What Is the Best Turkey Hunting Rifle: (2023 Top Picks)

Are you searching for the best turkey hunting rifle? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This blog post will provide an overview of some of the top-rated rifles in 2023 and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether it’s your first or fifteenth time in the field chasing wild turkeys,

we’ll help you select a gun that fits your preferences while still providing accuracy and dependability when facing these elusive birds. We’ll look at price points, size options, design specs, ammo compatibility, and more to help determine which rifle is best suited for your needs.

If you’re one of those hunters, you may wonder what turkey hunting rifle is perfect for this mission.

So if you’re ready to join in on one of America’s favorite past-times – let’s hop into our journey of finding that perfect gobbler-getter!

Can I Use a Rifle for Turkey Hunting? 

Can I Turkey Hunt with a Rifle? The answer is yes; you can use a rifle for turkey hunting in many states.

However, there are some caveats. For example, some states only allow shotguns for turkey hunting. So, check your state’s regulations before heading out on your hunt.

In addition, it’s important to choose the right turkey hunting rifle. A good rule of thumb is to choose a caliber that is at least .20 and has enough power to take down a turkey at range.

What Kind of Gun Do You Use to Shoot Turkeys?

The hunter’s ideal choice for a turkey rifle is a . 25-20, but any lever action rifle in a medium to heavy caliber (.30-30 Win, .35 Remington, 444 Marlin) will do the job.

If you use a shotgun, your best bet is a 12-gauge with 2 3/4 inch shells loaded with a #4 or #5 lead shot. Buckshot will also work, but it is less effective than birdshot.

What Is the Best Rifle to Hunt Turkey?

The answer to this query depends mainly on the hunter’s preferences and experience.

Generally, shotguns are preferred for turkey hunting because of their superior spread, range, and accuracy compared to rifles. However, several rifle calibers can be used effectively for turkey hunting.

The .22-250 Remington caliber is a popular choice for turkey hunting, as it is and has a flat trajectory. It is not the most potent caliber, but it can be used effectively on turkeys at moderate ranges with proper shot placement and ammunition choices.

What Caliber Should I Use for Turkey Hunting?

The caliber you use for turkey hunting depends on your desired range and the size of your target.

A shotgun is usually the best choice for close-range shots because of its superior spread and accuracy.

However, if you plan to take shots longer distances, rifle calibers like the .22-250 Remington or .243 Winchester are excellent for turkey hunting. These calibers have less spread than shotgun shells but still offer higher accuracy and range than a rifle chambered in a smaller caliber.

No matter what rifle or caliber you choose, it is crucial to practice with it before heading out on your hunting trip so that you can become familiar with its accuracy and range.

Good luck out there! With proper practice and knowledge, you can become a successful turkey hunter with any rifle you choose.

Can You Shoot Turkeys with a 22?

Although not ideal, shooting a turkey with a .22 caliber rifle is possible. However, due to the limited range and power of the .22 cartridge, only close-range shots should be attempted to ensure humane killing and reduced suffering of your target.

Because of this, we do not prefer using a .22 caliber rifle for turkey hunting.

For most hunters, a shotgun is the best choice for turkey hunting due to its superior spread and accuracy compared to rifles. However, there are several rifle calibers that can be used effectively for turkey hunting, such as the .22-250 Remington or .243 Winchester.

Can I Hunt Turkey with Ar 15?

Yes, you can hunt turkey with an AR-15. However, most states restrict the type of ammunition allowed for turkey hunting with an AR-15.

Generally, the .223 Remington or 5.56 mm NATO cartridges are not legal for turkey hunting due to their small size and limited range compared to other rifle calibers. Instead, it could help if you want more power and range cartridges, such as the .308 Winchester or 6.5 Grendel.

It is vital to check your state regulations and use an appropriate cartridge before heading out on a turkey hunt with an AR-15.

Is 20 or 12 Better for Turkey Hunting?

The 12 gauge shotgun is generally preferred for turkey hunting due to its superior spread and range compared to the 20 gauge.

The 12 gauge offers more shot pellets, which increases the chance of hitting your target at longer distances. It also has greater knockdown power, making it better suited for more giant games such as Turkeys.

That being said, the 20 gauge shotgun can still be used effectively for turkey hunting. It has fewer recoil than the 12 gauge, making it easier to handle and shoot accurately.

What Is the Most Common Gun for Turkey Hunting?

What Is Turkey’s Main Rifle? The most common gun for turkey hunting is a shotgun. Shotguns offer superior spread and accuracy compared to rifles, making them ideal for close-range shots where precision is critical.

The 12 gauge shotgun is generally considered the best choice for turkey hunting due to its greater spread and range. However, the 20 gauge can also be used effectively for Turkey as it has less recoil and is easier to handle.

