Killing a mature gobbler can be a daunting task, but if you have a great hunting area with a good turkey population, it gets easier. Still, some people choose to make it more challenging with sub-gauge shotguns. That’s not the only reason, however, to hunt with a lighter gun. 

Hunting turkeys with sub-gauge shotguns (20- and 28-gauge and .410 bore) has become all the rage over the past few years. And due to the ballistics of the 28-gauge, when paired with top-quality ammunition, it can be a formidable turkey killer. The gauge actually has a lot of other good things going for it, as many upland bird hunters have learned over the years as they changed from 12s and 20s to the diminutive 28.

One of the biggest reasons some hunters choose the 28-gauge for turkey hunting is the greatly reduced recoil, especially when compared to 3-inch or 3.5-inch 12-gauge magnum loads, which can hammer your shoulder pretty severely. Of course, lower recoil makes it easier to shoot without flinching, enabling hunters to make better first-shot hits. Plus, reduced recoil makes follow-up shots quicker and easier if they are needed.

That is one of the main features that make them perfect for youth, new hunters and small-framed hunters. After firing a 12-gauge magnum load, some youngsters and newbies would prefer to find a new pastime rather than pull the trigger on another round. The 28-gauge still recoils, of course, but the “push” back is not nearly so severe or surprising.

Of course, the fact that they are much lighter than typical 12-gauge turkey guns is another great benefit. Not only does that make them easier to lug around in the woods, but the lessened fatigue from carrying the lighter weight can enable hunters to stay in the woods longer, increasing their chances at a gobbler.

The last advantage — and perhaps the best — is due to the top-quality 28-gauge turkey ammo currently being offered by major manufacturers, these guns are quite deadly on turkeys, although not quite out to 12-gauge maximum range. Consequently, 28-gauge shotguns that weren’t necessarily designed for turkey hunting but that have a 3-inch chamber are now being used quite effectively on longbeards, thanks mainly to the advancements in ammo.

Now, let’s explore a half-dozen 28-gauges your customers might be interested in for turkey hunting this spring. Note that while not all are turkey-specific shotties, all can be great choices when using the right choke and ammunition combo.

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3

The BenelliSuper Black Eagle 3 represents a complete redesign of Benelli’s iconic Super Black Eagle platform, and the 28-gauge guns in the line have a lot to offer to gobbler aficionados. According to the maker, this shotgun excels in three critical areas: enhanced ergonomics for superior handling, intuitive and flawless functionality for reliable performance, and a modern design built to withstand the harshest conditions. 

Standard features include a Crio-treated barrel, Comfort Tech 3 recoil pad, a shim kit to easily adjust stock drop and cast, an easy locking bolt system, a beveled loading port for easy reloading under pressure, and flush Crio chokes and choke wrench. Of course, the company’s hallmark Inertia Driven System never requires adjustment, cycles consistently in conditions that border on the unfair and easily handles all loads.

The Super Black Eagle 3 28-gauge is available in several different finishes, including black synthetic, Gore Optifade, Mossy Oak Bottomland, Realtree Max-7, Patriot Brown Cerakote, Tungsten Cerakote and Mossy Oak Bottomland Original, with either 26- or 28-inch barrel.

Beretta A400 Xplor Action

Beretta’s A400 Xplor Action might not be built especially for turkey hunting, but the 28-gauge model fits the bill perfectly. The A400 is a gas-operated shotgun built for speed, reliability and versatility. Featuring the Blink technology, it is capable of firing four shells in less than 1 second, giving you the fastest follow-up shots of any shotgun on the market. Also, with this shotgun, you can safely fire lead and steel shot. Light and trim, this shotgun exhibits excellent balance, swing and pointability.

With its bronze-colored receiver, classic Beretta blue barrel and select walnut stock, the A400 Xplor Action is a very attractive shotgun. Both of the 28-gauge models are chambered in 2¾-inch with barrels of 26 or 28 inches. Plus, after a long hunt, users can field-strip the A400 Xplor without any tools, and it comes apart in only five components that are a snap to reassemble. 

Browning Citori Hunter

For those who prefer an over/under double barrel, the Browning Citori Hunter is not only an excellent upland gun, but when using the right chokes and ammo, it makes an outstanding turkey gun. The Citori Hunter Grade II is expertly appointed, featuring Grade II/III walnut with a smooth satin finish and an effective Inflex recoil pad for added shooting comfort. The receiver has been treated with a tough silver nitride finish, and the barrels have a handsome blued finish. 

Both of the 28-gauge models are chambered for 3-inch shells, a big advantage for sub-gauge turkey hunters. One features a 26-inch barrel, the other a 28-inch barrel. At under 7 pounds, they’re easy to tote through the woods in pursuit of a gobbler. Both also feature a transverse-mounted, full-width tapered locking bolt and monoblock recess for maximum strength and longevity, along with the company’s Inflex II recoil pad.

Franchi Instinct SL

Another Over/Under 28-gauge that will get the job done in the turkey woods is Franchi’s Instinct SL. Ergonomically designed around an aluminum receiver, the Instinct SL shotgun provides exceptional fit, balance, feel and portability. A distinct scalloped receiver teams perfectly with stained A-grade satin walnut for a sleek, classy look.

The 28-gauge model features a 28-inch barrel and a slim, purposefully designed Prince of Wales grip with cut checkering for superior ergonomics and shooting comfort. Other features include auto ejectors to quickly clear spent hulls and facilitate quick reloading, a barrel selector switch, a tang-mounted auto safety, extended choke tubes and a custom-fitted hard case. An extra-full turkey tube is available from the manufacturer for those wanting to use their Instinct SL as a gobbler getter.

Mossberg SA 28 Tactical Turkey

The Mossberg SA 28 Tactical Turkey was made for turkey hunting, period. That means it’s apportioned with all the features that make a great sub-gauge gobbler getter without a price tag that will leave your customers shaking their heads. Lightweight and quick-swinging, this sub-gauge shotgun has a 20-inch barrel, providing excellent maneuverability when hunting confined areas like turkey blinds.

The SA-28 has a fixed 13-inch length of pull and weighs in at only 5.4 pounds. The smooth-cycling gas-operated system uses a piston that slides over the magazine tube to work the action bars and drive the bolt, thereby mitigating recoil well. For sighting, it comes stock with a ghost-ring rear sight and front fiber-optic, plus it is also optics-ready for those who prefer a red-dot or optical sight in the turkey woods. Unlike most Mossberg shotguns that have a tang-mounted safety, the SA 28 Tactical Turkey, like others in the SA line, has a crossbolt safety.

Tristar Viper G2 Turkey

Another gun tailored specifically for turkey hunting, the 28-gauge model of the Tristar Viper G2 Turkey is a fine gobbler-getter with the right choke and ammo combination. Gas-operated, it is reliable, functional and hardworking. Plus, the gas system allows hunters to shoot light or heavy loads reliably. It is chambered for 3-inch shells and features camo furniture and matte-black barrel and action. Fiber-optic sights come standard, and a pistol grip makes for easy, quick sighting when that big Tom struts within shooting range.

The 28-gauge Viper G2 Turkey has a 24-inch barrel and weighs just 6.2 pounds. It comes with three chokes that use the Beretta/Benelli Mobil-type choke system. The tubular magazine holds five shells, and both the chamber and barrel are chrome-lined. It also features a manual E-Z Load magazine cut-off and a ventilated rib with matte sight plane.