Why the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey Matters
The crisp air of a spring morning, the gobble echoing through the silent woods, the thrill of the hunt: these are the moments that draw turkey hunters back year after year. And at the heart of a successful hunt often lies the right shotgun. For those seeking a blend of performance, manageability, and value, the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey stands out as a top contender. This article delves into the specifics, exploring why the SA-20 Turkey is a fantastic choice for both seasoned veterans and those just starting their turkey hunting journey.
Exploring the Mossberg SA-20 Family
Before getting into the nuances of the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey, it’s helpful to understand its lineage. The SA-20 series represents a departure for Mossberg, showcasing their foray into the semi-automatic shotgun market. It’s a lineup known for offering a good balance of features and affordability. The broader SA-20 family includes variations designed for different purposes, such as sporting clays, hunting in general, and of course, the specialized Turkey model.
Key Features and Specifications of the SA-20 Turkey
The devil is in the details, and the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey is loaded with them. Let’s dissect its key features.
The heart of any shotgun is its gauge and chambering. The Mossberg SA-20 Turkey, as the name suggests, is a 20-gauge shotgun. The 20-gauge offers a significant advantage in terms of reduced weight and recoil compared to the more common 12-gauge, which is appreciated during long days spent hunting. It is generally chambered to handle 3-inch shells, opening up a wider range of ammunition options for hunters.
The barrel length is another critical specification for turkey hunting. The SA-20 Turkey often comes with a barrel length specifically selected to balance maneuverability with accuracy. This barrel length is designed to optimize shot patterns and maximize the effective range for turkey hunting.
The choke system is crucial for controlling shot patterns. The SA-20 Turkey typically includes a set of interchangeable chokes, often coming with an extra-full choke designed for maximizing the shot density at longer ranges. Choosing the right choke ensures a tight pattern, which is critical for clean, ethical kills.
The stock and finish of a shotgun play a huge role in comfort and concealment. The SA-20 Turkey is typically available with synthetic stocks, offering durability and resistance to the elements. The finish, of course, is often camouflage. These camouflage patterns are specifically chosen to blend into turkey hunting environments, helping to conceal the hunter from wary birds. The ergonomic design of the stock plays a crucial role, making it easier to shoulder and acquire a sight picture quickly.
Sights are critical for accurate shooting. The SA-20 Turkey typically comes with a fiber optic front sight that helps with quick target acquisition, and the receiver is often drilled and tapped to allow for the easy mounting of a red dot sight or scope. This feature allows for increased precision at varying distances, crucial for taking the shot.
Weight is an important consideration. The Mossberg SA-20 Turkey excels here, offering a lightweight design that contributes to the gun’s overall ease of carry and handling. This reduced weight is a significant advantage, especially when navigating the terrain of a turkey hunt.
Overall dimensions are also important. The SA-20 Turkey has an excellent balance and is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The weight distribution is such that makes it easy to point and shoot.
The Advantages of Owning and Hunting with the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey
So, what makes the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey such a compelling choice?
The lightweight design is probably the biggest selling point. The reduced weight helps minimize fatigue and increases maneuverability, allowing hunters to be more comfortable and effective in the field. Whether you’re walking long distances, or sitting still in a blind, the difference in weight is noticeable.
Reliability and performance are paramount. The SA-20 platform from Mossberg has a solid reputation for dependability. The SA-20 Turkey, built on this proven platform, is engineered to function flawlessly in the demanding conditions of a turkey hunt, and this will give you peace of mind knowing the shotgun will work when you need it most.
The effective range of the SA-20 Turkey, when combined with the correct choke and ammunition, can be quite impressive. While not matching the longer ranges of a 12-gauge, a well-configured SA-20 Turkey can consistently deliver effective patterns at distances that make it suitable for most turkey hunting scenarios. The use of premium turkey loads can further extend this range.
