The Ultimate Edge for Turkey Hunters: Discover the Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Shotgun

For serious turkey hunters, selecting the right firearm is paramount to success. It’s not just about a shotgun; it’s about a specialized tool engineered to deliver precision and power in the challenging environment of the turkey woods. The Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Shotgun stands out as a prime example of such a purpose-built instrument, designed to provide the decisive advantage when that elusive gobbler finally steps into range. This comprehensive guide explores why this particular shotgun has become a favorite among those who pursue America's most cunning game bird, offering insights into its features, performance, and how it directly addresses the unique demands of turkey hunting.

Why Choose a Purpose-Built Turkey Shotgun?

Many hunters ask, "Do I really need a dedicated turkey shotgun, or will my all-purpose shotgun suffice?" While a standard shotgun can certainly take a turkey, a specialized turkey shotgun like the Mossberg 500 is optimized for this specific pursuit. Turkey hunting often involves long waits, precise shots, and operating in dense cover. An ideal turkey gun is lightweight for maneuverability, camouflaged for concealment, and equipped with features that enhance accuracy at typical turkey hunting distances. This shotgun addresses all these needs, providing a distinct performance edge.

Solving the Turkey Hunter's Core Challenges

• Concealment: Turkeys have incredibly sharp eyesight. The full Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage finish on both the barrel and synthetic stock helps hunters melt into the natural environment, making them virtually invisible to wary gobblers. This isn't just a cosmetic choice; it's a critical component of successful ambush hunting.
• Maneuverability in Dense Cover: Long barrels can be cumbersome in thick brush. With a compact 22-inch vent rib barrel and an overall length of just 39.25 inches, this Mossberg 500 offers exceptional agility. This allows hunters to quickly shoulder the firearm and acquire targets in tight spaces without getting tangled in undergrowth, crucial when a gobbler appears unexpectedly close.
• Precision Shot Placement: Turkeys present a small, vital target zone – primarily the head and neck. A precise shot is essential for a clean kill. The specialized X-Factor choke and highly visible front fiber optic sight work in tandem to deliver dense, consistent patterns exactly where they're needed, maximizing the chances of ethical harvesting.
• Reliability Under Pressure: Turkey hunting often comes down to one shot. The Mossberg 500 platform is renowned for its robust and reliable slide-action mechanism, ensuring smooth operation even in adverse weather conditions or under the high-stakes pressure of a close encounter.
• Managing Recoil: While a 20-gauge inherently produces less recoil than a 12-gauge, the ergonomic design and balanced weight of this shotgun contribute to comfortable shooting, allowing hunters to stay on target for follow-up shots if necessary, and reducing fatigue during long days in the field.

Key Features That Elevate Your Turkey Hunt

The Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Shotgun is not simply a collection of parts; it's a system engineered for peak turkey hunting performance. Let's delve into the specific attributes that make it a standout choice:

Optimized for the 20-Gauge Advantage

• Gauge: 20 Gauge. Why a 20-gauge for turkey? Many hunters are discovering the distinct advantages. While the 12-gauge has long been king, modern ammunition technology has transformed the 20-gauge into a formidable turkey slayer. It offers lighter weight, reduced recoil, and improved maneuverability without sacrificing lethal patterning within typical turkey hunting ranges. This makes it an excellent choice for younger hunters, those sensitive to recoil, or anyone seeking a more agile firearm for long treks.
• Capacity: 5+1. This capacity provides ample rounds for any hunting scenario, ensuring you have backup shots if needed, though most turkey encounters typically involve a single, well-placed shot. The reliable feed system of the Mossberg 500 ensures each round chambers smoothly.
• Chamber: 3". The 3-inch chamber accommodates magnum turkey loads, unleashing the full potential of high-density shot like Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). This allows the 20-gauge to achieve patterns and energy levels previously thought impossible, competing directly with 12-gauge performance at extended ranges.

Precision and Performance Enhancements

• Barrel Type: Vent Rib. The vent rib design not only dissipates heat but also provides a clean, unobstructed sighting plane, guiding the eye directly to the target.
• Barrel Length: 22". This shorter barrel length is a critical feature for turkey hunting. It significantly enhances the shotgun's overall maneuverability in thick woods, dense brush, and tight blinds. It’s easier to swing quickly on a moving bird or adjust your aim without bumping against surrounding obstacles, allowing for rapid target acquisition. Despite its compact size, modern choke and ammunition technology ensure optimal velocity and pattern density for turkey hunting distances.
• Sight/Base: Front Fiber Optic. A bright, highly visible front fiber optic sight is a game-changer in varying light conditions common during early morning or late evening turkey hunts. This sight allows for quick target acquisition even in low light, contrasting sharply against a turkey's dark body, ensuring precise aim on the small target zone of the head and neck. It’s designed for rapid, intuitive aiming under pressure.
• Choke: X-Factor. The included X-Factor choke tube is specifically designed to deliver dense, consistent patterns with turkey loads. This specialized choke constricts the shot column more tightly than standard chokes, concentrating more pellets into the critical kill zone. This is vital for maximizing pellet count on target, increasing the likelihood of a clean, ethical harvest, especially when combined with high-performance turkey ammunition.
• LOP Type: Fixed. The fixed length of pull (LOP) ensures a consistent and comfortable shooting position for most hunters, promoting stable handling and reliable shoulder mounting.
• LOP: 13.875". This standard length of pull is designed to accommodate a wide range of shooters comfortably, ensuring proper eye alignment with the sight and a natural feel for optimal control.

