What Size Turkey Choke Is Best?
What Size Choke for Turkey Hunting?
Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding sport that requires a variety of skills and equipment. One of the most important factors to consider when turkey hunting is the choke that you use on your shotgun. The choke is a device that is installed in the barrel of a shotgun and it helps to regulate the spread of the shotgun pellets when they are fired.
There are a variety of different chokes available on the market, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. For turkey hunting, you will typically want to use a choke that has a relatively tight pattern. This will help you to ensure that your shots are accurate and that you hit your target.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of chokes that are available for turkey hunting and we will help you to choose the right one for your needs. We will also provide some tips on how to use a choke effectively when turkey hunting.
So, if you are ready to learn more about chokes and how to use them for turkey hunting, then keep reading!
| Choke Size | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Full | 10 yards and under | Provides the widest pattern for maximum pellet spread. Ideal for close-range shots. |
| Modified | 10-35 yards | A good all-around choice for turkey hunting. Provides a more concentrated pattern than a full choke, but still spreads enough pellets to hit a turkey at a distance. |
| Improved Cylinder | 35 yards and beyond | Provides the most concentrated pattern of all the chokes, making it ideal for long-range shots. |
Choke Types
A choke is a device that is installed in the end of a shotgun barrel. It constricts the diameter of the barrel, which causes the shot to spread out less as it travels down the barrel and out of the muzzle. This results in a tighter pattern of shot, which is more likely to hit the target.
There are many different types of chokes available, each with its own unique characteristics. The following is a brief overview of the most common choke types:
- Cylinder: This is the least restrictive choke, and it produces the widest pattern of shot. It is ideal for shooting at targets that are close-range.
- Improved Cylinder: This choke is slightly more restrictive than a cylinder choke, and it produces a slightly tighter pattern of shot. It is ideal for shooting at targets that are at a moderate range.
- Modified: This is the most popular choke type for turkey hunting. It produces a good balance between pattern density and shot spread, and it is effective at ranges of up to 40 yards.
- Full: This choke is the most restrictive choke type, and it produces the tightest pattern of shot. It is ideal for shooting at targets that are at long range.
- Extra Full: This choke is even more restrictive than a full choke, and it produces an even tighter pattern of shot. It is ideal for shooting at targets that are at very long range.
- Turkey: This is a special type of choke that is designed specifically for turkey hunting. It typically has a modified or full constriction, and it is often made with a longer parallel section to help improve pattern uniformity.
- Skeet: This choke is designed for shooting at skeet targets. It has a very open constriction, and it produces a very wide pattern of shot.
- Trap: This choke is designed for shooting at trap targets. It has a more restrictive constriction than a skeet choke, and it produces a tighter pattern of shot.
- Dove: This choke is designed for shooting at doves. It has a very open constriction, and it produces a very wide pattern of shot.
Choke Selection
The type of choke that you use for turkey hunting will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Shot size: The size of the shot that you are using will affect the choke that you need. A larger shot size will require a more restrictive choke in order to produce a tight pattern of shot.
- Range: The range at which you are shooting will also affect the choke that you need. A longer range will require a more restrictive choke in order to produce a tight pattern of shot.
- Shotgun barrel length: The length of your shotgun barrel will also affect the choke that you need. A longer barrel will produce a tighter pattern of shot than a shorter barrel, so you will need a less restrictive choke with a longer barrel.
- Turkey hunting style: Your turkey hunting style will also affect the choke that you need. If you are hunting from a blind, you will need a different choke than if you are hunting in the open.
Here are some general guidelines for choke selection for turkey hunting:
- For close-range shooting (within 20 yards), a cylinder or improved cylinder choke is a good choice.
- For moderate-range shooting (20-40 yards), a modified choke is a good choice.
- For long-range shooting (40 yards or more), a full or extra full choke is a good choice.
It is important to experiment with different chokes to find the one that works best for you. The best choke for turkey hunting is the one that allows you to consistently hit your targets.
Choke selection is an important part of turkey hunting. By choosing the right choke, you can improve your chances of success. Experiment with different chokes to find the one that works best for you, and you will be well on your way to taking your next turkey.
3. Choke Installation
Choke tubes are an essential part of any shotgun, as they help to improve accuracy and consistency. However, installing a choke tube can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the process.
To install a choke tube, you will need the following tools:
- A choke wrench
- A cleaning rod
- A bore brush
- A lubricant
Steps involved
1. Remove the choke tube from the shotgun. To do this, you will need to use a choke wrench to loosen the choke tube. Once the choke tube is loose, you can remove it from the shotgun.
2. Clean the bore of the shotgun. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be present. To clean the bore, you can use a cleaning rod and a bore brush.
3. Apply a lubricant to the choke tube. This will help to create a seal between the choke tube and the shotgun.
4. Insert the choke tube into the shotgun. Make sure that the choke tube is fully seated in the shotgun.
5. Tighten the choke tube. Use the choke wrench to tighten the choke tube. Make sure that the choke tube is snug, but not too tight.
Tips
- When tightening the choke tube, be careful not to overtighten it. Overtightening the choke tube can damage the choke tube or the shotgun.
- If you are having trouble installing the choke tube, you can try using a lubricant to help create a seal.
- Once the choke tube is installed, you can test it by firing a few rounds of ammunition. This will help to ensure that the choke tube is installed correctly.
4. Choke Maintenance
Choke tubes need to be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure that they function properly. To clean a choke tube, you will need the following tools:
- A choke brush
- A cleaning rod
- A bore solvent
Steps involved
1. Remove the choke tube from the shotgun.
2. Clean the choke tube with a choke brush and a bore solvent.
3. Reinsert the choke tube into the shotgun.
Tips
- Choke tubes should be cleaned after every use. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be present.
- If you are using a choke tube that is not made of stainless steel, you should also apply a corrosion-resistant coating to the choke tube. This will help to protect the choke tube from rust.
- Choke tubes should be replaced if they are damaged or worn out.
Choke tubes are an essential part of any shotgun, and they can help to improve accuracy and consistency. By following these tips, you can ensure that your choke tubes are installed and maintained properly.
the best choke for turkey hunting depends on a number of factors, including the type of shotgun you are using, the range at which you will be shooting, and the type of turkey you are hunting. A good rule of thumb is to use a wider choke for longer shots and a tighter choke for shorter shots. If you are hunting turkeys in thick cover, you may want to consider using a modified choke, which will give you a wider pattern than a full choke but still provide good accuracy. Ultimately, the best way to determine which choke is right for you is to experiment with different chokes and see what works best for you in different hunting situations.