Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey Review: Is This the Best 20-Gauge Turkey Gun?
The Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey 20 gauge has become one of the most compelling semi-automatic turkey shotguns for hunters who want dense patterns, manageable recoil, an optic-ready receiver, and field-friendly handling without spending well into four figures. Independent testing from Outdoor Life and MeatEater has shown the A300 can produce exceptionally dense 40-yard patterns with modern TSS loads, while its gas-operated action and Kick-Off recoil system make heavy turkey loads more comfortable to shoot.
But calling it the best 20-gauge turkey gun requires some qualification. The A300 Ultima Turkey has a genuine weakness: its factory Picatinny rail can position a red-dot optic higher than ideal for a natural cheek weld. And, as with virtually every dedicated turkey shotgun, the barrel, choke, and ammunition combination matters enormously.
After looking at the available field testing, pattern data, features, and competing turkey guns, the A300 Ultima Turkey deserves its reputation as one of the strongest sub-$1,000 20-gauge options—but it is not automatically the perfect choice for every hunter.
Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey: Quick Verdict
Best for: Turkey hunters who want a reliable gas-operated 20 gauge with excellent pattern potential, manageable recoil, and an optic-ready setup.
Gauge: 20 gauge or 12 gauge
Chamber: 3 inches
Action: Gas-operated semi-automatic
Barrel: 24 inches
Overall length: About 43.9 inches
Weight: About 7 pounds in 20 gauge, depending on configuration
Optics: Picatinny rail
Recoil system: Beretta Kick-Off
Typical price: Around $999
The exact specifications can vary by configuration and market, so buyers should verify the current model details with Beretta or an authorized dealer.
Our rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Pattern potential | 5/5 |
| Recoil management | 4.5/5 |
| Field handling | 5/5 |
| Optics setup | 3.5/5 |
| Reliability | 4.5/5 |
| Value | 5/5 |
| Overall | 4.6/5 |
Why the A300 Ultima Turkey Stands Out
The biggest reason to consider the A300 Ultima Turkey is not simply that it is a 20 gauge. It is the combination of a relatively compact hunting configuration, gas-operated action, recoil reduction, and its ability to produce dense patterns with modern turkey ammunition.
Tungsten Super Shot has changed what hunters can expect from smaller gauges. Dense TSS loads can put a large number of pellets into a relatively small target area, allowing properly patterned 20 gauges to compete with larger shotguns at practical turkey distances.
That does not mean every 20 gauge automatically performs like a 12 gauge. The choke and ammunition combination still has to be tested in the individual shotgun.
That distinction is particularly important with the A300.
Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey Specs
| Feature | A300 Ultima Turkey |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 or 12 |
| Chamber | 3 inches |
| Action | Semi-automatic |
| Barrel length | 24 inches |
| Overall length | Approximately 43.9 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 7 lbs in the 20-gauge configuration |
| Stock | Adjustable drop |
| Optics | Picatinny rail |
| Recoil system | Kick-Off |
| Intended use | Turkey hunting |
Beretta’s documentation confirms the A300 platform uses a Mobilchoke system and emphasizes matching ammunition to the gauge and chamber markings on the individual shotgun. Beretta also recommends patterning regularly used ammunition and choke combinations rather than assuming one load will perform identically in every barrel.
That last point is especially important for turkey hunters.
Pattern Testing: Where the A300 Really Shines
Pattern density is arguably the most important performance characteristic of a dedicated turkey shotgun.
A turkey gun does not need to produce a conventional rifle-like group. Instead, it needs to place enough pellets consistently into the vital head and neck area at the ranges where the hunter intends to shoot.
Independent testing has produced impressive results from the A300 Ultima Turkey.
Outdoor Life testing
Outdoor Life tested a 20-gauge A300 Ultima Turkey with four TSS loads at 40 yards. Testing was performed with the factory full choke, with two shots fired from each load and the pellet strikes inside a 10-inch circle averaged.
| Load | Average pellet strikes at 40 yards |
|---|---|
| Apex Greenleaf #9/#10 | 324 |
| Apex GT-20 #9 | 246 |
| Migra TSS #7/#9 | 203 |
| Federal Heavyweight TSS #9 | 144 |
The Apex Greenleaf combination produced the strongest result, with 324 pellet strikes inside the 10-inch circle. Outdoor Life noted that approximately 40% of the load’s pellets landed inside that circle.
Even the Federal Heavyweight TSS result was substantial.
