Turkey Gun: Finding The Perfect Turkey Gun Is Possible

A turkey gun and the folklore about the search for these mythical “perfect” weapons for spring chases have lived forever. Is there such a thing as the ultimate turkey gun? Yes we believe there is, but when it comes to turkey hunting, you have to build turkey guns to your personal preferences.
Turkey guns and turkey chokes are half the issue at hand. So many hunters want to focus on the perfect turkey choke, but you have to have the gun, the turkey choke, the load, and the sight system to make it work in sync.
Turkey hunting guns are like turkey calling: it's a personal preference. How to find the best turkey gun is really up to what you want it to do.
In this turkey hunting video, Jason Cruise, producer of Mossberg's Rugged American Hunter, covers the full line of turkey guns from Mossberg. Then, he hones in on what he considers to be the ultimate turkey weapon. www.mossberg.com

[@johnmcmorris1170]

I sold my old Mossberg 835 and bought the new 835 Tactical Turkey. Pro's: adjustable stock, much lighter has a pistol grip. Con's: The safety is incredibly stiff. I had to put an aftermarket safety switch with a higher profile as the 835 came with a low profile cheap plastic safety switch that made it very hard to operate the overly stiff safety. Secondly and most disappointing was the Mossberg choke. I could not get it to pattern very well and had to replace it with an after market choke. After these improvements I have a very good turkey gun. Mossberg has a winner, they just need to finish the job. There is room for improvement. Not trying to knock Mossberg. Just relating my experience.

[@disco4535]

I really hope all you guys that had your dad and/or grandpa take you and teach you how to hunt realize how incredibly blessed you are to have that person in your life. I'm in my mid 20's trying to get into hunting, and I'm a complete noob with zero knowledge. There's a TON to learn. I grew up in a city with my Mom that hates guns, and a Dad that would never hunt

[@yourmomma2995]

sounds like you have a good mind set. good luck hunting!

[@michaelboyles9329]

Love Mossbergs! I have had a Mossberg in my hand turkey hunting since I started in 1994. Never had a better gun from old 835 in army camo to my 935 pistol grip now. Thx!

[@yourmomma2995]

835 overbored barrel reduces recoil? yea right, that was the harshest recoiling gun i have ever owned and i have owned A LOT.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Lol the 835s do kick something fierce. I love them though

[@BrockLowell]

The sight system was the most important part if your a turkey hunter. I bought my first MOSSBERG when I was 13 years old with my own money from working on a horse farm. 31 years ago my I killed my first turkey with a 835 with then the NEW 3 1/2 inch magnum. Great guns and you can’t beet the price point!!!!

[@adamrevels5646]

I’ve owned too many turkey guns of different manufacturers. 935, supernova, sbe2, t/c encore, 11-87 sps turkey and have killed birds with every one of them. Each had its own pros and cons. The only one that I found to be an absolute dream is the browning cynergy ultimate turkey. Yeah it’s stupid expensive and I had to sell 2 guns to afford it. It was worth it. I won’t go into all the reasons unless someone cares to hear it. I’m a hardcore turkey guy. There’s no form of entertainment I love more.

[@rob701TurkeyGuy]

Over under at 2k plus...... Hard Pass

[@surfdoc27]

XR, hard to beat and price is right too. Great review!

[@CptSmokeAlot]

Bought a 535 ats when I was around 18. Nearly 20 years ago. Its the best gun because its mine. Still have it.

[@foxnoodles2458]

Awesome and knowledgeable guy. Really enjoyed and learned a few things.

[@waregle82]

does this come in any other camo pattern?

[@wdtaut5650]

I agree with everything Jason says here. If I could afford the 930 Ultimate Turkey, I would get one. So far, I can't justify it because my 500 (yay! for the tang-mounted safety) even without LSA trigger, never lets me down.

[@clintcannon1902]

The auto loaders are nice, but my best mate has never been let down in 25 years by his old M500 (in factory woodland camo paint). It simply works. I'm a Remington 870 guy...but if it ever broke, a M500 or M835 would be my next avian lead applicator.