Recoil management is another huge benefit. The lighter 20-gauge design of the SA-20 Turkey translates to significantly reduced recoil compared to a 12-gauge shotgun. This allows shooters to stay on target more easily for a follow-up shot, and the more comfortable experience makes it a better option for shooters who are more sensitive to recoil or for younger hunters.
Finally, the value proposition is excellent. Compared to some of its competitors, the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey is often more affordable. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious hunters or those just starting out.
Some Considerations
While the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey has many advantages, it is important to consider some limitations.
The 20-gauge, while an excellent choice, does have limitations compared to a 12-gauge. The selection of ammunition, while steadily improving, isn’t quite as broad as it is for the 12-gauge. The 20-gauge will typically deliver fewer pellets, and the overall effective range may be slightly less.
Despite the benefits of reduced recoil, the SA-20 Turkey, when loaded with heavier turkey loads, will still generate some recoil. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of, particularly if you are new to the sport.
Finding the right ammunition is crucial for success. The availability and cost of 20-gauge turkey loads can vary from location to location, and the price can be a bit higher than that of some more common gauges.
Lastly, there’s the aspect of personal preference. The Mossberg SA-20 Turkey may not be the perfect fit for every hunter. It’s critical to handle and shoulder the shotgun before purchasing to ensure that it feels comfortable and that it fits the shooter’s frame.
Field Performance and Hunting Experience
The true test of any shotgun is in the field. The Mossberg SA-20 Turkey has proven itself a capable and reliable performer. Hunters consistently report tight shot patterns with appropriate chokes and ammo. The lightweight design makes it a joy to carry during long scouting trips or all-day hunts. The overall experience is often one of confidence and reliability.
Experienced hunters often note the ease with which they can maneuver the SA-20 Turkey in a blind or in dense cover. They are able to quickly shoulder the gun and acquire a sight picture when a turkey pops into view. The combination of the right choke and a premium turkey load allows the hunter to consistently deliver effective, ethical kills.
Reviews often laud the SA-20 Turkey for its overall reliability. Many owners report that it operates flawlessly, even in challenging weather conditions. This reliability is crucial for success in turkey hunting.
Comparing the SA-20 Turkey to Other Shotguns
How does the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey stack up against its competition? Let’s look at a few examples.
The Benelli M2 Turkey is often considered a premium option. The Benelli line is known for its quality, but also commands a higher price point. The SA-20 Turkey offers a similar set of features, at a more competitive price.
Other turkey hunting shotguns, whether 20-gauge or 12-gauge, often emphasize different aspects of performance. The 12-gauge, for instance, may offer a longer effective range, but often comes at the expense of increased weight and recoil. The SA-20 Turkey effectively bridges the gap, offering a compelling balance of performance and ease of use.
The advantage of the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey lies in its specific focus on the needs of the turkey hunter. The lightweight design, reliable performance, and the right features, all combine to create a formidable tool in the field.
Maintenance and Care
Proper care is essential for any firearm. The SA-20 Turkey, like any shotgun, will benefit from proper maintenance. After each hunting trip, the gun should be thoroughly cleaned. This includes removing any dirt, powder residue, or debris from the barrel, action, and other key components.
Proper lubrication is also crucial. Apply a quality gun oil to the moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
When not in use, store the SA-20 Turkey in a safe, dry place. This will help protect it from damage and corrosion. Following these simple steps ensures that the shotgun will provide years of reliable service.
In Conclusion
The Mossberg SA-20 Turkey represents a significant value for the turkey hunter. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, reliable, and effective shotgun. It offers a blend of performance, affordability, and features that set it apart from the competition. The SA-20 Turkey excels, from the crisp air of the morning to the final moments of the hunt.
For anyone looking to get into turkey hunting, or to upgrade their current shotgun, the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey is a great choice. It’s a great gun that will get you out there to enjoy the outdoors.
Consider the Mossberg SA-20 Turkey for your next hunt. Look into it and see if it’s the right shotgun for you!
