The Sub-Gauge Turkey Hunting Shotgun: Small and Effective

Turkey hunting requires precision, patience, and the right gear. For many hunters, sub-gauge shotguns provide a lighter and more manageable alternative to traditional 12-gauge shotguns. These smaller shotguns are perfect for youth hunters, hunters with smaller frames, or those hunting vast tracts of public land, where weight management and fatigue can be a concern. If you're considering using a sub-gauge for your next turkey hunting shotgun, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. 

What is Considered a Sub-Gauge Shotgun?

Before diving into why and how you can use a sub-gauge turkey hunting shotgun, it’s important to understand what exactly qualifies as a sub-gauge shotgun.

A sub-gauge shotgun refers to any shotgun that uses a smaller gauge than the standard 12-gauge. Common sub-gauges include the 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410-bore. These shotguns use smaller shells that are lighter and produce less recoil compared to a traditional 12-gauge.

In shotguns, the term “gauge” refers to the internal diameter of the barrel. The smaller the number, the larger the gauge number. A 12-gauge shotgun has a larger barrel diameter compared to a 20-gauge or .410-bore, meaning 12-gauge shotshells can hold more pellets and be loaded heavier than smaller gauges. Sub-gauges are smaller, which means they’re lighter, easier to handle, and typically offer less recoil due to a lower amount of powder in their smaller shotshells.

Sub-gauge shotguns are gaining popularity among hunters looking for a lighter and more versatile option, particularly for turkey hunting. A 20-gauge, for instance, is an ideal choice for hunters who need a shotgun that balances effective terminal performance and weight. The .410-bore, while less powerful, is increasingly being used for turkey hunting due to its light recoil and improved ammunition options such as Tungsten Super Shot (TSS).

Advantages of Hunting with Sub-Gauge Shotguns

Sub-gauge turkey hunting shotguns have several advantages, particularly for hunters who employ a run-and-gun strategy, are recoil averse, or are just looking to carry something lighter than a traditional 12-gauge. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hunter, these shotguns can provide some distinct benefits.

• Reduced Recoil: One of the biggest reasons hunters choose sub-gauge shotguns is the significantly reduced recoil compared to a 12-gauge shotgun. The lower recoil makes it easier to maintain control of your gun, improve follow-up shots, and reduce flinching, especially for younger or less experienced hunters. This is particularly beneficial for turkey hunting, where accurate shots are necessary and quick follow-up shots may be needed. 
  
  

• Lighter Weight: Sub-gauge shotguns are generally much lighter than their larger counterparts. This makes them ideal for hunters who need to carry their gun for long distances, such as when hunting on large pieces of public land. The reduced weight helps reduce fatigue and makes the gun easier to maneuver, which is useful when moving through dense brush or rough terrain. 
  
  

• Perfect for Youth and Beginners: Sub-gauge shotguns are great for youth hunters or beginners, as they allow them to focus on their shooting skills without the intimidation of heavy recoil. A 20-gauge or .410-bore is perfect for younger hunters to perfect their shooting mechanics and learn how to turkey hunt, without being scared off by the prospect of shooting a hard-hitting 12-guage. 
  
  

• More Forgiving on Smaller Frames: The lighter weight and lower recoil of sub-gauge shotguns make them perfect for hunters with smaller frames or less upper body strength. They can carry the shotgun without feeling overburdened, making their hunting experience much more enjoyable and help keep them in field longer.

Popular Ammunition Types for Sub-Gauge Shotguns

Choosing the right ammunition is crucial when using a sub-gauge turkey hunting shotgun. While sub-gauge shotguns offer lighter recoil, they come with a trade-off in reduced power due to smaller pellets and less powder. By choosing the correct ammunition, you can ensure your shotgun still has the knockdown power required to cleanly and ethically harvest a turkey. 

• Lead Ammunition: Traditional lead ammunition can be effective in some sub-gauge turkey hunting shotguns, depending on the situation. It is most effective in 20-gauge shotguns, which can still provide plenty of knockdown power comparable to a 12-gauge shotgun within 30 to 35 yards. Lead ammunition for 20-gauge shotguns is widely available, and affordable, with several companies making specialized turkey hunting loads including Federal, Remington, Winchester, and several others. Typical pellet sizes include #4, #5, and #6 shot. For sub-gauge shotguns like 28 gauge and .410 bore, lead ammunition will not be very effective for turkeys beyond 15-20 yards due to small pellet sizes traveling at lower velocities. 

