Ever felt that sinking feeling when a flock of doves sails just out of reach? You have a great shotgun, good shells, but something is missing. That “something” often lies in the small, yet mighty, part screwed onto the end of your barrel: the choke tube.
Choosing the correct dove hunting choke can feel like a guessing game. Do you need full, modified, or something in between? Using the wrong choke means scattering your shot pattern too wide, leading to frustrating misses, wasted shells, and fewer birds in the bag. It’s a common headache for hunters who want consistent, clean kills in the fast-paced dove field.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly how different choke constrictions affect your shot pattern, helping you match your choke to the distance you typically shoot doves. By the end of this post, you will know precisely which choke gives you the best chance for success.
Top Dove Hunting Chokes Recommendations
- The NEW White Wing Dove choke features Carlson's Exclusive TST (Triple Shot Technology) which results in reduced pellet deformation, denser patterns, and less flyers
- Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters
- For all ranges, when hunting doves we guarantee the reliability and performance dove hunters want and deserve
- Available in Decoy (LM) or Extended Range (IM) all White Wing chokes are ported to help reduce recoil and muzzle jump
- These chokes can handle steel, lead, Hevi-Shot, and TSS as some public grounds stipulate shot composition
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Beretta Benelli Mobil [ Light Modified | 0.710 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31uKWOfkL8L._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil 12 Gauge constricted at Light Modified and measured at 0.710 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Improved Modified | 0.705 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31d8CMbHTxL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove for Remington is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove for Remington 12 Gauge constricted at Improved Modified and measured at 0.705 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 20 Gauge Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil [ Improved Modified | 0.595 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Ik6PWZ1FL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge constricted at Improved Modified and measured at 0.595 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 12 Gauge for Remington [ Light Modified | 0.715 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/314FEOtuRlL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove for Remington is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove for Remington 12 Gauge constricted at Light Modified and measured at 0.715 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlson's Choke Tubes 20 Gauge Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil [ Light Modified | 0.605 Diameter ] Blued Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/219Hu9TmxjL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Beretta Benelli Mobil 20 Gauge constricted at Light Modified and measured at 0.605 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
![Carlsons Choke Tubes 12 Gauge Compatible for Benelli Crio Plus [ Improved Modified | 0.700 Diameter ] Stainless Steel | White Wing Dove Choke Tube | Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31mSGpDFJbL._SL160_.jpg)
- 30 YEARS WORTH OF PATTERNS: No other company like ours at Carlson's Choke Tubes with 30 plus years of experienced patterning and testing data, by analyzed thousands of load and choke combos with our proprietary software. We bring you the best and most accurate aim choke tubes for your hunting needs.
- HIGH-QUALITY MANUFACTURED: Our high quality White Wing Dove Compatible for Benelli Crio Plus is made of high quality Stainless Steel. Our White Wing Dove choke is manufactured from 17-4 stainless steel and has been designed to produce the best patterns for dove hunters.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: Carlson's Choke Tubes White Wing Dove Compatible for Benelli Crio Plus 12 Gauge constricted at Improved Modified and measured at 0.700 diameter.
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: We back all of our choke tubes with our lifetime warranty so you can focus on busting clays and filling bag limits.
- MADE IN THE USA: All our Carlson's Choke Tubes are made, right here, in the United States.
- DURABLE CHOKE TUBE - The TRUGLO Double-Threat Dove Choke is designed to make quick choke adjustments in the dove field; these choke tubes quickly adjust for long-range passing shots or close-range decoy shots; these choke tubes accept lead shot and can't be used with buckshot or steel
- CNC-MACHINED CONSTRUCTION - It's precision-made using CNC to adhere to tight tolerances and can be twisted quickly to change the diameter of the choke; made using the best available materials, these gun chokes from TruGlo are built to deliver a resilient and efficient product
- DECOY AND PASS SETTING - DECOY - The DOUBLE THREAT lets hunters quickly change between two choke tube setting optimized for close-range shooting with more open patterns; PASS: optimized for longer-range shooting with tighter patterns; carry only one choke in the field
- COATED FOR WEAR RESISTANCE - The TRUGLO Double-Threat Dove Choke is one of the few chokes available that lets you change the diameter in just seconds; It's available for the following brands: Remington, Mossberg, Winchester, Beretta, Benelli, and Browning; includes installation tool (spanner wrench)
- SIMPLE "TWIST AND CLICK" DESIGN - The DOUBLE-THREAT is designed for common lead dove loads ranging from #6 to #8 shot; this choke tube gives hunters more options in the field and adapts to changing conditions through the hunt; a simple "twist and click" operation changes patterns in seconds without any tools
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Dove Hunting Chokes
Choosing the right choke for your shotgun makes a big difference when hunting fast-flying doves. A choke is a device that screws into the end of your shotgun barrel. It controls how the pellets spread out after you fire. Getting the right choke helps you hit more birds. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When buying a dove hunting choke, look for these important features:
- Constriction Level: This is the most important part. Dove hunting usually requires an Improved Cylinder (IC) or a Modified (Mod) choke. IC gives a wider pattern, good for close shots. Modified offers a tighter pattern for slightly longer shots.
