We could earn income from the merchandise obtainable on this web page and take part in affiliate applications. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n The 12 gauge is the king of the turkey woods, and possibly at all times can be. But the little .410 bore appears to be gaining extra traction season after season. This is basically due to the recognition of TSS turkey masses, which make the .410 deadlier than ever. But I believe it\u2019s additionally attributable to the truth that there at the moment are some nice weapons being supplied in .410 with 3-inch chambers. These days, one of the best .410 turkey weapons include rails for mounting optics, prolonged turkey chokes, they usually shoot spectacular patterns. Plus, extra states are legalizing .410s for turkey looking (simply be sure that your state is one in every of them earlier than making the sub-gauge leap).<\/p>\n For turkey hunters trying to get in on the .410 motion, I gathered seven of one of the best .410 turkey weapons\u2014together with pumps, semi-autos, and break actions\u2014and shot them face to face.<\/p>\n Pumps<\/strong><\/p>\n Semi-Autos<\/strong><\/p>\n Break Actions<\/strong><\/p>\n For this evaluate I chosen .410s which might be marketed particularly as turkey looking weapons, but in addition a couple of do-it-all discipline fashions. I inspected every gun for high quality of match and end, plus normal performance. Then I took them to the vary. The patterning customary for turkey weapons is to shoot at 40 yards and measure the variety of pellet strikes inside a circle that has a 10-inch diameter. So, that\u2019s precisely what I did. I patterned every gun with Apex Ninja 3-inch, \u215e ounce, No. 9.5s and Boss Tom 13\/16 ounce No. 9s. For every gun, I shot two patterns per load after which averaged all 4 patterns. For the weapons that got here with a rail I hooked up a purple dot sight<\/a> earlier than patterning.\u00a0<\/p>\n I shot from the sitting place over capturing sticks, on a cold March day (temps within the excessive 20s) with mild wind. When the capturing was full, I measured the world with the densest variety of pellet strikes nearest the purpose level, drawing a 10-inch circle round that space. Patterns with 100 or extra pellets contained in the 10-inch circle are wonderful. Patterns with 80 to 90 hits are strong. Patterns with fewer than 80 hits within the circle go away gaps between the pellets, and make wounding a turkey extra doubtless. So, you\u2019d need to shoot at a better distance throughout a hunt with a purpose to tighten up that sample. I additionally took notes on weapons that persistently patterned astray.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve hunted turkeys on personal and public lands everywhere in the continent and often tag 4 to 6 gobblers a season. Through the years, I\u2019ve refined my tastes in turkey weapons. Besides throwing a decent, constant sample, it\u2019s most essential for a turkey gun to deal with and level properly. It needs to be simple to hold by way of the woods and it ought to purpose naturally once you\u2019re sitting along with your again to a tree. You ought to be capable to regular the gun and purpose exactly for longer pictures but in addition be capable to throw the gun up rapidly and fireplace offhand at a longbeard that\u2019s scurrying for canopy. Functionality must be easy and dependable. You ought to be capable to load it at nighttime, quietly, with out problem. You ought to be capable to click on off the protection or cock the hammer with imperceptible motion. A camo end is sweet however not essential, as long as the gun doesn\u2019t shimmer within the solar.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n There are a couple of good explanation why Mossberg shotguns are a favourite amongst turkey hunters: they’re dependable, inexpensive, they usually throw killer patterns. The .410 Turkey model of the M500 is not any exception. It produced one of the best patterns of the check, placing an unbelievable 156 Apex pellets on track from 40 yards. For reference, that\u2019s a denser sample than 12 gauge shotguns produced with some masses throughout our analysis of the greatest turkey masses<\/a>. With its prolonged extra-full choke, the Mossberg additionally shot Boss masses properly in addition to a bunch of the opposite greatest .410 turkey masses<\/a>. It favored all the pieces I fed it.\u00a0<\/p>\n This is an easy pump shotgun with a couple of good options: Mossy Oak Bottomland end, swivel studs for a sling, and conventional Mossberg tang-mounted security. The coolest characteristic on the brand new model of this gun is a small cutout within the receiver that permits you to mount a purple dot sight with a Shield RMSc footprint on to the gun (no rail wanted). This permits you to preserve the sight low on the gun, which promotes a strong cheek weld and creates a glossy profile for the rig. The Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey<\/a> provides the identical characteristic and I\u2019ve hunted with it extensively. It\u2019s a easy, ingenious design.