New and different
This year will not go down as the "year of new models" for turkey shotguns, but there are some improvements to existing models that offer the turkey hunter new options. And there is a new shotgun scope available with a reticle designed specifically for turkey hunting. — J. Wayne Fears
Mossberg 835 Ulti-Mag with Mathews Harmonic Damper System |
Mossberg's new Recoil Reduction System
Mossberg has introduced two 12-gauge turkey shotguns — the 835 ULTI-Mag Turkey and 535 ATS Turkey — that incorporate the Mathews Harmonic Damper System paired with a thermoplastic elastomer recoil pad, which together reduce felt recoil up to 20 percent.
Established in archery and bowhunting, the Mathews Harmonic Damper incorporates counter-phase technology to interrupt the recoil wave as it passes through the shotgun stock. Weights floating in the internal elastomer wheel absorb recoil vibration, providing added recoil reduction.
The damper system is housed in an exclusive Mossberg stock with interchangeable low and high profile combs. The Mossberg 835 ULTI-Mag Turkey featuring Mathews Harmonic Damper technology sells for around $630, and the Mossberg 535 ATS Turkey goes for around $547.
Remington Versa Max Sportman Turkey |
Remington's Versa Max Sportsman Turkey
When Remington introduced the 12-gauge autoloader Versa Max, it received a lot of attention due to its cycling light 2¾-inch loads to heavy 3½-inch loads with no problems. It contained fewer parts and a self-cleaning gas system, which makes cleaning the gun quick and easy. It reduces recoil, making it easier to spend an afternoon on the pattern board range testing turkey loads.
The new Remington Versa Max Sportsman Turkey is designed for the field. It features a mil-spec anodized aluminum receiver for overall weight reduction and rust resistance; a synthetic stock featuring a SuperCell recoil pad; 4140 hammer-forged steel barrel with a ventilated rib stepped, tapered and undercut for consistent sighting; drilled and tapped receiver for mounting optics; sling studs; oversized cross-bolt safety; Turkey TXF extended choke tube; TRUGLO Fiber Optic rifle sights; Mossy Oak Obsession Camo; and a 3 plus 1 shell capacity for 2¾- and 3-inch shells and 2 plus 1 for 3½-inch shells. The shotgun features a 22-inch barrel, weighs 7½ pounds and sells for about $1,175.
Benelli's new compact version of the M2 in 12 and 20 gauges
M2 Benelli Compact 12- and 20-gauge shotgun |
Benelli offers the well-known autoloading M2 shotgun in 12-gauge and 20-gauge compact versions designed for young hunters and small-framed shooters.
The new M2 Compact features a short stock complete with ComforTech and a gel butt pad ergonomically designed to fit the shoulder. The M2 Compact also comes with a set of shims for adjusting the buttstock's drop and cast. Benelli's M2 Compact 12-gauge comes in a 26-inch barrel and the 20-gauge model comes with a 24-inch barrel.
The main feature of a compact gun, which determines its proper fit for a shooter, is a shorter buttstock, providing a shorter length-of-pull, enabling small shooters to enjoy and participate in all types of shooting sports, from hunting to clay target games. When the time is appropriate, a full-size buttstock can be fitted to the M2 Compact.
The new compact version of the M2 features has a black synthetic stock and sells for about $1,359.
Winchester's Fast Super X Pump Turkey Hunter
Winchester Super X Pump Turkey Hunter |
One of the fastest working 3½-inch 12-gauge pump guns is the new Winchester Super X Pump Turkey Hunter. This fast-shooting pump has an inertia-assisted slide action and, according to Winchester, it can deliver three shots in a half-second.
Other features include TRUGLO Fiber Optic sights, a drop-out trigger group for easy cleaning, Inflex Technology recoil pad, synthetic stock with textured gripping surfaces, Mossy Oak Break-up Infinity finish, 24-inch barrel and a weight of only 6 pounds, 10 ounces. The pump sells for about $520.
Weaver's new turkey scope
Weaver's new KASPA 1-4 x 24mm Turkey Scope features the revolutionary Vertical Zone Turkey reticle. The VZT reticle's straight-sided slot shape is designed to naturally settle the center crosshair on the critical point in the middle of a turkey's neck.
The two oval slots are designed to provide references for 20 and 40 yards at maximum magnification. At close range, the top of the turkey's head and the base of its neck fit inside the larger outer slot. At longer distances, the top of the turkey's head and base of its neck fit inside the smaller inner slot. In either case, the center crosshair will sit on the center of the neck for precise shot placement.
The scope features a 30 mm tube, Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage, multi-coated lenses and a compact design that suits low shotgun lines. It sells for about $260.
Weaver KASPA 1-4X24mm Turkey shotgun scope
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Benelli
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Remington
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www.weaveroptics.com
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www.winchesterguns.com