Recommended shotguns?

[BucDan]

I really want dip my toes into turkey hunting here in San Diego.

What's a good shotgun to get? If it can be multi purpose with home defense, that will make the purchase much easier.

Pump? Semi auto?

[TheReluctantCraftstronaut]

A lot depends on budget and availability.

Look for any "combos" that will give you one shotgun with two barrels that work for your desires.

Often that will be something like a 28" barrel and an 18.5". Not sure many, if any, are available right now.

If that's the case, I would find a shotgun you like, that has a variety of barrels available (even if none are in stock at this time). That way, when that shotgun comes in stock, in one of the two barrels you want, grab it. Then save the cash to jump on the additional barrel when it's available.

For pump:

Remington 870, Mossberg 500, and Benelli Nova would all do well.

I'm not big into semi-autos (no particular reason), but I'd look at the Remington 1100 or Benelli A400. A400 would probably be my first choice from my limited experience between the two. Don't have any experience with Mossberg semi-autos, so I can't comment.

I am no turkey hunter, but I've always figured a 24-inch barrel with a turkey choke would be a tried and true set up. But if you are not looking to hunt turkey from a blind, then I'd consider a 28" barrel because that will likely be easier to find.

[geedavell]

Beretta A300

[357manny]

Benelli M2 Field semiauto 12g shotgun with a 26"-28" barrel, and then buy a 18.5" barrel for HD. You're set for everything.

https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/m2-field-shotguns

[deckhandmike]

Benelli M2 Field semiauto 12g shotgun with a 26"-28" barrel, and then buy a 18.5" barrel for HD. You're set for everything.

https://www.benelliusa.com/shotguns/m2-field-shotguns

That’s the fancy option, but also stupid expensive. Even the 18.5 barrel cost more than a regular pump shotgun.

I use a 870 for both turkey and HD. For turkey you absolutely don’t need a semi. You get one shot and it’s dead or gone. You’ll likely never fire a round in a HD situation so a pump isn’t really a handicap. Get a 870 with two barrels or Mossberg 500 combo and call it a day.

I often just use a 870 with the right barrel. I got an 870 with a 20” barrel that has a choke. It wears a breacher choke for HD and a hunting choke for turkey and coyotes. The 20” barrel is fine for yotes and turkey. But you’re going to want a longer one for upland birds.

[Imageview]

[NATEWA]

Pump is fine for turkey hunting.

Rem 870 or Mossberg 500 will work - lot of different options.

21” barrel will be good for turkey hunting and home defense.

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/prod/F240333

You’ll have to take care of the mag tube detents to increase your capacity and add on a mag extension.

[MJB]

SBE anything

[hermosabeach]

Start with Ammo- some prefer 2 ounce 3 1/2” magnum loads for turkey

Tight pattern for a head shot at 35-45 yards

A simple 870 was the old answer but as Remington is in strange times I would look at something else.


Camo pattern that takes 3 1/2” magnum shells. I would go 24-28” barrel

[Bainter1212]

I would go with the Mossberg 500 for now.

Remington has had some QC issues the last few years and now they are bankrupt, stripped and sold off in pieces. Who knows what the parts or warranty situation will be coming up.

If you go Mossberg, stay away from the models with a pinned forend.

[BajaJames83]

If you can still find an 870 that would be my top choice.

[lewdogg21]

Anything with a removable (screw in) chokes will work. It doesn't need to be camo or semi-auto. I've shot plently of turkeys with a flat black gun and if you get a wood stock with blued finish you can apply some camo tape if you would like and I've shot them with that too. You also don't need 3.5" turkey loads, 3" will be fine or if we could still use lead 2-3/4" would work too but those days are gone.

[Trapper]

I hunted with a 28” barreled 870 express for 20 years and never had an issue but shifted to a Franchi Affinity a couple years ago due to the limited availability of 2 3/4” turkey loads.

[Chiro22]

The one that fits you the best. All shotguns that can pack a turkey load will kill a turkey. Go to the shop and see which one fits you the best. I have had expensive shotguns and cheapy guns...the ones I used the most where the ones that fit me the best.

[357manny]