Jabali:

Totally depends on state. Here in Idaho, shotguns are required, but I suspect many are taken with pistols and rifles, especially in fall hunts during the big game seasons.

Your suggestion of a drilling or combo is a good one though, because we have bear and turkey on right now, and in the fall, elk, deer, bear and lion seasons during the turkey season then. In the fall, a drilling loaded with a stout turkey load, one with fine shot for grouse, along with the rifle barrel would be a very good choice in my area.

Question for the gents Down Under; what type of turkeys do you have? When were they introduced?