Gear

Specialized Turkey Shotguns for 2025

April 7, 2025

Brad Fenson

Brad Fenson

Turkey hunters can be fanatics about their sport. The newest equipment and gear are tested to help find an edge for consistently harvesting a trophy gobbler. One of the most critical pieces to turkey hunting success is your shotgun. With specialized features for giving a still and silent hunter the upper hand, a firearm engineered for turkey hunters, by turkey hunters is money well spent.

Here are some of the latest and greatest turkey shotguns to hit the market, with the newest technologies to help you be successful.

Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Shotgun

Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey

The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Shotgun is designed for hunters who demand accuracy, durability, and customizable performance. From the adjustable fit to its clean-running gas system, every detail of this shotgun is crafted to give turkey hunters the edge.

The 940 Pro Turkey features adjustable drop and cast, allowing shooters to fine-tune their shotgun for the perfect fit. With a customizable length of pull ranging from 13 to 14.25 inches, the shotgun ensures a comfortable, secure hold. Combined with Mossberg’s advanced barrel-making process, hunters can count on consistent point-of-aim and reliable impact with every shot.

The 940 series was born from Mossberg’s collaboration with legendary competitive shooters Jerry and Lena Miculek. Launched in 2020 with the 940 JM Pro, this platform quickly proved to be a high-performance autoloader. Recognizing its potential for hunters, Mossberg introduced the 940 Pro Waterfowl and 940 Pro Snow Goose, ultimately leading to the ultimate turkey hunting version: the 940 Pro Turkey.

Turkey hunters know that precision matters and the 940 Pro Turkey is optic-ready with a drilled and tapped receiver. It also features a HIVIZ CompSight Fiber Optic Sight for enhanced low-light target acquisition. Whether using the included sight or mounting your preferred optic, this shotgun ensures quick and accurate shots when that gobbler steps into range.

The author took this gorgeous Ocellated turkey in Central America with a Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey Shotgun. Brad Fenson Photo

The 940 Pro Turkey incorporates Mossberg’s proven gas-vent system, designed to run cleaner for longer. This means fewer interruptions in the field and easier maintenance. Additionally, the quick-empty magazine release offers the convenience hunters need when clearing or unloading the shotgun.

Hunters will appreciate the 940 Pro Turkey’s self-draining stock, ensuring moisture doesn’t compromise performance. Adjustable for recoil management and stock positioning, it reduces shoulder fatigue during long days in the field.

Finished in Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo for optimal concealment, the 940 Pro Turkey blends seamlessly into turkey country. It has an X-Factor XX-Full Turkey Tube for dense, accurate patterns. It has an 18.5-inch or 24-inch barrel—perfect for various hunting environments.

With its unmatched adjustability, competition-grade engineering, and turkey-specific features, the Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey is the ultimate shotgun for filling your tag this season. Learn more at www.mossberg.com.

Stoeger M3500 Predator/Turkey

Stoeger M3500 Predator/Turkey

Stoeger’s Inertia-Driven semi-auto shotguns have earned a reputation for exceptional value, and the M3500 Predator/Turkey takes that reputation a step further. Explicitly designed for turkey and predator hunters, this 12-gauge shotgun handles 3½-inch magnum loads with confidence while maintaining Stoeger’s signature simplicity and reliability.

The SteadyGrip vertical pistol grip stock is key to its versatility, which offers superior control and comfort when seated in the field. Combined with the 24-inch barrel for easier maneuverability in thick brush, this shotgun is built for quick target acquisition in challenging hunting conditions. The barrel is also ported to reduce felt recoil, making it more manageable when firing heavy turkey loads.

For hunters who prefer optics, the drilled and tapped receiver makes mounting a red dot or scope simple. If you stick with open sights, the shotgun features a red bar front bead that provides excellent visibility for close-range encounters.

The M3500 Predator/Turkey has two extended MOJO chokes—one designed specifically for predators and the other for turkeys. Additionally, the shotgun takes standard Stoeger tubes if you want to change constriction.

Comfort and convenience are further enhanced with oversized controls, including an enlarged bolt release and bolt knob for easy operation, even with gloved hands. The spacious trigger guard also ensures hassle-free shooting when wearing thicker gloves.

Wrapped in Mossy Oak Overwatch camo for ultimate concealment, the M3500 Predator/Turkey blends seamlessly into wooded and brush-filled environments. A black adjustable paracord sling is included for comfortable carry.

With a 4+1 capacity (without the plug) and an MSRP of $929, the Stoeger M3500 Predator/Turkey is an exceptional value for hunters seeking a reliable, dual-purpose shotgun for gobblers and predators alike. Learn more at www.stoegerindustries.com.