MeatEater testing
MeatEater’s testing produced an even higher result with a different ammunition-and-choke combination.
Using a Rob Roberts Raptor choke with Apex GT-20 #9 TSS, the A300 produced 363 pellet strikes in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards, with an average of 359 in the testing reported by MeatEater.
The same testing produced:
- 233 average pellet strikes with Federal Heavyweight TSS
- 104 average pellet strikes with Winchester Long Beard XR #5 lead
These results demonstrate something important: there is no single “A300 pattern.”
Ammunition, pellet size, payload, choke constriction, and the individual barrel all influence the final pattern.
That is why the best way to evaluate an A300 Ultima Turkey is not to copy someone else’s exact load and assume the same result. Pattern the ammunition and choke combination you actually intend to hunt with.
Does the A300 Ultima Turkey Need TSS?
No.
TSS is one of the reasons modern 20-gauge turkey guns have become so capable, but the A300 Ultima Turkey does not require tungsten ammunition to function as a turkey gun.
MeatEater’s testing produced an average of 104 pellet strikes at 40 yards with Winchester Long Beard XR #5 lead ammunition and a Carlson’s choke designed for that load.
The important difference is pellet density.
TSS loads generally contain far more small pellets than comparable lead turkey loads, which can create exceptionally dense patterns. Larger lead pellets contain fewer individual projectiles, so the pattern can look substantially different even when the shotgun and distance remain unchanged.
The practical takeaway is simple:
Don’t choose ammunition solely because another A300 produced an impressive pattern with it. Pattern your own shotgun.
A300 Ultima Turkey and Recoil
One of the strongest arguments for the A300 over a conventional 20-gauge pump is its gas-operated action and recoil-reduction system.
Beretta’s Kick-Off system uses hydraulic dampers to reduce the perceived recoil generated during firing and cycling. Beretta lists the A300 Ultima among the platforms equipped with Kick-Off technology.
That matters because modern turkey ammunition can carry surprisingly heavy payloads.
A 20 gauge is not automatically soft-shooting simply because it has a smaller bore. A heavy 3-inch turkey load can still produce substantial recoil, particularly from a relatively light shotgun.
The A300’s gas operation and Kick-Off system help make repeated patterning sessions more manageable.
But there is an important caveat: recoil reduction does not eliminate recoil.
Heavy TSS loads can still be noticeable, and hunters should choose ammunition they can comfortably shoot while maintaining a consistent mount and sight picture.
How Does the A300 Handle in the Turkey Woods?
This is another area where the A300 earns high marks.
The 24-inch barrel provides a useful balance between compact handling and a traditional hunting configuration. The approximately 43.9-inch overall length keeps the shotgun manageable when moving through cover, while the roughly 7-pound weight is reasonable for a dedicated semi-auto turkey gun.
Outdoor Life reported carrying the A300 for more than 30 miles during a turkey season and found it manageable in the field. The review specifically highlighted its balance and handling in thick cover and public-land hunting conditions.
MeatEater likewise reported that the gun was easy to carry and maneuver, including situations where the hunter needed to move the barrel into position while waiting for a gobbler.
That matters more than it might seem.
Turkey hunting often involves long periods of sitting or moving slowly, followed by a very quick transition when the bird finally enters the shooting lane. A shotgun that balances well and doesn’t feel cumbersome can make that transition easier.
The Biggest A300 Ultima Turkey Weakness: Optic Height
If there is one criticism that appears repeatedly across independent reviews, it is the optic mounting arrangement.
The factory Picatinny rail makes the A300 Ultima Turkey optic-ready, which is useful for hunters who prefer a red dot.
The problem is that the rail can position the optic relatively high.
Outdoor Life specifically found that the rail created a poor cheek weld and suggested that a lower mounting solution or a way to raise the comb would improve the setup.
MeatEater reached a similar conclusion after using a lower vent-rib mounting solution for its red dot.
This is not a deal-breaker, but it is worth considering before buying.
A turkey shotgun should allow the hunter to mount the gun consistently while keeping a natural head position. If the optic sits too high, the shooter may have to lift their head away from the stock or otherwise compromise their cheek weld.
Is the factory rail usable?
Yes.
It is functional and provides a straightforward way to mount an optic.
But “usable” and “optimal” are not the same thing.
If you plan to use a red dot, pay close attention to the height of the optic and mounting system and verify that the resulting sight picture works naturally for you.
Reliability and Maintenance
The A300 Ultima is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun, and its action has a long-established Beretta lineage.