[@FirefighterChaplain]

I moved up from a Remington 870 to Mossberg and never looked back after 20+ successful years with my 835. Actually, i have not used my 870 when i went to my 835!

[@BilgePump]

Dat GUY; Can I buy yor 870?

[@joshuavanness6682]

I have a mossberg 500 and it’s junk. Doesn’t pattern, kicks like a mule. 2 different barrels, numerous chokes and just about every brand of ammunition. Great for busting clays and shoulders...that’s bout it.

[@nonjaninja4904]

I wish there was a tacticool 935 with an extended tube. 3.5" semi auto tactical would be sweet.

[@ronschreiber3635]

I have the 835 super gun one shot an done .Can you tell me where can I get this pistol grip camo stock like you show on this great video. thank you for your Time Sir .

[@timothymcvay7286]

What rifle system do you have

[@patrickarter8772]

I love all your content man. But when I buy a mossberg 930. The fore stock is loose. And mossberg doesn't do anything about. Sad I really wanted that gun and now I dont wanna go back

[@juliancordova8427]

He’s a very good spokesman, for a very great product. Making me question my 28 inch barrel Benelli nova for turkeys haha.

[@2ndamendment1776]

I dont know man. I like the idea of being able to reach out and touch birds a ways with my 28" Benelli Supernova. Lol

[@yourmomma2995]

@@2ndamendment1776 barrel length makes no difference on pattern, the choke does. its been proven time and time again, a 20" barrel will shoot the same pattern as a 30" barrel with the same choke. back in the old days when they used slow burning powder, barrel length made a difference in velocity but with modern powder its all burned in the first 14" of barrel.

[@kylesimmons2347]

your my guy in the hunting industry

[@chasebowyer1554]

Love mossberg shotguns it's the only way to go about it for all hunting I'm just a mossberg man

[@timothymcvay7286]

Is the 935 as good as the 930

[@timothymcvay7286]

Are these Turkey guns any good

[@finleyfarms626]

I’m looking for a 20Ga turkey gun with a 26” Be.

[@finleyfarms626]

Tell me something about my 9200 mossberg turkeys engraved on it

[@lawdawg02actual]

Hey Mossberg, you need better quality control and customer service. My 930 shoots well except some loads cause the bolt to not lock open on the last shot. 3” #8 field loads, works like a charm. 3” #5 Winchester XR turkey loads, bolt will not lock open. Called Mossberg and they’re answer was “Yeah, we’ve had that complaint before, just shoot a different round.” They basically said they round was too powerful for the gun. So Mossberg builds guns that are subpar and that they don’t stand behind. Mossberg’s lack of concern over quality control makes me wish I had bought something else.

[@Benelli-ex7oq]

I have a Mossberg 500 what kind of chokes does it take I like to get more chokes tubes for it👍👍👍

[@wdtaut5650]

Mossberg and other companies make choke tubes to fit the 500. Talk to other hunters. A good sports shop can help you. The tubes aren't cheap. They are well-engineered, precision tools that work under high stress. They make a difference. As a start, modified covers a lot of situations in my experience..

[@dennisclapp2302]

These guns shoot awesome , especially teamed up with a jellyhead choke tube & a red dot scope .... I have a 835 & a 935 & love what they do to turkeys at long ranges but the only complaint I have is on the 935 ... I've only had mine for 3 years & only use it to Turkey hunt with so it's not being shot alot but my issue is that for how much these guns cost they could put more into the gun where they would last instead of using cheap metal that wears out fast in the receiver ... When I close my action it will sound like a dry fire when I pull the trigger but if I close the action & then push forward on the action it will fire when I pull the trigger... I've already taken it to a gunsmith & he showed me the internal parts that was wore out & causing this gun to behave this way , he & myself couldn't believe how fast these parts wore down for the time frame I've had the gun but it's due to cheap metals ... I really wished they would fix this issue cause these guns are truly awesome for turkey hunting but for how much they cost & the use that I've got out of in it in 3 years is sad . I just bought another new gun but guys at Mossberg has let me down with this issue putting cheap parts in a expensive gun so you lost a sale this time cause I chose the Remington Versamax ... I truly hope you address your problems & stop putting cheap metal in them like they are being built in China

[@mattd8411]

Hey brother how did you get the remington versa max? How do you like it I been wanting one of them or the winchester sx4 turkey.

