Sure, you can kill a wild turkey with just about any shotgun — even a .410 — provided you load it with deadly ammunition, wait for the bird to walk within your gun/load’s effective range, then squeeze the trigger as you carefully aim. That said, if you wish to extend your effective range a bit, or simply want to upgrade to a firearm designed specifically for turkeys, then one of the five models below will likely become your new favorite gobbler gun.
CZ Reaper Magnum
With 3.5-inch chambers, the CZ Reaper Magnum can handle any 12-gauge turkey load on the market, while the twin barrels can be equipped with two completely different choke tubes. A hunter can set up one barrel for close shots and the second for longer distances. The combinations of chokes and shotshells are practically limitless, and to that end, the Reaper Magnum ships with six extended choke tubes. The over-under features 26-inch barrels, which allows it to take full advantage of higher-velocity turkey loads designed to topple toms at longer ranges. Twin ejectors allow for quick and easy loading and unloading. The CZ Reaper Magnum comes with a simple bead sight, but since many turkey hunters prefer to use a red-dot optic or low-magnification reflex sight, it also comes with a removable Picatinny rail, mounted directly to the vented rib over the monobloc so optics can be mounted as low as possible. Its synthetic stock’s exaggerated pistol grip aids in comfortable seated shooting, and a generous trigger guard allows for thick gloves. QD sling swivels at the front and rear and a trim weight of 7 pounds makes this shotgun easy to carry. MSRP: $1,025. Contact: www.cz-usa.com
Hatsan USA Escort FieldHunter Turkey
Hatsan USA has added the FieldHunter Turkey to its Escort pump-action shotgun lineup, available in 12-gauge, 20-gauge and .410 versions. Chambered to handle 3-inch magnum shotshells, its stock and forend are made from a tough, durable synthetic polymer, built to withstand the elements. An aircraft alloy receiver and hard-chromed steel barrel ensure durability and a long service life. The FieldHunter Turkey is available in two camo patterns: Realtree APG and Mossy Oak Bottomland and each gun ships with three interchangeable chokes suitable for a variety of turkey hunting situations. Its 5-inch cantilever optics rail features four cross-slots to accommodate a variety of Weaver mounts. The gun is also equipped with bright fiber optic front and rear sights for hunting in low-light conditions. MSRP: $399.99. Contact: www.hatsanusa.com
Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
In 2020, Mossberg launched the 940 Pro family of 12-gauge autoloading shotguns. Now joining this line of high-performance 12-gauge shotguns is the 940 Pro Turkey, an optics-ready package featuring a choice of 18.5- or 24-inch barrel lengths, HIVIZ CompSight fiber-optic sight, Mossberg X-Factor ported choke tube, and full camo coverage in Mossy Oak Greenleaf. At the core of the 940 Pro platform is a durable gas system that can run up to 1,500 rounds before cleaning and is compatible with factory-manufactured 2.75- or 3-inch shells. Performance-driven features include oversized, beveled loading port with redesigned elevator and shell catch to allow for efficient and pinch-free loading into the magazine tube. Other features include a slim-profile forend and user-configurable stock, and an oversized charging handle and bolt release button for easy operation. MSRP: $1,120. Contact: www.mossberg.com
TriStar Viper G2 Turkey Gun (Zanders Exclusive)
The TriStar Viper G2 Turkey shotgun from Zanders is feature packed at a value price. The Zanders exclusive TriStar Viper G2 Turkey gun is gas operated and shoots both 2.75- and 3-inch shotshells interchangeably. It has a pistol grip stock with over-molded handle for enhanced grip and comfort and is drilled and tapped for a Picatinny rail (included but not installed). Its removable choke system uses Beretta/Benelli Mobile threads and includes four choke tubes (IC, M, F and Extended Turkey), choke box and choke wrench. It is available in 12- and 20-gauge and .410-bore and has a five-round magazine with a shot plug included. Other features include a fiber-optic sight, chrome-lined chamber and barrel, vented rib with matted sight plane, manual E-Z load magazine cut-off and swivel studs. MSRP: $685. Contact: www.gzanders.com
Winchester SX4 NWTF Cantilever Turkey
Winchester has teamed up with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to create a dependable and deadly semiauto turkey gun. The SX4 is built on the proven Active Valve system that was the core foundation of the SX3, with improved balance, controls and internal operating components. Back-bored technology provides optimum shot patterns that are dense and even. The SX4 has a synthetic stock with improved ergonomics, a rounder pistol grip, and textured gripping surfaces. It has a drop-out trigger group for easier cleaning. This NWTF model features a 24-inch barrel with a cantilever rail, hard chrome-plated 3.5-inch chamber and bore, adjustable rifle-style sight with TruGlo fiber-optic front sight, and a full Mossy Oak Obsession finish. It has a four-round tubular magazine capacity, and includes an Invector-Plus Extended Extra Full Turkey choke. The gun’s ambidextrous cross-bolt safety is easily reversible. MSRP: $1,169.99 (12 gauge); $1,249.99 (20 gauge) Contact: www.winchesterguns.com
