28-Gauge Is Going Strong

Over the past several years, Tungsten Super Shot, or TSS, has allowed sub-gauges to rocket in popularity for turkey hunting. Those who want to carry an ultra-light shotgun or who desire a soft-shooting load are flocking to sub-gauges. For example, since about 2018, when gun manufacturers started putting specialized .410 bore turkey guns on the market, they have become greatly sought after by turkey hunters, from young and old to novices to experts alike.

I have harvested several gobblers with a .410 bore, but I didn’t start until specialized turkey guns were available. This is because I feel modifications such as receivers being drilled and tapped for a red-dot sight and an interchangeable choke system are critical to achieving a good shot on a turkey at moderate and longer ranges. I feel it’s extremely difficult to shoot a turkey at 40 yards and beyond with a field gun equipped with an open bead sight. So in other words, a precision-shooting shotgun is necessary to shoot a turkey with a tight TSS pattern.

Gun companies answered the call, and today there are many .410 bore turkey guns equipped with modern sights and extra-full chokes.

Now, it seems 28-gauge is following in the footsteps of the .410 bore. Gun companies such as Benelli and Mossberg offer turkey-specific shotguns in 2 3/4- and 3-inch. And ammo companies such as Federal and HEVI-Shot are producing the ammo to feed them. And that should be no surprise to most, as the magic of the 28-gauge is certainly alluring. They are so comfortable, easy to swing and accurate to shoot.

Several new 28-gauge ammo options and shotguns were announced last year, and that number rose in 2025. Here’s what to look for:

HEVI-Shot introduced two HEVI-18 TSS 3-inch-inch loads No. 7 or 9 shot (1 1/4-ounce) last year and is now adding two 2 3/4-inch 28-gauge (1 1/16-ounce) offerings in this product line. The company also added two 28-gauge offerings, 2 3/4- and 3-inch, to its Magnum Blend turkey load lineup. HEVI-Shot Magnum Blend combines No. 5, 6, and 7 shot (15/16-ounce and 1-ounce) made of 12 g/cc tungsten. This offers hunters a tungsten option at a lower price. (hevishot.com).

Federal Ammunition offers its Heavyweight TSS turkey loads in two 28-gauge offerings, including 2 3/4-inch (1 1/4-ounce) and 3-inch (1 1/2-ounce), both in shot size No. 9. Their durable roll crimp and Flightcontrol wad help keep their patterns tight. Federal’s Custom Shop also collaborated with legendary choke tube designer Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks on two all-new, heavy-payload, 28-gauge loads in 2 3/4-inch (1 1/2-ounce), and 3-inch (1 3/4-ounce). (federalpremium.com).

Mossberg offers several 28-gauge scatterguns set up for turkey hunting. Their International SA-28 Tactical Turkey is a smooth-cycling, gas-operated semi-auto featuring a 22-inch barrel with a 2-3/4-inch chamber, extended turkey choke, top Picatinny rail, Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo, ghost ring sight and a synthetic pistol grip, among other features. The Mossberg International Silver Reserve Eventide Turkey is a reliable, durable, break-action double-gun with 20-inch barrels and 3-inch chambers. It also features Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo and a fiber optic front sight (mossberg.com).

New for 2025, Benelli USA proudly unveiled a new 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 turkey shotgun with a 24-inch barrel that accepts 2-3/4- or 3-inch shells. Combined with ComforTech stock technology and a balanced design, these shotguns provide quick handling and are also drilled and tapped to mount a red-dot sight. The receiver and barrel are finished with Patriot Brown Cerakote, and the stock and forend feature Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, along with many other great features (benelliusa.com).

Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works is famous for converting field-model shotguns into turkey-hunting machines. Custom services include barrel porting, trigger work, parts polishing, slammer button installation, drill and tapping, camo Cerakote finishing, and much more. In 2024, I worked with them to completely customize a 28-gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 Rob Roberts Turkey Gun. (robrobertsgunworks.com)

The load I tested with it was a Federal Premium Custom Shop TSS 28-gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1,050-fps load in shot size No. 9. Its 1 1/2-ounce payload had about 544 pellets, which is more than double the amount compared to a 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch, No. 5 standard copper-plated lead turkey load, which has an average pellet count of 255. And, I shot a beautiful tom at 52 yards one fine May morning in Wisconsin.

I was greatly impressed by the power of the 28-gauge, and I anticipate many hunters who choose to hunt with one will feel the same this spring season and for many more years to come.