Choosing the Best Shotgun for Turkey Hunting: A Beginner’s Guide

For those new to turkey hunting, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right shotgun With so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming trying to select the best firearm for bagging your first gobbler In this guide, I’ll walk through the key factors to consider when picking a turkey shotgun as a beginner.

Shotgun Types for Turkey Hunting

The first step is understanding the main shotgun platforms used for hunting turkeys

• Pump-Action – Pump or slide-action shotguns like the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 are very popular for turkeys. They are affordable, reliable, and smooth to operate.

• Auto-Loader – Autoloading or semi-auto shotguns like the Benelli Super Black Eagle and Beretta A400 offer reduced recoil. They are fast for follow up shots but tend to be pricier.

• Break-Action – Single-shot break action shotguns have only one barrel but are lightweight and accurate. Common models include the Mossberg Silver Reserve and Savage 301.

• Over/Under – Over/under double-barreled shotguns like the Browning Citori provide two quick shots. But they tend to be more expensive.

Any of these will work well. Most beginners gravitate toward pump-actions as the best value. But choose the platform that appeals to you and fits your budget.

Key Shotgun Features for Turkeys

Here are some specs and capabilities that the ideal turkey shotgun should have:

• 12 or 20 Gauge – The 12 gauge is the most versatile and commonly used turkey gun. But 20 gauge models kick less while still packing enough power within 40 yards.

• 24 to 28 Inch Barrel – Barrels shorter than 24 inches can make patterning more difficult. Longer than 28 inches may be unwieldy in thick woods.

• Adjustable Sights – Being able to accurately aim is crucial. Look for a fiber optic bead sight or ghost ring sights.

• Drilled and Tapped – Select a shotgun pre-drilled and tapped for adding a scope mount or red dot sight.

• ** Turkey Choke** – An extended “extra full” choke designed for lead or tungsten turkey loads is important for tight patterns.

• Camo Finish – Any quality turkey shotgun should have a good camouflage pattern like Realtree Edge or Mossy Oak Bottomland.

• Sling Mounts – Being able to carry your shotgun hands-free while calling is a big plus.

Top Budget Shotgun Models Under $500

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable turkey slayer. Here are some excellent budget models under $500:

• Mossberg 500 Field/Security Combo – Versatile pump-action combo package under $400. Includes two barrels for hunting and defense use.

• Stoeger P350 – Affordable pump-action with Realtree camo for under $400. Smooth cycling and swivel studs for a sling.

• Mossberg Maverick 88 – No frills pump-action like a basic Mossberg 500 for around $200. Lots of accessories available.

• Stevens 320 Field Grade – Budget-friendly pump-action with Mossy Oak Break-Up camo for under $300. Super lightweight at around 6 lbs.

• H&R Pardner Pump Protector – Another lightweight pump gun great for younger hunters, available for under $200.

Recommended Mid-Range Models $500-$1,000

Moving up in price, you’ll get features like semi-auto cycling, specialized turkey chokes, and optics rails:

• Benelli Nova – Reliable inertia-driven semi-auto with camo for under $600. Great value from a top brand.

• Franchi Affinity 3 – Smooth semi-auto optimized for magnum turkey loads under $800. Tight, consistent patterns.

• Winchester SX4 – Fast-cycling gas-operated semi-auto for under $900. Three turkey choke tubes included.

• Weatherby SA-08 – Versatile semi-auto shotgun with a compact youth model for under $700. Great for smaller-framed hunters.

• Remington V3 Turkey – Purpose-built turkey semi-auto with Mossy Oak for around $750. Enlarged controls and ported barrel.

Top-End Specialized Models Over $1,000

For hunters demanding the best performance, these high-end shotguns deliver:

• Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 – The gold standard of semi-auto turkey guns, starting around $1,500. Reliable, soft-shooting inertia system.

• Winchester SX4 Long Beard – Decked out turkey version of the SX4 for $1,300+. Ported barrel and specialty extra-full choke.

• Franchi Affinity 3 Elite – Tricked out Affinity semi-auto for $1,300. Optimized for heavy turkey loads with custom stock.

• Browning A5 Turkey Mossy Oak – Classic humpback semi-auto w/ specialized camo for $1,300. Smooth cycling and perfect balance.

• Weatherby Orion – Sleek over/under with premium walnut stock for $1,600. Custom turkey choke tubes and adjustable comb.

No matter your budget, there is a quality turkey shotgun option out there. Test various models at your local gun shop to find the right fit. And don’t feel like you need to buy the most expensive gun – any reliable 12 or 20 gauge firearm from a trusted brand will get the job done on spring gobblers.

Top Turkey Loads for Common Gauges

Once you’ve selected your shotgun, the next key piece is choosing the right ammunition. Here are some great turkey loads for common shotgun gauges:

12 Gauge Turkey Loads

• Winchester Long Beard XR #5
• Remington Nitro Turkey #4
• Federal Premium 3rd Degree #5
• Rio Blue Steel TSS #9

20 Gauge Turkey Loads

• Winchester Long Beard #5
• Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS #9
• Federal Premium 3rd Degree #6
• Kent Fasteel #5

28 Gauge Turkey Loads

• Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS #9
• Winchester Long Beard #5
• Kent Fasteel #6

.410 Bore Turkey Loads

• Federal Premium 3rd Degree #9
• Winchester Long Beard TSS #9
• Remington Ultimate Turkey #7
• Hornady Heavyweight Shot-Lok #7

Try out a few in your new shotgun at the range to see which patterns best. Stick to #4-7 lead or #7-9 tungsten shot for the tightest patterns and knockdown power on turkeys.

Sighting In Your Shotgun

Before hunting, you’ll want to get accustomed to your new shotgun and make sure it’s sighted in properly at common turkey shooting distances.

Follow this process:

• Start at 15-20 yards to establish your shotgun’s point of impact with the ammunition you plan to hunt with.

• Next, pattern the gun at 30 and 40 yards to see the differences in spread and coverage.

• Make any adjustments needed to center your patterns using the sights or optics.

• Finally, do a quick check at 50 yards and 60 yards if possible. This will give you an idea of your gun’s maximum effective range for turkeys.

Take your time and fire multiple 3-5 shot groups at each distance. Patterning your shotgun and ammunition is key to becoming confident in making lethal shots on spring gobblers.

Safety Tips for Turkey Hunting

Safety should always be your number one priority in the spring woods:

• Treat every gun as if it’s loaded and ready to fire at all times. Keep your shotgun’s safety on until you’re ready to shoot.

• Always be 100% certain of your target and what’s beyond it. Never take risky shots through foliage at sounds or movement.

• Wear blaze orange while moving between setups to remain visible to other hunters.

• Unload your shotgun when crossing fences, climbing into blinds, or traveling through difficult terrain.

• Never stalk sounds or roosted birds at night. Set up a safe distance away and let the birds come in once fly down occurs.

• Clearly communicate with hunting partners about positioning whenever birds are responding.

Following basic gun safety protocol in the field will ensure an enjoyable hunt for you and fellow outdoorsmen.

The Takeaway for Beginners

The bottom line is any modern 12 or 20 gauge pump or auto-loader from a trusted brand like Remington, Mossberg, Browning, or Benelli will perform great on spring gobblers at common hunting ranges. Handlingcomfort and fit should drive your buying decision. Consider adding an optic sight for increased aiming precision. Spend time patterning your shotgun so you know what it’s capable of. Follow basic safety rules, hunt patiently and ethically, and your odds of bagging a longbeard will increase dramatically. Trust your equipment and yourself – the rest will fall into place. Here’s wishing you a safe and successful hunt this spring!

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