The Best Turkey Hunting Shotguns: 5 Standout Options Compared
The best turkey hunting shotguns are the ones that consistently produce a dense, predictable pattern with a suitable turkey load and choke. A good turkey gun also needs to be manageable from a seated position, easy to shoulder without excessive movement, and practical for the way you hunt. That is why a lightweight 20 gauge can make more sense for one hunter while a traditional 12-gauge pump remains the better all-around choice for another.
There is no single shotgun that is automatically the best for every turkey hunter. Gauge, action, weight, barrel length, optic compatibility, choke selection, ammunition, and price all matter. More importantly, the shotgun needs to be patterned with the specific ammunition and choke combination you intend to use.
The five models discussed here include the Remington 870, Beretta A300 Ultima, Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey, Remington 870 20 Gauge, and Benelli Super Black Eagle 3. The performance figures below come from the supplied 2026 MeatEater test; they are presented as reported test results rather than independent Bulk Ammo Togo testing.
What makes a good turkey hunting shotgun?
A good turkey shotgun does not need to be expensive or covered in camouflage. Its primary job is to put a consistent, dense pattern on target at the distances where you intend to hunt.
For turkey hunting, the most useful characteristics are:
- Consistent patterning with appropriate turkey ammunition
- A choke and barrel combination that works well with the chosen load
- Manageable weight and balance
- A stock and comb that provide a consistent shooting position
- A practical barrel length for the hunting environment
- A sighting system that works well for the hunter
- Reasonable cost relative to performance
Patterning should come before brand loyalty. Two shotguns of the same gauge can produce noticeably different results with the same load, and changing either the ammunition or choke can substantially alter the pattern.
The best turkey hunting shotguns at a glance
| Shotgun | Gauge | Action | Reported test score | Primary strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remington 870 | 12 | Pump | 4.3/5 | All-around performance |
| Beretta A300 Ultima | 20 | Semi-auto | 4.7/5 | 20-gauge balance of patterning and handling |
| Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey | 12 | Semi-auto | 3.3/5 | Turkey-specific features and optic integration |
| Remington 870 | 20 | Pump | 4.0/5 | Affordable 20-gauge pump |
| Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 | 20* | Semi-auto | 3.3/5 | Lightweight handling |
*The supplied test identifies the SBE3 as a 20-gauge configuration. SBE3 configurations vary, so buyers should verify the exact model and gauge before purchase.
The scores above come from the supplied MeatEater test and are not a Bulk Ammo Togo rating. The original test evaluated patterning, ergonomics, and affordability on a five-point scale.
How should you evaluate a turkey shotgun?
Patterning deserves the most attention because a shotgun’s gauge or price tells you surprisingly little about how a particular load will perform in that barrel.
The supplied test evaluated the guns at 40 yards using several turkey loads and choke combinations. The tester fired three shots with each combination, located the center of the pattern, and counted pellets inside a 10-inch circle. That provides a useful comparison because it separates the shotgun from assumptions based solely on brand, price, or appearance.
However, those numbers should not be treated as universal performance figures. A different barrel, choke, ammunition lot, or shotgun can produce different results.
Patterning
The shotgun, choke, and ammunition work as a system. Changing one component can change the resulting pattern.
The test included Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Heavyweight TSS, and Apex TSS loads. Several of the strongest results came from tungsten-based loads, which contain substantially more pellets for a given payload when using small shot sizes.
The practical takeaway is simple: pattern the exact combination you plan to hunt with rather than assuming that another hunter’s results will automatically transfer to your shotgun.
Ergonomics
Turkey hunting can involve long periods of sitting with the shotgun positioned for a potential shot. That makes weight and stock geometry more important than they might be for a shotgun used primarily for walking hunts.
Comb height, stock dimensions, forend shape, safety placement, receiver width, and overall balance can all influence how naturally a shotgun fits the hunter.
