Let’s Talk Turkey: 4 Great Turkey Shotguns
Last fall we talked about what to consider when getting a waterfowl shotgun for beginners. It turns out that most of the same considerations, like action, weight, gauge, etc., apply to finding the right gun for turkey. So rather than go over all the same stuff again, we’re going to look at some specific recommendations for a good turkey shotgun.
Remington Model 870 Express Magnum Turkey
This is a great one if you’re looking for an affordable and dependable piece. Unlike for waterfowl, a shorter barrel is better for turkey shooting. Turkeys will pass through your field of safe fire and unexpected angles, often at a run, so the ability to swing the gun quickly within that safe range is important.
This pump action model has a 3” chamber, 4+1 load capacity. It features a synthetic stock in Mossy Oak camouflage and comes with a Turkey Extra Full Rem Choke. It weighs 7 lbs.
Browning BPS NWTF
The Browning Pump Shotgun (BPS) has been a trusted model for over 40 years, and the National Wild Turkey Federation model is great for turkey hunting. It feeds from the bottom rather than the side and has a top-tang safety, making it fully ambidextrous.
The 12 gauge BPS has a 3.5” chamber and carries a 4+1 load, 24” barrel, and Mossy Oak breakup camouflage, and comes with one extra full turkey choke. And in case you like the simplicity and toughness of this turkey gun but want to pack just a little more punch, it comes in a 10 gauge model. But be advised you’ll be carrying ten ponds if you get that one.
Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag
Mossberg pioneered the magnum shotgun with the 3.5” chamber, and the 835 Ulti-Mag, unlike some other shotguns, was built first and foremost as a 3.5” 12 gauge. Many manufacturers just modify the models they already make to accommodate larger loads, but the Ulti-Mag was designed exactly with magnums in mind.
This pump action, 12 gauge model comes with two interchangeable barrels, a 24” one with fiber optic sights and a vent rib, and a 28” fully rifled barrel with a fiber optic front sight. That’s in case you want to hunt more than just turkey. The gun is completely covered in Mossy Oak breakup camouflage, weighs 7.5 lbs, and has a 5+1 load capacity.
Weatherby SA-459 Turkey
Weatherby is more famous for its bolt-action hunting rifles, but they make some quality shotguns as well. The SA-459 Turkey comes in 12 and 20 gauge, the bolt is chrome plated, and the barrel is chrome lined. It is the only gun on the list to have a pistol grip, and the only semiautomatic. It also features a fiber optic front sight bead and detachable Picatinny rail. The 20 gauge model is the lightest gun on this list, at 6.25 lbs, and the 12 gauge is only 6.75 lbs. This gun has a 22” barrel, 3” chamber, a 4+1 load capacity, and a dual-valve gas system to control recoil.
If you’d like to see any of these guns for yourself, or if this is your first turkey gun and you want to know which one is ideal for your needs, you can come by Lake Charles Tackle on Common St in Lake Charles. You can call us with any questions at 337-479-2999, or contact us on our website.