Independent turkey testing has been favorable. Outdoor Life reported that the A300 cycled the various loads used during its testing without malfunctions and described the gun as straightforward to disassemble and clean.
That is important for a turkey shotgun because reliability is more than a convenience.
A turkey hunt can involve hours of sitting, crawling, walking, dust, vegetation, and changing weather. The gun needs to function when the opportunity finally appears.
As always, reliability should be evaluated with the ammunition you actually use. A shotgun that functions perfectly with one load is not automatically guaranteed to perform identically with another.
Follow Beretta’s operating and maintenance instructions and make sure the shotgun is unloaded before cleaning, disassembly, or choke work. Beretta’s manual specifically emphasizes checking the chamber, receiver, and magazine before disassembly.
A300 Ultima Turkey vs. 12 Gauge
The 12 gauge remains a highly capable turkey platform, so why choose the 20?
The biggest argument is the balance between portability, recoil, and modern ammunition performance.
A 20-gauge A300 can be easier to carry through thick terrain and can produce excellent patterns with properly selected TSS ammunition. The gas-operated action and Kick-Off system further improve the shooting experience.
However, hunters who routinely use heavier payloads, want maximum ammunition flexibility, or simply prefer the traditional 12 gauge may still have good reasons to choose the larger bore.
The answer is not that 20 gauge has made 12 gauge obsolete.
Instead, modern TSS has made the 20 gauge far more capable than its reputation suggests.
A300 Ultima Turkey vs. Other Turkey Guns
The A300 is not the only serious turkey shotgun in this price class.
Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey vs. Retay Gordion Turkey
The Retay Gordion is one of the more interesting alternatives for hunters who prioritize a lighter platform.
Outdoor Life has highlighted the Gordion as a value-oriented turkey gun, listing a 20-gauge configuration at approximately 6.6 pounds with a 22-inch barrel and a price around $879 in its current guide.
The A300’s advantage is its gas-operated action, Kick-Off recoil system, optic-ready configuration, and exceptionally strong independent pattern-testing record.
The Retay’s advantage is its lighter and more compact configuration.
A300 Ultima Turkey vs. Mossberg 500 Turkey
The Mossberg 500 is the simpler alternative.
A pump-action design gives hunters a different operating system and can offer a lower entry price. Current 2026 turkey-shotgun roundups continue to position the Mossberg 500 as a value-oriented choice.
The A300 costs more, but you’re paying for the semi-auto action, gas-operated recoil characteristics, and additional refinement.
A300 Ultima Turkey vs. Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey is another strong competitor for hunters who prioritize an optic-ready turkey setup.
Current 2026 buying guides place the 940 Pro Turkey around the same general price territory as the A300, with the Mossberg offering a more optics-focused configuration.
The A300’s strongest argument remains its proven patterning performance and recoil management.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 20-gauge pattern potential
- Strong performance with multiple TSS loads
- Gas-operated semi-auto action
- Effective Kick-Off recoil reduction
- 24-inch barrel offers a good balance of handling and pattern potential
- Optic-ready receiver
- Good field balance
- Approximately $1,000 price point
- Strong value compared with more expensive semi-auto turkey guns
Cons
- Factory optic rail can sit too high
- Heavy TSS loads can still produce noticeable recoil
- Best pattern performance may require experimenting with ammunition and choke combinations
- Some competitors are lighter
- TSS can significantly increase ammunition cost
Who Should Buy the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey?
The A300 Ultima Turkey makes the most sense for hunters who want a dedicated turkey shotgun that can handle modern TSS ammunition and still be practical to carry through the woods.
It is particularly attractive if you:
- Prefer a semi-automatic over a pump
- Want a 20 gauge instead of a 12 gauge
- Plan to use a red dot
- Value recoil reduction
- Hunt public land or terrain requiring substantial walking
- Want strong pattern potential without spending several thousand dollars
- Are willing to pattern different ammunition and choke combinations
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
The A300 is not necessarily the right answer if your priorities are different.
A lighter turkey gun may make more sense if you routinely cover very long distances.
A pump shotgun may be a better value if keeping the initial purchase price as low as possible is the priority.
And if you strongly prefer a low-mounted red dot straight from the factory, some competing turkey configurations may offer a better optic setup without modification.
What Is the Effective Range of the A300 Ultima Turkey?
This question deserves a careful answer.
The A300 is capable of producing dense 40-yard patterns with appropriate turkey ammunition, and independent testing has demonstrated excellent results at that distance.