A shorter barrel can also make a gun easier to maneuver in tight cover, but barrel length should not be considered independently of the shotgun’s overall balance and intended ammunition.
Affordability
A dedicated turkey shotgun can include camouflage, specialized choke tubes, fiber-optic sights, optic cuts, adjustable stocks, and other features that raise the price.
Those features can be useful, but they do not guarantee better patterns.
The Remington 870 illustrates the point. A relatively straightforward pump shotgun can produce excellent results when the barrel, choke, and ammunition combination works well.
Best all-around turkey shotgun: Remington 870 12 Gauge
The Remington 870 remains one of the most recognizable pump-action shotguns in the United States, and Remington continues to offer 870 configurations specifically intended for turkey hunting. The manufacturer identifies the Model 870 as a pump-action platform with a long history of configurations in multiple gauges.
In the supplied MeatEater test, the 12-gauge 870 earned an overall score of 4.3 out of 5, including a perfect 5 for patterning and affordability.
Why the Remington 870 stands out
The reported 40-yard pattern results were particularly strong. Using an Apex GT3 TSS 3-inch No. 9 load and a Primos Tight Wad choke, the test 870 averaged 396 pellet strikes inside a 10-inch circle over three shots.
Other reported combinations included:
| Choke | Load | Average pellet count at 40 yards |
|---|---|---|
| Primos Tight Wad | Apex GT3 TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 396 |
| Primos Tight Wad | Federal Heavyweight TSS 3-inch | 253 |
| Carlson’s Long Beard XR | Winchester Long Beard XR 3-inch No. 6 | 217 |
| Carlson’s Federal Heavyweight TSS | Federal Heavyweight TSS 3-inch | 176 |
Those figures belong to the specific test shotgun and combinations used by the original tester. They should be viewed as reference data rather than a guarantee of performance from every 870.
The principal tradeoff is weight. A 12-gauge pump can be comfortable to shoot but less convenient to hold in position for extended periods than a lighter 20 gauge.
Best for: Hunters who want a straightforward pump-action turkey shotgun with strong reported patterning and broad configuration availability.
Best 20-gauge turkey shotgun: Beretta A300 Ultima
The Beretta A300 Ultima was the highest-scoring shotgun in the supplied test, receiving an overall 4.7 out of 5. It earned 5s for both patterning and ergonomics and a 4 for affordability.
The A300 platform is available in both 12 and 20 gauge, and Beretta’s documentation identifies the A300 Ultima as a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun. The platform uses Mobilchoke-compatible barrels, with the exact choke configuration depending on the model.
Why the A300 Ultima performed so well
The standout figure from the supplied test was 359 average pellet strikes at 40 yards with an Apex GT20 TSS 3-inch No. 9 load and Rob Roberts RRaptor choke. The reported best individual pattern contained 363 pellets.
Other combinations in the test included:
| Choke | Load | Average pellet count at 40 yards |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Roberts RRaptor | Apex GT20 TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 359 |
| Federal Heavyweight TSS | Federal Heavyweight TSS | 233 |
| Carlson’s Long Beard XR | Winchester Long Beard XR 3-inch No. 5 | 104 |
The result is particularly notable because the A300 was being evaluated as a 20 gauge rather than a 12 gauge.
The A300 also benefits from the characteristics that make many modern semi-automatic hunting shotguns attractive: relatively smooth handling, gas operation, and a platform available in more than one gauge.
Beretta specifically recommends patterning and targeting regularly used ammunition/choke combinations, reinforcing the broader point that shotgun performance needs to be evaluated as a complete system rather than from specifications alone.
Best for: Hunters who want a 20-gauge semi-auto with strong reported patterning and modern hunting ergonomics.
Best turkey-specific semi-auto: Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey
The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey takes a different approach. Rather than adapting a general-purpose shotgun for turkey season, Mossberg designed the platform around features intended for turkey hunters.
