crow Hunting:
12-Gauge vs. 20-Gauge
With turkey seasons ending in late April/early May across the United States, hunters are now preparing for the next exciting game bird challenges. For many years, there was no question about which gauge shotgun to use for bird hunting. We've all heard it: "Well my grand-pappy and his pappy and hiiis pappy always used a 12-gauge for EVERYTHING!"
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Well, things do change, and with the advancements in ammo technology, particularly the introduction of the TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) shells, the 20-gauge shotguns are quickly becoming a favorite choice of crow, quail, pheasant and turkey hunters. These modern shells allow for greater accuracy over longer distances, making the lighter-weight 20-gauge a worthy and accurate turkey hunting option.
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Of course, the 12-gauge shotgun, being the ultimate versatile hunting gun, can still just as easily get the job done, but is all that weight and power even necessary for turkey hunting? Ultimately, it comes down to shooter preference. There was a time when a 12-gauge was needed to successfully down a gobbler at distances past 40 yards, but that's no longer the case.
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The 20-gauge shotgun, coupled with advanced performance TSS shells have made a strong case for itself with turkey hunters across the country. Hunters looking for a lighter gun to carry that has excellent knock-down power and accuracy, outwards of 60 yards and more, are turning to the 20-gauge, loaded with TSS rounds each Spring Turkey Season as well as for Summer/Fall Crow, Quail and Duck seasons.
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At the end of the day, it's a matter of personal preference. Those looking for more power and want the versatility of going from crow hunting to deer hunting with the same gun will be more than happy with a classic 12-gauge setup.
Those who are looking for a lighter gun, with considerably less recoil, that is well-suited for crow, turkey, rabbit and upland game birds such as quail, grouse and pheasants will likely be very satisfied with a 20-gauge shotgun.
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Check out our lists of [Top 10 Crow Guns] we recommend for the 2023 Summer Crow Season.
THE HUNTER'S LANE:
10 crow guns
WE RECOMMEND IN 2023
Supporting Your Success
Browning:
Maxus II Wicked Wing Semi-Auto Shotgun
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Burnt Bronze Cerakote
Stock Color:
- Vintage Tan
A vent rib and fiber-optic front sight allow you to point naturally and swing smoothly, while Browning's Lightning Trigger™ provides a smooth, crisp break with minimal travel. Browning's Power Drive™ Gas System performs under harsh hunting and shooting conditions with a wide array of shells, from heavy 3-1/2" loads to light 2-3/4" loads, while the patented Speed Load Plus feeding system automatically sends the first shell loaded into the magazine directly into the chamber for faster loading and maximum capacity.
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$1,949.99
Browning:
Maxus II Hunter Semi-Auto Shotgun
- 12 Gauge - 28''
Finish: Matte Black
Stock: Turkish Walnut
The next-generation Browning® Maxus® II Hunter Semi-Auto Shotgun builds on the ultra-reliable reputation of the original with improved shooting comfort, performance, and speed. The Power Drive Gas System combined with the Inflex Technology recoil pad delivers considerably less recoil and less muzzle jump than conventional semi-automatic shotguns, allowing for rapid follow-up shots on fast-moving targets. Browning's Power Drive Gas System operates with a wide array of loads, so you can use the Maxus for hunting anything from quail to turkey.
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$1,499.99
Franchi:
Affinity 3.5 Semi-Auto Shotgun - TrueTimber DRT
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: TrueTimber DRT
Stock Color: TrueTimber DRT
The slim, trim Franchi Affinity 3.5 Semi-Auto Shotgun handles beautifully and points instinctively. Inertia Driven® operating system cycles 2-3/4" to 3-1/2" shells flawlessly, without adjustments. The entire gun is finished in your choice of TrueTimber® DRT or Mossy Oak® Bottomland® for superior concealment. The Franchi Affinity 3.5 semi-auto shotgun includes 3 interchangeable choke tubes (F, M, IC) and wrench.
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$1,049.99
Beretta:
A300 Ultima Semi-Auto Shotgun
- 12 or 20 Gauge
Finish Options:
- Blue/Anodized Grey Finish
- Mossy Oak Bottomland (Pictured Right)
- TrueTimber Prairie
- TrueTimber DRT
Stock Color Options:
- Mossy Oak Bottomland (Pictured Right)
- TrueTimber Prairie
- TrueTimber DRT
- Black Synthetic
Hunters will appreciate the upgrades to the latest addition to the Beretta® A300 lineup. The field-ready Beretta A300 Ultima Semi-Auto Shotgun has a larger bolt handle and release, and improved low-profile receiver with oversized loading port for enhanced ease of use. Kick-Off recoil reduction system increases shooting stability, comfort, and control for fast target acquisition. Rely on the large 4mm fiber optic in the standard Beretta-thread-pitch housing for high visibility in low-light conditions.
