Benelli M2 APG
Benelli owners swear by their shotguns, and much of that loyalty comes thanks to the uber-reliable Inertia Driven operating system. By utilizing three simple parts—a rotating bolt head, the bolt itself and a stiff inertia spring—the Inertia Drive system harnesses the power of the recoiling shotgun to quickly and reliably cycle action with either 2¾ or 3-inch loads. And thanks to a ComforTech stock, that felt recoil is greatly reduced by nearly 50 percent according to the company. This proprietary Benelli technology consists of a specially designed stock and gel recoil pad that also limits muzzle climb to put you back on target quickly, something you’ll come to appreciate if you whiff the first shot or are hoping to double-up on a pair of strutting toms. Coated with Realtree APG camo. ($1,469; benelliusa.com)
Franchi Affinity Compact APG 20-gauge
In recent years, ammo manufacturers have introduced hard-hitting, high-density shotshells that finally make the 20-gauge a viable option in the turkey woods. If you’re interested in less recoil without sacrificing a lot of performance consider carrying a 20 this year, like the Affinity Compact. It offers the same time-tested reliability of the Benelli Inertia Drive system (which Franchi shares a bloodline with) in a package that’s about a full pound lighter than similar 12-gauge offerings. The lightweight aluminum alloy receiver and slim synthetic stock are covered in Realtree APG to help keep hunters concealed in the woods. Included stock spacers adjust length-of-pull, making the Affinity Compact a great entry-level turkey gun for young shooters, or anyone wanting a semi-custom fit. ($999; franchiusa.com)
Weatherby PA-08 Turkey
A friendly price doesn’t necessarily mean no frills as this pump-action turkey gun so aptly illustrates. It features a durable, CNC-machined alloy receiver and the kind of wood-to-metal finish one would expect from a gun made by Weatherby. The 22-inch barrel is a dream to carry and swing in the thick, brushy turkey woods of spring, plus it has been chrome-lined to stand up to hard, hot high-density turkey loads that are so popular. A 3-inch chamber might seem limiting in today’s bigger-is-better world, but I personally wouldn’t want to shoot anything heavier in a pump gun, despite the company’s claim that the barrel’s lengthened forcing cone reduces felt recoil. And true to Weatherby’s history of going their own way, they opt for Mothwing Spring Mimicry camo dip on the synthetic stock and forend. ($399; weatherby.com)
Remington Versamax Sportsman Turkey
I’ve been testing Remington’s newest gas-operated autoloader for a few seasons and it has quickly become my go-to scattergun due to reliable operation with basically any shell I stuff in it. It’s also one of the easiest shooting shotguns I’ve ever fired. Even heavy 3½-loads are, if not comfortable, at least tolerable thanks to a SuperCell recoil pad. The new-for-2013 Sportsman series forgoes a few features of the original Versamax—most of which hunters won’t miss, to come in closer to the $1,000 mark. What you do get is a 26-inch hammer-forged steel barrel, reliable Versaport gas system and durable synthetic stock finished in Mossy Oak Obsession. The one head-scratcher is the use of competition-style Pro Bore chokes, rather than the standard RemChokes of which there are a million aftermarket turkey-specific models available. As it is, the Sportsman Turkey includes an extra-full turkey choke of the Pro Bore variety. ($1,175; remington.com)
Browning A5
For the last 100-plus years, many a turkey has fallen to the A5 and, I predict, many more will over the next century. Browning reintroduced the classic autoloader last year, and for 2013 has come out with a version capable of handling 3½-inch loads to help even the toughest old bird on his path to the turkey afterlife. The company’s Kinematic inertia-drive system is guaranteed to successfully cycle up to 100,000 rounds, making it one of the most reliable autoloaders available, or the best marketed anyway. The distinctive humpback design raises more than just eyebrows; it also extends the sighting plane farther back, a feature that’s especially welcome on a turkey gun meant to be fired with rifle-like precision. Available with a Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Dura-Touch finish. ($1,699, browning.com)
