The Twelve Gauge: The Workhorse of the Turkey Woods
The twelve gauge shotgun has long been the workhorse of turkey hunters, earning its reputation for its power and versatility. Its widespread popularity stems from a combination of factors that contribute to its effectiveness in the field.
The Advantages of the Twelve Gauge
One of the primary benefits of the twelve gauge is its potential for a higher shot capacity. This means that the shooter can often load more pellets in a twelve gauge shell than a twenty gauge shell. More pellets translate to a greater chance of a successful hit, especially at longer distances. This can be especially crucial when targeting the elusive tom turkeys, which are often challenging to bring down with a single well-placed shot.
Furthermore, the twelve gauge generally boasts a greater effective range. When properly loaded with the right ammunition and choke, a twelve gauge can deliver lethal patterns at impressive distances. This reach is advantageous in open terrain or when turkeys are wary and hang up at a distance.
The pattern density, the concentration of pellets within the target area, is another critical advantage. The twelve gauge, when paired with the appropriate choke, often creates a denser pattern compared to a twenty gauge at the same range. A denser pattern increases the likelihood of hitting vital areas and quickly downing the bird.
The ammunition selection for the twelve gauge is vast. Hunters have a wider array of choices in shot size, pellet materials (e.g., copper-plated, lead, tungsten), shell lengths, and specialized turkey loads designed for maximum performance. This variety allows hunters to fine-tune their ammunition to their specific hunting conditions and preferences. You can fine tune to the choke used, the load, and the range you are hunting.
The heavier payload of the twelve gauge, meaning the greater number of pellets within each shell, is a crucial factor in its stopping power. This increased payload can deliver more devastating blows to the bird, ensuring a quick and ethical harvest.
The Disadvantages of the Twelve Gauge
Despite its power, the twelve gauge isn’t without drawbacks. One of the most significant is its weight and bulk. The twelve gauge shotgun is typically heavier and more cumbersome to carry and maneuver, especially during long days of stalking through dense underbrush. This can lead to fatigue, affecting your shooting abilities in the moment of truth.
Recoil is another consideration. The twelve gauge, due to its heavier loads and more powerful firing, produces significantly more recoil than its lighter counterparts. This can be a challenge for shooters who are sensitive to recoil, especially beginners or younger hunters. Excessive recoil can lead to flinching, poor shot placement, and reduced accuracy.
The cost of ammunition for the twelve gauge is often higher than that of the twenty gauge. Turkey loads, in particular, can be expensive, so frequent practice and ammunition purchases can strain the budget of a turkey hunter. This is a factor many turkey hunters need to think about before their next season.
Best Suited For
Given its attributes, the twelve gauge is a great choice for the seasoned turkey hunter. Its longer range and more powerful patterns are perfect for taking down a big tom at a longer range. Those who are experienced and comfortable with recoil, can handle the extra weight, and are often hunting in open spaces should make it a primary consideration.
The Twenty Gauge: The Nimble Alternative
The twenty gauge shotgun has emerged as a formidable option for turkey hunting, especially for hunters seeking a lighter, more maneuverable firearm. Its rise in popularity reflects a growing trend towards efficiency and comfort in the field.
The Advantages of the Twenty Gauge
The most compelling advantage of the twenty gauge is its lighter weight and improved maneuverability. This is particularly attractive for hunters who spend long hours trekking through challenging terrain. The reduced weight makes it easier to shoulder the gun quickly and effectively, and can greatly reduce fatigue, which translates into better shot placement.
Recoil is significantly reduced with the twenty gauge compared to the twelve gauge. This makes the twenty gauge a much better option for novice hunters, youth hunters, or hunters who may be sensitive to the effects of recoil. Less recoil promotes more comfortable shooting experiences and can improve accuracy by reducing flinching.
The twenty gauge shotguns themselves are often more affordable than their twelve gauge counterparts. This factor can be a significant draw for hunters who are on a budget, especially those just starting out in the sport. Purchasing a quality twenty gauge can provide years of turkey hunting enjoyment without breaking the bank.
The Disadvantages of the Twenty Gauge
One of the primary limitations of the twenty gauge is its shorter effective range. While it can certainly take down a turkey at reasonable distances, it may not deliver the same patterns and lethality as the twelve gauge at longer ranges.
The pattern density of the twenty gauge at longer distances tends to be less than that of the twelve gauge. This can potentially lead to a higher risk of wounding a bird without a clean kill.
The selection of ammunition, while growing, remains smaller for the twenty gauge compared to the twelve gauge. Hunters may have fewer choices in shot sizes, pellet types, and specialized loads.