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$849.99 - $949.99
Fierce Firearms:
Mayhem FX Semi-Auto Field Shotgun
Caliber:12 Gauge
Finish Options:
- TrueTimber Prairie (Shown)
- TrueTimber Strata
Stock Color Options:
- TrueTimber Prairie (Shown)
- TrueTimber Strata
Drop waterfowl birds in confidence with the Fierce Firearms® Mayhem FX® Semi-Auto Field Shotgun. Featuring a comfortable and lightweight synthetic stock with an exclusive LimbSaver® Fierce buttpad and comfortable GRIP-MAX overmolded contact points on the stock and forend, this shotgun delivers natural pointability and improved control for stunning accuracy. Operating on an Inertia WLR-powered system, this shotgun is chambered for 3.5" shells, handling everything from standard birdshot loads to powerful magnum loads.
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$799.99
CZ Bobwhite G2 Double-Trigger Side-by-Side Shotgun
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Gloss Black Chrome
Stock: Turkish Walnut
You asked for it, and now the traditionally styled CZ Bobwhite G2 Double-Trigger Side-by-Side Shotgun is back and updated, and it's being offered at a price that won't break the bank! This classy bird buster features a CNC-machined receiver and fully modern internals. This served to slim the action while enhancing the gun's overall reliability and longevity. The English-style, straight-grip stock with checkering is made of genuine walnut. The receiver and barrel are both finished with gloss black chrome. The Bobwhite G2 from CZ also boasts a double trigger, 8mm flat rib, manual tang safety, and a fixed bead front sight. An extractor automatically ejects spent shells. 3" chamber.
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$759.99 - $809.99
Remington:
870 Wingmaster (Certified Pre-Owned)
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Black
Stock: American Walnut
The Remington Wingmaster Model 870 is a staple in the hunting community as it’s been widely used across the United States for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsmen or just getting into shooting, the 870 is a tried-and-true system that won’t let you down. 2 3/4" chamber, full choked barrel.
Get the best bang for your buck when you get a Certified Used Firearm. When you see the Certified Used stamp on any of our firearms, you can be confident that you’re getting exactly what you want – a gun only in very good to excellent condition and held to the highest quality standard. All Certified Used Guns come with a ‘no questions asked’ return policy. PLUS, ALL CERTIFIED USED GUNS SHIP FREE!
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(SOLD!) $809.99
Charles Daly 105 (Certified Pre-Owned)
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Turkish Walnut
The Charles Daly Model 105 is an over/under shotgun that offers the same quality, light weight, and easy pointing nature of the high-end brands but at a fraction of the cost. If you're looking for a nice o/u, but don't want to break the bank this Charles Daly is a good option. This shotgun features 3-inch chambers and a modified and full choke.
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Get the best bang for your buck when you get a Certified Used Firearm. When you see the Certified Used stamp on any of our firearms, you can be confident that you’re getting exactly what you want – a gun only in very good to excellent condition and held to the highest quality standard. All Certified Used Guns come with a ‘no questions asked’ return policy. PLUS, ALL CERTIFIED USED GUNS SHIP FREE!
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(SOLD!) $674.99
Mossberg:
500 Tactical Pump-Action Shotgun
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Finish: Mossy Oak Obsession
Stock Color: Mossy Oak Obsession
The Mossberg 500 ATI Tactical sports the 500s standard dual extractors positive steel-to-steel lockup quiet carry twin action bars anti-jam elevator and ambidextrous tang safety. This shotgun is further adapted for combat with its pistol grip T2 Tactlite six position synthetic stock with recoil pad and 1 adjustable cheek riser or pistol grip matte blue 18.5 barrel with free floating Halo heatshield and Halo three shell side saddle.
Additional Details
Gauge 12 - Capacity 6 - Chamber 3 - Barrel Type Heat Shield Rails - Barrel Length 18.5 - Sight Winged Post Bead - Choke Cylinder Bore - LOP Type Adjustable - LOP 10.75-14.6.25 - Barrel Finish Matte Blue - Stock Finish 6-Pos Adjustable Scorpion Recoil ATI Akita Forend (Flat Dark EarthBlack) - Weight 6.75 - Length 36.375
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$661.99