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Turkey Performance Shop Shotgun

Benelli Super Black Eagle III Performance Shop Turkey

The Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 (SBE3) is a favorite among hunters. However, the Performance Shop edition takes it to the next level for dedicated turkey hunters. Designed with premium upgrades, this shotgun is fine-tuned for unbeatable performance in the field.

Key features include a ported, low-glare barrel equipped with a fiber-optic bead, enhancing target visibility in low-light conditions. The all-weather stock, cloaked in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, ensures stealth in the spring woods. Additionally, the ergonomic pistol grip provides superior control and comfort during those long hours of waiting for the perfect shot.

The Performance Shop SBE3 has a Burris FastFire sight for rapid target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy. Rob Roberts, a leader in shotgun performance enhancement, meticulously pattern-tested every shotgun. Each firearm comes with a printout showcasing actual impact points at 10, 20, and 30 inches, giving hunters complete confidence in their shot placement.

The inertia-driven system guarantees clean, reliable cycling, even with heavy turkey loads. Cryogenically treated barrels and chokes improve pattern density and consistency. It comes with a custom extra-full turkey choke, an oversized bolt handle and release button for easy operation, and a hard case for secure transport.

Available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge models with both right- and left-handed options, the Benelli SBE3 Turkey Performance Shop Shotgun is built for hunters seeking ultimate performance. Visit www.benelliusa.com for more information.

Franchi Affinity 3 Turkey Elite

Franchi Affinity 3 Turkey Elite

Franchi took the renowned Affinity shotgun and enhanced it based on feedback from dedicated turkey hunters, resulting in the purpose-built Affinity 3 Turkey Elite. It was designed for unmatched performance in the field, meaning this semi-auto shotgun delivers the accuracy, comfort, and durability needed to harvest wary gobblers.

With a SteadyGrip stock and a 24-inch barrel equipped with a hooded front sight, the Affinity 3 Turkey Elite provides excellent control and stability when seated and calling in birds. The compact barrel length makes it ideal for maneuvering in dense cover. At the same time, the Picatinny rail on the receiver allows hunters to mount red dot sights or scopes for pinpoint accuracy easily. Superior concealment is ensured with the OPTIFADE Subalpine camo and Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish, which also adds corrosion resistance to withstand tough hunting environments.

The shotgun’s Precision Cone Patterning features a lengthened forcing cone combined with Rhino extended turkey chokes, delivering tight, lethal shot patterns. Franchi’s reliable Inertia-Driven System ensures clean, consistent cycling with minimal maintenance, and the design effectively reduces recoil, making it a comfortable choice for long days in the field.

While it excels as a turkey gun, the Affinity 3 Turkey Elite is a versatile companion across hunting seasons. Swapping chokes and adjusting loads transforms it into an ideal firearm for hunting predators. The oversized bolt handle and bolt release allow for quick and effortless operation, even when wearing gloves. A Twin Shock Absorber (TSA) recoil pad and an included shim kit provide customizable adjustments for length-of-pull, drop, and cast, ensuring a tailored fit. The ventilated, chrome-lined barrel offers increased durability, while the ambidextrous safety and sling attachments enhance ease of use for both right- and left-handed shooters.

The Affinity 3 Turkey Elite is available in a 12- or 20-guage. With an MSRP starting at $1,349 and backed by a seven-year warranty, the Affinity 3 Turkey Elite is a reliable choice for any turkey hunter looking to elevate their game. For more information, visit www.franchiusa.com.

 

Top Turkey Optic Option: Burris FastFire 2 Sight

Burris FastFire 2

If purchasing a new shotgun, consider pairing it with a red dot sight. Stay on target with the Burris FastFire 2, a lightweight and rugged red dot sight designed for turkey hunters who demand fast, accurate shot placement. Featuring a 4-MOA red dot, the FastFire II automatically adjusts its brightness to match ambient lighting conditions, ensuring visibility in any environment.

With unlimited eye relief and parallax-free optics, the FastFire 2 provides instinctive aiming – if you can see the dot, you’re on target. This is especially valuable when a wary gobbler unexpectedly changes direction, giving you only a moment to react. For added durability, the sight is built to withstand the punishing recoil of magnum turkey loads.

The sight mounts quickly and securely using the included Picatinny rail adapter, offering a stable platform that holds zero shot after shot. The rugged, weather-resistant construction ensures reliability in all conditions. Powered by a CR2032 battery, the FastFire 2 delivers long-lasting performance, so you can focus on the hunt without worrying about your gear.

At an MSRP of $239 – $251, the Burris FastFire 2 is an essential addition to your turkey hunting setup. For more details, visit www.burrisoptics.com.

 

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