[@dennisclapp2302]

@@mattd8411 purchased it at my local gun store .. I love it .. I have the 12 gauge & it kicks like a 20.guage .. Shot all length of shells through it & no problems in cycling .. Buy one & you won't regret it .. Cycles as fast as you can pull the trigger .. Extremely happy with my Versamax .

[@mattd8411]

@@dennisclapp2302 awesome thanks man I love my 870 I was killing Long beards at 70 yards with federal tss 8 and 9 shot. I just wanted a semi auto man cant find nothing now lol. Which shells and choke do you use?

[@dennisclapp2302]

@@mattd8411 870's always have been really great guns .. On my Mossberg 835 , 935 & my versamax I have them all set up the same using a red dot scope & a jellyhead choke .. They all shoot 4,5& 6 shot awesome so they aren't too picky with the loads .. Would say best patterns though is with the 5 shot though .. I always use the double x Winchester rounds .. Been wanting to try the new rounds longbeard XR just for giggles 😆 but watching the videos I don't see where I need to spend money on higher priced shells when I'm already getting that performance out of cheapies lol.. Then I also use my Versamax dove hunting .. I bought the extra chokes .. Yeah , guns & ammo is getting really hard to find now .. Trust me brother , if you can find one , buy it & you'll never regret buying the versamax ... I've had 2 11-87's when I was growing up & those were awesome guns but when they brought out the versamax , it's like the cadillac of the 11-87's with all the bells & whistles..

[@mattd8411]

@@dennisclapp2302 awesome you sold me on it lol thanks man good luck 2021 turkey hunting.

[@JohnDoe-cx3gu]

I love my mossberg 500 20 gauge

[@mightyjoeyoung1390]

He never did mention that they ALL come standard drilled and tapped for optics. Remmys don't.

[@NewMexico1912]

I have both a 500 and an 835

[@Jjason601]

I just brought me a 835 this weekend 😎

[@jeffreyhall838]

Oh yes the Mossberg 835 is killer on both ends but an iconic turkey gun..I have owned at least 1/2 dozen of these since they came out in 1988 and Knight and Hale killed a pile of gobblers on their TV show with them.....Those were the "good ol days" 👍

[@guitars415]

My 930 Turkey did not come with a ported barrel??

[@craig5649]

The pistol grip guns are great but the top safety is a reach that requires you to move your hand off the grip. It would be way better with a cross bolt safety so that big movement doesn't spook the bird. The top safety is fine on the standard grip guns.

[@claycarter5915]

Would love to have them...but I dont. I taged out last spring (all 3 had 9inch plus beards) with a single shot new england firearms 12ga with a mod. Choke useing winchester double X 3inch 2ounce #6's. First bird at 22yrds had two shoot twice. 2nd at 15 yrds one shot kill. 3rd bird at about 20 yrds I had to shoot three times! The spring b4 I shot one at about 18yrds (same load a gun) he went down stone cold. When I got up and walked over....he got up and flew away. Looked all day and never found em. Got new guns (cz 612 and a cz bobwhite ..both 12ga's ) and new loads ( magnum blend) for this spring. Cant wait!

[@missourimongoose8858]

You need to talk mossberg into making there 570 accept chokes, I honestly can't say how disappointed I was when I found out they could

[@mr.mr.3301]

Oh it has a pistol grip. Watch out they will try to ban it soon.

[@jasonprice9823]

Still using mine. Glad I didn't succumb to fear mongering lol

[@37Sith]

I purchased the 535 Turkey thug with the pistol grip several seasons ago. Best shotgun for Turkey I've ever shot!

[@mikelbhardin7202]

37Sith how many turkey guns have you shot

[@DKG_Paintball]

Mossberg 930 with a 26" barrel , Carlson's .680, 3" 1 3/4oz LB 5s

[@jayman5628]

Dang shoulda got the 935. Sry pal.

[@DKG_Paintball]

@@jayman5628 I don’t need 3.5” plus the 930 cycles my trap loads @ 1145 and my 1oz rabbit loads with no issues.

