What’s the best shotgun for turkey hunting? There was a time when the answer was clear and simple. There was a time when anything less than a 12-gauge over your shoulder left you feeling ill equipped and under-gunned. A few decades ago, turkey hunters wanted their bird at 40 yards or less to make a clean kill with their 12-gauge shotgun. But times are changing fast. Thanks to the ability to load a sub-gauge shotgun with TSS ammunition, the game has changed. So nowadays, when the question is asked, “What’s the best shotgun for turkey hunting?” the answer isn’t so clear and simple. The opinions are changing. The question now seems to be, “Is the 20-gauge the perfect turkey gun?”
Read on for a look at why the 20-gauge shotgun has grown to be a new favorite among turkey hunters across the country each spring.
Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport that requires skill patience and the right gear. One piece of gear that is often debated is what shotgun gauge to use. The traditional choice has been a 12 gauge, but in recent years more and more turkey hunters have been switching to 20 gauges. So is a 20 gauge a good choice for turkey hunting? There are several factors to consider.
Pros of Using a 20 Gauge Shotgun for Turkeys
Here are some of the benefits of using a 20 gauge for turkey hunting:
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Lighter Weight 20 gauge shotguns are generally 1-2 pounds lighter than 12 gauges This makes them easier to carry and maneuver in the field, especially on long hunts The reduced weight also helps reduce fatigue.
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Lower Recoil: The 20 gauge has noticeably lower recoil than the 12 gauge, making it more comfortable to shoot, especially for smaller-framed hunters. Less recoil also helps maintain accuracy through long shooting sessions.
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Compact Size: Typical 20 gauge shotguns have shorter barrels and overall lengths compared to 12 gauges. This makes them easy to maneuver in blinds and when shooting in thick brush.
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Effective Ammo Options: Modern turkey loads in 20 gauge like TSS and Hevi-Shot offer excellent downrange energy and patterns. This expands the effective range compared to 20 gauges of the past.
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Great for Youth and Smaller Hunters: The lightweight and lower recoil of the 20 gauge makes it an excellent choice for getting youth, women, and smaller-framed hunters into the sport.
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Lower Cost: Both 20 gauge ammunition and shotguns tend to cost a bit less than 12 gauges. This makes it an attractive option for hunters on a budget.
Limitations of the 20 Gauge for Turkeys
While the 20 gauge has a lot going for it there are some limitations to consider as well
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Shorter Effective Range: The 12 gauge can deliver more shot downrange, expanding effective killing ranges. Expect max ranges of 30-40 yards with a 20 gauge depending on ammo.
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Fewer Hevi-Shot Options: There are fewer 20 gauge Hevi-Shot turkey loads available compared to 12 gauge. But improved performance of TSS has helped offset this.
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Not Ideal for Long Beards: Despite modern loads, veteran hunters pursuing older long beards may still prefer the heavier hit of a 12 gauge.
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Pushing Distance Limits Requires Stout Loads: To reach maximum effective range with a 20, you need to use heavy loads which increase recoil. Lighter target loads are preferred for close shots.
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More Accurate Range Judgment Required: Hunters must be disciplined about shot distances and knowing limitations to avoid crippling loss from marginal hits.
Matching the 20 Gauge to Your Needs
While a 20 gauge may not be the best choice for all turkey hunters, it can be ideal for many provided it is properly matched to your needs and hunting style:
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For hunting mainly in tight cover like blinds, brush and trees, a 20 gauge is excellent. Shots under 40 yards.
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For an all-day gun, the lighter weight of a 20 gauge can make packing it miles less fatiguing.
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Hunters who value lower recoil and quicker swing/target acquisition will appreciate a 20 gauge.
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The 20 is great for introducing new hunters to the sport due to lighter weight and softer shooting properties.
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Hunters who already use a 20 gauge for upland birds can use it in a pinch for turkeys rather than buying another shotgun.
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Hunters wanting maximum challenge and range can still put down long beards with a 20 gauge and proper shot placement.
Final Thoughts
While the 12 gauge remains the most popular and versatile choice, the 20 gauge has proven itself as a very capable turkey gun in the right hands. The key is matching your needs and hunting style to the capabilities of the 20. With proper patterning and understanding effective range, many hunters are taking turkeys successfully with 20 gauges loaded with today’s advanced turkey loads. If you prioritize qualities like lighter weight, softer shooting and quick handling over maximum range, a 20 gauge can be an excellent turkey shotgun.
