As a seasoned hunter and outdoor writer with over a decade of experience, I’ve spent countless hours in the field and researching the nuances of turkey hunting. One of the most critical components for success is selecting the right turkey choke. Choosing the best turkey choke for your shotgun – whether it’s a 12 gauge turkey choke, a 20 gauge turkey choke, or even a 410 turkey choke – can dramatically improve your pattern density and, ultimately, your chances of bringing home a gobbler. This guide will break down everything you need to know, from turkey choke diameter to specific recommendations for popular shotgun models like the Winchester SXP turkey choke and the Mossberg 500 turkey choke.
What is a Turkey Choke and Why Do You Need One?
Simply put, a turkey choke is a constriction at the end of your shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot. Unlike hunting waterfowl or upland birds, turkeys require a very tight pattern at longer ranges (30-50 yards) to consistently deliver a lethal shot. Standard shotgun chokes, like Improved Cylinder or Modified, simply don’t provide the necessary pattern density. A turkey choke, with its tighter constriction, concentrates the shot into a smaller area, increasing the likelihood of hitting the turkey’s vital head and neck. According to the National Park Service, responsible hunting practices, including proper shot placement, are crucial for ethical and successful harvests.
Understanding Choke Constriction and Diameter
Choke constriction refers to the degree to which the choke narrows the shotgun barrel at the muzzle. It’s measured in thousandths of an inch. Here’s a general breakdown of common choke constrictions:
- Cylinder: .000" (no constriction)
- Improved Cylinder: .007"
- Modified: .015"
- Full: .025"
- Extra Full/Turkey: .035" or tighter
Turkey choke diameter varies, but most fall within the .650" to .675" range. A tighter choke (smaller diameter) generally produces a tighter pattern, but it also requires higher-quality shot and can increase recoil. The Leave No Trace principles remind us to practice responsibly and ethically, ensuring clean and humane harvests.
Top Turkey Choke Brands and Models
The market is flooded with best turkey hunting choke tubes, making it difficult to choose. Here's a look at some of the top contenders, categorized by their strengths:
Premium Performance Chokes
- Carlson’s TSS Chokes: Carlson’s is renowned for its Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) chokes. The Carlson TSS choke is a favorite among serious turkey hunters, delivering exceptional patterns with TSS loads. Their Carlson's Heavyweight TSS choke is particularly popular.
- Indian Creek Chokes: Indian Creek is a highly respected brand known for its precision machining and innovative designs. The Indian Creek choke tube, especially their .650" options, consistently performs well. Many hunters swear by the Indian Creek 562 choke.
- Rob Roberts Raptor Chokes: The Rob Roberts raptor turkey choke is another premium option, known for its long-range performance and tight patterns.
Mid-Range Options
- Primos Chokes: Primos offers a range of turkey choke options, including the popular Primos Jelly Head choke and the Primos Tight Wad choke. The Primos Jelly Head TSS is a good option for those wanting to try TSS without the premium price tag.
- Patternmaster Chokes: The Patternmaster Code Black turkey choke is known for its ability to handle a variety of loads and produce consistent patterns.
Budget-Friendly Choices
- Winchester Chokes: Winchester offers a selection of Winchester turkey chokes, including the Winchester Long Beard turkey choke, which provides good value for the price.
- Mobil Chokes: Mobil chokes are a reliable and affordable option for many shotgun owners.
Choosing the Right Choke for Your Shotgun
The “best” turkey choke isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your shotgun, the type of ammunition you’re using, and your hunting style. Here’s a breakdown for some popular models:
- Winchester SXP: The best turkey choke for Winchester SXP shotguns is often a Carlson’s TSS or Indian Creek .650" choke. Many hunters also have success with Winchester SXP turkey chokes specifically designed for the platform.
- Mossberg 500/835/935: The Mossberg turkey choke options are plentiful. A Mossberg 500 turkey choke in .650" or .665" from Carlson’s or Indian Creek is a solid choice. The Mossberg 935 turkey choke benefits from a high-quality TSS choke.
- Remington 870: The Remington 870 turkey choke market is vast. The Remington Super Full turkey choke is a classic, but many hunters are upgrading to TSS chokes for improved performance. Consider a Remington 870 20 gauge turkey choke if you're using that gauge.
- Benelli Nova/Super Black Eagle: Benelli shotguns often perform well with tighter chokes. A Benelli turkey choke from Carlson’s or Patternmaster is a good starting point.
- CZ 1012: The CZ 1012 turkey choke selection is growing, with many hunters opting for Carlson's or Indian Creek options.
TSS vs. Lead: How Does Ammunition Affect Choke Choice?
Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) is a denser, non-toxic shot material that allows for tighter patterns and longer effective ranges. If you’re using TSS, you’ll generally want a tighter choke (e.g., .650" or even .640"). With lead loads, a slightly more open choke (e.g., .665" or .675") may be more effective. The USDA Forest Service provides information on hunting regulations and ammunition restrictions in national forests.
Patterning Your Shotgun: The Key to Success
No matter which turkey choke you choose, it’s crucial to pattern your shotgun. This involves shooting at a target at various distances (30, 40, and 50 yards) to see how your shotgun and choke combination perform. Adjust your point of aim based on the pattern you achieve. REI Expert Advice (https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/shotgun-patterning.html) offers a detailed guide to shotgun patterning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What choke is best for turkey hunting? It depends on your shotgun and ammunition, but Carlson’s TSS and Indian Creek chokes are consistently top performers.
- What is the tightest shotgun choke? Extra Full or Turkey chokes are the tightest, typically constricting to .035" or less.
- Can I use a full choke for turkey hunting? While you can, a dedicated turkey choke will generally provide significantly better patterns.
- What is a card shoot choke? A card shoot choke is an extremely tight choke, often used in competitive shooting, and generally not recommended for turkey hunting due to potential barrel damage.
Investing in the right turkey choke and taking the time to pattern your shotgun are essential steps towards a successful turkey hunt. Remember to prioritize safety, ethical hunting practices, and responsible land stewardship. Happy hunting!