A turkey hunter's shotgun choke is probably the most ignored piece of equipment in his or her toolbox. We spend endless hours perfecting our calls, selecting the ideal decoy set, surveying birds, and other preseason gear preparations.
Read more: How To Choose The Best Shotgun Choke For Hunting Small Fast Close Birds
Yet, we frequently overlook the most crucial component of the hunt: the shot. The choke fitted into the end of your gun, as well as the load you shoot through it, will make or break the way your gun shoots.
Best Shotgun Chokes For Turkey Hunting: 5 Top Choices Of 2021
When it comes to turkey chokes, the goal is to shoot as many pellets as possible downrange into the turkey's head and neck. These tighter turkey chokes were once simply referred to as "Extra-Full" or "Super Full."
However, custom choke manufactures have recently responded to the demand for ever tighter choke tubes and better down-range performance.
Newer chokes result in a deadly performance at 50, 60, and even 70 yards, whereas we used to consider 40 yards the long shot on turkeys.
Read more: Figuring Out The Best Shot Size For Turkey Hunting At A Glance
So, which turkey chokes are the greatest in the business? Each year in the turkey woods, here's a look at some of the best-performing shotgun chokes.
1. Carlson’s 70120
You can't just go out and buy any choke tubes if you're a turkey hunter. You must purchase the appropriate choke tubes.
To begin, you'll need chokes that are compatible with the type and brand of shotgun you're using, as well as chokes that are appropriate for the activity you're planning.
Shot-look technology is used in the chokes to boost performance. In addition, the shot patterns are exceptionally tight due to the tight constriction provided by the technology, making it easy to strike your target from more than 50 yards away.
This is remarkable because hunters often avoid getting too close to their prey to prevent spooking it.
Another feature that distinguishes the Carlson's Choke Tubes 70120 chokes is its triple shot technology, which gives a shooter an edge by reducing pellet deformation.
This means that the pellets do not flatten when they leave the gun. Instead, they continue to be circular. They can move faster and deliver better-shot patterns as a result of this.
Features:
Compatible with Remington shotguns with a.660 constriction and a range of more than 50 yards.
Made of 17-4 stainless steel with a shot-look finish.
25% Longer Parallel Section, resulting in tighter and denser patterns being thrown down range.
Pellet deformation is reduced, the shot string is shortened, and there are fewer Flyers with Triple Shot Technology.
Pros:
Shot-look technology for tight shot patterns.
Durable materials (stainless steel).
The trip shot technique is used for reducing pellet deformation.
0.660 constriction size for better shot accuracy.
Cons:
Not all Mossberg models are compatible.
Expensive.
Steel shots are not compatible.
The Verdict:
The product is designed specifically for turkey hunting.
2. Primos 69405
Fluted ports and a longer taper are used in these chokes to increase constriction, resulting in tight shot patterns and reduced recoil. At a distance of 40 yards, this assures that you obtain an accurate shot.
If you have a Remington 870, the Primos Hunting 69405 is a good choice. The only issue with these chokes is that they are only compatible with a small number of shotgun brands.
Features:
Increases pattern density and range.
A longer taper and fluted ports.
A 40-yard distance.
Reduces recoil and tightens patterns by up to 20%.
Proprietary Rust and corrosion are not a problem with the Black-T coating.
Pros:
For better shot patterns and less recoil, it has fluted ports and a longer taper.
For corrosion and rust prevention, the black-t coating is used.
Cons:
Not adaptable enough to a variety of shot sizes
The Verdict:
The chokes have a black-t coating to protect them against corrosion, rust, and other external damage in inclement weather. Industrial parts, guns, automotive parts, and other items all have this type of coating.
3. Truglo TG185X
Long-range shooting is made easy with the Truglo TG185X head-banger. The Truglo head-banger is made of heat-treated steel for longevity, and it incorporates multiphase technology to assure uniformity and superior shot patterns.
Features:
Technology for multiphase grooves.
Extend the range of your effective range with devastating patterns that reach further.
Hevi-Shot Winchester Long Beard XR, Federal Premium 3rd Degree, and other high-performance turkey loads are all compatible.
Steel that has been heat-treated for increased durability.
CNC-machined for utmost accuracy.
For improved seating and sealing, the terminal face has been polished.