[@jayman5628]

@@DKG_Paintball I'm jk I have a 3" 870 and folks always talking abt the 3.5. The only reason they created the 3.5 is for duck hunters when lead was banned. Plus for me the 3" throws better patterns than 3.5s.

[@DKG_Paintball]

@@jayman5628 got ya. Hard to tell over text sorry. I’m actually switching over to 20 gauge to a designated turkey gun.

[@joshuabennett7334]

I am a mossburg guy I love the tang safety especially as a left handed shooter it just seems intuitive. But the tang safety and a pistol grip doesn’t work well on a Turkey gun. You have to com off the grip to reach the safety. I run a 535 for my turkey gun and saw the tactical turkey gun at a shop was excited thinking I was going to have to give it a new home in my safe until I picked it up and reached for that tang and was disappointed. Needless to say I will stick with my 535

[@rangered2010]

I got a 930 JM Pro Tactical! Bam!

[@joshwoodley373]

Can you do the best shell for turkey?

[@elevatedobsession1243]

for the money long beard XR but overall Apex TSS #9

[@wdtaut5650]

They'll all work if you do it right, of course. Buy the Long Beards. Pattern them.

[@christianserpa9914]

nobody has the 930 in stock why

[@mikehancho1613]

Because it's the best

[@patrickacox]

Where can I find the tactical stock in Breakup Infinity for my Mossberg 535?

[@jacobjohnson4936]

its the same as a 500 stock

[@podgie08]

I love the pistol grip on my Mossberg Tactical Turkey but it really hinders my ability to easily/stealthily switch the safety off.

[@whiteyfisk9769]

Love my 500 tactical turkey, hated the tang safety with a pistol grip though. Just buy a Maverick 88 trigger group off of ebay and it drops right in. Easy as can be, and then you have a crossbolt safety which is easier to use on a pistol grip shotgun

[@podgie08]

@@whiteyfisk9769 that’s an awesome solution. Thank you!

[@whiteyfisk9769]

@@podgie08 you're welcome. It really made all the difference for me. My gun was also hitting very high, so I put a Battlelink MFT minimalist stock on it as well and can get down on the bead good and straight now versus the factory stock with the high cheek comb. Good luck this spring

[@JD-8-1971]

I killed my first turkey with a Mossberg 500, I went to a Mossberg 835 and it's taken many a turkey. In the next month I am buying a 935 with the pistol grip. I have a safe half full of Mossberg's and you can track my hunting history from the mid 80's just by the Mossberg's I own.

[@timothymcvay7286]

Never owned one are they good guns..good Turkey guns..thinking about the 930 and the sa-20 Turkey

[@sethpoorman4832]

I really want that Mossberg 935 too, this is my first year going turkey hunting and all I have is a Older Browning Citori O/U that I'm going to have to use, I hope it will work ok.....Maybe Next year Ill be able to afford the MB 935....

[@chiya2006]

So you missed to talk about 535 ats. Does that mean they’re junk of Mossberg for turkey hunting? I had a bad experience with that particular gun. Anyone else have that gun ?

[@brodenholley1299]

This is late I know but I do own that gun and personally I haven't had any fails with it maybe if it was clicking on trigger pull do you have the pump all the way up and if you do I'm not sure because mine runs and cycles perfectly

[@chiya2006]

HUNTING FISHING AND EVERYTHING ELSE holley mine the shot falls off on the ground without notice when cycling. I missed one Tom as I only had 2 shots in. I missed one 1st one, when tried to follow up, nothing happened. I thought I had miss fire until I found the shell one the ground . And that wasn’t 1st time . The most important, I used 2 more times thinking I had perfect shot, just to see the bird fly off like the wasn’t any metal in the shell. I ruined 3 good hunting days using that with turkey barrel that came with the combo. Since then I had to switch to my beretta semi. I only use my mossberg for deer after that .

[@misterbulger]

Would a turkey gun be any good for ducks or geese? I like that Mossberg 930!