- Porting/Venting: Some chokes have small holes or slots cut into them. These are called ports or vents. Ports help reduce recoil and muzzle flip, allowing you to get back on target faster for follow-up shots.
- Knurling/Grip: Look for a choke with a textured ring (knurling) near the base. This makes it easier to tighten or loosen the choke by hand, especially in cold or wet weather.
- Length: Extended chokes (those that stick out past the barrel) are popular. They make changing chokes in the field much easier.
Important Materials
The material your choke is made from affects its durability and how it performs with different shot types.
- Stainless Steel: This is the most common and best choice. Stainless steel is very strong. It handles the heat and pressure of repeated firing well. It resists rust, which is important when hunting in damp fields.
- Chromed Steel: Some high-quality chokes use chromed steel. The chrome plating reduces friction, helping the shot leave the barrel smoothly.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all chokes are made the same. Quality matters a lot.
What Improves Quality:
- Precise Machining: High-quality chokes are made with very exact measurements. This ensures the shot pattern is consistent every time you shoot. Poorly machined chokes create uneven patterns, leading to missed birds.
- Internal Taper Design: The way the inside of the choke tapers (gets narrower) affects the shot pattern. A carefully designed taper minimizes pellet damage, keeping the pattern tight and dense.
What Reduces Quality:
- Soft Metals: Cheap chokes made from softer metals can wear out quickly. They might even deform slightly under heavy use.
- Poor Threading: If the threads do not match your shotgun barrel perfectly, the choke can seize up or even loosen while shooting. This is dangerous and reduces performance. Always ensure the choke threads smoothly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your hunting environment should guide your choke choice.
Close Range Dove Fields (Under 30 Yards): For fast-moving birds at close range, you want a wide pattern. Use an **Improved Cylinder (IC)** choke. This gives you a bigger margin for error when the doves are right overhead.
Open Country/Longer Shots (30-45 Yards): If you hunt in wide-open areas where doves fly higher or farther, use a **Modified (Mod)** choke. This tightens the pattern just enough to reach the longer targets without being too tight for closer birds.
Shooting Steel Shot: Modern regulations often require steel shot instead of traditional lead. Steel shot is harder. Ensure your choke is rated safe for steel shot. Using a choke too tight for steel can damage your barrel.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dove Hunting Chokes
Q: What is the best choke size for dove hunting?
A: For most dove hunting, an Improved Cylinder (IC) or Modified (Mod) choke works best. IC is better for close-range action.
Q: Should I use an extended choke for doves?
A: Extended chokes are very helpful. They stick out past the barrel, making them easy to change quickly in the field.
Q: Can I use a full choke for doves?
A: No, a full choke is usually too tight for doves. Doves fly fast and often come in close. A full choke pattern opens too slowly, leading to many missed shots.
Q: How often should I clean my choke?
A: You should clean your choke every time you clean your shotgun barrel. A dirty choke can affect how the shot pattern spreads.
Q: What is the difference between IC and Modified?
A: IC (Improved Cylinder) makes the shot spread out faster and wider. Modified makes the shot stay tighter for longer distances.
Q: Does choke material matter for dove hunting?
A: Yes. Stainless steel is the best material because it is strong and resists rust from field use.
Q: Will a cheap choke work as well as an expensive one?
A: Not usually. Expensive chokes have much better internal shaping and tighter manufacturing tolerances, which gives you a more consistent shot pattern.
Q: How do I know if my choke is rated for steel shot?
A: Check the packaging or ask the manufacturer. Never use a choke tighter than Modified with steel shot unless the manufacturer specifically says it is safe.
Q: Should I use a choke wrench to tighten my choke?
A: Most modern extended chokes can be hand-tightened. If you use a wrench, only tighten it slightly more than hand-tight. Overtightening can damage the threads.
Q: What is muzzle flip and how does porting help?
A: Muzzle flip is when the front of your shotgun barrel jumps up when you shoot. Porting uses small holes to direct gas upward, which pushes the barrel back down, making it easier to aim again quickly.