Editor’s Disclosure: The author maintains a paid brand partnership with Savage Arms. This article was independently written for Wild & Gathered, and all opinions are based on personal experience. This article also contains affiliate links, which means Wild & Gathered may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you.
There are plenty of shotguns on the market, but finding one you genuinely love shooting is another story. For me, the Savage Renegauge has earned its place among my favorite firearms. I’ve harvested several turkeys with this shotgun, carried it into the duck blind, and taken it to the Remington Sporting Course. Shotguns are one of the most versatile firearms a hunter can own, and having a reliable one in your arsenal is an investment worth making. As a mom of five, I’m always looking for ways to save money without sacrificing quality. That’s one of the things I appreciate most about the Savage Renegauge. Rather than investing in a different shotgun for every pursuit, I want something that can handle whatever hunting season brings.
Savage built the Renegauge around its patented D.R.I.V. gas system, which is designed to regulate gas pressure, reduce felt recoil, and reliably cycle a variety of loads. Combined with an adjustable stock, oversized controls, and a durable finish, it’s a shotgun with features worth considering. I got to talk with the Engineers earlier this year about the design and how the gun came to be. Here’s what you need to know about the Savage Renegauge Turkey and my experience using it.
Savage Renegauge Turkey Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 gauge |
| Action | Gas-operated semi-automatic |
| Chamber | 3 in. |
| Gas System | D.R.I.V. (Dual Regulating Inline Valve) |
| Finish | Mossy Oak Bottomland |
| Stock | Adjustable drop and cast |
| Barrel | Fluted, Melonite finish |
| Sight | Red fiber-optic front sight |
| Controls | Oversized |
| Chokes | Extended Turkey, Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified |
| Choke compatibility | Beretta/Benelli Mobil |
| MSRP | $1,409 |
What Makes the Savage Renegauge Different?
One of the defining features of the Renegauge is Savage’s patented D.R.I.V. (Dual Regulating Inline Valve) gas system. Unlike a traditional gas-operated shotgun that uses gas pressure to cycle the action, the D.R.I.V. system is engineered to vent excess gas before it drives the bolt. According to Savage, this helps the shotgun cycle everything from heavier hunting ammunition to lighter target loads while reducing felt recoil. For hunters who spend time shooting throughout the year, recoil management is an important consideration. Whether you’re patterning a turkey gun, practicing on the sporting clays course, or spending a morning in the duck blind, a shotgun that’s comfortable to shoot can make the experience more enjoyable.
The Renegauge also features a stock rod buffer designed to help absorb recoil, along with an adjustable stock that allows shooters to customize drop and cast. Shotgun fit matters, particularly for women who may struggle to find a factory stock that fits their dimensions comfortably. Having adjustability is a welcome feature.
Turkey Hunting With the Savage Renegauge
Turkey hunting is where I’ve spent some of my most memorable time with the Renegauge. I’ve harvested several turkeys using this shotgun, and it has become one I genuinely enjoy taking it out each spring. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage is a natural fit for the spring turkey season, especially when hunting against hardwoods and timber. The shotgun also features a red fiber-optic front sight and an extended turkey choke.
Of course, the most important consideration with any turkey shotgun is how it patterns with your chosen ammunition. Hunters should spend time at the range confirming their shotgun’s point of impact and pattern density before taking it into the field. For me, the Renegauge has been part of several successful turkey hunts, which is ultimately why I keep reaching for it.
Taking the Renegauge Into the Duck Blind
Just because I own the Renegauge Turkey model doesn’t mean it’s only coming out of the safe during spring turkey season. It’s my duck hunting shotgun too.
The differences between the Renegauge Turkey and Waterfowl model come down to the camouflage pattern, included extended choke tube, and barrel length, with the Waterfowl model sporting an additional two inches. If you already own compatible choke tubes, you can easily swap them out depending on what you’re hunting. Just make sure your choke is rated for the ammunition you’re using, especially when shooting steel shot.
The Renegauge’s gas-operated action, chrome-plated components, and Melonite-finished barrel are built with durability in mind, which is something I appreciate when spending cold, wet mornings in the duck blind. My Turkey model has a 3-inch chamber, which handles plenty of common waterfowl loads. I’ve never felt the need to have a separate shotgun just for duck season.
Shooting the Renegauge on the Sporting Clays Course
Practice how you play! I believe that taking your hunting shotgun to the sporting clays course is one of the best ways to improve your shooting skills, build confidence, and become more comfortable with your firearm before hunting season. And let me tell you, this particular range day was one for the books! I worked my way through the Remington Sporting Course with coaching from competitive shooter Madison Sharpe. Between the different stations and challenging target presentations, I think I went through more than 80 shotgun shells that day!
Sporting clays are great practice for hunters because you’re shooting at moving targets from different angles, distances, and speeds. It’s an opportunity to work on your timing, target acquisition, and follow-through in an environment where you can make adjustments and learn from your mistakes. Throughout the entire course, my Savage Renegauge performed without a single issue. After putting that many shells through it in one outing, I walked away even more comfortable and confident with the shotgun. There’s something to be said about spending that much time behind a firearm and knowing exactly what to expect when you pull the trigger.
Is the Savage Renegauge Turkey Worth the Money?
Like I said, every hunter needs a reliable shotgun in their arsenal. While Savage offers several more affordable, budget-friendly options, the Renegauge is its flagship semi-automatic shotgun. With an MSRP of $1,409, (rebate available), it’s certainly an investment, but I believe it’s one you can get your money’s worth out of.
I’m a practical person, and as a mom, I appreciate anything that serves more than one purpose. That’s one of the reasons I love this shotgun. After spending several hunting seasons with mine, I genuinely believe it holds its own against other premium semi-automatic shotguns in the same price range. I’ve put this shotgun through its paces and it has earned its place in my gun safe.
One thing I can’t leave out is that the Savage Renegauge is American-made and manufactured right here in the United States. That’s something I personally appreciate, especially when making a significant investment in a firearm. At the end of the day, I want to know that I’m getting my money’s worth out of the gear I purchase. I love practical, multipurpose equipment, and the Renegauge has proven itself time and again. This is one shotgun I’m more than happy to put my stamp of approval on.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, I want gear I can depend on, and the Savage Renegauge Turkey has delivered. I’ve put this shotgun to work in different hunting and shooting situations, and it’s one I continue to reach for season after season. I know it’s not the most budget-friendly option, but I believe in investing in quality equipment that will last and serve more than one purpose. The Renegauge has earned my confidence, and it’s a shotgun I’m proud to have in my collection.
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