<\/p>\n The solely factor I might ding this gun for is its creepy set off. Even on the planet of turkey weapons, the place precision is extra of a luxurious than a requirement, there\u2019s a noticeable quantity of slop on this set off. With that stated, it\u2019s a lightweight set off for a shotgun at 3 kilos, 6 ounces, so so long as you press as an alternative of yankee, you\u2019ll haven’t any drawback killing toms close to and much. Despite the set off, that is arms down one of the best .410 turkey gun I\u2019ve shot.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Next<\/strong>: Best .410 Turkey Loads<\/a><\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n The Stevens 301 Turkey simply is likely to be the only best deal in all of turkey looking. For about 200 bucks you get a useful little shotgun that shoots wonderful patterns from a wide range of masses. Cabela\u2019s provides the gun and purple dot combo for $240. So you possibly can realistically have a gun, optic, and a number of other season\u2019s price of TSS ammo for $350. That\u2019s an unbelievable discount.\u00a0<\/p>\n I undoubtedly recommend mounting a purple dot on the 301. In truth I might improve a budget sight it comes with to a superior purple dot sight for turkey looking<\/a> (just like the Bushnell RXS). A gun that\u2019s able to top-end efficiency deserves a high quality optic. The lightness of the gun together with its slender profile make aiming at distance a bit tougher. Somewhat surprisingly, the shotgun has a really good set off, which broke at simply over 3 kilos with minimal creep.<\/p>\n This is just not a flowery gun and it doesn’t have pristine match and end. For instance, the lever that opens the motion rattles once you convey the shotgun to your shoulder. All infants are purported to be cute, however the one honest description of this gun is homely. That stated, it capabilities reliably and shoots excellent patterns, and that’s all that we are able to moderately ask of a $200 gun.\u00a0<\/p>\n With its mild weight, shorter size of pull, and guide security, this is a perfect shotgun for a child to start out turkey looking with. But as a result of it persistently shoots such phenomenal patterns, it\u2019s additionally a professional .410 choice for diehard turkey hunters, no matter their age.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n This is one of the best .410 turkey gun that\u2019s not truly a turkey gun. This Turkish-made (Huglu) over\/beneath has mounted, improved (backside barrel) and modified (high barrel) chokes. So I used to be slightly inquisitive about how the gun would sample in opposition to designated turkey shotguns with full chokes. Turns out the Drake handed with flying colours.\u00a0<\/p>\n With its modified choked barrel, the shotgun averaged 91 hits contained in the 10-inch circle at 40 yards. With its improved choked barrel, it averaged 73 hits on track. An over\/beneath is helpful for turkey looking as a result of it permits you to choose what sort of sample you need to shoot for a given situation. If a gobbler comes charging in at shut vary, you may shoot him along with your extra open choke and wider sample, which on this case can be the underside barrel with IC choke. The extra open sample will aid you keep away from lacking a close-range fowl with a super-tight unfold. But if a tom hangs up at 40 yards, you should use the barrel selector to swap over to the modified choke, and shoot him with a tighter sample. The barrel selector on the tang security is straightforward to govern. However, you\u2019ll need to memorize which place correlates with which barrel, so that you\u2019re not making an attempt to decipher the dot sample on the selector throughout the warmth of the second. (Think: push to the precise, sample is tight<\/em>).\u00a0<\/p>\n If you wished to save cash on ammo, you possibly can load your shut vary barrel with cheaper lead masses and save the TSS in your longer vary barrel. I\u2019m assured this can be a 40-yard turkey slayer with Apex masses. (It put 119 Apex pellets on track with the modified high barrel.)<\/p>\n The Drake is a pleasant and easy discipline gun. The options are primary, together with: tang security, extractors (no ejectors), Turkish walnut inventory with laser checkering, and gloss black chrome end on the barrels and receiver. The gun involves the shoulder properly and factors properly, too. It\u2019d be a enjoyable gun to hold by way of the woods for rabbits, squirrels, and woodcock.\u00a0<\/p>\n Because it\u2019s not actually a turkey gun, it doesn\u2019t have swivel studs for a sling or a drilled and tapped receiver for an optic. But if you would like an inexpensive, do-it-all .410 to hold with you within the fall and spring, the CZ Drake is a good choice.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n This is one of the best made gun within the check. The metal-to-wood match is tight, the American walnut inventory is good-looking, the set off is crisp and light-weight, the hammer clicks again positively, and the general look of the gun is, properly, traditional. It\u2019s constructed right here at residence, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Henry performs nearly as properly because it appears to be like. It shot strong patterns with each masses, one of the best being 115 hits of Apex No. 9.5s. I\u2019m assured this can be a 40-yard gun. The shotgun has no security apart from the hammer, which isn\u2019t a criticism, however it’s one thing to contemplate when you\u2019re looking for a child\u2019s first turkey gun. It comes drilled and tapped for a rail so you may simply mount a purple dot sight for a finer aiming level.