The most rewarding turkey hunt is all about the prep ahead of the trip! Rather than risk missing that tom after spending hours waiting, grab the right shotgun choke for turkey hunting so you can feel confident even before you pull the trigger.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about the different types of turkey chokes, what to consider when purchasing one, and so much more!
Turkey hunting requires precise shooting skills to take down these wary birds. Choosing the right shotgun choke is crucial to ensure a clean ethical kill. But with so many choke options available it can be confusing to know which one is best for turkey hunting. This article will break down the basics of how chokes work, the different types of chokes, and provide recommendations on the best chokes for turkey hunting.
How Do Chokes Work?
A choke constricts the shot pattern as it leaves the barrel, controlling the spread of the pellets. The tighter the constriction the denser the pattern will be at longer ranges. This allows the pellets to stay together longer before spreading out.
Chokes are cylinders inserted into the muzzle end of the shotgun barrel. Interchangeable choke tubes allow you to quickly change the choke for different hunting situations.
Factors like shot size, shell length, powder charge, and barrel length also affect shot patterns. But the choke is the most critical component for fine-tuning spread
Turkey Choke Considerations
Here are the key factors to evaluate when choosing a turkey choke:
-
Shotgun Gauge – Choose a choke designed to fit your shotgun gauge (12, 20, 28, etc.).
-
Constriction – Tighter constrictions produce denser patterns at longer ranges. But too tight can lead to less pellets on target at close range.
-
Effective Range – Consider the typical distances for your turkey hunting shots. Extended range tubes allow for tighter patterns at 40+ yards.
-
Shot Material – Ensure the choke is compatible with lead, tungsten, bismuth or other shot types you plan to use.
-
Price – Budget-friendly chokes under $50 can still offer excellent performance. But expect to pay $75-$150+ for premium options.
Types of Turkey Chokes
There are four main types of interchangeable chokes for turkey hunting:
Cylinder
- Little to no constriction
- Best for close range shots under 20 yards
- Provides wide, even spread patterns
Improved Cylinder
- Light constriction
- Effective out to 25-30 yards
- Provides moderately wide patterns
Modified
- Moderate constriction
- Dense patterns out to 35-40 yards
- Popular all-round option for turkeys
Full
- Heavier constriction
- Tighter patterns beyond 40 yards
- The tightest factory choke option
Best Turkey Chokes
Here are top turkey choke recommendations from experts and field experience:
Indian Creek BDS Turkey Choke
The Black Diamond Strike chokes produce dense, consistent patterns that really stand out. They excel both at close ranges and 40+ yard shots.
Carlson’s Long Beard XR Choke
Specifically designed for lead turkey loads, Long Beard XR chokes throw very tight, lethal patterns. An excellent option for lead load users.
Primos Jellyhead Turkey Choke
Affordable high performance. Jellyhead chokes deliver excellent value with tighter patterns and reduced recoil.
Jeb’s Turkey Choke
The ported Headhunter chokes hold world records for tightest patterns. Excellent for competitive shooters and diehard turkey hunters.
Rob Roberts Wad Wizard
Impressive craftsmanship and performance. The Wad Wizard produces dense patterns and specialized wad separation.
Final Thoughts
The best turkey choke maximizes pattern density for the ranges you expect to shoot. Test various chokes with your firearm, ammunition, and shooting style to see what performs best. Investing in a quality choke designed for turkeys can really upgrade your shotgun’s capabilities. With the right choke, you’ll gain confidence to take those long shots when chasing spring gobblers.
Types of Chokes for Turkey Hunting
| Chokes for Turkey Hunting Guide | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choke Type | Shot Spread | Range | Yards | Best Conditions To Use | Limitations |
| Cylinder | Very Wide | Short | Up to 20 | Close-quarters, fast-response situations | Lack of range, wide spread |
| Improved Cylinder | Wide | Short to medium | 20 to 30 | Close to mid-range shots, fast-moving targets | Not suitable for long shots |
| Modified Choke | Moderate | Medium | 30 to 40 | Mid-range, versatile hunting situations | Not ideal for very long shots |
| Full Choke | Tight | Long | 40 to 50+ | Long-distance shots, stationary targets | Limited effectiveness at close range |
There are several common types of chokes for turkey hunting from which to choose: cylinder, improved cylinder, modified choke, and full choke. When aiming at a 30-inch circle target from a distance of 40 yards, the percentage of the shot that should land within the circle varies based on the choke used:
- Cylinder Choke: The shot pattern should range between 25% and 35%
- Improved Cylinder Choke: Look for about 45% of the shot to hit the circle.
- Modified Choke: Approximately 60% of the shot should land within the circle.
- Full Choke: Expect around 70% of the shot to hit the circle.
The cylinder shotgun barrel creates the widest pattern among the different choke options.
- Hunters favor cylinder chokes for hunting rabbits.
- Their widespread pattern increases the chances of hitting a fast-moving target.
- The cylinder choke is also ideal for close-range shooting situations — where quick and instinctive shots are required.
- The cylinder choke is easily recognizable by the five notches on its end that indicate its designation as a cylinder choke.
Do You Really Need a Turkey Choke for Shotguns?
Turkey chokes are not necessary when a turkey is mere yards away; however, full chokes, extra full, or ‘turkey’ chokes can create dense shot patterns over long ranges — increasing your chances of bagging a tom.
A turkey choke typically provides more constriction than a full choke and can produce the tightest patterns of shot. This can aid in effectively targeting a gobblers vital areas, which can be particularly challenging when turkeys are in motion or strutting.
The full choke stands out with its 0.03 inches of constriction among various choke options. Only the extra full chokes and turkey chokes offer more constriction, providing an additional 0.01 to 0.015 inches beyond a standard full choke.
Practice shooting with different chokes on a gun range to get a feel for each and how they operate. Set up targets at different distances when practicing.
At the Ranch – Turkey: What Choke to Use in Your Shotgun
FAQ
What choke should I use for turkey hunting?
What is the tightest shotgun choke for turkey?
What size shot is a turkey choke?
|
CONSTRICTION NAME
|
CONSTRICTION MEASUREMENT (.000 of an inch)
|
|
Improved Modified (IM)
|
.025
|
|
Full
|
.030
|
|
Extra Full (EF)
|
.040
|
|
Turkey (TKY)
|
.045+
|
Is .650 a good turkey choke?