Description
The Weatherby PA-08 Turkey, 12 Ga, 22″, 3″ Chamber, Xtra Green Camo, Synthetic Stock is a purpose-built, pump-action shotgun designed specifically for turkey hunters. It combines a short, maneuverable barrel with effective camouflage and a reliable action to create a dedicated tool for closing the distance on wary gobblers. I’ve put a few boxes of heavy turkey loads through one, and it’s a straightforward, no-fuss hunting rig that gets the job done without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- Turkey-Tuned Barrel: A compact 22-inch barrel with a fixed Extra-Full Turkey choke tube, optimized for dense, tight patterns at typical engagement ranges.
- Xtra Green Camo Finish: Full coverage camouflage on the barrel, receiver, and synthetic stock to break up your outline in spring timber.
- Durable Synthetic Stock: Lightweight, weather-resistant, and tough enough to handle being dragged through Missouri’s brush and set against a tree.
- Reliable Pump Action: The proven PA-08 action is simple, robust, and cycles 2 3/4″ and 3″ shells reliably, even with heavy TSS loads.
- 3″ Chamber: Gives you the flexibility to shoot the full range of modern 12-gauge turkey ammunition, from heavy lead to high-density tungsten.
Specs & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 22″ |
| Choke | Fixed Extra-Full Turkey |
| Finish | Xtra Green Camo |
| Stock | Synthetic |
| Action | Pump |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a do-everything field gun. It’s a specialist. The short barrel makes it incredibly quick to shoulder in a blind or when a tom appears from an unexpected direction. The fixed turkey choke means you’re committed to that tight pattern, which is exactly what you want when aiming for a head and neck shot. At a price point of $355.12, it represents a focused value for a single, demanding task. The total package weight is right around 7 pounds, which is light enough for long sits and still manages recoil decently.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the dedicated turkey hunter who wants a dedicated tool. It’s perfect for the Missouri hunter who spends weekends in a pop-up blind or against an oak tree, where concealment and quick handling are paramount. It’s also a great first dedicated turkey gun for a new hunter, or a reliable backup that won’t cause heartache if it gets scratched up in the truck or the woods. If you need one gun for ducks, doves, and deer, look elsewhere. But if your spring revolves around gobbling, this PA-08 Turkey model fits the bill.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The camo finish is complete and effective—no shiny metal to give you away. The pump action is famously reliable and simple to maintain. The short barrel length is a genuine advantage in tight quarters. It’s a drop-in ready package; you don’t need to buy a separate choke or camo wrap. The price is very competitive for a gun from a name like Weatherby.
Cons: The fixed choke limits versatility—you can’t swap it for a more open choke for other game. Some hunters prefer a pistol-grip stock for turkey, which this does not have. The synthetic stock, while durable, may feel a bit utilitarian compared to wood. Recoil with 3″ magnum turkey loads is stout, as it is with any light 12-gauge.
I found the balance to be good for its purpose, and the action smoothed out nicely after the first 50 rounds or so. It’s a workhorse, not a showpiece. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when you order online, but the process is straightforward. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. The 22-inch barrel keeps the overall length down to just over 42 inches, making it easy to store in a vehicle or maneuver in thick cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the fixed choke tube be removed or changed?
A: No, it cannot. The barrel is manufactured with the choke permanently integrated. This is a true dedicated turkey gun, designed to deliver an extremely tight pattern right out of the box with the appropriate ammunition.
Q: What’s the real benefit of the shorter 22″ barrel for turkey hunting?
A: Maneuverability. In a blind, when a bird is close and you need to pivot, or when navigating thick brush, a shorter barrel is much quicker and easier to handle than a standard 28″ or 30″ field barrel. It reduces the chance of bumping the muzzle and alerting your target.
Q: Is this shotgun compatible with common aftermarket accessories?
A: To a degree. The PA-08 platform has commonality with some other popular pumps, meaning you might find compatible sling swivel studs or recoil pads. For optics, the receiver is not drilled and tapped, so mounting a red dot would require a gunsmith to install a rail—something to consider if you prefer an optic for turkey.
Look, if you’re serious about spring turkey season and want a reliable, camouflaged, no-nonsense shotgun built for that single job, the Weatherby PA-08 Turkey is a solid choice. It brings Weatherby’s reputation into an affordable package that’s ready for the woods. See the full details and availability on our site.
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