<\/p>\n To optimize this shotgun\u2019s sample density, Carlson\u2019s makes an prolonged .410 TSS Turkey choke<\/a> particularly for this Henry. The choke prices $43, and given the comparatively inexpensive worth of the gun, it\u2019s most likely well worth the funding. The solely factor I can ding the Henry on is that I want it had swivel studs for a sling\u2014turkey hunters typically want two free arms to run calls, carry decoys, or glass with binos.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Even in .410 bore, the Browning BPS is a hefty gun. At 7 kilos, 7 ounces, this .410 weighs greater than my 12 gauge Benelli SBE3 with a 28-inch barrel. But when you don\u2019t thoughts the load, the BPS continues to be a tremendous alternative. Its bottom-eject motion runs slicker than another pump in the marketplace immediately (at the least in my humble opinion).\u00a0<\/p>\n With a flush full choke, the BPS shot tight patterns with each masses and recorded the second tightest patterns within the check with Apex (behind solely the Mossberg 500). On the draw back, the gun patterned fairly excessive with nearly one hundred pc of pellets putting above the purpose of purpose. As you may see within the photograph under, the core of the sample was a few foot larger than my aimpoint. <\/p>\n This is comparatively widespread amongst fowl looking weapons (Benellis, for instance, usually sample excessive). But for a turkey looking gun that is problematic, as a result of there\u2019s a great likelihood you\u2019ll shoot proper over the gobbler\u2019s head. This model of the BPS doesn’t come drilled and tapped for a rail. So if I used to be going to make use of this model of the BPS for my turkey gun, I\u2019d spend money on a mount that attaches to the rib<\/a> and run a purple dot sight to make sure the core of my sample lands on track.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a killer trying Turkish-made gun (Armsan) that comes with all of the options I\u2019d need in a semi-auto turkey gun: rail for an optic, prolonged turkey choke, pistol grip, and artificial camo inventory. I solely want the gun patterned higher. It did properly with Apex masses however didn\u2019t just like the Boss masses. I additionally shot this gun in my evaluate of the greatest .410 turkey ammo<\/a> and it lagged behind the Stevens and Mossberg when it comes to sample density there as properly.\u00a0<\/p>\n That stated, when you\u2019re capable of get your arms on Apex or Hevi Shot TSS masses (it favored each) you possibly can actually kill gobblers at 40 yards with this shotgun. The Tristar\u2019s Viper sequence is seeing a brand new G3 line this 12 months, however to date the turkey iterations are nonetheless solely obtainable within the G2 line.\u00a0<\/p>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Key Features<\/strong><\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Like the Tristar Viper, Mossberg\u2019s SA-410 is imported from Turkey and made by Armsan. And just like the Mossberg 500, the SA-410 has a candy Bottomland camo end. Unfortunately, the SA didn\u2019t sample practically in addition to the five hundred. The SA did put one nice sample on paper with 115 hits from the Apex load. But total, its common of 75.5 was the bottom of the check. Perhaps the choke this shotgun makes use of, which is totally different from the one on the Mossberg 500 Turkey that patterned so properly, accounts for its degraded efficiency.<\/p>\n On the upside, that is an especially mild recoiling shotgun. Mossberg\u2019s gasoline system appeared to soak up the blast of turkey masses higher than any of the opposite weapons within the check. Relatively talking, .410 turkey weapons are mild recoiling, due to the smaller payloads they shoot, particularly when in comparison with the enamel rattling blast of a 12-gauge 2-ounce load. But for a brand-new shooter or hunter who’s delicate to recoil, it\u2019s secure to say that much less kick is healthier. You\u2019ll be exhausting pressed to discover a softer capturing turkey gun than this one. The ghost ring rear sight hooked up to the rib is a pleasant contact, however the receiver can be drilled and tapped for mounting a purple dot sight.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re decided to shoot a semi-auto sub-gauge for turkeys, it\u2019s price testing Mossberg\u2019s new SA-28 Tactical Turkey (in 28-gauge, after all). It\u2019s additionally a gas-operated gun, and it has a couple of extra options than the .410 model.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re choosing out a turkey gun for a child, I\u2019d go together with the Stevens 301 Turkey. It weighs 5 kilos, has a LOP of 13.75 inches, and is appropriate with a purple dot. If your child is on the small facet, you possibly can additionally go together with Mossberg\u2019s 510 Mini Super Bantam<\/a>. This is a M500 with a 1-inch inventory spacer so you may regulate LOP from 10.5 inches to 11.5 inches.