.
- Versatility: Can handle a wider range of ammunition types, including less expensive target loads.
Cons:
- Slower rate of fire: Requires manual cycling of the action after each shot.
- Can disrupt aim: Pumping the action can cause the gun to move off target.
Semi-Automatic:
Pros:
- Faster rate of fire: Allows for quick follow-up shots if needed.
- Reduced recoil: Some semi-automatics feature gas-operated systems that absorb recoil, making them more comfortable to shoot.
- Smoother shooting experience: Less disruption to aim compared to pump-action shotguns.
Cons:
- More complex mechanism: Can be more prone to malfunctions, especially with lighter loads.
- Higher price tag: Typically more expensive than pump-action shotguns.
- Can be sensitive to ammunition: May require specific types of loads for reliable operation.
Verdict: Both pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns are effective for turkey hunting. Pump-actions are favored for their reliability and affordability, while semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots and reduced recoil. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and shooting style.
3. Barrel Length and Choke Tubes
Barrel length and choke tubes play a significant role in determining the accuracy and effective range of a turkey gun.
Barrel Length:
Turkey guns typically have barrel lengths ranging from 21 to 24 inches. Shorter barrels offer better maneuverability in tight spaces, while longer barrels can provide slightly improved velocity and potentially longer effective ranges.
Choke Tubes:
Choke tubes constrict the end of the barrel, controlling the spread of the shot pattern. For turkey hunting, extra-full or turkey chokes are essential. These chokes produce tight, dense patterns at typical turkey hunting ranges, maximizing the chances of a clean kill. Some shotguns come with interchangeable choke tubes, allowing you to adjust the pattern based on hunting conditions and distance.
4. Sights and Optics
Accurate aiming is crucial for ethical and successful turkey hunting. Turkey guns typically come equipped with either iron sights, red dot sights, or scopes.
Iron Sights:
Traditional iron sights are simple and reliable, but can be challenging to use in low-light conditions or for hunters with less-than-perfect vision.
Red Dot Sights:
Red dot sights offer a quick and intuitive aiming point, making them popular for turkey hunting. They are effective in various lighting conditions and can improve target acquisition speed.
Scopes:
Scopes provide magnification, allowing for precise aiming at longer distances. Low-power scopes with illuminated reticles are often preferred for turkey hunting, as they offer a clear view of the target while maintaining a wide field of view.
5. Turkey Loads
Using specialized turkey loads is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of your shotgun. These loads are designed to deliver tight patterns and high pellet energy at typical turkey hunting ranges. They typically utilize heavier-than-lead shot, such as tungsten or bismuth, which offer superior penetration and lethality compared to traditional lead shot.
6. Camouflage and Other Features
Camouflage patterns help you blend into your surroundings, making it easier to get close to wary turkeys. Consider a shotgun with a camo finish that matches the terrain you typically hunt in. Other features to consider include recoil pads for added comfort, sling swivel studs for easy carrying, and extended turkey chokes for even tighter patterns.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Ultimate Turkey Gun
Selecting the best turkey gun is a personal journey that depends on your individual needs and preferences. We’ve explored a range of options, from the classic reliability of the Remington 870 to the advanced features of the Browning Maxus II, and even considered the precision of the Savage Arms Axis II XP rifle for those seeking a different approach. Each firearm offers unique advantages for the turkey hunter.
If you’re seeking a starting point, the Remington 870 Field 20″” 12 Gauge Shotgun stands out as an excellent all-around choice. Its affordability, renowned reliability, and versatility make it a solid foundation for any turkey hunting arsenal. Ultimately, the best turkey gun is the one that feels comfortable in your hands, delivers consistent accuracy, and instills confidence as you pursue those elusive spring gobblers. Choose wisely, practice diligently, and may your next hunt be filled with thrilling encounters and successful harvests.