Mossberg offers 940 Pro Turkey configurations with 18.5- and 24-inch barrels, fiber-optic sights, turkey-oriented choke tubes, camouflage finishes, and receiver cuts designed for low-profile microdot mounting.
The 18.5-inch Holosun combination adds a factory-mounted HS407K microdot, while Mossberg lists a gas system designed to run for up to 1,500 rounds before cleaning under its stated conditions. The manufacturer also specifies compatibility with factory 2¾- and 3-inch ammunition.
What did the 940 Pro Turkey show in testing?
The supplied test gave the Mossberg a 3.3 out of 5 overall, with a 4 for patterning, 3 for ergonomics, and 3 for affordability.
Reported pattern results included:
| Choke | Load | Average pellet count at 40 yards |
|---|---|---|
| ACCU XX Full | Apex GT3 TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 293 |
| ACCU XX Full | Federal Heavyweight TSS | 212 |
| Carlson’s Long Beard XR | Winchester Long Beard XR 3-inch No. 6 | 209 |
The factory optic-ready design is one of the strongest reasons to consider the 940 Pro Turkey. Mossberg’s receiver is cut for direct low-profile mounting of compatible microdot sights, and the 85169 Holosun combination incorporates a factory-mounted HS407K.
The important distinction is that feature content and pattern performance are separate considerations. A turkey shotgun can have excellent ergonomics and useful accessories without necessarily producing the strongest pattern with every load.
Best for: Hunters who prioritize turkey-specific features, optic integration, and a dedicated semi-auto platform.
Best pump-action 20 gauge: Remington 870 20 Gauge
The 20-gauge Remington 870 offers much of the same pump-action simplicity as the 12 gauge while reducing the overall size and weight of the platform.
Remington’s Model 870 family has historically been produced in both 12 and 20 gauge, including turkey-specific configurations.
In the supplied test, the 20-gauge 870 scored 4 out of 5 overall, with 4s in patterning, ergonomics, and affordability.
How did the 20-gauge 870 pattern?
Two of the strongest reported combinations were:
| Choke | Load | Average pellet count at 40 yards |
|---|---|---|
| Carlson’s Federal Heavyweight TSS | Federal Heavyweight TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 283 |
| Indian Creek Black Diamond | Apex GT20 TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 259 |
| Carlson’s Long Beard XR | Winchester Long Beard XR 3-inch No. 5 | 101 |
Those results demonstrate why modern 20-gauge turkey setups have become increasingly popular. The smaller gauge does not automatically mean poor pattern density, particularly when paired with appropriate ammunition.
The tradeoff is that a 20 gauge may offer less payload capacity than a comparable 12 gauge, while the specific load and choke still determine the actual pattern.
Best for: Hunters who want a lighter pump-action platform without moving to a .410 or 28 gauge.
Best lightweight semi-auto: Benelli Super Black Eagle 3
The Super Black Eagle 3 occupies the premium end of this group. Benelli’s SBE3 family uses an inertia-driven operating system and incorporates the ComforTech 3 stock system on applicable configurations. Benelli says ComforTech 3 is designed to reduce recoil and facial impact through its stock and cheek-comb design.
Benelli also offers dedicated turkey-oriented SBE3 configurations. Its Performance Shop turkey model has included a low-glare barrel, fiber-optic sight, camouflage stock, Burris FastFire optic, and Rob Roberts performance enhancements, with individual guns pattern-tested before delivery.
How did the SBE3 compare?
The supplied test gave the SBE3 a 3.3 overall, with 3 for patterning, 5 for ergonomics, and 2 for affordability.
Reported 40-yard results included:
| Choke | Load | Average pellet count at 40 yards |
|---|---|---|
| Carlson’s Federal Heavyweight TSS | Federal Heavyweight TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 234 |
| Trulock Pinhoti | Apex TSS 3-inch No. 9 | 253 |
| Trulock Pinhoti | Winchester Long Beard XR 3-inch No. 5 | 83 |
The SBE3’s strongest argument is not price. It is handling and the lightweight design of applicable configurations.