Practice is vital to becoming a successful turkey hunter, no matter what gun or caliber you choose. Make sure you take plenty of time to become familiar with your firearm before heading out on your hunt!

What Rifle for Turkey Hunting Is the Best?

What Caliber Is Good for Turkey? If you’re looking to bag your next turkey, it’s time for the big game. The 22 Long Turkey Rifle and Magnum are great choices when distance is not an issue or if movement isn’t a concern; these cartridges will get the job done at close range with accuracy too!

The. Magpul Hunter 700 Remington and .308 Winchester are all excellent choices for the turkey hunter who wants to take their game at a longer range. All of these cartridges are more than capable of taking down a turkey at 100 yards or more.

What Is the Best Caliber Rifle for Turkey Hunting?

With that said, let’s look at some of the best rifles for turkey hunting! Our Top Picks for the Best Rifle for Turkey Hunting

Best Caliber for Turkey Hunting by Magpul Hunter

Are you looking for a high-performance stock for your Ruger 10/22 rifle? Check out the Magpul Hunter X-22 Stock – the perfect drop-in upgrade for your gun.

This stock Features an ergonomic grip, adjustable pull, and comb height length, and reinforced polymer construction; this stock will give you the edge you need on the range or in the field.

Plus, you can customize your setup to suit your specific needs with multiple sling mounting options, a non-slip rubber butt-pad, and m-lok slots for accessory attachment.

And don’t worry about compatibility – the Magpul Hunter X-22 Stock works with all capacities of factory Ruger 10/22 magazines.

So why wait? Get the ultimate upgrade for your Ruger 10/22 today!

Gamo 611006875554 Swarm Whisper Air Rifle (Best Rifle for Turkey Hunting)

We are looking for an air rifle that packs a punch. Look no further than the Gamo 611006875554 Air Rifle. This powerful spring-piston gun is perfect for varmint hunting, plinking, and target practice.

The IGT (Inert Gas Technology) piston allows for higher velocity, less vibration, and a longer lifespan than traditional spring-powered airguns. The Whisper Technology makes this gun quiet – perfect for backyard plinking or varmint hunting without disturbing the neighbors.

The all-weather synthetic stock with black rubber inserts is durable and withstands the elements, while the Shock Wave Absorber reduces recoil for a more comfortable shooting experience.

So if you’re looking for an air rifle with it all, look no further than the Gamo 611006875554 Air Rifle.

Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber Pcp Pellet – Wild Turkeys Caliber

We are looking for a powerful air rifle to take down any game. Look no further than the Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber Air Rifle. This top-of-the-line air rifle is the planet’s most powerful production air rifle, packing enough energy to take down even the biggest targets.

The Umarex Hammer .50 Caliber Air Rifle comes with a 4500 psi, 24 cubic inch carbon fiber air tank, giving you four full power regulated shots plus one finishing shot placement – plenty of power to take down your prey.

The modern stock design includes M-LOK locations for accessory mounting and a Picatinny rail for optics mounting, making it easy to customize your setup.

And thanks to the quiet shooting, you can be sure to get close to your target without spooking them. The included two 2-shot linear mags make reloading a breeze, and the straight pull bolt with a 2-pound pull weight and 2 inches of travel ensures smooth, precise operation.

Plus, with two safeties – mag lock-out and trigger block safety – you can be confident that your Umarex Hammer Air Rifle is always ready for action.

Crosman Clgy1000kt Legacy 1000 Single Shot Turkey Rifle

If you’re looking for a high-quality turkey rifle that can shoot both pellets and BBs, the Crosman CLGY1000KT Legacy is a great option.

This Legacy 1000 Air Rifle has a rifled steel barrel and a built-in 850 BB reservoir, making it perfect for plinking. It also has a side-load pellet chamber, so that you can keep your pellets close at hand.

The Crosman Legacy 1000 Air rifle is a versatile air rifle that can shoot pellets up to 1000fps or BBs up to 750fps. It comes with a fiber-optic sight and 4x15mm scope for greater accuracy and also features cross-bolt safety to ensure proper and safe handling.

Magpul Hunter 700 Remington 700 Short Action Stock

Are you looking for a cost-effective fixed-stock replacement for your Remington 700 Short Action rifle? Look no further than the Magpul Hunter 700 stock. This reinforced polymer stock features an anodized aluminum bedding block for enhanced durability and ergonomics.

The Magpul Hunter 700 is compatible with our Bolt Action Mag Well 700, which allows you to use detachable AICS-spec box mags without needing custom in letting.

The stock is also compatible with standard Remington 700 pattern short action rifles with stock Remington floorplates.

So whether you’re looking for enhanced performance or want to give your turkey hunting rifle a new look, the Magpul Hunter 700 stock is the perfect solution.

