Author – Jeff Johnston
Anyone can buy a highly specialized shotgun designed specifically for the ugly head of a gobbler, but don’t think you’ve gotta get crazy with your setup to have success. Instead, just keep your shots to a reasonable distance—inside 50 yards—and consider the following tips.
Shotgun
I recommend a 12-gauge for anyone except small children or those who are extremely recoil sensitive. If a 20-gauge is chosen, however, make sure it’s not an ultra-light one, because a 6-pound 20-ga. will recoil just as much as an average-weight 12-ga. It’s just physics.
Nearly any shotgun will do, but since we are talking about turkey hunting, let’s dive into the weeds a bit. Turkeys are best killed with one shot to the head and neck, so an expensive semi auto is unnecessary—although if you can swing the extra cash, they do provide notable recoil mitigation. A pump-action gun like a Mossberg 500, Winchester SXP, or Remington 870 is perfect, and all are easy on the wallet. Whatever shotgun you choose, opt for a short barrel, from 18 to 24 inches; it allows better maneuverability in dense spring woods. But don’t sweat it if your shotty sports a 28-inch barrel. No turkey will know the difference.
Make sure your shotgun has durable and effective sights. I prefer a basic metal bead with a mid bead for its accuracy and simplicity. While an optic can possibly eke out a few more yards of maximum range, I suggest forgoing an optic because it adds another layer of complexity—and batteries—that can go wrong. Most importantly, your shotgun should be choked full. If it has removable choke tubes—nearly all modern sporting shotguns do—install the Full (F) or Extra Full (XF) tube. I prefer the F choke over the XF because at the ranges most turkeys are shot (inside 40 yards) an extra full choke can deliver patterns so tight that shooters can more easily miss. Finally, attach a sling to your gun if possible. You’ll find it handy as you walk and call.
Ammo
Specialized shotshell ammo for turkeys is expensive but worth it. Choose a 3-inch shell with a heavy (1 3/4-oz.) payload of copper-plated No. 5 or No. 6 pellets, unless you find its recoil unbearable. In that case, choose a basic 2¾-inch, No. 6 load, and keep your shots inside 40 yards. There are very expensive bismuth and tungsten loads available, and they are great … but not vital. Here are a few loads I recommend:
Good: Remington Nitro Turkey 3-inch No. 5
Better: Winchester Longbeard XR 3-inch No. 6
Best: Federal Heavyweight TSS 3-inch 7 Shot
Patterning
The most important thing you can do, no matter the gun and load chosen, is to pattern your setup to confirm that it’s capable and that your sights are zeroed. To test, set up a paper target at 30 yards and draw a softball-sized circle in the middle to represent a turkey’s head. From a steady rest, carefully aim at the center of the circle and fire one shot. Inspect the target. The “pattern” of pellet holes should be reasonably uniform across the target with no huge blank areas. Multiple hits (hopefully 15 or more) should be in the circle. If the pattern is obviously off to one side, high or low, it either means your sights or off or you pulled the shot. Try repeating the process. If you’re still not satisfied, try multiple loads and choke combinations until you find one that’s ideal.
Now camo up and chalk your call. You’re ready to hunt.