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 takes skill, patience, and the right gear. Having the best choke for your turkey hunt can make all the difference between going home with a trophy gobbler or empty-handed. The key is finding a choke that gives you tight consistent shot patterns at the range you need to take down these wily birds.
In this buyer’s guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to choose the ideal choke tube for bagging spring gobblers.
Why You Need a Specialized Turkey Choke
Turkeys have incredible vision that allows them to spot danger from far off. This means you need to stay concealed and shoot from longer distances. The average turkey is taken between 40 to 50 yards.
To get dense shot patterns at these ranges, you need a narrower constriction in your choke tube. A full or extra full choke gives you the tightest spread for long distance shooting.
Factory choke tubes that come with most shotguns are modified or improved cylinders. These wider constrictions are great for closer range shooting but too open for consistent turkey knockdowns past 40 yards.
That’s why a dedicated turkey choke is so important They take your effective shooting range out as far as 60-70 yards.
Most Important Features in a Turkey Choke
With so many choke tube options out there, it can be tricky to select the right one. Here are the key features to evaluate:
Constriction
As mentioned above, tighter constrictions like full or extra full work best for turkeys. Some turkey specific chokes will advertise their constriction measurement in thousandths of an inch. Look for .040 to .070 for excellent long range performance.
Length
Longer choke tubes extend past the end of your shotgun barrel. This extra length helps better concentrate your shot pattern. Many turkey chokes are extended tubes.
Porting
Some chokes have small ports or slots cut into the sides. These vents bleed off gases to reduce felt recoil. This helps you stay on target for fast follow up shots.
Construction
Durability is important since choke tubes endure combustion gases, debris, and fouling. Stainless steel and titanium are excellent materials that resist corrosion.
The 5 Best Turkey Chokes of 2023
To come up with this list, I tested top chokes across various brands using lead and tungsten turkey loads. These delivered the tightest, most consistent 40+ yard patterns in my evaluations.
1. Carlson’s Long Beard XR
The Carlson’s Long Beard XR is purpose-built for tungsten turkey loads. I got dense patterns out to 60 yards with this choke. It’s also affordably priced.
2. Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike
The Black Diamond Strike lives up to its name with lightning-fast shot strings. The diamond-honed constriction is self-polishing for unmatched consistency.
3. Rhino X-Full Turkey Choke
Machined to an incredible .070 constriction, the Rhino X-Full is one of the tightest chokes available. It’s built for lead and tungsten loads.
4. Kick’s Gobbling Thunder
This budget-friendly choke still provides excellent 40-50 yard performance. The ported design helps reduce recoil for quicker follow up shots.
5. TruGlo Gobble-Stopper Xtreme
The Gobble Stopper Xtreme produces dense, even patterns thanks to its specialized X-Full constriction and extended length.
Turkey Hunting Choke Buyer’s Guide
Follow this advice when shopping for a dedicated turkey choke:
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Match the choke to your shotgun gauge- Most come in 12, 20, and 28 gauge options.
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Stick to lead, tungsten, or other dense turkey loads – these perform best through tight chokes.
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Pattern your shotgun at 40, 50, and 60 yards – make sure the choke you choose provides sufficient pellet density.
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Opt for longer choke tubes over flush mount – they further concentrate your shot pattern.
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Look for ported/vented chokes to reduce recoil – this helps accuracy during fast shooting.
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Inspect choke tube threads to ensure proper fit – buy chokes designed specifically for your shotgun model.
Get the Right Choke and Drop More Gobblers This Season
A quality turkey choke tailored to your shotgun is one of the most important pieces of gear you can invest in. Taking the time to pattern and test chokes will really pay off when you connect on that first long beard of the season.
Be sure to follow your state’s hunting regulations and only take ethical shots. With the right choke, you’ll have turkey dinners for days. Wishing you a safe and successful hunt this spring!
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.
Improved Cylinder Shotgun Choke
The improved cylinder shotgun choke is designed to produce a wide pattern that offers effective coverage at closer distances.
- Compared to the cylinder choke, it offers a slight increase in effective range (adding approximately 10 yards of improved firing distance).
- With a constriction of 0.01 inches, the improved cylinder choke strikes a balance between spreading shot pellets and maintaining sufficient density for effective shot placement.
- The improved cylinder choke features four notches on its end.
The modified shotgun choke provides a moderate constriction of the shot pattern, offering a balance between spreading pellets and maintaining density.
- With a constriction size of 0.02 inches, the modified choke holds the pattern well at longer distances, making it suitable for various hunting scenarios.
- The modified shotgun choke is a popular choice among hunters due to its versatility.
- The modified choke is easily recognizable by the three notches on its end.
Choosing The Right Shot Size and Choke | Turkey Hunting Tips | The Advantage
FAQ
What size shot is a turkey choke?
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CONSTRICTION NAME
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CONSTRICTION MEASUREMENT (.000 of an inch)
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Improved Modified (IM)
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.025
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Full
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.030
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Extra Full (EF)
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.040
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Turkey (TKY)
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.045+
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What is the tightest shotgun choke for turkey?
Is .650 a good turkey choke?
What is the best size shot to use for turkey hunting?