But there is no universal maximum range for the shotgun.
Effective turkey range depends on:
- Ammunition
- Pellet size
- Payload
- Choke
- Individual barrel
- Pattern density
- Shooter consistency
- The size and location of the target area
A pattern that looks excellent at 40 yards may not remain sufficiently dense at a longer distance.
For that reason, hunters should establish their own practical range by patterning the exact ammunition and choke combination they intend to hunt with.
A shotgun’s advertised capability is not a substitute for confirming your actual pattern.
Is the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey Worth It?
Yes—provided its strengths match what you want from a turkey gun.
The A300 Ultima Turkey occupies an unusually attractive position. It gives hunters a gas-operated semi-auto, recoil-reduction technology, an optic-ready receiver, and excellent pattern potential without moving into the price range of premium semi-automatic shotguns.
The independent testing is especially convincing.
Outdoor Life recorded 324 pellets inside a 10-inch circle at 40 yards with Apex Greenleaf through the factory full choke, while MeatEater recorded an average of 359 with Apex GT-20 and a Rob Roberts Raptor choke. Those are different tests with different equipment, but together they demonstrate how strong the platform can be when properly matched to a load and choke.
The biggest weakness is the optic setup. If you intend to use a red dot, the factory rail’s height deserves attention.
Otherwise, the A300 checks nearly every box that matters in a modern turkey shotgun.
Final Verdict
The Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey is one of the best 20-gauge turkey shotguns available around the $1,000 price point, and its pattern-testing record makes a strong case for calling it one of the best overall values in the category.
Its combination of excellent pattern potential, gas-operated cycling, Kick-Off recoil reduction, practical field dimensions, and optic-ready configuration makes it a particularly well-rounded turkey gun.
But the real lesson from the testing is more important than any single pellet count:
The A300 is an excellent platform, but your ammunition-and-choke combination determines what your individual shotgun actually does.
Pattern it. Confirm the point of impact. Evaluate the density at your intended hunting distance. And don’t assume that another hunter’s impressive target automatically represents your gun.
For hunters willing to do that work, the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey offers an unusually strong combination of performance, portability, and value—and that is why it remains one of the most compelling 20-gauge turkey guns of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey a good 20-gauge turkey gun?
Yes. Independent testing from Outdoor Life and MeatEater has demonstrated excellent 40-yard pattern performance with several turkey loads. The gun also combines a gas-operated action, Kick-Off recoil reduction, practical field dimensions, and an optic-ready receiver.
What is the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey’s barrel length?
The turkey configuration uses a 24-inch barrel, which provides a useful balance between maneuverability and traditional shotgun handling.
Does the A300 Ultima Turkey come ready for a red dot?
Yes. The A300 Ultima Turkey includes a Picatinny rail for mounting an optic. However, independent reviewers have noted that the factory rail can position an optic higher than ideal for cheek weld.
Does the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey reduce recoil?
Yes. The A300 Ultima uses Beretta’s Kick-Off recoil-reduction system. Beretta describes the system as using hydraulic dampers to reduce recoil peaks during firing and cycling.
Can you hunt turkey with lead ammunition in the A300 Ultima Turkey?
The shotgun can be used with appropriate ammunition, but hunters should always follow the ammunition and choke specifications for their specific firearm. Independent testing has demonstrated that the A300 can produce effective 40-yard patterns with Winchester Long Beard XR lead ammunition as well as multiple TSS loads.
Does the A300 Ultima Turkey require an aftermarket choke?
No. Independent Outdoor Life testing produced an excellent result with the factory full choke. However, other testing has shown that aftermarket choke-and-load combinations can produce different—and sometimes higher—pattern counts.
What is the best turkey load for the A300 Ultima Turkey?
There is no universal best load. Different A300 barrels and choke combinations can produce different patterns. Outdoor Life and MeatEater achieved different results with different TSS loads and chokes, which reinforces the importance of patterning your individual shotgun.
Is the Beretta A300 Ultima Turkey better than a 12 gauge?
Not universally. The 20 gauge offers an attractive combination of portability, recoil characteristics, and TSS pattern density, but some hunters will still prefer a 12 gauge for its broader ammunition and payload options. The better choice depends on the hunter, ammunition, terrain, and intended use.
What is the biggest weakness of the A300 Ultima Turkey?
The most frequently identified weakness is the height of the factory Picatinny rail. Outdoor Life found that it can create a less-than-ideal cheek weld with a red dot, while MeatEater used a lower mounting approach.