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Top 5 New Turkey Guns

Whether a big magnum is preferred or the challenge of bringing an old gobbler
in close for a .410, there are new shotguns available to tempt all categories
of hunters.

By Brad Fenson

Shotguns intended for turkey hunters have gone through several fads and design changes over the years. A pistol grip and extra-full choke were quick identifiers for a scattergun that threw a basketball-size pattern of turkey-killing lead. Most hunters were like Tim the Tool Man Taylor, who wanted more power, even if it had jaw-breaking recoil.

Photo credit Brad Fenson.

Modern turkey shotguns are about controlled power, consistent patterns and dependable performance. The small .410 and 20 gauges are stepping up as the new fan favorites, minimizing recoil but placing patterns with killing results.

Browning Maxus II All Purpose

When Browning set out to develop a modern, reliable semi-automatic shotgun, the Maxus was born. However, reliability was not enough. Engineers designed the Maxus to deliver 18% less recoil, 44% less muzzle jump, 19% faster bolt speed and 24% faster lock time than the competitors.

The Power Drive Gas System makes the Maxus enjoyable to shoot, even with light loads. It is difficult to notice the crisp, minimal travel of the Lightning Trigger, which improves auto-loading and accuracy. Browning continues to refine the Maxus and is introducing the Maxus II All Purpose in 2021.

The Maxus II All Purpose weighs 7 pounds, and comes chambered for 3½-inch shotshells, has an overall length of 47⅜ inches, 1¾-inch drop comb, and a 14¼-inch length of pull.

The shotgun features a composite stock with a close radius pistol grip and overmolded gripping surfaces. The shim-adjustable length of pull, cast and drop allow for a custom fit and feel to improve accuracy and enjoy the shotgun’s performance. Besides the three knurled, extended, Invector-Plus Choke tubes, turkey hunters will appreciate the Full Strut Turkey tube that is included. A fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead ensure alignment when tightening the trigger on a big gobbler.

MSRP: $1,899.99. Info: Browning.com

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop Shotguns

Benelli caught the attention of smoothbore enthusiasts when it introduced the Super Black Eagle shotgun. Several models have been added to the line since then. The company took the Super Black Eagle 3 shotgun to the Benelli Performance Shop, challenging engineers to develop the ultimate firearm for turkey hunters.

The first modifications were a low-glare, ported barrel to hide from any turkey’s keen eye and reduced the recoil from punishing turkey loads. The fiber-optic bead is the only thing visible on the camouflaged, all-weather stock with a textured pistol grip. A Burris FastFire II red-dot optic was added to the rib to maximize accuracy. Every new turkey shotgun coming out of the Performance Shop is pattern-tested with Federal Premium Ammunition. Computer printouts are packaged with each shotgun to show actual points of impact in 10-, 20- and 30-inch circles. The Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey shotguns are available in 12 gauge, chambered for 2¾-, 3- and 3½-inch shells.

The custom turkey shotguns come with Flush Crio choke tubes C, I.C., M, I.M., F and a wrench, as well as an extended extra full turkey choke. Benelli cryogenically treats its Crio shotgun barrels by freezing the metal to minus 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which relieves the stress of heat and hammer forging used to create it. The result is a smooth and uniform surface for wads and shot to travel down. The barrels’ cryogenic treatment is also done with chokes to match the shotgun barrels, making the Crio System. The choke tubes are extra-long, allowing the shot to be constricted gradually. Each choke’s extra length, coupled with reduced friction through the entire bore, puts more pellets on target with consistent and uniform patterns.

The shotguns feature an over-sized bolt handle and bolt release button, and come with a standard hard case to protect the firearm.

MSRP: $3,099. Info: BenelliUSA.com

Rossi Tuffy Turkey Shotgun

Some hunters think chasing an old longbeard with a .410 shotgun is crazy. However, for those who have embraced the diminutive gauge, Rossi has designed a specialized single-shot turkey gun that has more bells and whistles than ever before.

At 3.6 pounds, the Tuffy Turkey Shotgun is easy to pack and is perfect for hunters of any age or stature. The polymer receiver with steel frame structure, along with the synthetic stock, keep the weight down. The shotgun is 41 inches long, but the Tuffy buttstock comes with an extended removable piece allowing adjustment from adults to youth. The buttstock features two shell holders that hold eight rounds of .410 shells for quick and easy access.