Ideal Situations
The twenty gauge is an excellent selection for the hunter who favors lighter, easier-to-handle shotguns. It is great for those seeking to experience the thrill of turkey hunting. The lighter weight and reduced recoil make it an excellent choice for youth hunters or those sensitive to recoil. Moreover, the twenty gauge is quite effective at the more typical hunting ranges, especially in areas with dense brush or wooded environments, so do not count it out.
A Direct Comparison: Side-by-Side
When directly comparing the twelve gauge and the twenty gauge, several key differences emerge, each influencing a hunter’s choice.
Effective Ranges and Pattern Density
The twelve gauge will usually outperform the twenty gauge in terms of effective range. With optimal ammunition and choke combinations, the twelve gauge can deliver consistent, lethal patterns at distances exceeding forty yards. The twenty gauge will be more effective at shorter distances and will still harvest birds up to forty yards, but pattern density often diminishes more noticeably at longer ranges.
Recoil Considerations
As mentioned before, the twelve gauge has more recoil, while the twenty gauge has less. The lighter recoil of the twenty gauge reduces shooter fatigue and can lead to more accurate shots.
Ammunition Costs and Availability
Ammunition costs are often lower for the twenty gauge than for the twelve gauge. While the difference may be minimal, particularly for specialized turkey loads, those who enjoy frequent practice or who are just beginning, will want to consider the price of shells.
Gun Weight and Ease of Handling
The twelve gauge, being generally heavier than the twenty gauge, is less maneuverable and can lead to fatigue. The twenty gauge is easier to carry and handle, which is a significant benefit when maneuvering through varied terrain.
Shot Patterning: An Important Step
No matter the gauge, proper shot patterning is an essential practice. This involves firing the shotgun at a target at various distances to assess the pattern density and ensure the chosen load and choke combination delivers a reliable spread of pellets. This process will help you determine the effective range of your gun.
Choosing the Best Gauge For You
Selecting the right gauge is a personal decision, one that requires careful evaluation of individual needs and hunting conditions.
Assess Your Skill and Experience
Beginners and less experienced hunters will often find the lighter recoil and easier handling of the twenty gauge to be a better fit. Experienced hunters may prefer the power and longer range of the twelve gauge.
Consider the Hunting Environment and Anticipated Shooting Ranges
In open fields or when hunting in situations where longer shots are common, the twelve gauge might be the better choice. If hunting in dense forests or at closer ranges, the twenty gauge can be an excellent option.
Factor in Your Physical Build and Tolerance for Recoil
Smaller-framed individuals or those who are recoil-sensitive will likely find the twenty gauge to be more comfortable and manageable. Those who can readily handle recoil may prefer the power of the twelve gauge.
Contemplate the Game You are Hunting
While both are effective, the turkey’s size and the potential for long shots make the twelve gauge attractive. The twenty gauge has been proven on large turkey, it is a hunter’s decision as to how to choose.
Try Both Out
If possible, test shoot both gauges before making a final decision. This will help you assess the recoil, handling, and pattern performance firsthand.
Ammunition Matters: Important Considerations
The selection of ammunition is just as crucial as the choice of gauge.
Shot Size and Type
For turkey hunting, shot size is typically in the #4 to #6 range. The ideal choice depends on the range and the particular shotgun. Various shot types are available, including lead, copper-plated, and tungsten-based.
Choke Tube Selection
The choke tube is critical to pattern performance. Hunters should experiment with different choke tubes (e.g., full, modified, extra-full) to optimize the pattern density at their expected shooting distances.
Pellet Density and Performance
Higher pellet density usually translates into a denser pattern and improved lethality. Tungsten-based shotshells offer the highest pellet densities and excellent performance.
Safety and Ethical Considerations: A Must
Safe gun handling and ethical hunting practices are paramount.
Safe Gun Handling
Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Follow all safety guidelines, including keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and never pointing the gun at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Ethical Hunting Practices
Practice responsible shot placement to ensure a quick and humane harvest. Always consider the range, pattern, and the bird’s positioning to ensure a clean kill.
Conclusion
The debate between the twelve gauge and twenty gauge for turkey hunting is not about which is universally “better,” but about which is the better fit for your specific needs and hunting style. The twelve gauge offers the advantage of greater power, range, and shot capacity, which can be perfect for long shots. The twenty gauge, in contrast, provides lighter weight, less recoil, and greater maneuverability, making it ideal for hunters of various skill levels, or those hunting in tighter spaces. Ultimately, the best gauge is the one that allows you to shoot with confidence and success, providing you with a satisfying and ethical turkey hunting experience. Do your research, consider your personal preferences and hunting environment, and choose the shotgun that will help you be most successful on your turkey hunts.