What Are the 5 Species of Turkeys? (Turkey Species)

North American wild turkey has five subspecies: the eastern Osceola Muirae Merriam’s Gouldii Rio Grande.

1. The Eastern turkey is the most common of the five, followed by the Osceola, Merriam’s, Gould’s, and the Rio Grande.
2. The eastern turkey is found throughout the eastern US.
3. Osceola Turkey is located in Florida. Merriam’s wild turkey is found in the central and western US.
4. The Gould’s wild turkey is found in southern Arizona and New Mexico.
5. The Rio Grande wild Turkey inhabits much of Texas.

All five subspecies are essentially the same size, weight, and coloration, though there can be minor differences in feather patterns.

Turkey Hunting with Rifle Tips

Now that you know the best gun for turkey hunting, here are some tips to help you bag your next big bird!

• Know your turkey’s range. Like any other animal, you need to know how far away you can shoot your turkey before you take the shot. A good rule is only to hit a turkey within 30 yards.
• Use a decoy. Decoys can be very helpful in turkey hunting. They can help attract the bird to your location and make it feel more comfortable, making it more likely to come within range.
• Be patient. Patience is key when hunting any animal, but especially turkeys. They are very cautious animals, so it may take some time to come within range.
• Stay still. Once you have a turkey within range, it is important to stay as still as possible. Any movement can scare the bird away.
• Take your time with the shot. When you finally get a chance to take the shot, make sure you take your time and aim carefully. This is not a time to rush.

Following these tips, you should be able to bag your next turkey with ease!

Commonly Asked Questions about Turkey Hunting with a Rifle (FAQ)

Can You Shoot Turkeys with a Rifle in Texas?

Game regulations state that shotguns are the only legal means of taking turkey, and you must report it within 24 hours. No hunting over bait or anything else – just these two methods will do for this year’s hunt!

Can You Hunt Turkey with a Rifle in Pa?

The only legal rifles used to harvest a turkey are the. 22 caliber or smaller, and air-powered rifles that shoot pellets no larger than.177 caliber.

Can You Turkey Hunt with a Rifle in California?

In California, using or possessing a firearm that can fire nonlead ammunition is unlawful. The only legal rifles used to harvest a turkey are the. 22 caliber or smaller, and air-powered rifles that shoot pellets no larger than.177 caliber.

What Size Shotgun Shell Do I Need for Turkey Hunting?

The best size shotgun shell for turkey hunting is a 12 gauge. The 12 gauge has more firepower and is better suited for taking down a turkey.

Can You Hunt Turkey with a Rifle in Missouri?

The law is clear in Missouri; you cannot hunt turkeys with a firearm during the fall turkey season. But if you plan on pursuing this year and have an affinity for archery, we might just let it go!

Can You Shoot a Turkey with a Rifle in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, it’s illegal to kill a turkey with any rifle. The only legal firearms that may be used to harvest a turkey are shotguns and air-powered turkey hunting rifles that shoot pellets no larger than—177 calibers.

Can You Hunt Turkey with a AR 15?

Yes, you can certainly hunt turkey with an AR-15. A standard AR-15 is a perfect turkey rifle to take a turkey with. Turkey hunting is about making precise shots at close range, and the AR-15 excels at both.

Plus, An AR-15 can take down a turkey cleanly and efficiently with the right ammunition. So if you’re looking for a rifle to take turkey hunting, an AR-15 should be at the top of your list.

Can You Turkey Hunt with a 223?

Yes, the. 223/5.56 will be just fine for turkey hunting. The cartridge has enough power and penetration to take down turkeys cleanly at ranges up to about 150 yards.

Some hunters even use the. 223 for taking down larger games such as deer, but it’s not the ideal round for that purpose.

For optimal results when hunting deer, you’ll want a cartridge with more stopping power, like the 7mm-08 or 30-06.

What Brand Is a Good 12-Gauge Shotgun?

Remington 870 Express and Express Super Magnum are both good 12-gauge shotguns. The Super Magnum has a little more power, but the Express is a good option for anyone on a budget.

Can You Shoot a Turkey at 50 Yards?

Yes, you can shoot a turkey at 50 yards with a rifle. But it’s important to remember that turkeys are small, fast-moving targets, so you’ll need to be very accurate with your shot.

The turkey gun range has experienced an almost doubling of its effectiveness in the last three decades. A bird at 50 yards could just as well have been on Mars when I started hunting!

How Many Pellets Are 40 Yards?

A 40-yard shot is about 36 pellets. That’s enough to kill a turkey, but you’ll want to ensure you’re accurate with your shot.

Conclusion

So, what rifle for turkey hunting is the best? The answer to that question depends on your personal preferences and shooting style. Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand the best turkey hunting guns available and given you a few things to consider as you decide. Happy turkey hunting!

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