Do You Need a Choke for Turkey Hunting?

Turkey huntingsuccess hinges on many factors – scouting, calling, decoying, and shot placement But one key component is often overlooked the choke tube. Choosing the right choke is crucial for tightening your shotgun’s pattern and increasing effective range But do you really need one specifically for turkeys? Let’s take a closer look.

Why Use a Turkey Choke?

While you can use a regular full choke tube and have moderate success, a specialty turkey choke will provide some important benefits:

• Tighter patterns at longer range – Full chokes spread about 50% at 40 yards. Turkey chokes maintain density out to 60 yards.

• Superior shot strings – Engineered for consistent, even patterns Less flyers and holes

• Custom constrictions – Turkey chokes range from .640 up to .690 inches. You can match constriction to your gun and shells

• Specialized for shot size – Openings tailored for standard lead (6-4) or small diameter TSS.

• Enhanced accuracy – More pellets on target improves chances of a clean kill.

• Extend range – Increased pattern density lets you stretch your effective distance.

• Shoot lighter loads – Quality chokes allow lethal patterns from lower recoil shells.

So while a regular choke tube can work, a dedicated turkey choke offers clear advantages. But it must match your ammunition, gun, and preferences to gain the full benefits.

Factory vs Aftermarket Turkey Chokes

Many shotguns ship with turkey chokes these days. For example, Mossberg sets the 835 Turkey models up with a Full turkey tube. Are these factory tubes sufficient or should you replace it with an aftermarket option?

The truth is, some OEM chokes work perfectly fine. But many serious turkey hunters report aftermarket chokes provide optimal performance. Here’s how they compare:

• Consistency – Factory chokes vary much more in quality. Aftermarket chokes have tighter constriction tolerances.

• Tuneable – Aftermarket chokes come in a wider range of constrictions so you can customize.

• Pattern testing – Brands like Trulock rigorously test chokes for specific loads.

• Materials – Aftermarket chokes use high grade steel rather than factory barrel steel.

• Price – Factory turkey chokes run $50-100. Aftermarkets cost $90-150.

For most budgets, start with the included factory choke. But the resulting patterns may motivate an upgrade.

Popular Turkey Choke Brands

Once you decide to upgrade, which brand should you choose? Here are some of the most popular aftermarket turkey choke brands on the market:

• Carlson’s – Budget-friendly choke tubes that perform well. Models like the Long Beard XR are affordable starters.

• Primos TightWad – A mid-priced option good for lead and non-toxic turkey loads.

• Trulock – Offer specialty chokes tuned for brands like Winchester Long Beard and Federal TSS.

• Indian Creek – Innovative designs like the Shot-Lok technology that stabilizes the shot charge.

• JellyHead – An affordable but effective option from Primos for tight patterns.

• Pure Gold – Utilizes Cut-Rifling technology to deliver consistent, dense patterns.

There are plenty of other reputable brands too, like Rhino and Kick’s. While price points vary, you generally get what you pay for with aftermarket turkey chokes.

Factors That Affect Performance

While using a turkey choke certainly helps, there are other variables to consider for optimal patterns:

Ammo Selection

Match your choke constriction to the shells you shoot. Smaller #9 TSS shot requires tighter .650-.660 tubes, while 6-4 lead shot works best around .665-.675. Pattern test to dial it in.

Gun Fit

A properly fitting shotgun helps you consistently mount and swing on target. Get your gun properly measured and fitted.

Gun Maintenance

A clean, well-maintained gun will pattern better. Make sure to scrub the bore and lubricate after every hunt.

Barrel Length

Longer barrels tend to pattern more consistently. But 24-26 inches offers a good balance of handling and performance.

Shooting Fundamentals

Sharp shooting skills like proper gun mount, trigger control and follow through result in better shot placement. Practice regularly.

Final Thoughts

While turkey chokes don’t do all the work, they are a vital tool for consistent, dense patterns and lethal range. Aftermarket turkey tubes provide measurable advantages over standard chokes for serious turkey hunters. However, even budget factory turkey chokes can get the job done on spring gobblers up close.

Before dropping big bucks on a fancy tube, try your gun’s included choke first. If your patterns look weak, explore adding an aftermarket choke specifically tuned for your shotgun. With the right turkey choke, you’ll gain confidence knowing your gun is up for the long shots when a wary tom hangs up just out of range.