That premium comes with a significant price difference, however. A hunter primarily concerned with patterning and value may find it difficult to justify the additional cost when a substantially less expensive shotgun can produce excellent results with the right ammunition and choke.
Best for: Hunters who place a high value on lightweight handling, premium construction, and semi-auto operation.
12 gauge vs. 20 gauge for turkey hunting
A 12 gauge remains the conventional choice for turkey hunting, but a 20 gauge can be an excellent alternative.
The key difference is not simply “more power.” Gauge affects the size of the payload and the overall shotgun platform, while ammunition technology and shot material can dramatically influence pellet count and pattern density.
| Consideration | 12 Gauge | 20 Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Typical platform size | Larger | More compact |
| Payload potential | Higher | Lower |
| Recoil potential | Generally higher | Generally lower |
| Weight | Often heavier | Often lighter |
| Maneuverability | Depends on model | Often advantageous |
| Turkey suitability | Excellent | Excellent with suitable loads |
| Patterning | Load/choke dependent | Load/choke dependent |
The best choice therefore depends on the complete setup rather than gauge alone.
A well-patterned 20 gauge can be a very capable turkey shotgun, while a 12 gauge remains attractive for hunters who prefer its larger payload capacity and broad ammunition selection.
Does a turkey shotgun need a red dot?
No. A red dot is an option, not a requirement.
A properly fitted shotgun with an appropriate sighting system can work perfectly well without an optic. However, red dots have become increasingly common on dedicated turkey guns because they provide a clear aiming reference and can make it easier for some hunters to maintain visual awareness of the target.
The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey is a good example of a shotgun designed around this trend. Its receiver is cut for low-profile microdot mounting, and Mossberg offers a factory Holosun combination.
If you choose an optic-equipped shotgun, the important consideration is not simply whether the gun has a red dot. The optic, mounting system, stock dimensions, and your shooting position all need to work together.
What is the most important turkey shotgun feature?
Patterning is more important than camouflage, branding, or accessory count.
A shotgun that produces a consistent pattern with the ammunition and choke you intend to use is generally more useful than a feature-heavy shotgun that does not produce the pattern you need.
That is why the reported test results are more informative when viewed as combinations rather than isolated shotgun scores. The Remington 870’s 396-pellet result, the Beretta A300’s 359-pellet result, and the Mossberg 940’s 293-pellet result all came from specific ammunition and choke combinations.
Change the combination, and the result can change.
What turkey ammunition should you use?
Turkey ammunition is typically loaded with shot sizes and payloads selected for dense patterns at typical turkey-hunting distances. Lead loads remain widely available, while tungsten-based loads such as TSS have become increasingly prominent because tungsten alloys allow manufacturers to use dense, small shot while maintaining high pellet counts.
The ammunition examples in the supplied test included:
- Federal Heavyweight TSS
- Winchester Long Beard XR
- Apex GT3 TSS
- Apex GT20 TSS
The appropriate load depends on the shotgun, choke, hunting regulations, and the pattern it produces.
Do not assume that the most expensive load will automatically shoot the best from your shotgun. Pattern testing is the better way to determine what works.
How far should you pattern a turkey shotgun?
Forty yards is a common reference distance for evaluating turkey patterns, and it was the distance used throughout the supplied MeatEater test.
That does not mean every turkey should be hunted at 40 yards. Effective range depends on the shotgun, ammunition, choke, pattern density, the hunter, and the conditions.
The useful lesson is that a turkey shotgun should be evaluated at realistic distances rather than judged solely by specifications printed on the box.
A 10-inch pattern count can also be useful for comparison, but hunters should examine the entire pattern rather than focusing on one number.
Other turkey shotgun options
The five models above are not the only worthwhile turkey shotguns.
