Help Me Decide...

[Pocono_Mtn_Yelper]

Hello -

I want to buy a dedicated turkey gun and put a red dot on it, but I have a wife and young daughter who are likely to use this gun in the future as well. I only have room in the budget for one gun that all three of us will use, so here's the question -

Do I buy a .410 knowing that it would be more comfortable for my wife and daughter and 'good enough' for me, or do I buy a 20 gauge which is ideal for me but probably a little bit too much gun for a young child to hunt with?

For added context, I hunt almost exclusively big timber and cannot remember the last time I took a shot past 30 or 35 yards, so long range lethality (past 40yds.) is not a relevant factor for me. I know .410 is a legit turkey hunting gun with modern ammunition, but I want to hear some firsthand accounts before taking the plunge!

[Ondavirg]

I'd consider a 28 gauge. The availability has increased in both ammo (tss) and guns. No doubt it kicks less than a 20 with 1.5 oz or 1 3/8 oz loads. The recoil in my sbe3 is very mild compared to my 20 gauge franchi. I'm getting patterns in the 280s with a factory full choke.  I think I could use it for wing shooting as well, or have my daughter use it.  The 28 is the best of both worlds imo.

[Pocono_Mtn_Yelper]

I'd consider a 28 gauge. The availability has increased in both ammo (tss) and guns. No doubt it kicks less than a 20 with 1.5 oz or 1 3/8 oz loads. The recoil in my sbe3 is very mild compared to my 20 gauge franchi. I'm getting patterns in the 280s with a factory full choke.  I think I could use it for wing shooting as well, or have my daughter use it.  The 28 is the best of both worlds imo.

I considered this, but several of the models I am considering don't offer a 28 gauge which is a real bummer.

[FL-Boss]

20 GA - more options and room to grow. Shoot lighter 2.3/4 for the kid and wife.

[Kygobblergetter]

Truly don't think you can go wrong with either. A semi auto .410 has next to no recoil which the wife and kid would enjoy and with available ammo today you should be able to get a lethal 40 yard pattern without much issue at all. The 20 is more widely available and light loads are offered which I believe would be plenty manageable. My wife has a .410 but shoots the vast majority of her birds with my 20. When she first started turkey hunting I let her shoot a dove load at paper to get her confidence up. Put tss in for the hunt and she never knew the difference


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[Ranman]

Been using a 28ga for last 3 years, TSS #9 1.5 oz handload. It is my dedicated turkey gun, and now my 20ga stays home..

[Greg Massey]

I agree 28 ga