The 26-inch barrel comes installed with a screw-in extra full choke, ideal for use with new turkey loads like Federal T.S.S. The shotgun also comes with a modified choke. An aluminum Picatinny rail is mounted on the barrel for use with a red dot or scope. The single-shot hammer gun has a black matte barrel and receiver, and green synthetic stock to stay concealed.

MSRP: $220.97. Info: RossiUSA.com

Mossberg 500 Turkey

The Mossberg 500 pump-action shotgun is one of the most prolific smoothbores on the market. The 500 platform was designed in 1960 and has continued to grow in popularity. Over the years, many different models have been added to the 500 series. However, all are hammerless repeaters with the same basic receiver and action. New for 2021 is the Mossberg 500 Turkey in .410.

The .410-shotgun craze has created market demand, and Mossberg has stepped up with what most would refer to as “old reliable.” The dual extractors, positive steel to steel lockup, twin action bars and an anti-jam elevator ensure smooth operation and make the 500 series reliable under harsh conditions. The top-mounted safety is favored by many hunters and allows for ambidextrous operation.

The 500 Turkey weighs 6.5 pounds and has a 13.87-inch fixed length of pull. The overall length is 45.75 inches, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The new .410 model is chambered for 3-inch shells, with a five-plus-one capacity, and comes with an extra-full choke. The barrel is 24 inches long with a vent rib and front fiber-optic bead. The stock is finished in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland to help keep hunters concealed from wily old gobblers.

MSRP: $549.00. Info: Mossberg.com

Savage Renegauge Turkey Bottomland

Savage recently introduced its Renegauge shotgun series that includes a specific model for turkey hunters. The Savage scatterguns are American made, available in 12 gauge and are decked out in Mossy Oak Bottomland.

The versatile shotgun’s inner workings feature the Dual Regulation Inline Valve system (D.R.I.V.), which ensures excess gas vents before it drives the bolt. The result is a consistent ejection, less felt recoil and a lightning-fast cyclic rate. The semi-auto shotgun will cycle any shotshell, allowing turkey hunters to practice with low-recoil, low-brass target shells without cycling issues. The magnum hunting shells can then be used to fine-tune an aiming point and hunt. The barrel is fluted for design and balance, making it easy to move to get on target. The Renegauge’s protective coatings include a Cerakote finish on the barrel and receiver, and chrome-plated action bar assembly and reciprocating components.

The stock is adjustable for length of pull, comb height, drop and cast, ensuring fit and handling for quick target acquisition and managed recoil. There is also a stock rod buffer to reduce felt recoil.

The 24-inch barrel on the turkey model sports a ventilated rib with red fiber-optic sight. The shotgun features a competition-ready, easy-loading magazine port and oversized controls. The Renegauge also comes with three interchangeable, flush-mount choke tubes (Beretta/Benelli) in I.C., M and F. A hard-side carrying case comes with each shotgun for secure transport.

MSRP: $1,549. Info: SavageArms.com

Turkey Shotgun Buying Tips

The consistently successful turkey hunters are the ones who have a shotgun that fits correctly. The shooter’s eye creates the critical line down the barrel and acts the same as the rear sight on a rifle. When a shotgun fits properly, the hunter mounts it to their shoulder the same every time. The result should be that the shotgun shoots where you look.

Photo credit Brad Fenson.

The primary considerations are the length of pull, drop at the comb and the heel. Mount the shotgun, so that your eyes look straight down the barrel, where you see the bead, but not the rib or barrel’s top surface. Then you’ll know if it’s right or not.

Go Shopping

There has never been a better time to upgrade your turkey gun. Whether you want to stick with heavy-hitting 12-gauge models with better balance and managed recoil, or try out a .410 to show off hunting skills and shooting ability, there is a new turkey gun to meet your wants and needs. The market is competitive, and prices offer extreme value.

A lot of preparation and planning goes into every turkey season. With so many variables that a hunter cannot control, why not ensure you are shooting consistently with reliable equipment? The features and advantages of these new shotguns are impressive, so it might be time to visit a local gun shop or sporting goods outlet to at least take a look and handle the new models. Suppose you find something outstanding that fits perfectly. In that case, there is a strong chance you will be strutting into the spring woods with more enthusiasm than a gobbler trying to impress the ladies.

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