Durability and Concealment

• Barrel Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession. The complete Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage pattern on the barrel provides superior concealment in typical turkey habitats, blending seamlessly with spring foliage. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's a functional feature that helps the hunter disappear into the environment, preventing wary turkeys from spotting the firearm.
• Stock Finish: Synthetic (Mossy Oak Obsession). The durable synthetic stock is also fully covered in Mossy Oak Obsession, ensuring the entire firearm remains camouflaged and resilient against the elements. Synthetic materials are impervious to moisture and extreme temperatures, making this shotgun ideal for rugged outdoor conditions and ensuring long-term reliability without warping or cracking.
• Weight: 6.75 lbs. At just 6.75 pounds, this shotgun is remarkably lightweight, reducing fatigue during long treks through the woods or extended periods of holding the firearm at the ready. This low weight contributes significantly to its maneuverability and ease of carry.
• Length: 39.25". The overall compact length further enhances the shotgun's portability and ease of handling in tight spaces, such as ground blinds or dense thickets.

Real-World Applications and User Outcomes

Consider scenarios where the Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Shotgun truly shines:

• Hunting from a Ground Blind: Its compact 22-inch barrel and overall length make it easy to maneuver within the confined space of a ground blind, allowing for quick adjustments and quiet aiming without bumping against the walls.
• Run-and-Gun Turkey Hunting: For hunters who prefer to actively pursue turkeys, its lightweight design and excellent balance reduce fatigue, making it comfortable to carry over long distances and through challenging terrain.
• Youth and Recoil-Sensitive Hunters: The reduced recoil of the 20-gauge, combined with the Mossberg 500’s ergonomic design, makes it an ideal choice for new or younger hunters, fostering confidence and a positive shooting experience without the intimidation of heavier recoil.
• Ethical Harvesting: The precise patterning capabilities of the X-Factor choke and fiber optic sight allow hunters to consistently place a high pellet count into the turkey's vital head and neck area, ensuring a clean, humane kill.
• Adverse Weather Conditions: The synthetic stock and robust Mossberg 500 action are designed to perform reliably in all weather, from damp, foggy mornings to unexpected rain showers, preventing rust and maintaining functionality.

Users report that this shotgun provides superior pattern density, allowing for confident shots out to 40 yards and beyond with modern turkey loads. The fiber optic sight ensures rapid target acquisition, converting fleeting opportunities into successful hunts. The Mossy Oak Obsession camouflage consistently proves its worth, enabling hunters to stay hidden even from the sharpest eyes.

The Mossberg 500 Legacy: Unwavering Reliability

The Mossberg 500 series has earned its reputation as one of the most reliable and enduring pump-action shotguns ever produced. With over 10 million units manufactured, it's a testament to its robust design, dependable action, and field-proven performance. Key aspects of its reliability include:

• Dual Action Bars: This feature prevents binding and ensures smooth, non-binding pump operation, even under rapid firing or adverse conditions.
• Top-Mounted Safety: The ambidextrous tang safety is conveniently located for quick and intuitive manipulation, making it easy to engage or disengage with either hand without shifting your grip.
• Field Stripping: The Mossberg 500 is known for its simple and straightforward field stripping process, allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance to ensure continued optimal performance season after season.

When you invest in a Mossberg 500, you're not just buying a shotgun; you're acquiring a piece of American firearms history known for its unflinching dependability and ability to perform when it matters most. This specific turkey model builds upon that legacy, integrating specialized features to excel in its dedicated role.

Maintaining Your Turkey Hunting Investment

To ensure your Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Shotgun continues to perform optimally for many seasons to come, regular maintenance is key. After each hunt, especially in wet or dirty conditions, it's advisable to:

• Clean the Barrel: Use a quality bore cleaner to remove powder residue and lead/wad fouling, particularly important with specialized turkey loads.
• Inspect and Clean the Choke Tube: Remove the X-Factor choke tube, clean it thoroughly, and apply a thin layer of choke tube grease to prevent seizing.
• Wipe Down Exterior Surfaces: Use a silicone cloth or a light gun oil to wipe down all metal surfaces, including the barrel, receiver, and action bars, to prevent rust.
• Check Action and Magazine Tube: Ensure the action bars are clean and lubricated, and the magazine tube is free of debris.
• Store Properly: Store the shotgun in a cool, dry place, ideally in a breathable gun sock rather than a hard case for long-term storage to prevent moisture buildup.

Your Next Successful Turkey Season Starts Here

The Mossberg 500 20 Gauge Turkey Shotgun, with its thoughtful design, specialized features, and robust construction, is more than just a firearm; it's a strategic advantage in the turkey woods. Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter looking to upgrade, or a newcomer seeking the best tool to start your journey, this shotgun is engineered to deliver the performance and reliability you need for a successful and ethical hunt.

Explore this exceptional firearm and a comprehensive selection of turkey hunting essentials at DEGuns. DEGuns offers a wide range of Mossberg firearms, ammunition, and accessories, ensuring you are fully equipped for your next pursuit of the wild turkey.

Feature	Description	Value
Gauge	Optimized for reduced recoil and maneuverability	20
Capacity	Standard internal magazine capacity	5+1
Chamber	Compatible with magnum turkey loads	3"
Barrel Length	Enhances maneuverability in dense cover	22"
Sight Type	Provides rapid target acquisition	Front Fiber Optic
Choke	Designed for dense turkey patterns	X-Factor
Finish (Camo)	Superior concealment in natural environments	Mossy Oak Obsession
Weight	Reduces fatigue for long treks	6.75 lbs
UPC	Unique Product Identifier	015813543392