How to Choose a Shotgun for Turkey Hunting

Choosing a shotgun for turkey hunting can be a decision that most people have never made before.  They may have been handed down a relative’s shotgun, or have just gone out and bought one.  If you are in the boat I am in, then you’ll want some guidance in the process before you make the big purchase.  Here are a few things to consider when choosing a shotgun for hunting turkeys.

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How to Choose a Shotgun for Turkey Hunting - Price

This should be the #1 factor in your dissection.  Stay within your means and purchase a shotgun that fits your budget.  Shotgun prices range from $200 - $3,000 depending on the material it’s made out, its weight, its barrel length, and the amount of customization you can do to it. Pick a shotgun that fits you as a hunter and your hunting style and not a decision on renown what other people might think.

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How to Choose a Shotgun for Turkey Hunting - Material

Shotguns can be made out of anything from synthetic plastic to silver with inlaid gold accent carvings. Synthetic stocks are able to withstand the elements and don't scratch as much as wood stocks,  But their downside is they tend to break more.  Wooden stocks have the true firearm look that a lot of people value.  They are also made of solid wood which helps immensely with durability, but extra care needs to be taken in order to preserve the wood.  You may even try buying a cheaper material and give it your own paint job.

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How to Choose a Shotgun for Turkey Hunting - Barrel Length

Short barreled shotguns are the premiere for turkey hunting for a couple of reasons.  Maneuverability and lighter weight.  Turkey hunters know the importance of being able to move into a position to shoot.  The longer the barrel, the harder it is to aim and avoid snares for branches or other objects. With weight, even eliminating a few short inches of metal from having a shorter barrel length can make a big difference when you are walking in and out of the woods, or holding that bead on a tom walking into your setup.

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How to Choose a Shotgun for Turkey Hunting - Accessories

While most shotguns have bead sight built onto them, some people choose to install smaller scopes to increase their accuracy at longer distances.  If you think you might want to do that, look for shotguns with mounts to install sights or find out what you’ll need to install a sight on that particular gun.  Also, look for different barrel attachment possibilities like choke tubes.  That short 24” barrelled gun can easily become a 28” gun with a chokes tube added on the end of it.

Confidence is the key to your final decision.  Be confident with your purchase and make an informed decision.

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Interested in learning more about Turkey Hunting?

We’d love to help. Check out our full list of hunting podcast episodes or take a look at some of our related resources below.

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