Other platforms frequently associated with turkey hunting include the Mossberg 500, Mossberg 835, Mossberg SA-28, Stevens 301, and other dedicated turkey configurations. The popularity of .410 and 28-gauge turkey setups has also increased as ammunition technology has improved.
The same rule applies to all of them: gauge and model name are starting points, not proof of pattern performance.
How to choose the best turkey hunting shotgun
Start with the way you actually hunt.
If you spend most of the season sitting in one position and want maximum versatility, a conventional 12-gauge pump such as the Remington 870 remains a straightforward option.
If lower weight and a compact platform matter more, a 20 gauge deserves serious consideration. The Beretta A300 Ultima and 20-gauge 870 demonstrate two very different approaches: semi-auto refinement on one side and simple pump-action design on the other.
If you want a dedicated turkey shotgun with modern optic integration, the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey is worth considering.
And if premium weight savings and handling justify the additional cost, the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 occupies that part of the market.
The deciding factor should still be the same: pattern the shotgun with the ammunition and choke combination you intend to use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best turkey hunting shotgun?
There is no universal winner, but the supplied 2026 test rated the Beretta A300 Ultima highest overall at 4.7/5, followed by the Remington 870 12 gauge at 4.3/5. Those scores reflect that specific test’s patterning, ergonomics, and affordability criteria rather than a universal ranking.
Is a 20 gauge good for turkey hunting?
Yes. A 20 gauge can be an effective turkey shotgun when paired with an appropriate load and choke and when the resulting pattern is verified at a realistic distance. The supplied test recorded strong 40-yard pattern results from both the Beretta A300 Ultima and Remington 870 20 gauge.
Is a 12 gauge better than a 20 gauge for turkey?
Not automatically. A 12 gauge generally provides greater payload potential, while a 20 gauge can offer a lighter and more compact platform. Ammunition, choke, barrel, and individual shotgun performance all affect the final pattern.
Do you need a turkey-specific shotgun?
No. A conventional shotgun can be suitable for turkey hunting if it produces an appropriate pattern with the ammunition and choke being used. Dedicated turkey models mainly add features such as camouflage, shorter barrels, specialized sights, optic mounting, and turkey-specific choke configurations.
Is a red dot necessary for turkey hunting?
No. A red dot is an optional sighting system. Some dedicated turkey shotguns now include receiver cuts or factory optics, but a shotgun does not become a capable turkey gun simply because it has an optic.
What is more important: the shotgun or the ammunition?
Neither should be considered separately. The shotgun, barrel, choke, and ammunition form a system, and patterning determines how that particular combination performs. Beretta’s A300 documentation specifically recommends patterning regularly used ammunition and choke combinations.
Does choke selection matter for turkey hunting?
Yes. Choke constriction can significantly influence the density and distribution of the shot pattern. Different ammunition loads can also respond differently to the same choke, which is why patterning the complete combination is more useful than assuming one choke will work equally well with every load.
Final verdict
The best turkey hunting shotgun is not necessarily the most expensive model, the lightest shotgun, or the one with the most accessories. It is the shotgun that fits the hunter, handles well from realistic hunting positions, and produces a consistent pattern with the chosen ammunition and choke.
The supplied test illustrates that point clearly. The Remington 870 12 gauge delivered the strongest reported pattern in the group, while the Beretta A300 Ultima combined excellent reported 20-gauge patterning with strong ergonomics. The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey brings purpose-built turkey features and optic integration, the 20-gauge 870 offers a simpler and more economical route, and the Benelli SBE3 emphasizes lightweight premium handling.
Before settling on any model, verify the current configuration, gauge, choke compatibility, ammunition specifications, and applicable hunting regulations. Firearm and ammunition laws can vary by state and locality and can change over time.
Most importantly, pattern the exact shotgun, choke, and ammunition combination you plan to hunt with. That test tells you considerably more than a product label ever will.