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n First it’s best to resolve if you wish to go together with an open emitter or closed emitter. Open emitter sights use a single lens which is protected beneath a hood. Open emitter sights have a smaller profile and weigh much less, however they are typically rather less sturdy. Good choices for turkey looking embrace Swamp Fox Sentinel<\/a>, Trijicon SRO<\/a>, and Bushnell RXS 250<\/a>.<\/p>\n Closed emitter sights use two lenses and are usually designed with a tube-style physique. Closed emitter sights are constructed to be sturdy they usually\u2019re more practical in inclement climate, however they are typically slightly bulkier and sit larger above the gun. Good choices for turkey looking embrace: Leupold Freedom RDS, Trijicon MRO, and Holosun EPS Carry. Check out our evaluate of the greatest purple dots for turkey looking<\/a> right here.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Your most vary is the space at which you’ll be able to persistently put 80 to 100 pellets inside a 10-inch circle (and centered on track). The greatest .410 turkey weapons on this evaluate will accomplish this mission at 40 yards when paired with the precise load. With that stated, I don\u2019t advocate capturing turkeys past 40 yards with a .410, even when you’ll be able to get your gun to sample properly past that vary. Is it potential to kill a turkey past 40 yards with a .410? Absolutely. But simply because you are able to do one thing doesn\u2019t imply that it’s best to. With a a lot smaller payload in a .410 turkey shell, you will have a slimmer margin for error than with a 12-gauge turkey load, particularly at longer ranges.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you select to hunt with a .410, you might be deliberately limiting your vary. Turkey looking at its highest is a close-range sport and devoted .410 shooters know this. If you need to kill turkeys at farther distances, go together with a much bigger gun and heavier payload.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n There\u2019s slightly one thing for everybody on this discipline of .410 turkey weapons. For optimum patterns at 40 yards from a wide range of masses, go together with the Mossberg 500 Turkey. If you need that first turkey gun in your child\u2014or are a sucker for a screaming deal\u2014the Stevens 301 can\u2019t be beat. Traditionalists will love the Henry, CZ, and Browning shotguns. Semi-auto followers will benefit from the tender capturing of the Mossberg SA-410 and Tristar Viper G2. But irrespective of which gun you go together with, be sure that to seek out the optimum TSS load for it and sample your setup earlier than the season. The incontrovertible fact that you need to shoot costly TSS masses (starting from $6 to $10 per shell) is one draw back of selecting the .410 as your turkey gun. But that\u2019s the value you need to pay with a purpose to get optimum efficiency out of this sub-gauge. The little .410-bore could be surprisingly lethal within the turkey woods, however it requires an ideal sample and good capturing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n Published Mar 24, 2023 3:45 PM
\n <\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\nHow I Tested the Best .410 Turkey Guns<\/h2>\n
What I Look for in a .410 Turkey Gun<\/h3>\n
Best .410 Turkey Shotguns: Reviews and Recommendations <\/h2>\n
Best Overall: Mossberg 500 Turkey<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
Best Value: Stevens 301 Turkey<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
CZ Drake<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
Henry Single Shot Shotgun<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
Browning BPS Field<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
Tristar Viper G2<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
Mossberg SA-410<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n <\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s one of the best youth .410 turkey gun?\u00a0<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s one of the best purple dot for a .410 turkey gun?<\/h3>\n
How far are you able to shoot turkeys with a .410?<\/h3>\n
Final Thoughts on the Best .410 Turkey Guns<\/h2>\n
![\"the](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/mossberg500.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")
![\"stevens301\"\/](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/stevens301.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")
![\"drake\"\/](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/drake-1.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")
![\"Henrysingleshot\"\/](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/Henrysingleshot.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")
![\"BPS\"\/](\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/BPS.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")
![\"tristarviperg2\"\/](\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/tristarviperg2.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")
![\"sa410\"\/](\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/www.outdoorlife.com\/uploads\/2023\/03\/24\/sa410.jpg?auto=webp&width=800&crop=16%3A10%2Coffset-x50&ssl=1\")