When hunting large, slow birds like turkeys, choosing the right shotgun choke is critical for success. Turkeys have tough feathers and require precise shot placement to ensure a clean, ethical kill. The best choke for turkey hunting is typically a tight, specialized choke that delivers a dense, consistent pattern at longer ranges. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:
Best Choke for Turkey Hunting
The extra full choke (often labeled as turkey choke or super full choke) is widely considered the best option for turkey hunting. Here’s why:
- Tight Pattern: An extra full choke constricts the shot more than other chokes, creating a dense, concentrated pattern that maximizes the number of pellets hitting the turkey’s vital areas (head and neck).
- Longer Range: Turkeys are often hunted at distances of 30-40 yards, and an extra full choke helps maintain pattern density at these ranges.
- Specialized Design: Many turkey chokes are designed specifically for turkey loads, such as heavy shot (e.g., #4, #5, or #6 shot) or specialized turkey ammunition (e.g., TSS—Tungsten Super Shot).
Key Features of a Turkey Choke
- Constriction: Turkey chokes typically have a constriction of 0.660 inches or tighter, depending on the gauge of your shotgun.
- Extended Length: Many turkey chokes are extended, meaning they protrude slightly beyond the barrel. This helps improve patterning and makes it easier to clean.
- Porting: Some turkey chokes are ported to reduce recoil, which can be helpful when firing heavy turkey loads.
Other Choke Options for Turkey Hunting
While an extra full choke is the most popular choice, other tight chokes can also work depending on your shotgun and ammunition:
- Full Choke: If you don’t have an extra full choke, a full choke can still be effective, especially at shorter ranges (20-30 yards). However, it may not deliver the same level of pattern density as a turkey-specific choke.
- Modified Choke: Not ideal for turkeys, as it produces a wider pattern that may not deliver enough pellets to the vital areas at longer ranges.