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Every spring, more than 2 million turkey hunters head to the woods with the hopes of harvesting a gobbler. While just about any shotgun on the market will kill turkeys, many hunters are starting to opt for dedicated turkey guns that are specifically designed to shoot turkeys. This article aims to be your guide to find the best turkey shotgun to head to the woods with this turkey season.
How We Chose The Best Turkey Shotguns
We used the following criteria when selecting the best turkey shotguns.
Had to be a shotgun that we have personally tested or used during a turkey hunt.
Have the ability to use aftermarket turkey chokes and hand hevi turkey loads.
Made by dependable and time tested gun makers.
Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Performance Shop
Specifications
Gauge: 12
Finish: Mossy Oak Bottomland
Action: Semi-Automatic
Barrel Length: 24-inch barrel
Chamber: 3-1/2″
Gun Weight: 6.8 lbs.
For the hunter that is looking to purchase a turkey gun that is already equipped with everything they need for the turkey woods, the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop is a no brainer. Every feature of this turkey gun is catered to the specific needs of turkey hunters.
The Benelli SBE3 turkey shotguns come equipped with with:
Drilled and tapped receiver.
Picatinny rail
Burris FastFire II Red Dot Reflex Sight
Rob Roberts Turkey Choke Tube
Textured Pistol Grip Stock
Shorter barrel (24″) that is also ported to reduce recoil and muzzle jump.
Not only does this 12 gauge turkey gun come with all the bells and whistles, but each gun is pattern tested using Federal Premium Ammunition before delivery and shipped with computer printouts to show the turkey guns actual points of impact in a 10″, 20″, and 30″ circle. With all the included features of this turkey gun and the durability and reliability Benelli is known for, this shotgun will make anyone a great dedicated turkey gun.
Winchester SXP NWTF Turkey Hunter
Specifications
Gauge: 12
Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession
Action: Pump shotgun
Barrel Length: 24-inch barrel
Chamber: 3.5″
Gun Weight: 6 lbs. 10 oz.
Gauge: 20
Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession
Action: Pump shotgun
Barrel Length: 24-inch barrel
Chamber: 3 inch chamber
Gun Weight: 6 lbs. 4 oz.
For the avid turkey hunter who’s not looking to break the bank but still invest in a high quality turkey gun, the Winchester SXP NWTF Turkey Hunter is a great option. This turkey model also comes in both 12 gauge or 20 gauge versions.
The Winchester SXP NWTF Turkey Hunter comes standard with the following equipment:
Inertia assisted pump action for fast follow up shots.
Inflex technology recoil pad to reduce felt recoil.
High quality, fiber optic sights with adjustable rear sight. (Fiber Optic Front Sight & Rear Sight)
Receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts or a picatinny rail.
Invector Plus XF Turkey Choke Tube
The Winchester SXP turkey model pump gun is a great option for both seasoned and new turkey hunters alike, delivering key features at turkey hunter needs, at a great price point.
Stevens 301 .410 Turkey Gun
Specifications
Gauge: .410
Finish: Mossy Oak Bottomland
Action: Break Open single-shot
Barrel Length: 26″
Chamber: 3 inch chamber
Gun Weight: 5lb
With the advancements in turkey loads and the introduction of tungsten super shot, many turkey hunters are opting to head to the woods with smaller gauge turkey guns. This is especially true for public land hunters who want the lightest possible setup while putting in the miles. The Stevens 301 .410 fits the bill. This lightweight gun is a great option for not only the minimalistic hunter but also youth hunters.
The Stevens 301 Turkey .410 features:
Extra Full Turkey Choke, optimized to produce consistent patterns with TSS turkey loads.
Picatinny Rail for red dot sights
Sling swivel studs
All in all, if your looking for a lightweight or youth turkey gun to take to the woods turkey hunting this spring, the Stevens 301 .410 single shot is a great option at a steal of a price.
Benelli M2 Field 20 Gauge
Specifications
Gauge: 20
Finish: Black
Action: Semi Auto
Barrel Length: 24″ to 28″
Chamber: 3″
Gun Weight: 6lb
For years I hunted with a 12 gauge turkey gun with great success. But as I started traveling more for turkey hunting I found myself wanting a shotgun that was lighter than my 12 gauge but still had the capability to kill turkeys out to 40 yards. Insert the Benelli M2 Field 20 gauge.
I’ve used this shotgun turkey hunting for the past 6 seasons and it hasn’t disappointed. Although the standard M2 field doesn’t come with all of the features found on some shotguns advertised for turkey hunting, the gun itself is a great starting point.
Here are the features that come standard with the Benelli M2 Field 20 gauge:
Inertia driven gun making it much easier to clean than a gas guns.
Slim forend and receiver makes the gun easy to handle.
Internal ComforTech recoil reduction system
Includes three choke tubes (Uses Crio Choke Tubes)
In my experience, the Benelli M2 Field 20 gauge, paired with an Indian Creek Turkey Choke and Apex Ammo is a deadly combination when it comes to killing turkeys.
Wrapping Up
Finding the perfect shotgun for turkey hunting ultimately boils down to personal preference, but the models discussed offer a blend of reliability, precision, and user-friendly features that cater to both novice and seasoned turkey hunters. Any of the shotguns mentioned in this article can be a deadly turkey hunting companion when paired with the proper turkey choke tube and ammunition. No matter what shotgun you take to the turkey woods this spring, remember the importance of practice and having a properly patterned gun. Goodluck!