- 20 gauge: 33
- 12 gauge: 11
- turkey: 22
- hunting: 16
- hunter: 11
- shot: 7
- range: 6
- load: 5
- recoil: 4
- weight: 4
- ammo: 3
- shotgun: 3
- TSS: 2
- Hevi-Shot: 2
- youth: 1
- women: 1
- smaller-framed: 1
- long beard: 1
- crippling loss: 1
- tight cover: 1
- introduce new hunters: 1
- upland birds: 1
- proper shot placement: 1
A Lighter Gun
Regardless of the gear we carry to the woods on opening day, we’ll typically find ways to trim the fat as the season wears on. When the weather warms up, and the days grow long, we typically do our best to shave the weight from our turkey vest when grinding it out for a hard-headed longbeard. We cover a lot of ground each spring, so it only makes sense to lighten the load on our back. One way to do this is with a lighter gun. That’s just one area where the 20-gauge can shine. It’s easy on the back and a pleasure to carry on all-day hunts.
What’s the difference? The hunter willing to pack a 20-gauge can shave anywhere from 1-2 pounds of weight, depending on which model gun they tote to the woods. It may not seem like a lot, but you’ll certainly notice the difference on those long days when you’re putting lots of miles on your turkey boots.
There’s a variety of lighter shotshell loads available for the 20-gauge these days that make the gun a pleasure to shoot for youngsters and older turkey hunters alike. You’ll find versatility like never before when it comes to the options available for the 20-gauge turkey gun. Sure, you can load up the heavy loads and punish your shoulder with the recoil for a little extra reach, but in most cases, the lighter, super-efficient 20-gauge loads are more than enough to get the job done on your bird. Hunters across the country are trading in their 3 ½” turkey loads for lighter 20-gauge options that still pack plenty of punch.
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FAQ
Can I hunt turkey with 20-gauge?
The two most common gauges used for turkey hunting, in order, are a 12-gauge and 20-gauge shotgun. A 12-gauge has a larger, wider barrel than a 20-gauge.May 6, 2022
What is the effective range of a 20-gauge turkey gun?
However, with the advancements in today’s turkey loads, 40 and 50-yard shots on turkeys with the . 20 gauge are the norm, and 60 yard+ shots are not uncommon. It’s amazing to see the power the little . 20 gauge can punch these days with the right load combination.
Is 20-gauge good enough for turkey?
It’s a decision I’ve not regretted. There are several advantages to hunting turkeys with a 20 gauge versus a 12. First of all, most 20 gauges are a pound or two lighter than 12s, and as a result offer faster handling. Twenty-gauge shotguns are also more compact than 12s and usually have shorter barrels.
What is the best gauge for turkey?
Sub-gauges are hot for turkeys right now, and the 28-gauge might be king of them all.
Is a 20 gauge shotgun good for turkey hunting?
Yes, a 20-gauge shotgun is often recommended for beginner turkey hunters due to its lighter recoil compared to a 12-gauge shotgun. What is the average price range for a 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting? The price range for a 20-gauge shotgun for turkey hunting typically starts at around $300 and can go up to $1000 or more for higher-end models.
Is a 20-gauge suitable for turkey hunting?
The 20-gauge is a well-rounded option with ample versatility to meet the needs of shooters; it is suitable for turkey hunting. There was a time when 40 yards was considered the far side of a turkey hunter’s effective range with a 12-gauge.
Which shotgun is best for turkey hunting?
The .20 gauge shotgun is beginning to gain popularity among turkey hunters as an alternative to the traditional .12 gauge shotgun. Many hunters are gravitating towards the lighter load in the .20 gauge, despite the long-standing preference for the .12 gauge.
What are the pros and cons of a 20 gauge Turkey?
Pros: Cons: The 20-gauge is the second-most popular turkey gauge in America. The 28-gauge might be foreign to some. This .550-inch gauge isn’t very popular. For the most part, it’s used by clay killers and upland bird hunters. Very few turkey hunters carry it. Still, for those fortunate enough to have a custom outfit, it offers some advantages.
What is a 20 gauge gun?
The 20-gauge is a storied gun and a mainstay in modern turkey hunting culture. This 0.615-inch gauge is still the second-most popular option on the market. It offers far more advantages than disadvantages. “The 20-gauge is now my go-to,” Reich said. “There is a lot of ammo out there for it.
Is a 20 gauge Turkey a good size?
Just for the record, I shoot 3-inch, Hevi-Shot, ounce-and-a-quarter, size 6 turkey loads from my 20 gauge, and have found it to be a devastating shell, especially coupled with an extra-full choke. As with kids, some smaller women—and senior turkey hunters—would benefit from a 20-gauge.