Introduction to Turkey Hunting
Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity that requires skill, patience, and the right equipment. For many hunters, the thrill of the hunt is not just about bringing down a bird, but about the experience of being in the turkey woods, surrounded by nature and the sounds of wild turkeys. When it comes to choosing the right turkey gun, hunters have a variety of options, including 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns. In recent years, the 20 gauge has gained popularity among turkey hunters due to its lighter weight, reduced recoil, and ability to shoot lighter loads. This makes it an attractive option for those who want a more comfortable and manageable hunting experience without sacrificing effectiveness.
Understanding Shotgun Gauges
Shotgun gauges are measured by the diameter of the barrel, with smaller gauges having a larger diameter. The most common gauges used for turkey hunting are 12 gauge and 20 gauge. The 12 gauge is considered the standard for turkey hunting, known for its power and range. However, the 20 gauge is gaining popularity due to its lighter weight and reduced recoil, making it easier to handle, especially for younger or smaller-framed hunters. The 20 gauge is also a good option for hunters who want to shoot lighter loads, as it can be loaded with tungsten super shot (TSS) loads that are designed to penetrate deeper and provide better patterns. This modern ammunition technology allows the 20 gauge to perform exceptionally well, making it a viable choice for turkey hunting.
The Turkey Gun Decision
When spring gobblers start sounding off in the early morning haze, the last thing you want to second-guess is your shotgun. The 12 gauge has long been the king of the turkey woods, but the 20 gauge has quietly gained ground in recent years. With modern loads, improved choke systems, and more compact designs, the 20 gauge is now a real contender. Choosing between the two comes down to comfort, hunting conditions, and how far you expect to shoot. Both will get the job done, but the debate between the 12 gauge and 20 gauge is a bit more nuanced than it might seem, with each offering its own set of pros and cons depending on your needs.
The Power and Reach of the 12 Gauge
The 12 gauge still holds a strong advantage when it comes to range and pellet count. It handles heavy turkey loads with ease and can reach out to forty yards and beyond with dense, hard-hitting patterns. The 12 gauge can shoot larger shells with heavier payloads, providing an advantage in putting more pellets on target, particularly in scenarios like target shooting and upland hunting. For open country, longer setups, or hunters who want extra margin for error, the 12 gauge delivers confidence. It also works well with heavier aftermarket turkey chokes and can handle the most advanced shell technology. The tradeoff is recoil. Heavy magnum loads can punish your shoulder, and carrying a full-size 12-gauge all morning isn’t the easiest task, especially if you’re covering ground.
The Rise of the 20 Gauge
Don’t let the smaller bore fool you—20 gauges are more capable than ever in turkey hunting. Thanks to tighter chokes and high-performance turkey loads, they can drop birds cleanly at thirty-five yards and sometimes beyond. The biggest benefit is the lighter weight and reduced recoil. A 20-gauge is easier to carry, quicker to mount, and more comfortable to shoot, which matters on long hunts or when younger or smaller-framed hunters are involved. With the right combination of choke and shell, the 20 gauge is no longer just a youth or backup gun—it’s a legitimate primary option for most turkey hunters.
Field Conditions and Style
Your hunting style and the terrain you cover should guide your gauge choice. A lighter gun is particularly beneficial when walking through challenging terrain, making it easier for hunters to navigate steep hills. If you hunt open fields where long shots are common and birds might hang up at a distance, the 12 gauge gives you a little more reach and forgiveness. If you’re slipping through the timber, calling birds in tight, and want a gun that’s easy to handle in thick cover, the 20 gauge is hard to beat. For run-and-gun hunters who value mobility and fast setups, the lighter 20-gauge is often the better fit. If you’re sitting in a ground blind with a tripod or shooting stick, the extra weight of a 12 gauge may not be a concern.
Lighter Load Options for Turkey Hunting
One of the advantages of the 20 gauge is its ability to shoot lighter loads, which can be beneficial for hunters who want to reduce recoil and carry a lighter gun. TSS loads are a popular option for turkey hunting, as they provide better patterns and deeper penetration than traditional lead shot. These loads are made from tungsten, which is denser than lead, allowing for more pellets in a smaller space and thus better pattern density. Hevi Shot is another option for hunters who want to shoot lighter loads, as it is designed to provide better patterns and deeper penetration than traditional lead shot. By shooting lighter loads, hunters can reduce recoil and carry a lighter gun, making it easier to hunt for longer periods of time. This can be particularly advantageous during long days in the field, ensuring that hunters remain comfortable and effective throughout their hunt.
Ammo Availability and Setup
Both gauges offer a range of commercial loads for turkey hunting, with a variety of options available for both 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns. Shells in both gauges come in lead and tungsten blends, with tungsten giving the 20 gauge a serious edge due to its density and pellet count. Choke selection is also critical. A high-quality aftermarket choke can tighten up your patterns dramatically in either gauge. Pairing the right choke and shell to your barrel is just as important as gauge when it comes to ethical, effective kills.
Recoil, Comfort, and Confidence
Recoil isn’t just a comfort issue—it affects how well you shoot. Maintaining a steady shooting position is crucial for accuracy, especially when using lighter gauge shotguns. Some hunters handle magnum 12-gauge loads just fine. Others flinch, especially after a few rounds at the range. If your shoulder is sore or you’re anticipating the shot, your accuracy and confidence can suffer. The 20 gauge, by contrast, offers a smoother shooting experience that lets you focus on the bird, not the kick. A calm, confident shot placement is better than a rushed or painful one, regardless of gauge.
Conclusion
Choosing between a 12 and 20 gauge for turkey hunting isn’t about which is better—it’s about which is better for you. The 12 gauge brings unmatched power and range, while the 20 gauge offers comfort and versatility that’s hard to ignore. Thanks to advancements in ammo and choke design, both can cleanly take turkeys with the right setup. In most cases, lighter, more efficient 20-gauge loads are sufficient for turkey hunting, providing effective performance with reduced recoil. Consider where and how you hunt, what you can shoot confidently, and what feels best in your hands when the moment comes. Because in the end, it’s the pattern on target and the call in your pocket that put a bird in the truck.
FAQs
Can a 20 gauge kill a turkey at long range?
Yes, with modern tungsten loads and a tight choke, a 20 gauge can effectively kill turkeys at longer ranges, such as thirty-five to forty yards.
Is the 12 gauge overkill for turkey hunting?
Not necessarily. It provides power and reach, especially with heavier loads for longer setups. But it can be more than you need in close quarters or thick timber.
What gauge is better for a beginner turkey hunter?
A 20 ga is often better for beginners due to lighter recoil and easier handling, especially when paired with a good load and choke.
Are turkey loads available for both gauges?
Yes, though the 12 gauge has more options. Both gauges offer a variety of commercial loads designed specifically for turkeys, including lead and tungsten loads.
Which gauge patterns better for turkeys?
Both can pattern well. The key to effective turkey hunting is patterning your shell and choke to your gun and practicing at your expected hunting distance.