Introduction
Turkey hunting is quite a popular sport amongst hunters, especially during the spring season. While many hunters have their own preferential choice of shotgun while turkey hunting, one question that often arises is whether it’s possible to hunt turkeys with a 20 gauge shotgun? Let us explore this topic in detail.
What is a 20 Gauge?
Before we answer the primary question, let’s first understand what exactly a 20 gauge shotgun means. To put it simply – A 20-gauge shotgun is smaller than its counterpart, the 12-gauge shotgun. The “gauge” refers to how many lead balls of that diameter fit into one pound — so for a 12-gauge gun, it takes twelve lead balls with the same diameter as the gun barrel to equal one pound.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a 20 Gauge Shotgun for Turkey Hunting
While using a heavier caliber might seem like an obvious choice when it comes to turkey hunting; however, there are advantages and disadvantages to using a lighter weight firearm such as the 20 gauge. One significant advantage being reduced felt recoil which can be beneficial when shooting multiple rounds or for individuals who are sensitive shooters. However, on the downside – they lack range and knockdown power compared to larger calibers making them less effective at longer distances.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, there’s no simple yes or no answer when asked if you can use your trusty old twenty-gauge when targeting wild turkeys; ultimately depends on your personal preference and skill level as well as your understanding of its limitations in terms of range and power output. So long story short- Yes! You absolutely can take down some gobblers with quality ammunition from most major brands out there but just keep in mind that accuracy counts more than ever since you’ll be limited in your effective shooting range.