• Tungsten Super Shot (TSS): TSS is arguably the biggest reason that sub-gauge turkey hunting shotguns have rapidly increased in popularity within the last five to ten years. TSS has two major benefits. First, it is made primarily of tungsten, which is much denser and much heavier than lead. This means that a TSS pellet will have much greater energy downrange than the same-sized lead pellet. This has made sub-gauge shotguns like 28-gauge and .410 bore much more effective for turkey hunting, as they often utilize smaller pellet sizes like #7, #8, and #9 shot in their shotshells to provide a wide enough pattern for effective hunting. With TSS, these smaller pellets have enough energy to ethically harvest turkeys at ranges of up to 40+ yards. TSS is also non-toxic, so it can be used on essentially any state or federal public hunting area. While TSS is becoming more widely available, it is still much more expensive than lead ammunition and loaded by only a handful of companies.

Accessories to Put on Sub-Gauge Shotguns for Turkey Hunting

When selecting your sub-gauge turkey hunting shotgun, several accessories can help maximize your performance and ensure a successful hunt.

• Turkey-Specific Chokes: One of the most important accessories for a sub-gauge turkey hunting shotgun is a turkey choke. A turkey choke is a specialized choke tube designed to produce a tight shot pattern, ensuring a dense, controlled spread that maximizes your chances of hitting a turkey’s vital, yet small, head and neck area. With sub-gauge shotguns, a high-quality turkey choke is especially important, as it helps to concentrate smaller shot sizes and helps increase the maximum range and pattern density of your shotgun.
  
  

• Optics: Adding a red dot sight or low-power scope can greatly improve your accuracy. A red dot sight gives you a clearer sight picture, making it easier to quickly acquire your target and take a clean, ethical shot. This can be especially helpful if you’re hunting in thicker cover where a turkey may quickly pop up, requiring you to get on target fast. The Savage 220 Turkey and Model 301 Turkey XP both offer a rail for mounting your favorite optic. 
  
  

• Recoil Pads: While sub-gauge shotguns generally have less recoil than a 12-gauge, adding a recoil pad to the stock can help improve comfort when shouldering and shooting the shotgun. Recoil pads can also help stabilize the gun and reduce felt recoil further, which is beneficial for accuracy and reducing flinch. The 220 Turkey uses a thick recoil pad, making it a very comfortable option to use in the turkey woods.
  
  

• Sling: A sling is an essential accessory for hunters who need to carry their shotgun long distances. A padded sling will make carrying your sub-gauge shotgun more comfortable and free up your hands for other tasks like calling, glassing, or setting up decoys.
  
  

• Ammo Storage: A compact ammo carrier or vest can help you keep your ammunition organized and within easy reach. Turkey hunters often need to make quick adjustments on the fly, and having your ammunition ready to go can make a big difference during the hunt.

Savage Sub-Gauge Turkey Hunting Shotgun Options

There are several options to choose from for a sub-gauge turkey hunting shotgun from Savage. Here are a few of our most popular choices and some of the key features that make them perfect for turkey hunting!

220 Turkey

The 220 Turkey is a bolt action 20-gauge that is practical, adjustable, and accurate! It is built off the bolt action 110 platform, with Savage’s AccuTrigger, AccuFit, and AccuStock performance innovations to make it incredibly comfortable and accurate to shoot. It has a 3” chamber for using a variety of 20-gauge turkey loads and is perfect for both youth and adult turkey hunters.

301 Turkey XP

The 301 Turkey XP is a single-shot, break-action shotgun that is chambered in both 20-gauge and .410 bore. It’s a reliable, affordable option that is simple to use and perfect for introducing new turkey hunters to the sport. It has also found a niche as a lightweight and heavy-hitting option for run-and-gun hunters looking for a simple and easy-to-use sub-gauge turkey hunting shotgun. Plus, it comes equipped with a red dot sight from the factory, so you’re ready to hunt right away!

320 Turkey Thumbhole

The 320 Turkey Thumbhole is a pump-action shotgun that’s affordable and easy to operate. It is available in 20-gauge, and perfect for anyone looking for a solid, ergonomic turkey hunting shotgun to take to the field. It comes equipped with fiber optic front and rear sights that are ideal for early morning conditions in low light. 

Sub-gauge shotguns are an excellent option for turkey hunters who value a lighter, more manageable firearm with less recoil. Whether you're a youth hunter, a hunter on public land, or simply someone who prefers a lighter shotgun, sub-gauge shotguns all offer unique advantages for turkey hunting. By selecting the right ammunition, utilizing the right accessories, and understanding the capabilities of your sub-gauge shotgun, you can successfully hunt turkeys with the precision, effectiveness, and comfort you need.