Pros:
To provide constant and precise shot patterns, it employs multiphase technology.
Heat-treated steel is used to provide long-term durability.
CNC-machined constriction size 0.665 for greater precision.
Remington, Mossberg, Benelli/Beretta, Browning Invector, and Winchester are all compatible.
Cons:
Only a restricted number of gunshot types/brands are compatible.
The Verdict:
The chokes work with shotguns made by Franchi, Benelli/Beretta, Stoeger, and Mossberg.
Read More: Best Stands For Hunting On The Edges Of Fields Or In Open Country
4. Primos 69401 (Jelly Head Maximum)
In the hunting industry, Primos is a well-known brand. Not only is the company known for compound bows and electronic calls, but it is also known for producing the best and most unique products for various types of hunters. This is why we included its Jelly Head Maximum turkey choke tube on our list.
Because gun tubes are prone to corrosion and rusting from frequent use, the Primos jelly head ensured that the tube's outside body was painted with anti-corrosion black oxide paint. This paint not only makes the item more beautiful, but it also makes it live longer.
Features:
A considerable distance, ranging from forty to sixty yards.
This choke tube will generate tighter and denser patterns.
Shoot a variety of turkey pellets.
Pros:
The choke tube is composed of high-quality stainless steel.
It is designed and manufactured with superior technologies in mind.
The choke has knurls on one end to make installation and fix the choke easier.
It works with a variety of shotguns often used for turkey hunting.
Cons:
Sloppy close ranges shots if not aimed properly.
The Verdict:
If not correctly directed, close-range shots might become clumsy.
5. Remington 19156
The choke tube features a complete constriction design, which accounts for the dense patterns created. The barrel's length and girth are also impressive, allowing the pellets to generate additional velocity for the precise impact.
The choke tube features a complete constriction design, which accounts for the dense patterns created. The barrel's length and girth are also impressive, allowing the pellets to generate additional velocity for the precise impact.
Features:
- Carlson, Remington, and other rifles are among those that are compatible.
- This choke tube is made of heat-treated stainless steel.
Pros:
- The patterns that this choke produces are incredible, with tighter and denser formations.
- It's built of high-quality materials, which means the choke will last longer.
- This choke allows for long-range shooting, which is why you should have one.
Cons:
- This Remington tube does not allow you to shoot various turkey loads, which is a significant drawback for professional hunters.
The Verdict:
It features a unique design created primarily to assist hunters in quickly and efficiently killing waterfowl birds.
3 Factors That Help You Choose The Best Shotgun Chokes For Turkey Hunting
There are around fifty different choke tubes available on the market for bunting down turkeys. Whether you're hunting in meadows, large fields, canyons, or dense woodlands, it doesn't matter.
Choosing a specific choke is one of the most challenging tasks you will encounter. We've outlined some of the elements to consider because most hunters make the error of choosing the wrong one.
Type of the choke for the turkey hunter
The type of choke you want for your turkey hunting is the next step. If you wish to make tighter patterns and shoot over longer ranges, it's ideal to have a full choke or an extended full choke. A standard choke for turkey will be suitable if you are a medium-range hunter.
Size of the Choke Tube Construction
Because of their size and internal architecture, turkey chokes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are:
- Cylinder
- Improved Cylinder
- Modified Cylinder
- Modified Improved Cylinder
The fundamental goal of a choke is to reduce the bore size. The smaller bore diameter aids in enhanced accuracy and shot pattern for the hunter.
You'll have more control and precision when it comes to hitting the proper location (for example, the target's nervous system), resulting in more outstanding results.
It aids in hitting the death zone and increases the density of the tungsten super shot. The constriction might be anything between 0.00 to 0.045 inches in diameter.
Ported and knurled design availability
A ported design will be found on several chokes. This will assist you to counteract the recoil force, and you won't be distracted by muzzle jumps as a result.
Most of the time, hunters have had difficulty installing the choke. If you get one with knurls, though, you won't require a separate hardware device.
Conclusion
We've gone over the 5 best shotgun chokes for turkey hunting reviews, all from different manufacturers and with distinct characteristics. You may now simply choose which choke tube is best for your hunting trip. Make sure you acquire the appropriate choke, as this will make it easier for you to kill the birds.