[@UandWMan]

of course.. just put a modified choke in it or full for pass shooting

[@UandWMan]

i have the 935 pro waterfowl edition and it smokes turkeys just as easily as a duck or goose

[@jayman5628]

870

[@frogmanjack8790]

You want fast pump Winchester 1300

[@jaylenburnetteoutdoors3343]

I own a Mossberg 500 12 gauge and I have not killed a turkey with it yet but I have killed squirrels and birds with it no problem but I just got it this year

[@aaronyork6173]

Can you shoot buckshot out of this particular gun?

[@Reno19944]

Maverick 88

[@danielwagner6290]

The perfect turkey gun depends highly on : How much money you have ? How much money do you want to spend on a turkey gun ? Answer those 2 questions first than go out and look within that range. The perfect turkey gun for you, not anyone else.

[@danielwagner6290]

@Travis Thacker I must say though, calling Toms does work. Calling or no calling you can kill birds. I called in a Tom with all his hens with him and shot him. I guess he wanted more hens or to fight with my Jake. I had 3 hen and I Jake decoy setup. When he came in he never expressed any aggression toward the Jake, just strutting. I didn't give him much time to when. BOOM ! Another time I called 4 jakes in with decoys and shot 2 of them. All these turkeys came in really close. Great feedback, sounds like you have a lot of experience.

[@danielwagner6290]

@Travis Thacker I never hunted fall, just the spring. I only hunt public land. Calling is my greatest weapon. Maybe it's the calls I use or how I call or how little I call? Maybe it's how I properly judge the mood of the turkeys I hunt or sit in the right spot and choose the right setup? Maybe it's the time of year I choose? You must hunt highly pressured turkeys. Hard pressured turkeys like to avoid calling, unless it's at the right time with the right mood call. Not everyone likes to call. That's cool ! I'm with you on all the hype about TSS. Over rated and over priced for me. You can kill turkeys with almost any load within it's range. Everyone can hunt there turkeys any way they want within the rules, that's the beauty of free choice.

[@danielwagner6290]

@RidgeRunner Not true with every turkey. I got a 23 pound tom last spring by not calling and getting in his wheelhouse. I knew he was going to show up in that spot on that morning. Calling rhis bird or using decoys never worked. He was too smart. So, not always true.

[@njgrplr2007]

You missed number 5) The Trigger

[@khiemluong4591]

Good video, but a pretty biased evaluation in my opinion, since it's a review of Mossberg shotguns.. from Mossberg's own KZbin channel..

[@magnificentbastard2311]

Khiem Luong Thanks Captain Obvious....

[@BilgePump]

Well now they get to blow their own horn. They’re a good company so why not give them a listen.

[@danielwagner6290]

The ultimate turkey gun is a matter of opinion, feel and cash flow?

[@javarama]

Could it be that this fellow works for the company , the only company’s gun that is mentioned in this ADD? Your being advertised to. Is it bad gun? No But , question the source .

[@wdtaut5650]

Jason has never hid that he is associated with Mossberg. Their finances help him bring us top-quality information, first-rate turkey hunting info. Thanks Mossberg. I have no affiliation with Mossberg except as a customer.

[@kyleroman6111]

I think the legendary turkey gun or what ever he called the 500 should be the 870. I also would bet the 870 has killed more turkeys than the 500. He said the 500 has probably killed more turkeys than any other gun.

[@BilgePump]

Mossberg 500: The safety is right where Jesus H. Christ said it should be..nuff said. Case closed.

[@thestonehousefarm1942]

The safety was not quite

[@Macdaddy22713]

I like Remington shotguns

[@hollimanflooringinc]

heaviest most bulky guns made. ..they shot good but are very bulky

[@jackeyster5885]

I personally like my CZ 612 better than my Mossberg. It has a 35" ported barrel, a Xfull choke, and is beautiful with a gold plated trigger, stainless steel bolt group, and dark cherry furniture. I shot a bird this spring at 61 yards.

[@SteveZ-yd6em]

I’d say anything if they gave me free guns every year! Listen I use a Beneli super black eagle 2. That is the best shot gun on earth! Period!

[@jimmykipper3985]

3 out of the 5 five guys that have sbe's at my club had crooked barrels that had to be replaced out of the box.

[@missourimongoose8858]

I just inherited one of these and I honestly can't believe how light it is